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

> Searches Instagram for reels matching a keyword query. Returns matching reels with view counts, like counts, and author info.

TL;DR: `GET /v1/instagram/search/reels` costs 1 credit per call and returns SocialCrawl's unified JSON schema. Single x-api-key auth, 100 free credits on signup.

## Parameters

| Parameter | Required | Description |
| --- | --- | --- |
| `query` | yes | Search keyword or phrase to find Instagram reels |
| `date_posted` | no | Date posted (last-hour \| last-day \| last-week \| last-month \| last-year) |
| `page` | no | The page number to return. |

## Code example

```bash
curl "https://www.socialcrawl.dev/v1/instagram/search/reels?query=workout%20routine" \
  -H "x-api-key: sc_YOUR_API_KEY"
```

## FAQ

### How do I search Instagram reels with an API?

Send a GET request to /v2/instagram/reels/search with the query parameter set to your keyword. SocialCrawl returns a JSON array of matching public reels including author, caption, view count, like count, and thumbnail URL.

### Can I filter reels by date posted?

Yes. Pass the date_posted parameter with one of Instagram's supported ranges (for example last 24 hours, last 7 days, last 30 days) to limit results to reels posted within that window.

### What search queries work best for reels?

Short, concrete keywords work best — hashtags without the #, product names, song titles, trending phrases, or niche topics. Instagram's own search weights engagement, so well-trafficked queries return more results than long-tail phrases.

### Does the Instagram Reels Search API return private reels?

No. Only reels from public accounts that Instagram exposes in its own search results are returned. Reels from private accounts or reels restricted by region are filtered out before you receive the response.

### How much does the Instagram Reels Search API cost?

Search endpoints cost 5 credits per request (advanced tier) because they run heavier queries. With 100 free credits on signup you can run around 20 searches before deciding whether to top 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 find trending Instagram reels for a keyword with an API
- Instagram reels discovery API for content research and trend tracking