Instagram Scrapers: Free vs. Paid – Finding Your Perfect Fit!

Instagram scrapers help you to extract data from Instagram, which are Instagram posts, full name, user name, profile confidentiality, number of followers, number of followings, post engagement, images, likes & comments, social media, estimated post price, and many more to formulate your marketing strategy. Moreover, in this blog, we will compare the free versus paid Instagram scraper software and try to find the perfect Instagram scraping tool for you. So, read through the article and choose your perfect Instagram extractor tool. 

What’s an Instagram Scraper?

Now, let’s understand what an Instagram Scraper is. Simply put, it’s a tool that helps extract data from Instagram, like posts, emails, followers, and hashtags. Moreover,  It’s a real game-changer for businesses, marketers, and researchers, as it provides valuable insights and saves loads of time.

Free Instagram Scrapers – The Temptation

Next, who doesn’t love free stuff, right? Moreover, free Instagram Scrapers might seem like a sweet deal at first glance. Subsequently, there are many Instagram scrapers online free to try out as beginners. Furthermore, they promise to deliver the goods without costing a dime. But, here’s the catch. Many free Instagram scrapers might not be as reliable as they claim. Some common issues you may encounter are:

Limited Features in Free Instagram Scrapers:

Firstly, free Instagram scraping tools may have limited features and data extraction options. Therefore, You might not get all the juicy data you need to supercharge your marketing strategies.

Free Instagram Scrapers and Security Risks:

Secondly, trusting your data with a free Instagram scraper can be risky. Hence, they may not have enhanced security measures, putting your precious information in jeopardy.

Sluggish Performance is often experienced with free Instagram Scrapers

Thirdly, free Instagram scraping tools often suffer from slower loading times and delays, making the data scraping process frustratingly sluggish.

Free Instagram Scrapers is Full of Ads and Distractions:

Fourthly, some free Instagram scrapers bombard you with ads, making your experience more about dodging pop-ups than collecting valuable data.

Paid Instagram Scrapers – The Pros

Next, let’s talk about the paid side of things. Sure, you’ll need to open your wallet a bit, but with paid Instagram scrapers, you usually get what you pay for—quality! Hence, here are some benefits of investing in a paid option:

Full-Fledged Functionality:

Initially, a paid Instagram scraper usually offers a full suite of features for comprehensive insights. They leave no stone unturned when it comes to data extraction.

Ensures Reliability and Support:

Secondly, you can count on paid services to be more reliable, with customer support to help you out in case of any issues.

Enhanced Security:

Thirdly, your data’s safety is a priority with paid scrapers. So, they often implement robust security measures to protect your information.

Provide Speedy Performance:

Unlike the snail’s pace of some free tools, paid Instagram scrapers are built for speed, providing faster and more efficient data extraction for your Instagram insights.

Finding Your Perfect Instagram Scrapers

Now, after we’ve weighed the pros and cons, how do you decide which one suits you best? Overall, consider these factors to find your perfect Instagram Scraper match:

Budget:

Firstly, free Instagram scrapers can be a good starting point if you’re just starting or have a limited budget. However, if you’re serious about extracting in-depth data, investing in a paid Instagram scraper or Instagram extractor is worth considering.

Data Needs:

Secondly, assess your data requirements. Overall, if you need comprehensive insights, reports, and competitor insights, a paid Instagram scraper is likely the way to go.

Time Sensitivity:

Thirdly, are you in a hurry to get Instagram data quickly and efficiently? Well, paid  Instagram scraper tools offer better performance, ideal for time-sensitive projects.

Security Concerns:

Fourthly, if your Instagram data is sensitive or confidential, investing in a reputable paid Instagram scraper will ensure your information stays protected.

Instagram Scrapers: Free vs. Paid a Comparison

Afterward, here is a comparison of free and paid Instagram Scrapers for your proper understanding of the tools:

 

Aspect	Free Instagram Scraper	Paid Instagram Scraper
Feature	Limited functionalities and data extraction options	Full suite of features for comprehensive insights
Reliability	Less dependable, may have errors in data extraction	More reliable and accurate data extraction
Security	Less secured, potential risks with data safety	Enhanced security measures for protecting your data
Performance	Slower loading times and delays in data retrieval	Faster and efficient data extraction
Customer Support	Limited or no customer support is available	Reliable customer support for assistance
Price	Free, no upfront cost but limited features	Paid, may vary in pricing based on features and usage

Instagram Scrapers for Lead Generation(Free Version)

Now, here are the 3 Instagram scrapers that have the free version. Thus, you can enhance your Instagram Strategy with these Data Extractors: Click for more tools

LeadStal: Unveiling Public Leads on Instagram (Free Version)

LeadStal joins the ranks of free options for scraping public data on Instagram. Here’s what it offers:

Focus on Public Leads

• Target Business Profiles: Extract information from public business profiles on Instagram, potentially including usernames, bios, contact details (if mentioned publicly), and follower counts.
• Gather Social Links: LeadStal might help you find links to a business’s other social media profiles like Facebook or Twitter, expanding your reach.

Cost-Effective Approach

• Free Plan Available: Test the waters of LeadStal’s functionalities without initial investment.
• Focus on Value: LeadStal positions itself as an affordable option compared to other scrapers, potentially appealing to budget-conscious users.

Things to Consider

• Limited Features: The free version might have limitations on the amount of data you can scrape or the data points you can access.
• Data Accuracy: Always ensure the scraped data is accurate, especially for contact details, as relying on bios or descriptions might not be reliable.
• Respecting Terms: Like all scraping tools, use LeadStal responsibly, adhering to Instagram’s terms of service and focusing on public data.

Who should try it?

• Small Businesses: If you’re a small business owner on a budget, LeadStal’s free plan could be a starting point to find potential customers on Instagram.
• Freelancers: Freelancers seeking public leads for their services might find LeadStal’s basic functionalities useful.

Upgrading for More Features

LeadStal offers paid plans that might provide additional functionalities like increased data scraping limits, access to other scraping tools (like email finders), and potentially more direct scraping from Instagram profiles themselves (be sure to check LeadStal’s terms and pricing for details).

LeadStal: The Upgraded Version

Firstly, this Instagram Scraper tool was developed by a new and promising Startup company Leadstal (https://leadstal.com/). Overall, this Instagram scraper is user-friendly and cost-effective in the market for all types of users and also offers a range of interesting key features. Moreover, according to their Google Chrome Extention page overview: “This is the most powerful and fastest IG scraping tool to generate a ton of IG leads with valid emails and phone numbers, anywhere in the world”.

Key Features

• 🕒 Real-time data extraction
• 🎨 Simple and user-friendly interface
• 1️⃣ One valid data = one credit
• 📊 Bulk data extraction
• ✉️ Send emails and 📱 SMS directly
• 🔧 Live customer support for technical issues
• 📋 20+ types of data
• 📊 Export to CSV and Excel
• 🆓 Free plan
• 💲 Cheapest plan starting @US$9.99

Key Benefits of Using LeadStal Instagram Scraper

 Simple and user-friendly interface  Free and  cheapest paid plans  Real-time data collection  Accurate and reliable data  Professional customer support team  Filtration  Access to a suite of tools by subscribing to a single tool

How Many Types of Data Can Be Extracted?

More than 20 types of data can be extracted from Instagram using LeadStal’s Instagram scraper. Here is the list of data:

👤 Profile Picture, 📛 Full name, 📇 User name, 👥 Followers, 👣 Following, 🏷️ Following tag, 📝 Bio, 📷 Posts, 📝 type, 📹 video, 📺 IGTV, 🔄 Account type, ❤️ Avg likes, 💬 Avg. comments, 🚀 Post engagement, 💰 Est. post price, 📲 Est. story price, 📧 Emails, 📞 Phones, 🌐 Websites, 🔗 Social, 📍 Location, 🚀 Action (Profile, ✉️ send emails, 📱 send SMS)

How Much Does it Cost to Extract Bulk Data From Instagram?

LeadStal’s Instagram Scraper is the cheapest in the market. Here are the pricing plans:

• 🆓 First, the Free plan: 20 credits or valid data per month
• 💼 Secondly, the Standard plan: US$9.99 for 2800 credits per month
• 🏢 Thirdly, the Business plan: US$35 per month for 10,000 credits per month
• 🌟 Lastly, Premium plan: US$ 250 per month for 100,000 credits
• 🛠️ Finally, LeadStal has a customized plan. So, 📞 contact customer care and buy your plan as per your requirements.

LeadStal Instagram Scraper: Best For

• Businesses and agencies: Expand your reach and connect with potential clients, influencers, and collaborators.
• Marketers and sales professionals: Craft personalized email campaigns and drive conversions with targeted lead generation.
• Content creators and entrepreneurs: Build your audience and engage with your supporters beyond Instagram’s limited scope.
• Anyone looking to build meaningful connections: Turn passive followers into active relationships and expand your network.

Apify Instagram Scraper: Free Public Data for Your Projects

Apify’s Instagram Scraper offers a free plan to get your feet wet with collecting public data from Instagram. Here’s what you can expect:

Free Plan Features:

• Target Public Data: Scrape user profiles, posts based on usernames or hashtags, and comments (all publicly available).
• Easy to Use: No coding required. Use a drag-and-drop interface to build your scraper.
• Data Export: Download your extracted data in various formats like CSV, JSON, Excel, or HTML for easy integration into reports or further analysis.

Limitations to Consider:

• Limited Requests: The free plan restricts you to only 100 scraper runs per month. This translates to a limited amount of data you can collect.
• No Permanent Storage: Scraped data isn’t permanently stored in the free plan. You’ll need to download it after each scrape to avoid losing it.

Who is it for?

• This free option is ideal for small-scale projects or for those new to scraping who want to experiment and understand the process.
• It allows you to test the functionality of Apify’s scraper before committing to a paid plan.

Tips for Using the Free Plan:

• Be strategic about your scraping goals. With limited requests, prioritize the specific data you need.
• Download your data regularly to avoid losing it after scraping.
• Consider upgrading to a paid plan if your scraping needs become more extensive and require permanent data storage or higher request volumes.

Upgrading for More Power:

Apify offers paid plans with increased request quotas, data storage, and additional features like scheduling and proxy rotation. These cater to larger-scale scraping needs.

Apify’s Paid Plans: Unleashing the Full Potential

Apify’s free Instagram scraper provides a great entry point, but its paid plans unlock a whole new level of scraping power and functionality. Here’s what you can expect:

Beyond the Free Tier:

• Increased Request Quota: No more worrying about hitting a limit. Paid plans offer significantly higher request quotas, allowing you to scrape much larger datasets.
• Persistent Data Storage: Scraped data is securely stored within Apify’s platform, eliminating the need for manual downloads in the free tier.
• Advanced Features: Paid plans unlock features like scheduling for automated scraping at set intervals, proxy rotation to avoid IP blocking, and integrations with cloud storage services for streamlined data management.

Benefits for Different Users:

• Market Researchers: Regularly scrape competitor data or track industry trends with automated scheduling.
• Data Analysts: Leverage Apify’s integrations to seamlessly store and analyze large datasets in the cloud.
• Social Media Agencies: Manage multiple scraping tasks for clients and monitor brand mentions with effective scheduling and proxy rotation.

Choosing the Right Plan:

Apify offers a variety of paid plans with different pricing structures based on your scraping needs. These plans typically scale based on factors like:

• Request Quote: The total number of web requests you can make per month.
• Storage Capacity: The amount of data you can store within Apify’s platform.
• Team Members: The number of users who can access and manage your scraping projects on Apify.

Remember: Upgrading unlocks the full potential of Apify’s Instagram scraper. It empowers you to collect substantial data sets, automate tasks, and ensure data persistence for informed decision-making.

PhantomBuster Free Trial: A Taste of Instagram Data Automation (with Limitations)

PhantomBuster offers a free trial to explore its Instagram scraping capabilities, but it comes with certain limitations. Here’s what you can expect:

Free Trial Highlights

• Scrape Profile Data: Extract basic profile information like usernames, bios, follower counts, and even email addresses found within bios (be cautious about scraping emails).
• Speed and Efficiency: PhantomBuster boasts scraping speed, allowing you to collect data from multiple profiles relatively quickly.
• CSV Export: Export your scraped data in CSV format for easy analysis in spreadsheets or data visualization tools.

Important Considerations

• Limited Scrapes: The free trial restricts the number of profiles you can scrape per day (typically around 100), making it unsuitable for large-scale data collection.
• Hourly Launches: Scrapes are spread out over hourly launches, meaning you can’t scrape all your allotted profiles at once.
• Connecting Your Instagram Account: The free trial might require connecting your Instagram account (through cookies) for operation. This might be a concern for some users.

Who Can Benefit?

• Small Projects: Test PhantomBuster’s functionality for scraping basic profile data from a limited number of accounts.
• Understanding the Tool: Get a feel for PhantomBuster’s interface and scraping speed before committing to a paid plan.

Upgrading for More Power

PhantomBuster offers paid plans that significantly increase scraping limits, remove hourly launch restrictions, and eliminate the need to connect your Instagram account. These plans cater to users with larger data collection needs.

PhantomBuster Pro: Supercharge Your Instagram Scraping (Paid Plans)

While the free trial of PhantomBuster offers a glimpse into its capabilities, upgrading unlocks a powerful suite of features for serious Instagram data collection. Here’s what you gain by going Pro:

Unleash Scraping Power

• Ditch the Limits: Scrape data from a significantly larger number of Instagram profiles compared to the restricted free trial. Paid plans offer much higher scraping quotas, allowing you to collect substantial datasets.
• Continuous Scraping: No more waiting for hourly launches. Upgraded plans enable continuous scraping, letting you collect data as quickly as needed.
• Say Goodbye to Account Connection: Paid plans typically eliminate the requirement to connect your personal Instagram account, addressing privacy concerns some users might have with the free trial.
• Advanced Features (Depending on Plan): Higher-tier plans offer additional functionalities. These could include:
  • Proxy Rotation: Evade scraping restrictions by automatically switching between IP addresses, making you appear like a regular user.
  • Capture Dynamic Content: Scrape data that requires interaction or scrolling, like comments on posts or a user’s complete follower list.
  • Team Collaboration: Share scraping tasks and manage user access within your team for larger projects.

Who Needs the Upgrade?

• Large-Scale Data Collection: Businesses and researchers working with extensive data sets will find paid plans essential for gathering the information they need.
• Professional Users: Agencies and marketing teams requiring reliable and automated data collection for tasks like competitor analysis or audience insights benefit greatly from the upgraded features.
• Advanced Scraping Needs: If your scraping needs involve capturing dynamic content, using proxies, or collaborating with a team, paid plans offer the necessary features.

Finding the Perfect Fit

PhantomBuster offers a range of paid plans with different pricing structures. Consider your data collection volume, desired features (like proxy rotation or team collaboration), and budget to select the plan that best suits your requirements.

Bright Data’s Instagram Scraper: A Peek Through the Free Trial Lens

Bright Data doesn’t offer a standard “free version” of its Instagram scraper. However, their free trial allows you to explore its capabilities for a limited time, giving you a taste of how it tackles Instagram data collection.

What the Free Trial Offers

• Test Drive the Proxy Network: Experience Bright Data’s vast proxy network, including data center, Residential, Mobile, and ISP options. This lets you see how effectively they bypass Instagram’s anti-scraping measures and access public data.
• Instagram Scraper in Action: Experiment with Bright Data’s Instagram Scraper specifically. See how it extracts public data points like usernames, bios, follower counts, and potentially post information (depending on the specific scraper used within the trial).
• Unleashing Specific Tools: Depending on the trial configuration, you might have access to specific tools that enhance scraping:
  • Web Unlocker: Test this tool’s ability to bypass CAPTCHAs and other roadblocks that might hinder scraping on Instagram.
  • Web Scraper IDE (Optional): If included, explore the development environment for building custom Instagram scrapers tailored to your needs.

Understanding the Limitations

• Trial Period Limits: The free trial has a set duration, typically lasting a week or two. This restricts the amount of data you can scrape from Instagram during that time.
• Restricted Features: Certain features within the Instagram scraper might be limited in the free trial. You might not be able to access the full range of functionalities offered in paid plans.
• Data Usage Caps: There might be limitations on the amount of data you can extract from Instagram during the trial period.

Who Can Benefit?

• Considering Paid Plans: If you’re contemplating a paid subscription with Bright Data, the free trial allows you to test its Instagram scraper specifically. See if it delivers the data extraction capabilities you need.
• Evaluating Performance: Experience Bright Data’s proxy network performance and how it tackles Instagram’s anti-scraping measures firsthand.

Looking for Free Alternatives?

While Bright Data doesn’t offer permanent free access, remember the free options discussed earlier. Tools like Apify’s free Instagram scraper or PhantomBuster’s free trial (with limitations) can be suitable for scraping a limited amount of public data from Instagram.

Upgrading to Bright Data Pro

Bright Data offers various paid plans with features that enhance Instagram scraping, such as:

• Increased Data Quotas: Scrape larger datasets from Instagram according to your chosen plan’s quota.
• Extended Trial Periods: Some paid plans might offer longer trial periods compared to the standard free trial.
• Advanced Functionalities: Access features like proxy rotation, scheduling for automated scraping, and integrations with other platforms for data processing.

Remember: Responsible scraping is crucial. Always adhere to Instagram’s terms of service and avoid excessive data extraction, especially during the free trial. Focus on publicly available information.

Bright Data Pro: Unlocking the Full Potential of Instagram Scraping

While the free trial provides a glimpse of Bright Data’s capabilities, upgrading to their Pro plans unlocks a powerful suite of features specifically designed for efficient and reliable Instagram data collection. Here’s what elevates your scraping game with Bright Data Pro:

Unleashing the Power

• Scrape Without Limits: Paid plans offer significantly higher data quotas compared to the free trial. Scrape extensive datasets from Instagram, catering to large-scale data collection needs.
• Continuous Data Flow: Say goodbye to the limitations of the free trial’s duration. Bright Data Pro allows you to scrape data continuously, ensuring a steady stream of information for your projects.
• Proxy Powerhouse: Access Bright Data’s premium proxy network, including features like:
  • Proxy Rotation: Evade detection by automatically switching between various proxies (Datacenter, Residential, Mobile, ISP) to avoid getting flagged by Instagram.
  • Location Targeting: Target specific geographical locations by selecting proxies from desired regions, allowing you to scrape data relevant to your audience.
• Advanced Tools at Your Disposal: Paid plans provide access to a wider range of tools that enhance Instagram scraping:
  • Web Unlocker: Effortlessly bypass CAPTCHAs and other anti-scraping measures that might hinder data collection.
  • Web Scraper IDE: Build custom Instagram scrapers tailored to your specific needs. Automate complex scraping tasks and extract the exact data points you require.
  • Scheduling and Automation: Schedule scraping tasks to run automatically at specific intervals, ensuring you have the latest data readily available.

Who Needs the Upgrade?

• Professional Users and Agencies: Marketing teams, social media agencies, and businesses requiring reliable and large-scale data collection from Instagram benefit greatly from Bright Data Pro.
• Advanced Scraping Needs: If your scraping needs involve targeting specific locations through proxies, bypassing complex anti-scraping measures, or building custom scrapers, upgrading is essential.
• Data-Driven Decisions: For projects that rely on extensive Instagram data for market research, competitor analysis, or audience insights, Bright Data Pro empowers informed decision-making.

Finding the Perfect Fit

Bright Data offers a variety of Pro plans with different pricing structures. Consider your:

• Data Scraping Volume: Choose a plan that accommodates the amount of data you need to collect from Instagram.
• Desired Features: Select a plan that includes the specific tools you require, like proxy rotation or scheduling.
• Budget: Opt for a plan that aligns with your budget constraints.

Remember: Upgrading to Bright Data Pro empowers you to navigate Instagram’s complexities and collect valuable data efficiently. Always prioritize responsible scraping, respecting Instagram’s terms of service, and focusing on publicly available information.

Scraping Bee | Quick and Easy Instagram Scraper

Thirdly, the last Instagram Scraper on the list is Scraping Bee is one of the best Instagram extractors or contact finders in terms of quick and easy data collection. Moreover, this tool uses a unique scraping technique to extract data from Instagram feeds. 
Thus, this tool lets you export all kinds of information and images including the user’s full bio, profile picture, location, contact information, emails, and other important data without getting blocked. Now, here are some features of this tool(Click here for additional information):

Key Features:

• Extract leads directly to Google Sheets.
• Instagram’s secure email extraction software.
• It is effortless to use.
• It has a large proxy pool.
• Also, remove the search engine results page.
• Renders JavaScript.

Pricing Plan

• Firstly, The freelance plan costs $49 /month.
• Secondly, The startup plan costs $99 /month.
• Thirdly, Business plan costs $249 /month
• Finally, The enterprise plan will be a customizable prize.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 What is the Main Difference Between Free and Paid Instagram Scrapers Tool?

Answer: The main difference between free and paid Instagram scraper tools lies in their functionality and features. Free tools often come with limitations in data extraction options, and they may lack some advanced features available in paid options. Paid tools, on the other hand, provide a comprehensive suite of functionalities for more in-depth data extraction and analysis. While free Instagram scraper tools may be a good starting point for casual users, investing in a paid Instagram scraper can unlock a treasure trove of insights and efficiency.

Are Free Instagram Scraper Tools Safe to Use?

Answer: While some free Instagram scraper tools may be safe, it’s essential to exercise caution. Many free tools might lack robust security measures, potentially putting your data at risk. Additionally, some free options may have slower performance or bombard users with ads. Before using a free Instagram scraper tool, carefully review the provider’s reputation and ensure they prioritize data security. Paid Instagram scraper tools often offer enhanced security measures and reliable customer support, making them a safer choice for sensitive data.

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TKC’s Blog Sites

• TKC Blog on Odoo
• LeadStal Blog
• Medium Blog
• LinkedIn Blog
• EcomStal Blog on Linkedin

The Bottom Line

Finally, there you have it, When it comes to Instagram Scrapers, the decision between free and paid depends on your specific needs and priorities. Free Instagram scraper options can be a starting point for casual users, but for serious instant data scraper investing in paid Instagram scrapers will unlock a treasure trove of insights and efficiency.

Remember, choosing the right Instagram scrapers can give you a competitive edge and help you ace your Insta game. Happy Instagram scraping, and may your Instagram journey be filled with success and growth! 💪📈

TKC

Published Date: 26/07/2023

Last Updated: 21/03/2024