Overview
The Social Importer allows you to import comments from an Instagram post into a ShortStack list. This tool captures the Instagram username and the comment content of each user. You can either create a new list for the imported data or add it to an existing list.
Step 1: Accessing the List Manager
- From the Home page, click Manage in the top menu.
- Select Lists from the dropdown to access the List Manager page.
Step 2: Selecting a List for Import
Importing into an Existing List:
- Find the ShortStack list where you want to import the data.
- Click the down arrow next to the list name.
- Select Import from..., then click Instagram on the left.
Importing into a New List:
- Click the Social Import link at the top of the List Manager page.
- Select Instagram on the left.
- Enter a name for your new list and any desired tags in the fields provided.
- Click the blue Continue button.
Step 3: Connecting to an Instagram Business Account
New Account
- The Social Import Wizard will prompt you to connect to your Facebook Account.
- In the additional pop-up, sign in to Facebook.
- Click continue to grant ShortStack access to the following items:
- Name and profile picture
- Manage ads for ad accounts that you have access to
- Manage your business
- Access profile and posts from the Instagram account connected to your Page
- Manage comments for the Instagram account connected to your Page
- Read content posted on the Page
- Read user content on your Page
- Show a list of the Pages you manage
Already Connected Account
If you have already connected your Facebook Account to ShortStack, continue to step 4.
Note: Due to Instagram/Facebook privacy restrictions, the Instagram account must be:
- A Business Account
- Linked to a Facebook Page
For instructions on setting this up, visit our Blog: How to Set Up an Instagram Business Profile.
Step 4: Selecting a Post
- Choose post type: Normal (includes boosted posts) or Promoted.
- Select the Facebook Account with the connected Instagram Account you wish to import from.
- View the most recent Instagram posts from the selected profile.
- Posts will display the number of comments for easy identification.
- If a post was boosted in the Instagram App, the post will be labeled as such.
- Select the post you want to import comments from.
Uncheck the box Hide posts with no likes or comments to show all posts. Hiding posts with no likes or comments is the default setting.
Boosted Posts
If a regular post is later boosted, you’ll need to import its comments as both regular and boosted. This ensures that all comments received on the post are imported.
Step 5: Set Import Settings
Import Users Who Have...
- Commented on the post
Duplicates
Enable this if users can earn multiple entries (e.g., one for reacting and one for each comment).
Additional Comment Settings
Check any of the boxes to enable the following settings:
- Import comment likes as votes
- Restrict valid comments to a date range - When enabled, date and time settings will be shown for you to set.
Step 6: Completing the Import
- Click Import & Close to begin the process.
- You’ll receive an email notification when the import is complete.
Step 7: Viewing Imported Entries
Access the imported entries by clicking the list's View Entries link.