The Instagram feed provider in PADS4 allows you to connect to Instagram and retrieve posts, comments, or user-specific content for digital signage.


Steps to Add/Modify an Instagram Feed Connection in PADS4

1. Start the Data Provider Wizard

  • Open the Data Provider Wizard using the steps in Adding a Data Provider or Editing a Data Provider.
  • Select Instagram Feed as the provider type.

2. Authenticate with Instagram

  • Click the Authenticate button to open Instagram’s login page.
  • Enter your Instagram credentials and complete the authentication process.
  • Grant PADS4 access to retrieve Instagram data.
  • Once authentication is successful, PADS4 will generate an access token.

Close the browser once authentication is complete.


3. Configure Instagram Feed Settings

Choose one of the following options:

  • Popular on Instagram: Retrieves the most popular posts from Instagram.
  • Search: Fetches posts related to a specific keyword or hashtag.
  • User Name: Displays posts from a specific Instagram user (must be the exact username).
  • Get Image Comments: Retrieves comments for a specified image ID.

Click Next to proceed.


4. Complete the Setup

  • Click Finish to finalize the Instagram feed connection.
  • The PADS4 Viewer will now display real-time Instagram content.

Important Considerations

  • Internet Access Required:
    • If using a PADS4 Data Server, ensure it has internet access to fetch Instagram data.
    • If not using a Data Server, each PADS4 Designer and Viewer must be able to connect to Instagram.
  • Authentication Token Expiry:
    • Instagram authentication tokens expire periodically and need re-authentication.
  • Username Matching:
    • When filtering by user, you must enter the exact username (partial usernames are not supported).
  • Content Limitations:
    • Instagram’s API restricts access to private accounts, so ensure the account you are retrieving data from is public.

By following these steps, PADS4 can successfully retrieve Instagram content for real-time display in digital signage presentations.