Instagram Liking Overview

Instagram Liking Overview

You can now like Instagram comments received on your own content directly within Sprout's Smart Inbox! This eliminates the need to switch to native Instagram for one of the most common engagement actions, acknowledging your audience's interactions on your content.

What You Can Do

• Like and unlike comments received on your own Instagram posts
• Like and unlike Direct Messages and Story Mentions
• Perform these actions from within the Smart Inbox without leaving Sprout

How to Use Instagram Liking in the Smart Inbox

1. Navigate to the Smart Inbox and filter to show Instagram messages.
2. Open a message thread containing Instagram comments or media from a connected profile.
3. Look for the Like icon (heart) in the message action bar beneath an eligible message.
4. Click the Like icon to like the comment or post. The icon will fill to confirm the action.
5. To unlike, click the filled heart icon again.

Limitation with System User Connected Profiles

If your Instagram profile is connected using the Business Manager System User option available when using the Connect via Meta flow, it is important to note that this connection type on its own does not support the capability to like Instagram messages in the Smart Inbox. 

As a result, you will see that you are prompted to reauthorize your Instagram connection every 3-months to access the additional permissions necessary for Instagram Liking in the Smart Inbox, since this can’t be obtained from the System User connection alone.

If you would prefer a stable profile connection that supports Instagram Liking and requires less manual upkeep, we would recommend updating your Instagram connection using the new Connect via Instagram option. This can be accomplished using the following steps: 

1. Navigate to Connect a Profile in Sprout and select Instagram 
2. Choose the new desired method, Connect Via Instagram in the modal.
3. Work through the connection steps to authorize the connection
4. Once you return to Sprout and the Connect a Profile window, toggle "Add additional credentials to this profile." This will update your current connection with the preferred method.

Check out the recording below for a step-by-step walkthrough on updating a profile connection to the new Connect via Instagram Option: 

Instagram Liking FAQs

Why don't I see the like icon available on a received Instagram message in the Smart Inbox? 

This could mean that the like action is not supported for that particular message type. Currently, you are able to apply the like action on comments received on posts published by your profile, as well as Direct Messages and Story Mentions. The like action is not supported for mentions or media tags for your profile that occur on another user's post. 

Not seeing the like action could also indicate that your current profile connection needs to be updated to grant the necessary permissions for this feature. To check this and reconnect your profile, go to Settings → Users & Social Profiles → select your Instagram profile → Reconnect.