Core Devs | Instragram Automation

Problem

Nils Spoelgen, a social media marketer based in DüRen, Germany, came to us with a unique challenge. His team was responsible for monitoring all their clients' Instagram accounts for new photos or stories. When they found new content, they had to manually navigate to JAP's website to place an order, a process that proved to be time-consuming, dull, and resource-intensive. As a result, the client sought an automated solution to streamline this task.

Solution

Per the client's request, we provided a tool in the form of a script that could be controlled via the command line interface (CMD). The client could supply inputs like Instagram account credentials, customer Instagram handles, and various variables for JAP through CSV files. There were two scripts involved. One script was tasked with scanning Instagram accounts, scraping new posts, and sending requests to the app responsible for placing orders. The second script handled the reception of new content details and placed orders for that content, using the variables provided via CSV files.

Challenges We Faced

Our team faced several obstacles during the project. Automating Instagram proved challenging due to Instagram's strong bot detection system. Bypassing this system required logging into Instagram, navigating to each influencer's account, scanning for new content, and if found, saving the content link to the database. This process had to be carried out without triggering Instagram's bot detection. Using JAP's API to place interaction orders added another layer of complexity to the project.

How We Solved Them

To overcome Instagram's bot detection, we engineered the bot to access Instagram using credentials provided by the client via a CSV file. The bot would navigate through all the selected influencer accounts, scan for new posts or stories, and compile these links into a list. After each round of scanning, the bot would pause for a set period and then repeat the process. If an account was blocked during the scanning process, the bot would automatically delete the blocked account from the list and use another account to continue. The scripts were hosted on a VPS server to ensure client access from any location.

Why We Choose This Tech Stack?

Our tech stack selection was pivotal in the successful implementation of the Instagram Automation application. We chose NodeJS as the base language because of its efficiency in handling asynchronous operations. Express was selected for sending and handling requests due to its lightweight nature and robust features. Puppeteer was our tool of choice for bot development because of its extensive capabilities in web scraping and automation. MongoDB was chosen for the database due to its flexibility and scalability. This carefully chosen tech stack allowed us to deliver a dynamic, secure, and efficient solution to our clients.

More About the Design Process

Our journey through the development process was filled with unique challenges and innovative solutions.

Step 1: Instagram Bot Development

We started by developing an Instagram bot using Puppeteer, allowing us to navigate Instagram accounts and detect new content efficiently.

Step 2: Saving Data and Sending Requests

Our bot was programmed to save new content links to a list. After each scanning round, the bot would send a request with the list to the order-placing app.

Step 3: Developing the Order Placing App

We developed a second script to receive the new content details and place interaction orders on JAP using their API service.

Step 4: Database Management with MongoDB

We built a reliable database management system with MongoDB, providing a smooth and efficient data management experience.

Step 5: Overcoming Instagram's Bot Detection System

Our team ingeniously designed the bot to bypass Instagram's robust bot detection system, ensuring the tool operates efficiently and securely.

Step 6: Hosting the Application on a VPS Server

We hosted the application on a VPS server, ensuring the client can access and utilize the tool from anywhere. echanisms to prevent any disruptions in service and give users a seamless experience.

Step 7: Testing, Deployment, and Continuous Iteration

We conducted thorough testing, ensuring the bot operates efficiently, securely, and without triggering Instagram's bot detection system. After the successful deployment, we remain committed to continuous iteration, gathering client feedback, and refining the application to meet evolving needs.

Features

The Instagram Automation tool includes the following features:

Instagram Bot

Automates the process of scanning Instagram influencer accounts and detecting new posts or stories.

Automated Interaction Ordering:

Receives new content details and automatically places interaction orders on JAP using their API service.

Efficient Data Management:

Utilizes MongoDB for smooth and efficient data management.

Security and Accessibility:

Hosted on a VPS server, the tool can be accessed and used from anywhere, ensuring an efficient user experience.

Our successful development of the Instagram Interaction Automation tool reflects our mastery in software engineering and problem-solving. This project stands as a strong testament to our commitment towards technological advancement and a deep understanding of our client's requirements, thereby delivering innovative and effective solutions.

Client Review

"Core Devs has been a great team to work with. During the development process of our tool we ran into a few issues that couldn't be foreseen. Shuvo and his team almost doubled the amount of working hours WITHOUT charging us for that. Great service where you can feel that the developers behind are doing their best to satisfy you"