Instagram does not allow third-party tools to track general keywords across all public posts. Instead, you can:
Track hashtags across public posts.
Track keywords from specific Instagram accounts that you specify.
This article explains how to set up Instagram tracking in Keyhole, manage hashtag limits, and track keywords from specific accounts.
Before You Start: Instagram accounts must be authenticated to enable tracking. Follow the steps in Managing Instagram Tracking in Keyhole: Compliance with Meta’s Policies to authenticate your accounts before setting up tracking.
Tracking Hashtags on Instagram
Since Meta’s API does not allow general keyword tracking, hashtags are the best way to track topics across public posts.
1. Go to Listening & Campaigns in Keyhole.
2. Click Add New Tracker, then select Add Advanced Tracker.
3. Enter your keyword and select Instagram.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: If you enter a word like "Hawaii", Keyhole automatically converts it into a hashtag (#Hawaii) since Instagram only allows hashtag tracking.
For example:
If you enter "Hawaii", Keyhole will track #Hawaii and pull posts that include that hashtag.
Unlike Twitter, Instagram does not allow tracking of plain text mentions like "Hawaii" in captions.
Hashtag Limits and Workarounds
Instagram enforces strict hashtag tracking limits:
Each authenticated Instagram Business or Creator account can track up to 30 hashtags in a rolling 7-day period.
If you remove a hashtag, its slot remains occupied for 7 days before it frees up.
Tip: Need to track more than 30 hashtags? Authenticate additional Instagram accounts—each adds 30 more hashtags.
For more details, see Managing Instagram Tracking in Keyhole: Compliance with Meta’s Policies.
Tracking Keywords from Specific Accounts
While Instagram does not allow general keyword tracking, you can track keywords used in posts from the accounts you specify and authenticate.
1. Open Advanced Tracker in Listening & Campaigns.
2. Under Filters, select Get posts from these accounts.
3. Add the authenticated Instagram accounts that you want to track.
4. Keyhole will collect posts from those accounts that include your keyword, even if it’s not a hashtag.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: To track keywords from specific accounts, they must be Instagram Business or Creator accounts that have been authenticated in Keyhole.
Adding Influencer Accounts to Account Watchlist
To manage and organize the accounts you track, add them to Account Watchlist. This allows you to filter and analyze posts more effectively.
1. Go to Listening & Campaigns in your Keyhole dashboard.
2. Select Account Watchlist and click Add Account.
3. Enter the Instagram handle of the account you want to track and click Save Now.
4. Copy the authentication link from the Authentication column in the roster.
5. Share the link with the account owner to invite them to authenticate.
6. Once authentication is complete, the account will appear in your Account Watchlist, allowing you to track its posts and associated metrics.
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