ig_get_mediaRetrieve a specific Instagram post, reel, or story by media ID, including carousel children, for profile and content management.
One post, reel or story by media id, including carousel children.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| media_id | Yes |
Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.
v0.1.0Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare it read-only and idempotent, so the safety profile is covered. The description adds only that carousel children are included; it says nothing about permissions, ownership, rate limits, or error behavior for an invalid id.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
A single tight sentence that front-loads the resource and scope with no filler.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
With no output schema and no parameter documentation, the description should describe the return shape and the media_id format. It covers scope but leaves an agent unsure what fields come back or what a valid id looks like.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 0%, so the description must compensate. It only implies that media_id selects one post/reel/story; it doesn't explain that the id must be numeric, where to obtain it, or whether carousel child ids are valid inputs.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
States a specific verb (get) and resource (media) plus the accepted media types and that carousel children are included, which distinguishes it from ig_list_media. It doesn't explicitly name ig_list_media, so sibling differentiation is only implied.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No guidance on when to use this versus ig_list_media or ig_media_insights; the agent must infer that this fetches a single object by id. There is no mention of prerequisites or error conditions.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.