InstaPy

Automate Instagram engagement with Python and Selenium

InstaPy automates Instagram interactions—likes, comments, and follows—using Python and Selenium to grow your social media presence programmatically.

Overview

Automate Your Instagram Growth

InstaPy is a Python-based automation tool that handles repetitive Instagram interactions at scale. Built on Selenium, it programmatically engages with content through likes, comments, and follows to organically increase your account's visibility and follower count.

Who It's For

Designed for marketers, growth hackers, and developers comfortable with Python scripting, InstaPy offers a code-driven alternative to manual engagement. The tool provides fine-grained control over targeting, scheduling, and interaction patterns, making it suitable for users who want to experiment with social media automation strategies.

Technical Foundation

InstaPy leverages Selenium WebDriver to simulate browser-based interactions with Instagram's web interface. The project includes comprehensive documentation, Docker support for containerized deployments, and an active community that has contributed to its evolution. With over 17,500 GitHub stars, it represents one of the most widely adopted Instagram automation frameworks in the Python ecosystem.

Note: Automated interactions may violate Instagram's Terms of Service and carry account suspension risks. Users should carefully evaluate platform policies before deployment.

Highlights

Selenium-powered browser automation for authentic interaction patterns

Configurable targeting filters for hashtags, locations, and user segments

Docker support for isolated, reproducible deployment environments

Extensive documentation with video and written implementation guides

Pros

Mature codebase with 17,500+ stars and active contributor community
Granular control over engagement frequency, timing, and targeting logic
Python-native implementation integrates easily with data science workflows
Comprehensive tutorials lower the barrier for automation newcomers

Considerations

Violates Instagram Terms of Service; accounts face suspension risk
Selenium dependency requires browser overhead and maintenance
Platform UI changes can break automation scripts without updates
Requires Python proficiency and infrastructure for reliable operation

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Fit guide

Great for

Marketers testing growth hypotheses with disposable test accounts
Developers learning browser automation and web scraping techniques
Agencies managing multiple client accounts at scale
Researchers studying social media engagement patterns programmatically

Not ideal when

Users prioritizing account safety and platform compliance
Non-technical marketers seeking no-code automation solutions
High-value personal or business accounts with suspension risk
Teams requiring guaranteed uptime without script maintenance

How teams use it

Niche Community Building

Target hashtags and competitor followers to attract engaged users in specific verticals like fitness or travel photography

Content Validation Testing

Automate engagement on test posts to gauge organic reach patterns before launching paid campaigns

Competitive Intelligence

Monitor and interact with competitor audiences to identify high-value follower segments for manual outreach

Agency Client Onboarding

Rapidly bootstrap new client accounts with initial follower bases before transitioning to organic strategies

Tech snapshot

Python99%

JavaScript1%

CSS1%

Nix1%

Frequently asked questions

Will using InstaPy get my Instagram account banned?

Instagram prohibits automated interactions in its Terms of Service. Accounts using bots risk temporary restrictions, shadowbans, or permanent suspension. Use test accounts and conservative rate limits to minimize detection.

What technical skills do I need to run InstaPy?

Basic Python knowledge, command-line familiarity, and understanding of pip package management. The documentation includes setup guides, but troubleshooting Selenium issues requires debugging skills.

Can InstaPy run on cloud servers or VPS?

Yes. Docker support enables deployment on cloud infrastructure. Headless browser mode allows operation without GUI, though you'll need to manage IP rotation and session persistence.

How does InstaPy compare to paid Instagram growth services?

InstaPy offers full control and transparency over automation logic without recurring fees. Paid services handle infrastructure and compliance risk but lack customization and may use similar bot techniques.

Is InstaPy still maintained after the creator's ban?

The repository shows 0 open issues and has an active contributor base. However, Instagram's evolving anti-bot measures require ongoing updates. Check recent commits before deploying.

Project at a glance

Stable

View repo

Stars: 17,712
Watchers: 17,712
Forks: 3,861

LicenseGPL-3.0

Repo age9 years old

Last commit11 months ago

Primary languagePython

Last synced 2 hours ago