Instagram Post Tracking Console App with Database Logging
Budget: $750 – $1,500 USD
Short Version:
I need a windows console application, preferably written in C# and using a recent .NET framework, that can run without user interaction, via task scheduler or other automation trigger and retrieve recent posts from a list of public Instagram accounts, log the date and time of the Instagram post and link to the IG post. The prior tools we were using to do this are no longer available. Deployment will be initially to a Windows application server and longer term would like to be able to deploy to an azure instance without requiring as much server infrastructure.
Business Context:
Our organization has a business initiative where employees who choose to participate in an optional Instagram promotional program. Only employees who notify us they are participating are eligible and the incentive rewards are based on number of and frequency of posts to Instagram.
Previously, we used Zapier and one of their apps to collect data on Instagram posts from specified personnel and store this in a database which we would then assess via powerBI for incentive payouts. However, Instagram changed their API’s and the Zapier app was deprecated as well and we lost the automation functions. We have been relying on self-reporting but want to re-automate the data collection.
The scope of this project is ONLY to scan and store post activity, not the post content nor perform any analytical analysis.
Additional Notes and Requirements:
- All accounts to monitor are public, not private
- We are interested in posts only, not stories
- Would prefer that no login information for accounts to monitor is needed
- Would prefer that the application did not need an Instagram login, but if it does, that is doable.
- For initial build and proof of concept of application, we suggest from a small list of handles, I can provide or you can use anybody you follow.
- For initial build, prove via demonstration of appending output to a CSV (suggested).
- For initial build, prove the app can run via console without user interaction and interim deliverable will also be a project that we can compile and deploy to test in our environment and validate.
- After proof of data can pull and store, would like application to pull list of Instagram names / pages to scan from a database table (Microsoft azure cloud SQL database).
- Retrieved posts will need to be logged to a database table in the same database.
- Client will provide provisional access to their database when developer is ready at this stage. Developer will need to supply a static source IP where they will be accessing the database from.
- Errors encountered during runs should be sent via e-mail to a distribution e-mail client will provide using client specified SMTP service. Provisional SMTP server access CAN be provided but not ideal. Client will be using SMTP2GO as SMTP service for developer information and configuration.
- Database schema for the two tables needed is available if developer would like to jump directly to working with database source and destination. Additional tables can be created if needed but would prefer to use these two “as is” or with minimal modification.
- Client would prefer to be able to test the functional part of accessing Instagram posts works and will work from their systems before having developer work on final iterations of the project.
- Final deliverable should include source code for client to compile, including instructions for use in Visual Studio to install / setup project, package dependences, package installation, etc. Client has Visual Studio Enterprise available for their use.
I need a windows console application, preferably written in C# and using a recent .NET framework, that can run without user interaction, via task scheduler or other automation trigger and retrieve recent posts from a list of public Instagram accounts, log the date and time of the Instagram post and link to the IG post. The prior tools we were using to do this are no longer available. Deployment will be initially to a Windows application server and longer term would like to be able to deploy to an azure instance without requiring as much server infrastructure.
Business Context:
Our organization has a business initiative where employees who choose to participate in an optional Instagram promotional program. Only employees who notify us they are participating are eligible and the incentive rewards are based on number of and frequency of posts to Instagram.
Previously, we used Zapier and one of their apps to collect data on Instagram posts from specified personnel and store this in a database which we would then assess via powerBI for incentive payouts. However, Instagram changed their API’s and the Zapier app was deprecated as well and we lost the automation functions. We have been relying on self-reporting but want to re-automate the data collection.
The scope of this project is ONLY to scan and store post activity, not the post content nor perform any analytical analysis.
Additional Notes and Requirements:
- All accounts to monitor are public, not private
- We are interested in posts only, not stories
- Would prefer that no login information for accounts to monitor is needed
- Would prefer that the application did not need an Instagram login, but if it does, that is doable.
- For initial build and proof of concept of application, we suggest from a small list of handles, I can provide or you can use anybody you follow.
- For initial build, prove via demonstration of appending output to a CSV (suggested).
- For initial build, prove the app can run via console without user interaction and interim deliverable will also be a project that we can compile and deploy to test in our environment and validate.
- After proof of data can pull and store, would like application to pull list of Instagram names / pages to scan from a database table (Microsoft azure cloud SQL database).
- Retrieved posts will need to be logged to a database table in the same database.
- Client will provide provisional access to their database when developer is ready at this stage. Developer will need to supply a static source IP where they will be accessing the database from.
- Errors encountered during runs should be sent via e-mail to a distribution e-mail client will provide using client specified SMTP service. Provisional SMTP server access CAN be provided but not ideal. Client will be using SMTP2GO as SMTP service for developer information and configuration.
- Database schema for the two tables needed is available if developer would like to jump directly to working with database source and destination. Additional tables can be created if needed but would prefer to use these two “as is” or with minimal modification.
- Client would prefer to be able to test the functional part of accessing Instagram posts works and will work from their systems before having developer work on final iterations of the project.
- Final deliverable should include source code for client to compile, including instructions for use in Visual Studio to install / setup project, package dependences, package installation, etc. Client has Visual Studio Enterprise available for their use.