Node.js Instagram Post Monitor MVP
Budget: $15 – $25 USD
I need a minimal proof-of-concept that keeps an eye on a handful of Instagram handles I specify, then notifies me the moment a new post appears. Please build the whole thing in Node.js.
Core flow
• A tiny web dashboard lets me add or remove Instagram usernames.
• A lightweight Node.js backend checks those accounts on a reasonable schedule (feel free to suggest the polling interval that balances API limits and near-real-time updates).
• When a fresh post is detected, a Discord bot you create will push a channel message—no email or SMS for now. The message should include the post caption, a direct link to the post, and an embedded preview or the main image/video if that’s straightforward.
Assumptions & scope
– Only one user (me) needs access, so skip multi-tenant features.
– Keep authentication simple—basic login or even a hardcoded token is fine for the MVP.
– If the official Instagram Graph API complicates things, I’m open to reliable scraping or third-party libraries provided the solution remains stable.
– Code quality matters more than fancy styling; a bare-bones React/Vue/vanilla front end is acceptable as long as it lets me manage handle lists and view basic status.
Acceptance criteria
1. I can add an Instagram handle in the UI and see it listed immediately.
2. The backend detects a new post within the agreed time window and pushes a Discord channel message with caption, link and visual snippet.
3. Adding or removing handles does not require a server restart.
4. Clear README covering setup, environment variables (Instagram cookies or tokens, Discord bot token, etc.), and how to extend polling intervals or monitored fields.
Deliverables
– Source code (Node.js backend + simple dashboard)
– Discord bot script/configuration
– README + quick start instructions
Once the MVP proves solid, I’ll open a follow-up project to add multi-user support, richer analytics (likes, comments, etc.) and a polished UI.
Core flow
• A tiny web dashboard lets me add or remove Instagram usernames.
• A lightweight Node.js backend checks those accounts on a reasonable schedule (feel free to suggest the polling interval that balances API limits and near-real-time updates).
• When a fresh post is detected, a Discord bot you create will push a channel message—no email or SMS for now. The message should include the post caption, a direct link to the post, and an embedded preview or the main image/video if that’s straightforward.
Assumptions & scope
– Only one user (me) needs access, so skip multi-tenant features.
– Keep authentication simple—basic login or even a hardcoded token is fine for the MVP.
– If the official Instagram Graph API complicates things, I’m open to reliable scraping or third-party libraries provided the solution remains stable.
– Code quality matters more than fancy styling; a bare-bones React/Vue/vanilla front end is acceptable as long as it lets me manage handle lists and view basic status.
Acceptance criteria
1. I can add an Instagram handle in the UI and see it listed immediately.
2. The backend detects a new post within the agreed time window and pushes a Discord channel message with caption, link and visual snippet.
3. Adding or removing handles does not require a server restart.
4. Clear README covering setup, environment variables (Instagram cookies or tokens, Discord bot token, etc.), and how to extend polling intervals or monitored fields.
Deliverables
– Source code (Node.js backend + simple dashboard)
– Discord bot script/configuration
– README + quick start instructions
Once the MVP proves solid, I’ll open a follow-up project to add multi-user support, richer analytics (likes, comments, etc.) and a polished UI.