Included
- Information and activity for the accounts and profiles you select
- Specific types you pick, such as photos, messages or data logs
- Media at the quality you choose; higher quality video makes the file larger
- Only the date range you set
How to download your Instagram data
Instagram exports run through Meta Account in the app. You choose what to include, the date range, the format and the media quality, then wait for a download link.
- Format
- You pick a format while setting up the export
- Wait
- Up to 30 days for the email with your export link
- Download window
- 4 days in Available downloads
Steps
Request your export
Do this in Instagram app.
SettingsMeta AccountYour information and permissionsExport your information
Step 1: In the Instagram app, tap More in the bottom left, then tap Settings.
Step 2: Tap Meta Account, then Your information and permissions.
Step 3: Tap Export your information, then Create export.
Step 4: Select the profile you want to export from and tap Next.
Step 5: Select Export to device.
Step 6: Choose the information, date range, format, notification email and media quality.
Step 7: Tap Start export.
Step 8: When the email or in app notification arrives, download the file from Available downloads within 4 days.
What you get
Inside your Instagram data
Not included
- Information you deleted, even if Instagram still stores it temporarily for safety and security
- Data logs, unless you choose specific types of information instead of Available information
Source: Review and export a copy of your Instagram information and Information available to download from your Instagram profile, checked October 2026.
Skip the export next time
An export is a snapshot: it takes days to arrive, the link expires, and it is out of date the next time you post. Connect your Instagram account to Feedmirror instead and your posts are copied automatically, every hour, day, week or month, into a private library where videos play and images open.
- History import from your connected account
- New posts copied every hour, day, week or month
- Uploads up to 250 MB each: video, audio, images, PDF and text
- Public YouTube and TikTok links kept as private references
- Export your whole library as a ZIP whenever you want
Questions
Instagram export FAQ
Answered from the Instagram help center.
How long does the Instagram export take?
Instagram says it may take up to 30 days to email you an export link. You also get an in app notification when it is ready.
How long can I download it for?
Once the export is ready, you have 4 days to download it from Available downloads.
I see Accounts Center instead of Meta Account. Is that the same place?
Yes. Instagram notes you may see either Accounts Center or Meta Account settings as the place to manage your account, and the export lives under Your information and permissions in both.
Can Instagram export my information automatically?
Yes, to an external service. Choose Export to external service instead of Export to device, connect one of the services Instagram lists, and choose how often the export runs.
Can I export after deleting my profile?
No. After your profile is deleted you no longer have access to the export tool, so download your information first.
Start your archive before you need it.
Upload your originals or connect a supported account to begin backing up available posts.