Instagram · Guide
How to run a Instagram hashtag search
TL;DR
To run a Instagram hashtag search, sign up for a free Captapi key, then send one
GET request to /v1/instagram/hashtag-search with your input. You get clean JSON back in seconds for ~12 credits (0.6/result) per call — no OAuth, scraping or platform SDKs. Find public Instagram posts tagged with a hashtag — each result comes with its media, caption, author, and like / comment counts.How to run a Instagram hashtag search (step by step)
- 1
Get a free API key
Create a free Captapi account (100 credits, no card) and generate an API key from the dashboard.
- 2
Call the Instagram Hashtag Search API
Send an authenticated GET request to /v1/instagram/hashtag-search with your input. No OAuth, no scraping setup.
- 3
Read the JSON response
Parse the clean JSON response. Pass cache=true for a free 24h cache hit; default is always fresh.
Code example
curl "https://api.captapi.com/v1/instagram/hashtag-search?q=travel" \
-H "Authorization: Bearer capt_live_..."
# or: -H "x-api-key: capt_live_..."What the response looks like
{
"success": true,
"data": {
"query": "travel",
"totalReturned": 10,
"results": [
{
"platform": "instagram",
"url": "https://www.instagram.com/p/DaVjhCnjNXW/",
"id": "3933206051759642070",
"postType": "Sidecar",
"productType": "carousel_container",
"caption": "La bella Sardegna🇮🇹\n_______\n.\n.\n#sardegna #italy #travel #fyp #photography",
"description": "La bella Sardegna🇮🇹\n_______\n.\n.\n#sardegna #italy #travel #fyp #photography",
"publishedAt": "2026-07-03T16:05:20.000Z",
"thumbnailUrl": "https://scontent-vie1-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/732706640_18603614689009838_6695587078282084276_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_p1080x1080_sh2.08_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ig_cache_key=MzkzMzIwNTMzODAwODk2MDM5Nw%3D%3D.3-ccb7-5&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=58cdad&efg=eyJ2ZW5jb2RlX3RhZyI6IkNBUk9VU0VMX0lURU0ueHBpZHMuMzAyNC5zZHIucmVndWxhcl9waG90by5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=KViLx3k3jKsQ7kNvwHAZrp9&_nc_oc=Adoc6Dgs1st-lu0nv9UOoLQQkXESmdbrOS04A7cK7fvt9sTmk2PNol5WFeUKruMIyXM&_nc_ad=z-m&_nc_cid=0&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-vie1-1.cdninstagram.com&_nc_gid=9fUq-4GBIm5-djlsK0WEAQ&_nc_ss=7a3ba&oh=00_AQBoPEbbFI76SipZySDRWAPe6-03xfBqEJmJLcpbN9sRmQ&oe=6A4DBD0B",
"author": {
"username": "mentor.bajramii",
"displayName": "Mentor",
"url": "https://instagram.com/mentor.bajramii"
},
"engagement": {
"likes": 0,
"comments": 0
},
"hashtags": [
"sardegna",
"italy",
"travel",
"fyp",
"photography"
],
"mentions": []
},
{
"platform": "instagram",
"url": "https://www.instagram.com/p/DaVjgdKCg1q/",
"id": "3933206011536084330",
"postType": "Sidecar",
"productType": "carousel_container",
"caption": "7 choses à savoir avant de visiter les Maldives\n\n#DestinationDeRêv' #AgenceDeVoyage #Bangkok #Thailand #Voyage #Travel #Tourisme #Asie #Découverte #Vacances",
"description": "7 choses à savoir avant de visiter les Maldives\n\n#DestinationDeRêv' #AgenceDeVoyage #Bangkok #Thailand #Voyage #Travel #Tourisme #Asie #Découverte #Vacances",
"publishedAt": "2026-07-03T16:05:16.000Z",
"thumbnailUrl": "https://scontent-vie1-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/738552657_1793418221835239_8221009045143906805_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_s1080x1080_sh2.08_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ig_cache_key=MzkzMzIwNTk1MTE2MzI3ODE5OA%3D%3D.3-ccb7-5&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=58cdad&efg=eyJ2ZW5jb2RlX3RhZyI6IkNBUk9VU0VMX0lURU0ueHBpZHMuMjA0OC5zZHIucmVndWxhcl9waG90by5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=4qWs1WTcnZ4Q7kNvwGAzMy1&_nc_oc=Adp6w1TlpkjBFNLYaBF51HEd4SW92Bf2mQ_xhFnqo-6sGJHMgx_0EhRBJTEQmwtvjls&_nc_ad=z-m&_nc_cid=0&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-vie1-1.cdninstagram.com&_nc_gid=9fUq-4GBIm5-djlsK0WEAQ&_nc_ss=7a3ba&oh=00_AQAYSGzhMeOCXt0CqTySpZ-CTkRPt1otoY-zu1wKsn_FHw&oe=6A4D9DEE",
"author": {
"username": "destination.de.rev",
"displayName": "Destination de Rev'",
"url": "https://instagram.com/destination.de.rev"
},
"engagement": {
"likes": 0,
"comments": 0
},
"hashtags": [
"DestinationDeRêv'",
"AgenceDeVoyage",
"Bangkok",
"Thailand",
"Voyage",
"Travel",
"Tourisme",
"Asie",
"Découverte",
"Vacances"
],
"mentions": []
},
{
"platform": "instagram",
"url": "https://www.instagram.com/p/DaVjgWOiISR/",
"id": "3933206004095288465",
"postType": "Sidecar",
"productType": "carousel_container",
"caption": "First layover. ✈️🤍\nA moment I’ll always remember. #larnaka #layover #travel",
"description": "First layover. ✈️🤍\nA moment I’ll always remember. #larnaka #layover #travel",
"publishedAt": "2026-07-03T16:05:15.000Z",
"thumbnailUrl": "https://scontent-vie1-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/731702794_18439574476193601_8670792928318335020_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpegr_e35_p1080x1080_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ig_cache_key=MzkzMzIwNDEyODQ1NDYwMDQ4MA%3D%3D.3-ccb7-5&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=58cdad&efg=eyJ2ZW5jb2RlX3RhZyI6IkNBUk9VU0VMX0lURU0ueHBpZHMuMzA3Mi5oZHIucmVndWxhcl9waG90by5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=hULX7WKqCCcQ7kNvwFMHbT7&_nc_oc=AdplVXrboxO69YQ4LqNx77T5xvkCZPlrIUktWMOU2-yG70uGsodUVsgueyb1h5_11JE&_nc_ad=z-m&_nc_cid=0&_nc_zt=23&se=-1&_nc_ht=scontent-vie1-1.cdninstagram.com&_nc_gid=9fUq-4GBIm5-djlsK0WEAQ&_nc_ss=7a3ba&oh=00_AQC1qqcpVH6ZvBh1QAIn28S5dTQZFmS6VPnkFvwzmwb5qQ&oe=6A4DC950",
"author": {
"username": "koinazarovaa",
"displayName": "Aruzhan Koinazarova",
"url": "https://instagram.com/koinazarovaa"
},
"engagement": {
"likes": 0,
"comments": 0
},
"hashtags": [
"larnaka",
"layover",
"travel"
],
"mentions": []
},
{
"platform": "instagram",
"url": "https://www.instagram.com/p/DaVjgT5GhYe/",
"id": "3933206001588246046",
"postType": "Sidecar",
"productType": "carousel_container",
"caption": "Our week in Switzerland went like ☀️🏔️🫕🍫🍷🛥️🐄🪂\n\n#switzerland #momdaughter #eurosummer #swiss #travel",
"description": "Our week in Switzerland went like ☀️🏔️🫕🍫🍷🛥️🐄🪂\n\n#switzerland #momdaughter #eurosummer #swiss #travel",
"publishedAt": "2026-07-03T16:05:14.000Z",
"thumbnailUrl": "https://scontent-vie1-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/731791676_18606900667035893_1440425656920310125_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_p1080x1080_sh2.08_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ig_cache_key=MzkzMzIwNTg5NjUyMzA0MDc2OQ%3D%3D.3-ccb7-5&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=58cdad&efg=eyJ2ZW5jb2RlX3RhZyI6IkNBUk9VU0VMX0lURU0ueHBpZHMuMzA3Mi5zZHIucmVndWxhcl9waG90by5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=-vwqG2_CGUkQ7kNvwFEG-oM&_nc_oc=AdpluMzfSngaZuhUyp0U1cFnCaaIjcSQgnxr8t1Pg4B_kIAxyoMwj8SU1LcuHZYoszw&_nc_ad=z-m&_nc_cid=0&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-vie1-1.cdninstagram.com&_nc_gid=9fUq-4GBIm5-djlsK0WEAQ&_nc_ss=7a3ba&oh=00_AQAU0oC85gXhEUSqaquceO7W-EvBz3iRFmhiJzeGDhuU8A&oe=6A4DC95B",
"author": {
"username": "pinkdancer99",
"displayName": "Taylor Renee Emmersen",
"url": "https://instagram.com/pinkdancer99"
},
"engagement": {
"likes": 0,
"comments": 0
},
"hashtags": [
"switzerland",
"momdaughter",
"eurosummer",
"swiss",
"travel"
],
"mentions": []
},
{
"platform": "instagram",
"url": "https://www.instagram.com/p/DaVjf2uu6Kc/",
"id": "3933205970275771036",
"postType": "Image",
"productType": "feed",
"caption": "Frankfurt 🩵✈️\n#germany #Skyscrapers #travel #dreamcometrue #happylife",
"description": "Frankfurt 🩵✈️\n#germany #Skyscrapers #travel #dreamcometrue #happylife",
"publishedAt": "2026-07-03T16:05:13.000Z",
"thumbnailUrl": "https://scontent-vie1-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/731769794_18206958946350004_1320444949229244483_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpegr_e35_p1080x1080_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ig_cache_key=MzkzMzIwNTk3MDI3NTc3MTAzNg%3D%3D.3-ccb7-5&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=58cdad&efg=eyJ2ZW5jb2RlX3RhZyI6IkZFRUQueHBpZHMuMTQ0MC5oZHIucmVndWxhcl9waG90by5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=f9wTOTHbivwQ7kNvwFBxsbw&_nc_oc=AdqzZZbnMg09er2JCQAr1bdDpQhOrVb9zVHoNKOstE5AVm2hxsbd3zY2mnlR4tTAsUM&_nc_ad=z-m&_nc_cid=0&_nc_zt=23&se=-1&_nc_ht=scontent-vie1-1.cdninstagram.com&_nc_gid=9fUq-4GBIm5-djlsK0WEAQ&_nc_ss=7a3ba&oh=00_AQBypHpTwHob8hgVom6-q2APTMw3B2AucgNm0DchcW0euQ&oe=6A4DC8F8",
"author": {
"username": "sybilecucerdean",
"displayName": "Sybile Cucerdean",
"url": "https://instagram.com/sybilecucerdean"
},
"engagement": {
"likes": 0,
"comments": 0
},
"hashtags": [
"germany",
"Skyscrapers",
"travel",
"dreamcometrue",
"happylife"
],
"mentions": []
},
{
"platform": "instagram",
"url": "https://www.instagram.com/p/DaVjfN-Snpl/",
"id": "3933205926513375845",
"postType": "Image",
"productType": "feed",
"caption": "\"Where the water flows, peace follows\"🏔🍃🌊\n.\n.\n.\n.\n\n.\n#syhlet #jaflong #travel #explore #instagram",
"description": "\"Where the water flows, peace follows\"🏔🍃🌊\n.\n.\n.\n.\n\n.\n#syhlet #jaflong #travel #explore #instagram",
"publishedAt": "2026-07-03T16:05:08.000Z",
"thumbnailUrl": "https://scontent-vie1-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/731808242_18102496379268044_6033786898678360301_n.webp?stp=dst-webp_p1080x1080_sh2.08&_nc_cat=105&ig_cache_key=MzkzMzIwNTkyNjUxMzM3NTg0NQ%3D%3D.3-ccb7-5&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=58cdad&efg=eyJ2ZW5jb2RlX3RhZyI6IkZFRUQueHBpZHMuMTQ0MC5zZHIucmVndWxhcl9waG90by5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=4WZA3JwndJ4Q7kNvwE2bD0g&_nc_oc=AdqtcXeLqva8e4jAmP97Eno7-jlJP2jpjeU1RJhUcBdHvOiACHkn5ZOKHiCLHKEArps&_nc_ad=z-m&_nc_cid=0&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-vie1-1.cdninstagram.com&_nc_gid=9fUq-4GBIm5-djlsK0WEAQ&_nc_ss=7a3ba&oh=00_AQB0i7EXctXzG06Jn09xnzuqszbQGj4s8lNqUV3tAsMfmQ&oe=6A4D9891",
"author": {
"username": "im_surjo_sen",
"displayName": "RUDRA_SISH",
"url": "https://instagram.com/im_surjo_sen"
},
"engagement": {
"likes": 0,
"comments": 0
},
"hashtags": [
"syhlet",
"jaflong",
"travel",
"explore",
"instagram"
],
"mentions": []
},
{
"platform": "instagram",
"url": "https://www.instagram.com/p/DaVje3kEcNp/",
"id": "3933205902451131241",
"postType": "Sidecar",
"productType": "carousel_container",
"caption": "Bangkok, Thailand 🥭🌺🧘♀️🛺🐉🏯\n\n#explore #thailand #bangkok #travel #travelgram",
"description": "Bangkok, Thailand 🥭🌺🧘♀️🛺🐉🏯\n\n#explore #thailand #bangkok #travel #travelgram",
"publishedAt": "2026-07-03T16:05:03.000Z",
"thumbnailUrl": "https://scontent-vie1-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/731652947_18108429946964421_4842513019354246574_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_p1080x1080_sh2.08_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ig_cache_key=MzkzMzIwNTQxOTM4NDAyMzAyNw%3D%3D.3-ccb7-5&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=58cdad&efg=eyJ2ZW5jb2RlX3RhZyI6IkNBUk9VU0VMX0lURU0ueHBpZHMuMzAyNC5zZHIucmVndWxhcl9waG90by5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=kIhzNJLZeUsQ7kNvwHmD9cG&_nc_oc=AdpI53n6mNqjVG8QMI4Nk3jC9I_kxuDlt6tmEc7WwvNA9sGqCvhWXilr3HSgUPWTdXg&_nc_ad=z-m&_nc_cid=0&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-vie1-1.cdninstagram.com&_nc_gid=9fUq-4GBIm5-djlsK0WEAQ&_nc_ss=7a3ba&oh=00_AQA5d0h99hDGMQCT0x4qJwmQp8ZUo3hAayNAs5HJPE-_pw&oe=6A4DBBBE",
"author": {
"username": "timeefortravel",
"displayName": "time for travel",
"url": "https://instagram.com/timeefortravel"
},
"engagement": {
"likes": 0,
"comments": 0
},
"hashtags": [
"explore",
"thailand",
"bangkok",
"travel",
"travelgram"
],
"mentions": []
},
{
"platform": "instagram",
"url": "https://www.instagram.com/p/DaVjefAAhQ8/",
"id": "3933205876076319804",
"postType": "Sidecar",
"productType": "carousel_container",
"caption": "Safar💗 #photo #photography #instatravel #traveling #travel",
"description": "Safar💗 #photo #photography #instatravel #traveling #travel",
"publishedAt": "2026-07-03T16:04:59.000Z",
"thumbnailUrl": "https://scontent-vie1-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/728950817_18105621170096467_9076509932850589387_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpegr_e35_p1080x1080_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ig_cache_key=MzkzMzIwNDc1NjQ2NjEwNzIxNQ%3D%3D.3-ccb7-5&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=58cdad&efg=eyJ2ZW5jb2RlX3RhZyI6IkNBUk9VU0VMX0lURU0ueHBpZHMuMTQ0MC5oZHIucmVndWxhcl9waG90by5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=4VarJT6ImuoQ7kNvwEXFDHr&_nc_oc=AdoWxrKTh9pjYxRGWUc1c5f4W5D2nY4qljzCbegLalTCOW7RL4HDjGYStNx7SxiFiDc&_nc_ad=z-m&_nc_cid=0&_nc_zt=23&se=-1&_nc_ht=scontent-vie1-1.cdninstagram.com&_nc_gid=9fUq-4GBIm5-djlsK0WEAQ&_nc_ss=7a3ba&oh=00_AQDvd3YLWwzMshBdMPyQgwYnn2Gl1GDXqkBnHOKxflWdBw&oe=6A4D9AF0",
"author": {
"username": "nis_mit_92",
"displayName": "NAッ",
"url": "https://instagram.com/nis_mit_92"
},
"engagement": {
"likes": 0,
"comments": 0
},
"hashtags": [
"photo",
"photography",
"instatravel",
"traveling",
"travel"
],
"mentions": []
},
{
"platform": "instagram",
"url": "https://www.instagram.com/p/DaVjdu3Mtwn/",
"id": "3933205824388914215",
"postType": "Image",
"productType": "feed",
"caption": "Proof that fairytales really do exist.✨️🏰💫\n#latvia #latvija #travelphotography #travelgram #travel",
"description": "Proof that fairytales really do exist.✨️🏰💫\n#latvia #latvija #travelphotography #travelgram #travel",
"publishedAt": "2026-07-03T16:04:55.000Z",
"thumbnailUrl": "https://scontent-vie1-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/732493936_17881946022612004_2526695386566562282_n.heic?stp=dst-jpg_e35_s1080x1080_sh2.08_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ig_cache_key=MzkzMzIwNTgyNDM4ODkxNDIxNQ%3D%3D.3-ccb7-5&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=58cdad&efg=eyJ2ZW5jb2RlX3RhZyI6IkZFRUQueHBpZHMuMTQ0MC5zZHIucmVndWxhcl9waG90by5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=dgK4W20GLn0Q7kNvwEkNyxN&_nc_oc=AdpSAUICl7qiO5EXGDJHsiRni-fjDre3grtpbOXRnFt-ltuRapMRFecyZB8G5tmXkgU&_nc_ad=z-m&_nc_cid=0&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-vie1-1.cdninstagram.com&_nc_gid=9fUq-4GBIm5-djlsK0WEAQ&_nc_ss=7a3ba&oh=00_AQACRFaEyi9RI5NcJWypQ8txMCPuzF5JlJs0iTi2vETsmg&oe=6A4DA4EC",
"author": {
"username": "tedka___",
"displayName": "Миткова Тодорова",
"url": "https://instagram.com/tedka___"
},
"engagement": {
"likes": 0,
"comments": 0
},
"hashtags": [
"latvia",
"latvija",
"travelphotography",
"travelgram",
"travel"
],
"mentions": []
},
{
"platform": "instagram",
"url": "https://www.instagram.com/p/DaVjcidl1TI/",
"id": "3933205742354912456",
"postType": "Sidecar",
"productType": "carousel_container",
"caption": "just me and London. 🤍🇬🇧\n\n#ootd #pinterest #travel #london #vibes",
"description": "just me and London. 🤍🇬🇧\n\n#ootd #pinterest #travel #london #vibes",
"publishedAt": "2026-07-03T16:04:43.000Z",
"thumbnailUrl": "https://scontent-vie1-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/731541141_18360732637208098_5465076539630860481_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_p1080x1080_sh2.08_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ig_cache_key=MzkzMzIwMzgzNDU5NDM1NTY2MQ%3D%3D.3-ccb7-5&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=58cdad&efg=eyJ2ZW5jb2RlX3RhZyI6IkNBUk9VU0VMX0lURU0ueHBpZHMuMzAyNC5zZHIucmVndWxhcl9waG90by5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=u1UJz7wVBmkQ7kNvwHqkY6m&_nc_oc=Adp5yYCN45zirSX4YyOxkrkD_cA9SjExkFjpUCG0F861PqIHwXEfdzxKlIcIVSQN944&_nc_ad=z-m&_nc_cid=0&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-vie1-1.cdninstagram.com&_nc_gid=9fUq-4GBIm5-djlsK0WEAQ&_nc_ss=7a3ba&oh=00_AQCUfzhw8GBx93GaUiKOSGpD4BXIXUE_yoCiJuxsyGKmCw&oe=6A4D9CF7",
"author": {
"username": "corinaaaaaaa",
"displayName": "Corina",
"url": "https://instagram.com/corinaaaaaaa"
},
"engagement": {
"likes": 2,
"comments": 0
},
"hashtags": [
"ootd",
"pinterest",
"travel",
"london",
"vibes"
],
"mentions": []
}
]
}
}Billing metadata (credits charged, cache hit/miss) is returned in the X-Captapi-Credits and X-Captapi-Cache response headers.
Request parameters
| Name | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| q | string | Yes | Hashtag without the # (min 2 characters). |
| limit | integer | No | Max items to return (default 20, max 200). Billed per result. |
| cache | boolean | No | Set true to serve from the 24h response cache. Default false — always fetch fresh data. |
Frequently asked questions
What does the Instagram Hashtag Search API do?
The Instagram Hashtag Search API lets you search and return matching results from a public Instagram query using one GET request to /v1/instagram/hashtag-search. It returns clean JSON — no OAuth or infrastructure setup required.
How many credits does the Instagram Hashtag Search API cost?
At the default limit this endpoint costs 12 credits (0.6 per result). Billing scales with how many results you request. Pass cache=true to serve from the 24h shared cache (0 credits on hit); default is always fresh. Failed or empty results are never charged.
Do I need a Instagram API key or OAuth?
No. A single Captapi key works across every platform Captapi supports — YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, Reddit, Threads, Bluesky, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Rumble, Spotify, Kwai, and more. We handle proxies, rate limits, retries, and authentication for you.
Is the Instagram Hashtag Search API suitable for production use?
Yes. It is a stable REST endpoint with predictable JSON and automatic retries. Pass cache=true to serve from the 24h shared cache (0 credits on hit); default is always fresh. Use it for analytics, monitoring, and content automation.
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