Instagram API变更咨询：已废弃接口能否获取关注关系？是否永久？有无方案？

Is the deprecation permanent? #

In most cases, when an API endpoint like GET /users/self/follows or GET /users/self/followed-by is marked as "immediately deprecated" without any note of a temporary sunset or future restoration, it’s permanent. Platforms typically deprecate endpoints to replace them with more secure, efficient, or well-structured alternatives, and rarely roll back such changes. Your best move is to check the official documentation or developer announcements for explicit confirmation—sometimes there’s a hidden transition period or replacement detail you might have missed initially.

Are there any workarounds? #

Yes, but they depend on the platform’s available alternatives. Here are common avenues to explore:

• Check for replacement endpoints: Look through the official docs for updated versions of these endpoints (e.g., maybe GET /v2/users/self/following or GET /users/{user_id}/followers with adjusted parameters). Many platforms restructure APIs to follow better REST practices, so the core follow-list functionality often exists under a new path.
• Update permission scopes: Sometimes deprecated endpoints stop working because required access scopes have changed. Confirm your app has the correct, updated permissions to access follow-related data through any new available endpoints.
• Alternative data retrieval methods: If direct follow-list endpoints are gone, see if the platform offers bulk user data endpoints that include follow relationships, or if you can use webhooks to sync follow updates in real-time instead of polling.

Is it completely impossible to get the follower list? #

Not necessarily. Most platforms don’t fully remove core functionality like accessing follow lists—they just retire old endpoints to push developers toward newer, more reliable tools. If no direct replacement exists right now, reach out to the platform’s developer support team to clarify if the functionality is being phased out entirely or if a replacement is in the pipeline. In rare cases, some platforms offer a temporary grace period for existing apps to migrate, so double-check if your app qualifies for that.

内容的提问来源于stack exchange，提问作者user8488959