Meta requires third-party platforms like Keyhole to follow strict rules on hashtag tracking and account security. Under Meta’s policies:
Each authenticated Instagram Business or Creator account can track up to 30 unique hashtags in a rolling 7-day period. To monitor more than 30 hashtags, you can connect additional Instagram accounts, each adding 30 more hashtags.
Re-authentication is required every 90 days or whenever your Instagram password changes to maintain secure access. For more details, see Meta’s Instagram Platform Policies.
Listening & Campaigns
Authenticate an Instagram Account
1. Log in to Keyhole and go to Listening & Campaigns.
2. Click Add New Tracker, then select Add Advanced Tracker.
3. Enter your topic, choose Instagram, and click Authenticate.
4. Enter your Instagram credentials and grant permissions.
5. Click Continue as [your name] to complete authentication.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: To track hashtags effectively:
Each Instagram account can track 30 hashtags within a 7-day period.
Once added, a hashtag occupies a slot for 7 days, even if removed.
Adding the same hashtag within the 7-day timer won’t free up or reset its slot.
Pro Tip: Another way to add an account is by navigating to Profile > Settings > Connected Accounts and authenticating your Instagram account.
Manage Hashtag Limits
1. If you reach the 30-hashtag limit per account, a notification will appear:
“You've reached the maximum number of hashtags to collect public mentions from Instagram. Please authenticate another Instagram account to continue collecting data.”
2. To track more hashtags, click Authenticate another Instagram account.
3. Click Log in with Instagram professional.
Profile Analytics
Authenticate an Instagram Account
1. Go to Profile Analytics in Keyhole.
2. Click Add New Profile, then Add Any Public Profile and choose Instagram.
3. Authenticate by clicking Log in with Instagram professional.
4. Once authenticated, you can monitor metrics such as:
Impressions
Engagement (likes, comments, shares)
Reach
For non-authenticated Instagram accounts these metrics are not available.
Re-authenticate as Required
Keyhole will notify you when your Instagram token expires (every 90 days or after a password change).
1. Click the Re-authenticate button in the notification.
2. Follow the prompts to log in to Instagram and restore data collection.
FAQs
Can I track more than 30 hashtags?
Yes, authenticate additional Instagram accounts to add 30 more hashtags per account.
What if my Instagram token expires?
When your token expires (every 90 days or after a password change), re-authenticate by clicking the prompt in Keyhole to resume tracking.
Can I track private Instagram accounts?
No, Keyhole only tracks public Instagram Business and Creator accounts.
How often is Instagram data updated?
Keyhole refreshes Instagram data every 6 hours.
I have reached my hashtag limit (or will soon), what should I do?
Add a new Instagram account. Or, review and remove unused hashtags, but note they count toward your limit for 7 days after removal.
In advanced tracker settings, do "Do not include" count toward my limit?
No, only hashtags in the "Include" field count toward the limit.
I removed a hashtag, but my active count hasn’t changed. Is this a bug?
No. Instagram’s policy applies a 7-day rolling limit on removed hashtags. For example, if you remove a hashtag on September 10th and your active count is 30/30, the slot frees up on September 17th.
Get Help
For additional help, contact support by choosing the chat icon in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen and selecting I'm an existing customer and need support.