Meta’s API Changes Disrupt Third-Party Apps, Including Tinder and Day One
Meta’s recent modifications to its developer tools are causing significant disruptions for third-party consumer applications integrated with Instagram. Popular dating apps Tinder and Hinge, both owned by Match Group, are among those affected, as they previously allowed users to link their Instagram profiles to showcase posts to potential matches.
The changes are also impacting Day One, a journaling app owned by Automattic, which is losing key functionality due to these alterations. The app will no longer be able to import Instagram photos and posts, a feature that was central to its user experience.
Meta announced the shutdown of the Instagram Basic Display API, effective December 4, 2024. This API enabled third-party apps to access Instagram user content, including profiles, images, videos, and albums. Developers have been advised to transition to the Instagram API, which primarily supports business accounts and lacks the necessary functionality for many consumer-focused apps.
For Day One users, this means the automatic import of Instagram content into journals will cease. While existing journal entries containing Instagram photos will remain accessible, the integration, a key feature of Day One’s Premium version priced at $34.99 annually, will no longer function. The company expressed disappointment, acknowledging the feature’s popularity among both users and their team.
The impact of Meta’s changes extends beyond Day One. Discord had previously removed its Instagram connection due to a lack of API support. Apps like Spotlight and SnapWidget, which utilize Instagram posts as website embeds, are also facing challenges. Some applications are recommending users switch to Instagram business accounts to maintain functionality, though this solution may not be suitable for all users or apps.
As the December 2024 deadline approaches, developers and users alike are grappling with the implications of these changes, highlighting the broader impact of platform policy shifts on the digital ecosystem.
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