InbundenInstagram export problems and how to fix them
Most problems with the Instagram data export come from three settings: the format must be JSON, Posts must be ticked, and the ZIP must be downloaded within four days. If one of them was wrong, request a new export with the right settings. It only takes a couple of minutes to ask for.
The export is in HTML format
Instagram offers two formats: HTML for reading in a browser and JSON for software. Inbunden needs JSON to read the dates, captions and the order of carousel photos. Request the export again and set Format to JSON. The steps are in how to download your Instagram data.
There are no posts in the export
The ZIP opened, but nothing was in it. That happens when Posts was not ticked. Under Customize information, untick everything and tick Posts under Your Instagram activity. Some versions of the app call it Media. Also check that you picked your Instagram profile and not only a Facebook account.
The file will not open
The download was probably cut short, or the link had already expired. The link in Instagram’s email works for four days. Download the ZIP again from the email, or from Available downloads under Export your information. If the link has expired, request a new export.
The export comes in several parts
Large accounts get the export split into several ZIP files. Download all of them and drop them on the upload page at the same time. Inbunden reads them as one export. Don’t unpack them first.
The file is too large
Inbunden takes exports up to 8 GB. If yours is bigger, request it again with a custom date range, for example one year at a time, or with a lower media quality. Choosing Posts only, instead of all your information, also makes the file much smaller.
The email never arrived
- Check your spam folder and the email address Instagram showed when you started the export.
- Look under Available downloads in Export your information. The file appears there when it is ready.
- Wait a little longer. It usually takes a few hours, sometimes a day or two, and Instagram says it can take up to 30 days.
Some photos were skipped
Instagram exports normally contain JPEG and WebP files. If a photo uses another format, Inbunden skips that one photo and imports the rest. Videos and Reels are always left out, because a book is printed.
Questions
Should I choose HTML or JSON for the Instagram export?
JSON. It keeps the dates, captions and carousel order in a form software can read. HTML is only for looking at in a browser.
How long is the Instagram download link valid?
Four days. After that, request a new export.
Do I need to unzip the export before uploading it?
No. Upload the ZIP as it is. If there are several parts, drop them all at once.
Ready to make yours?
Bring in your photos, pick the ones you want and preview every page before you pay.