Introduction
Connecting Instagram lets Tolstoy import your Instagram videos and images into your Library, analyze content performance, and help you reuse top-performing posts in widgets, campaigns, and social workflows.
Tolstoy supports two connection methods:
Instagram Login: good for quickly importing your own Instagram videos and images.
Facebook Login: recommended for product tags, UGC discovery, and broader Instagram permissions.
Connecting an Instagram account does not require publishing a widget. Some advanced UGC discovery features may require AI Player Pro or higher, and publishing to Instagram requires the correct Instagram publishing permissions.
How to Set Up
From the Tolstoy new platform, go to Library.
Open Instagram.
Click Connect Instagram Account.
Choose a connection method:
Select Continue with Facebook for the recommended setup.
Select Continue with Instagram for a quicker direct Instagram connection.
Follow the Meta or Instagram authorization steps.
Grant the requested permissions.
After authorization, return to Tolstoy.
Confirm your Instagram account appears in the Instagram Library.
You can also manage connected accounts from Instagram → Account settings.
How to Import Contents from Instagram
After your account is connected, you can import eligible Tolstoy media from Instagram.
Go to Library.
Open the Sources dropdown and look for Instagram.
Click Instagram from the list. Make sure to NOT click the 'Manage' button because this will redirect you to the 'Connectors' page.
Open the draft page for your Instagram imports - click Browse Instagram.
Approve the video or image you want to import. This will move the video/image from drafts to the Instagram Library.
Aftre the approval, the video/image will appear in the Instagram page in Tolstoy.
Repeat the process as much as necessary.
If Tolstoy says publishing permissions are missing, disconnect the account and reconnect it while granting publishing permissions.
Import Settings
Import Settings control what Instagram content Tolstoy brings into your Library.
When you open Library → Instagram → Import, you can choose:
Import range
This decides how far back Tolstoy should look when importing Instagram content. Options include 90 days, 6 months, 9 months, 1 year, 2 years, or All time. The recommended option is 90 days so your Library stays focused on recent, relevant content.
Import product tags along with content
When enabled, Tolstoy imports product tags from your Instagram posts along with the media. This helps keep videos/images connected to the right products for shoppable widgets and recommendations.
Product tag import requires the Instagram account to be connected through Facebook Login. If the account was connected through Instagram Login, reconnect with Facebook Login to use this option.
Videos only
When enabled, Tolstoy imports only videos and excludes static images. This is useful if you mainly use Instagram content for shoppable video widgets.
Best Practices
Use Facebook Login if you want product tag import, UGC discovery, or stronger publishing permissions.
Connect an Instagram Business or Creator account for the best experience.
Import recent content first, such as the last 90 days.
Enable product tag import when available.
Use “Videos only” if your Tolstoy workflows focus on shoppable video.
Reconnect Instagram if your session expires or permissions change.
Troubleshooting / FAQs
Which login method should I choose?
Use Facebook Login if you want product tags, UGC search, or publishing support. Use Instagram Login for a simpler media import connection.
Why can’t I import product tags?
Product tag import requires all active Instagram accounts to be connected with Facebook Login.
Why can’t I publish to Instagram?
Your account may be missing publishing permissions. Go to Instagram account settings, disconnect the account, and reconnect with publishing permissions enabled.
Why does Tolstoy say my account is not eligible?
The connected account may not be an Instagram Business or Creator account. Convert the account in Instagram settings or connect a different account.
Why do I need to reconnect Instagram?
Instagram sessions can expire, permissions can change, or an account may have been disconnected. Reconnect to refresh access.
How do I disconnect an Instagram account?
Go to Library → Instagram → Account settings, then click the disconnect icon next to the account.