Guide

Enable Instagram Publishing

Follow this step-by-step guide to create (or select) a Facebook Page, link your Instagram Professional account, grant the correct permissions, and successfully publish content using the Meta Graph API via Viralix.

Why a Facebook Page?
Meta requires every Instagram Business/Creator account used for publishing to be linked to a Facebook Page. The Page is an identity + permissions bridge.
Fastest Path
Convert → Link Page inside IG app → Connect in Viralix with all assets checked → Test publish.
Skipping Steps?
If you only authenticate with Instagram Basic Display (graph.instagram.com), publishing will always fail with Unsupported request.

  1. Step 1. Convert Instagram Account to Professional (Business or Creator)

    • Open the Instagram mobile app.
    • Go to: Profile → Menu (≡) → Settings & privacy → Account type and tools.
    • Tap “Switch to Professional Account”.
    • Choose Creator (flexible personal branding) or Business (brands/shops).
    • Select a category and finish conversion.
    Tip
    Personal accounts cannot publish through the Graph API.

  2. Step 2. Create or Select a Facebook Page

    • In the Instagram app (recommended): Settings & privacy → Business tools & controls → Connect a Facebook Page.
    • Choose an existing Page you manage OR tap “Create Facebook Page”.
    • Follow prompts (name + category is enough).
    • Confirm the Page is now shown as “Connected”.
    Tip
    A Page acts as the bridge between your IG Professional account and Meta’s publishing infrastructure.

  3. Step 3. (Alternative) Link via Facebook Business Interface

    • Go to https://business.facebook.com (desktop).
    • Open Business Settings → Accounts → Instagram accounts.
    • Click “Add” → Log in to your Instagram account → Select the Page to connect.
    • Verify the IG account now appears with a linked Page.
    Tip
    Use this if the Instagram app flow fails or you manage multiple assets.

  4. Step 4. Grant Required Permissions During Viralix Connection

    • Use the “Connect Instagram” button inside Viralix (uses Meta OAuth dialog).
    • When prompted, DO NOT uncheck Pages or Instagram assets — allow all you intend to manage.
    • Ensure these scopes are visible/approved: instagram_basic (or instagram_business_basic), instagram_content_publish, pages_show_list.
    • If you removed permissions previously: go to https://www.facebook.com/settings?tab=business_tools and remove Viralix, then reconnect fresh.
    Tip
    Unchecking assets often causes silent publish failures later.

  5. Step 5. Resolve Page Publishing Authorization (If Required)

    • Some Pages require Page Publishing Authorization (PPA) before connected IG publishing succeeds.
    • If Meta flags your Page, finish identity / security steps in the Page Quality or Security Center.
    • Re-attempt the connection afterwards.
    Tip
    Meta does not expose a direct API to check PPA status — user action may be necessary.

  6. Step 6. Verify Capability in Viralix

    • Return to Viralix Dashboard → Connect Accounts.
    • Click “Refresh Accounts”.
    • You should now see the Instagram account with a “Linked” or “Ready” status.
    • Attempt a small image publish test (one JPG).
    Tip
    Use a simple image under 2MB to reduce processing time.

  7. Step 7. (Optional) Upgrade for Insights & Advanced Scheduling

    • Grant additional scopes: pages_read_engagement for richer metrics.
    • Re-connect if you later need reel/video metrics or follower insights.
    • Confirm metrics appear in the Analytics section.
    Tip
    Add only what you need — fewer scopes => fewer consent issues.

  8. Step 8. Troubleshoot Common Errors

    • Code 100 (Unsupported request - method type: post): You are using a Basic Display token; reconnect with Page link.
    • Code 190 (Invalid OAuth access token): Token expired/revoked → re-authenticate.
    • Code 10 / 200 (Permissions / Access denied): Missing instagram_content_publish or unchecked asset during login.
    • Publishing stuck at IN_PROGRESS: Media too large or transient processing issue — retry with smaller file.
    Tip
    If errors persist, remove the app in Facebook Business Integrations and reconnect clean.

API Verification (Optional)

Use these Graph API requests (replace placeholders) after successful linking:

# List Pages you manage
GET https://graph.facebook.com/v19.0/me/accounts?access_token=USER_TOKEN

# For each page: retrieve connected IG account
GET https://graph.facebook.com/v19.0/{PAGE_ID}?fields=connected_instagram_account&access_token=USER_TOKEN

# Create a media container (image example)
POST https://graph.facebook.com/v19.0/{IG_USER_ID}/media?image_url=PUBLIC_IMAGE_URL&caption=Hello&access_token=USER_OR_PAGE_TOKEN

# Poll container status
GET https://graph.facebook.com/v19.0/{CREATION_ID}?fields=status_code&access_token=USER_OR_PAGE_TOKEN

# Publish
POST https://graph.facebook.com/v19.0/{IG_USER_ID}/media_publish?creation_id={CREATION_ID}&access_token=USER_OR_PAGE_TOKEN

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I publish without a Facebook Page?

No. Meta requires a linked Page for Business/Creator Instagram publishing via the Graph API.

Why do I see Unsupported request errors?

You are using a Basic Display token (graph.instagram.com). Reconnect with the proper Facebook Login flow and keep all assets checked.

Do I have to post to the Facebook Page too?

No. The Page only acts as a linkage layer; you can post solely to Instagram.

My video never finishes processing — what now?

Try a smaller/shorter MP4. For larger videos you may need the resumable upload workflow using a Page access token.

Can I disconnect later?

Yes, but publishing will stop working until re-linked.

Ready to Finish Setup?

Once your Instagram account is linked to a Facebook Page, return to Viralix and refresh the connection. You can begin scheduling posts immediately.

Go to Connect Accounts