How do I request data from social media platforms?
Note: If you have already requested and received your data – e.g., with the instructions from one of our flyers – you can proceed directly to the next step by clicking "Yes, participate now" below.
Before participating in the study, please request your data directly from Instagram. Please take a close look at the corresponding instructions, as they contain important information for the further steps.
What type of device should I use?
Please make sure that you are storing the data on a device that no one but you has access to.
How long does the data export from Instagram take?
The data is requested with just a few clicks on Instagram (see the instructions below). You will receive a notification from Instagram as soon as the data is available for download and can then start participating in the study.
How can I delete my data from my device?
We strongly recommend that you delete your original data after completing the donation. Note that simply deleting the files may not be enough to permanently remove the data from your device. Further information on the permanent deletion of files can for example be found on the website of the University of Michigan or wethegeek.com and appletoolbox.com.
Overview of the download & donation procedure:
Open Instagram and log in.
In your profile, click on the "More" button (three lines) and select "Your activity".
All the way on the bottom, select "Download your information" and continue to the Accounts Center.
Click on “Download or transfer information”.
Click on "All available information".
Select "Download to device" and click on "Next".
Pick a date range: We encourage you to request the data for 1 year but a shorter time span is possible as well. To do so, you can click on "Edit" next to custom date range and choose the desired interval. Then click on "Save".
Change the format from HTML to JSON. Then change the media quality from "Medium" to "Low".
Click on "Create files". As soon as the file is ready for download, you will receive a notification from Instagram. This may take a while.
After receiving the notification about the availability of your data, repeat steps 1-3. Now you will see the option "Available downloads" tab. There you should see the requested file and can download it.
The official documentation on how to download your data can be found here.
If you have received your data using these instructions, you can now start with the declaration of consent and survey. Afterwards you can donate your data.
Do you have your data ready?
