This MCP server enables AI assistants to download various types of Instagram content to the local filesystem:
Download Instagram posts - Download images, videos, and carousel posts from Instagram URLs
Download Instagram videos - Download videos from posts, Reels, and IGTV
Download Instagram stories - Download stories from a target user (requires login)
Download Instagram highlights - Download highlight collections with optional filtering by title (requires login)
Download Instagram profile pictures - Download high-resolution profile pictures for any username
Customization options:
Custom download directory paths
Save metadata as JSON files
Save captions as text files
Control video inclusion in post downloads
Authentication:
Supports both authenticated and unauthenticated access (configurable via environment variables)
Stories and highlights require login credentials; posts, videos, and profile pictures work without authentication
Enables downloading Instagram content including posts (images, videos, carousels), Reels, IGTV, Stories, Highlights, and profile pictures, with optional metadata and caption extraction.
Click on "Install Server".
Wait a few minutes for the server to deploy. Once ready, it will show a "Started" state.
In the chat, type
@followed by the MCP server name and your instructions, e.g., "@Instagram Download MCP Serverdownload the latest post from @natgeo"
That's it! The server will respond to your query, and you can continue using it as needed.
Here is a step-by-step guide with screenshots.
ig-download-mcp
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An Instagram MCP (Model Context Protocol) server powered by Instaloader, enabling AI assistants (Claude / Claude Code / Codex) to download Instagram content.
Features
Download posts (images / videos / carousel)
Download videos (Reels / IGTV / video posts)
Download Stories (login required)
Download Highlights (login required)
Download profile pictures
Optionally save metadata (JSON) and captions (text files)
.envand environment variable support for credentials
Requirements
Python >= 3.13
Quick Start
1) Clone
git clone https://github.com/<YOUR_ORG_OR_USER>/ig-download-mcp.git
cd ig-download-mcp2) Install dependencies
uv venv
uv sync3) Configure credentials (recommended)
cp .env.example .env
# Edit .env and fill in your Instagram credentials4) Run the MCP server
uv run ig-download-mcpMCP Configuration
Replace /path/to/ig-download-mcp with your actual installation path.
Claude Desktop
Edit ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json (macOS)
or the equivalent file for your platform:
{
"mcpServers": {
"ig-download-mcp": {
"command": "uv",
"args": ["--directory", "/path/to/ig-download-mcp", "run", "ig-download-mcp"]
}
}
}Claude Code
Edit ~/.claude.json:
{
"mcpServers": {
"ig-download-mcp": {
"command": "uv",
"args": ["--directory", "/path/to/ig-download-mcp", "run", "ig-download-mcp"]
}
}
}Codex (OpenAI)
Edit ~/.codex/config.toml:
[mcp_servers.ig_download_mcp]
command = "uv"
args = ["--directory", "/path/to/ig-download-mcp", "run", "ig-download-mcp"]Available Tools
Tool | Description | Login Required |
| Download posts (images/videos/carousel) | Optional |
| Download videos only | Optional |
| Download stories | Required |
| Download highlights | Required |
| Download profile picture | Optional |
Credentials
Recommended: create .env in the project root:
cp .env.example .env
# Edit .env and fill in your Instagram credentialsOr set environment variables:
export IG_USERNAME="your_username"
export IG_PASSWORD="your_password"Notes / Disclaimer
This project is not affiliated with Instagram or Meta.
You are responsible for complying with Instagram's Terms of Service and all applicable laws.
Stories / Highlights require login.
If 2FA / challenge flows are triggered, Instaloader may fail.
Instaloader includes rate limiting; avoid high-frequency downloads.
License
MIT
Resources
Looking for Admin?
Admins can modify the Dockerfile, update the server description, and track usage metrics. If you are the server author, to access the admin panel.