Automate Instagram & Facebook Posting with Meta Graph API (System User Tokens)

This n8n workflow demonstrates a foundational structure for scheduling and executing posts to Instagram and Facebook using the Meta Graph API. It leverages system user tokens for secure and programmatic access, making it ideal for automating social media content delivery.

What it does

This workflow provides a template for:

1. Triggering Post Creation: It can be manually initiated or scheduled to run at specific intervals.
2. Preparing API Requests: It includes an HTTP Request node, pre-configured with helpful resources for understanding API interactions.
3. Executing Custom Logic: A Code node is included for implementing custom JavaScript logic, such as dynamically generating post content, handling image/video URLs, or parsing responses.
4. Introducing Delays: A Wait node allows for pausing the workflow, which can be useful for respecting API rate limits or staggering posts.
5. Documenting Steps: Sticky Notes are used to provide inline documentation and explanations within the workflow.

Prerequisites/Requirements

• Meta Developer Account: Access to the Meta for Developers platform to create an app and obtain necessary credentials.
• Facebook Page & Instagram Business Account: Linked accounts to post content.
• Meta Graph API System User Token: A long-lived access token for a system user associated with your Meta app, providing permissions to manage your Facebook Page and Instagram Business Account. This token would be used within the HTTP Request node for authentication.
• n8n Instance: A running instance of n8n to import and execute the workflow.

Setup/Usage

1. Import the Workflow: Download the provided JSON and import it into your n8n instance.
2. Configure Trigger:
   • Manual Trigger: Use the "When clicking 'Execute workflow'" node for immediate testing.
   • Schedule Trigger: Configure the "Schedule Trigger" node to run at your desired frequency (e.g., daily, hourly).
3. Configure HTTP Request Node:
   • This is where you will make your calls to the Meta Graph API.
   • You will need to set the URL to the appropriate Meta Graph API endpoint (e.g., https://graph.facebook.com/v18.0/{instagram-business-account-id}/media).
   • Set the Method (e.g., POST).
   • Add Headers for authentication, including your System User Token (e.g., Authorization: Bearer YOUR_SYSTEM_USER_TOKEN).
   • In the Body, define your post content (e.g., caption, image_url, media_type).
   • Refer to the Meta Graph API documentation for specific endpoints and parameters for creating Instagram and Facebook posts.
4. Customize Code Node:
   • Utilize the "Code" node to implement any dynamic logic required for your posts. This could include:
     • Fetching content from a database or external API.
     • Generating captions or hashtags.
     • Processing image/video URLs.
     • Constructing the API request body dynamically.
     • Handling API responses.
5. Adjust Wait Node:
   • If you're posting multiple items or need to space out your requests, configure the "Wait" node to introduce a delay.
6. Activate the Workflow: Once configured, activate the workflow to start automating your social media posts.

Note: This workflow provides a foundational structure. You will need to populate the HTTP Request node with your specific Meta Graph API calls and integrate your system user token for authentication. The Code node offers flexibility for advanced logic and data manipulation.