Why you need an Instagram professional account to show your feed on your website (and how to switch)

Why a personal account no longer works

Website feeds read your posts through Meta’s Instagram API. The older API that worked with personal accounts, the Basic Display API, was shut down on December 4, 2024 (what changed). The Instagram API that replaced it works only with professional accounts, so a personal account cannot be connected to a website feed any more.

Business or Creator: which one?

Instagram has two kinds of professional accounts. Both work with Social Feed by grip space, so choose the one that fits you best:

1. Business: for stores, brands, restaurants, companies and organizations.
2. Creator: for artists, influencers, public figures and other individuals who create content.

You can switch between Business and Creator later in the Instagram app.

How to switch to a professional account

In the Instagram app (the steps follow the Instagram Help Center):

1. Go to your profile and tap the menu in the upper right corner.
2. Tap Account type and tools, then Switch to professional account.
3. Choose a category that describes you or your business.
4. Choose Business or Creator.
5. Add contact details if you like (you can skip this), and finish.

Things to know before you switch

1. Your posts, followers and username stay the same.
2. A professional account is always public. If your account is private now, it becomes public when you switch.
3. You get Instagram Insights (statistics about your posts and followers) and can add contact buttons to your profile.

Do I need a Facebook Page?

Not for Social Feed by grip space. Instagram may offer to link a Facebook Page while you switch, but it is optional. Social Feed connects with Instagram sign-in only.

Can I switch back to a personal account?

Yes, but your website feed stops updating, because a personal account cannot be connected. Instagram also removes your account insights when you switch back, so think twice before doing it.

Next: connect your account

Once your account is a professional account, sign up for Social Feed by grip space, click “+ Connect Instagram account” in the dashboard and sign in with Instagram. Then copy the embed code and paste it on your site (guides for WordPress and Shopify).