How to download your Instagram data
Instagram lets you download a copy of your data — including your full followers and following lists. The request takes about 30 seconds and the file is usually ready within a few minutes.
You must select JSON format — not HTML
followreport can only read JSON exports. If you pick HTML, it won't work. See step 5 below.
Open Instagram and go to your profile
Tap your profile picture at the bottom right, then tap the ☰ hamburger menu in the top right corner of your profile.
Open Settings and privacy
Tap Settings and privacy at the bottom of the side menu.
Go to Accounts Centre
Scroll down and tap Accounts Centre. This is the Meta hub shared between Instagram and Facebook.
Your information and permissions → Download your information
Inside Accounts Centre, tap Your information and permissions, then tap Download your information, then tap Download or transfer information.
Select your Instagram account → Some of your information → Followers and following
Choose your Instagram account (not Facebook). Select Some of your information. Under the Connections section, tick Followers and following. Tap Next.
Set Format to JSON — this is critical
Set Date range to All time. Set Format to JSON (not HTML). Set Media quality to Low. Then tap Create files.
Wait for Instagram to prepare your file
Instagram will notify you (and send an email) when the file is ready — usually within a few minutes, sometimes up to an hour for large accounts.
Download the ZIP file
When ready, go back to Download your information in Instagram — you'll see a Download button. Tap it and save the .zip file to your device. Instagram also sends a download link by email.
Upload the ZIP to followreport
Go back to followreport and drop the ZIP into the upload area. Your full follower report appears instantly — no Instagram login needed.
Common questions
I can't find Accounts Centre — where is it?
Update your Instagram app to the latest version. If it's still not there, try: Settings and privacy → Your activity → Download your information. Instagram's menus change with app updates.
How long does it take?
Usually a few minutes. Instagram sends an in-app notification and an email when it's ready. Large accounts can take up to an hour.
Is my data safe?
Yes. The free analysis runs entirely in your browser — your data never leaves your device. Pro users only have Instagram usernames stored (not the ZIP itself) to enable change tracking over time.
Why JSON and not HTML?
followreport parses the structured JSON files inside your ZIP to extract follower data. The HTML export uses a completely different format that can't be read automatically.
Can I do this on desktop?
Yes. Go to instagram.com → your profile → Settings → Accounts Centre → Your information and permissions → Download your information. Same steps as the app.
Can I upload the same ZIP twice?
Yes, but to see who unfollowed you since last time you need a fresh export — each ZIP is a snapshot of that exact moment.