# Instagram Search Hashtag API (https://www.socialcrawl.dev/platforms/instagram/search-hashtag)

> Returns recent public Instagram posts for a hashtag from Instagram's native hashtag feed. Each post includes shortcode, URL, caption, media URLs, engagement counts, and the author. Pass `type` to choose the ranking (`top`, `recent`, or `clips` for reels only) and forward the returned `cursor` to page deeper.

TL;DR: `GET /v1/instagram/search/hashtag` costs 5 credits per call and returns SocialCrawl's unified JSON schema. Single x-api-key auth, 100 free credits on signup.

## Parameters

| Parameter | Required | Description |
| --- | --- | --- |
| `hashtag` | yes | The hashtag to search for. The leading # is optional. |
| `type` | no | Ranking of the returned posts: `top` (default), `recent`, or `clips` (reels only). (top \| recent \| clips) |
| `cursor` | no | Pagination cursor. Use the `next_cursor` from the previous response to fetch the next page. |
| `safe_url` | no | When true, returns URL-safe media links suitable for embedding. |

## Code example

```bash
curl "https://www.socialcrawl.dev/v1/instagram/search/hashtag?hashtag=makeup" \
  -H "x-api-key: sc_YOUR_API_KEY"
```

## FAQ

### How do I get Instagram posts for a hashtag with an API?

Send a GET request to /v1/instagram/search/hashtag with the hashtag parameter (no # needed). SocialCrawl returns a JSON array of recent public posts including shortcode, url, caption, media URLs, engagement counts, and author.

### Can I get only top posts or reels for a hashtag?

Yes. Pass the type parameter set to top for top posts, recent for the latest feed, or clips to return reels only for that hashtag.

### How do I page through more hashtag posts?

Each response includes a cursor. Pass it back as the cursor parameter on your next request to fetch the following page of posts for the same hashtag.

### Do I need the Instagram Graph API for hashtag search?

No. There is no Graph API app review, Facebook Business verification, or OAuth. You authenticate with a single x-api-key header and call the endpoint directly.

### How much does the Instagram Hashtag API cost?

Hashtag search is an advanced endpoint at 5 credits per request, charged per page returned. New accounts get 100 free credits, so you can run around 20 requests before topping up.

See the full Instagram API: https://www.socialcrawl.dev/platforms/instagram

## Pricing

- Standard endpoints: 1 credit per call
- Advanced endpoints: 5 credits per call
- Premium endpoints: 10 credits per call
- 100 free credits on signup, no credit card required. Cached responses cost 0 credits. Credit packs never expire.
- Full pricing: https://www.socialcrawl.dev/pricing

## Explore with AI

Questions this API answers, phrased for an AI assistant:

- How to pull recent Instagram posts for a hashtag with an API
- Instagram hashtag API for hashtag research and trend spotting