Eighth International Conference on Communication & Media Studies

Abstract

In recent years, the photo and video sharing platform Instagram has become one of the most used social media worldwide. Due to practical research barriers associated with the data collection, Instagram still seems to be underrepresented in (empirical) platform research. This paper therefore highlights the various ways in which Instagram data can be collected. First, we introduce the media grammar of Instagram. This approach helps to differentiate and theoretically frame the possibilities of collecting Instagram data presented below. In terms of data collection, a distinction is made between four different collection strategies: a) manual collection, b) free programming languages, c) tools of the Meta group and d) commercial tools. These are compared on the basis of relevant criteria (including media grammar, survey form, contribution levels, completeness, programming skills). It is shown that different data collection strategies may be appropriate depending on the research question and method. The aim of our study is to make a contribution to facilitating access to Instagram data and to support researchers in collecting Instagram data. Using our own data collection on the topic of COVID-19 on Instagram in Germany, we also present an example of an approach that combines several of these tools. Furthermore, the paper also takes a closer look at the ethical and legal perspectives of research.