6 ms·

Show HN: Self-Scraping Instagram Search Engine

30 points by stormen 12y ago

stormen 12y ago
Backend in node.js. We leverage the fact that we get huge amounts of bot traffic, by saving all entries they fetch from Instagram to build our database of popular tags and users.
elwell 12y ago
I'm pretty sure IG doesn't like any names that have Insta or Gram in them. (That's why Webstagram changed to Websta). Just a heads up before you develop your brand and then get kicked off their API.
- deleted 12y ago
  [deleted]
  - phpnode 12y ago
    they don't want people to be confused and think that your service is official. it's generally bad practise to tie your brand to someone else's anyway.
- eiriklv 12y ago
  Main developer here - That's a very valid point (which i see now), and we'll look into it straight away
  - justboxing 12y ago
    Hi Erik, I found the specific language in their Branding "Guidelines" that forbid the use of "Insta" and "Gram" in app or domain name. Here's the link: https://help.instagram.com/304689166306603/ https://help.instagram.com/304689166306603/ Relevant Section: Naming Applications and Products If you offer an application, website or product that is compatible with or related to the Instagram service, such as an app or website that uses the Instagram APIs, you may fairly and accurately describe how your application, website or product relates to Instagram. But you may not use the Instagram trademarks in your own brand, or suggest that Instagram sponsors or endorses you or your products. Don’t: Use “Instagram,” “IG”, “Insta” or “Gram” in your app or product name or domain name Use the Camera Logos, or the Instagram name or logo, in your brand identity, such as your app icon, logo or product design Use the Instagram stylized font in your logo or product or marketing materials
    - eiriklv 12y ago
      Thanks! As said earlier, we'll look into it straight away. Hopefully we're able to find a solution where we don't trash our domain and rank.. :/
    - eiriklv 12y ago
      We're changing our logo and titles right away.
      - justboxing 12y ago
        Good Luck!
- hnriot 12y ago
  It says not to do this very clearly when you register your clientid.
ape4 12y ago
How is it SELF-scraping. Isn't it THEM-scraping
- eiriklv 12y ago
  Point taken :) We just didn't think of a better term at the moment of posting.
callmeed 12y ago
I like this. I'm a big IGer and so is my wife. I was at the Giants game for Star Wars day with my kids Sunday so looking through all the #attpark / #sfgiants hashtags is fun. However, here's one thing that annoys me with this and all "endless scrolling" web apps: when when I scroll down several pages, then click an image to see it bigger, when I go back I'm no longer at my "page".
- eiriklv 12y ago
  A really good point there! It's on the todo-list :)
rezacks 12y ago
Nice work, could user remove their photos (if they want)? Maybe you could provide some special hashtag like #noindex, just some thoughts... keep going!

30 points by stormen 12y ago

Backend in node.js. We leverage the fact that we get huge amounts of bot traffic, by saving all entries they fetch from Instagram to build our database of popular tags and users.

elwell 12y ago

I'm pretty sure IG doesn't like any names that have Insta or Gram in them. (That's why Webstagram changed to Websta). Just a heads up before you develop your brand and then get kicked off their API.

deleted 12y ago
[deleted]
- phpnode 12y ago
  they don't want people to be confused and think that your service is official. it's generally bad practise to tie your brand to someone else's anyway.
eiriklv 12y ago
Main developer here - That's a very valid point (which i see now), and we'll look into it straight away
- justboxing 12y ago
  Hi Erik, I found the specific language in their Branding "Guidelines" that forbid the use of "Insta" and "Gram" in app or domain name. Here's the link: https://help.instagram.com/304689166306603/ https://help.instagram.com/304689166306603/ Relevant Section: Naming Applications and Products If you offer an application, website or product that is compatible with or related to the Instagram service, such as an app or website that uses the Instagram APIs, you may fairly and accurately describe how your application, website or product relates to Instagram. But you may not use the Instagram trademarks in your own brand, or suggest that Instagram sponsors or endorses you or your products. Don’t: Use “Instagram,” “IG”, “Insta” or “Gram” in your app or product name or domain name Use the Camera Logos, or the Instagram name or logo, in your brand identity, such as your app icon, logo or product design Use the Instagram stylized font in your logo or product or marketing materials
  - eiriklv 12y ago
    Thanks! As said earlier, we'll look into it straight away. Hopefully we're able to find a solution where we don't trash our domain and rank.. :/
  - eiriklv 12y ago
    We're changing our logo and titles right away.
    - justboxing 12y ago
      Good Luck!
hnriot 12y ago
It says not to do this very clearly when you register your clientid.

ape4 12y ago

How is it SELF-scraping. Isn't it THEM-scraping

eiriklv 12y ago
Point taken :) We just didn't think of a better term at the moment of posting.

callmeed 12y ago

I like this. I'm a big IGer and so is my wife. I was at the Giants game for Star Wars day with my kids Sunday so looking through all the #attpark / #sfgiants hashtags is fun. However, here's one thing that annoys me with this and all "endless scrolling" web apps: when when I scroll down several pages, then click an image to see it bigger, when I go back I'm no longer at my "page".

eiriklv 12y ago
A really good point there! It's on the todo-list :)

rezacks 12y ago

Nice work, could user remove their photos (if they want)? Maybe you could provide some special hashtag like #noindex, just some thoughts... keep going!