Privacy-first
Instagram export changed (2025–2026): how to fix it
Official Instagram export (ZIP). No login. No automation. Runs locally in your browser.
How it works
1
Download your Instagram export (ZIP)
Request and download the official export from Instagram.
2
Open the ZIP in SecureFollow
No uploads - the analysis runs locally in your browser.
3
See who changed and export lists
View unfollowers, not following back, and mutuals instantly.
What changed in Instagram exports (2025–2026)
- Followers/following are typically under connections/followers_and_following/.
- File names are often followers_1.json and following_1.json (and may be split into followers_2.json, followers_3.json…).
- Newer files commonly use the string_list_data structure.
- Older followers.json files may no longer exist in new exports, so look for followers_1.json.
Where to find your followers and following
- Check connections/followers_and_following/.
- Look for followers_1.json and following_1.json.
- Large accounts: open ALL followers_*.json files, not just followers_1.json.
- If you exported HTML/CSV: re-export as JSON.
Why your ZIP looks wrong (common causes)
- Full exports can be huge and sometimes incomplete or corrupt.
- iPhone Safari ZIP previews can silently fail; use Files app or desktop.
- Some accounts may be excluded (restricted/deactivated/region-limited), so counts can mismatch.
- Following can include deactivated/deleted accounts (“ghosts”), which breaks old tools.
How to generate a clean export (recommended workflow)
- Accounts Center → Your information & permissions → Export/Download your information.
- Choose JSON.
- Customize: select only Connections → Followers and Following.
- Export to device; keep media low to reduce ZIP size.
How to use SecureFollow with the new exports
- Drop the ZIP into SecureFollow (local-only).
- First export = baseline snapshot.
- Next export = compare changes (unfollowers, new followers, not-following-back, mutuals).
FAQ
Where is followers.json?
In new exports it’s often split into followers_1.json (and followers_2.json, etc.) under connections/followers_and_following/.
Why do I see followers_2.json / followers_3.json?
Large accounts can have multiple files. You need to read all followers_*.json files.
What does string_list_data mean?
It’s the newer export structure where usernames are stored in a list. SecureFollow reads it automatically.
Why doesn’t my follower count match the app?
Exports are point-in-time snapshots and can exclude restricted/deactivated accounts, so counts may differ.
Why do I see deactivated accounts in following?
Your export can include deleted or deactivated accounts, which causes “ghosts” in following lists.
My ZIP is missing files — what should I do?
Re-export in JSON and limit the scope to Connections → Followers and Following.