Release of Version 4.4.5

* Bypass IP-based redirects to /accounts/login

There are two main changes made:

For users, we request /{username}/feed/ instead of /{username}/. For some
reason, this completely bypasses the login redirect. This page doesn't
work in browser while blocked, but fortunately all the data we need is
just present in the HTML page.

For posts, we change from using the /p/ page to using the graphql
endpoint for the same data, which is still subject to graphql rate
limits, but is not subject to login redirects. The data is identical
between the two pages, apart from the object keys being sorted
differently and rhx_gis being missing on graphql.

Yes, this now unblocks access from VPNs, Tor, cloud servers, etc.

* Apply requested patch to fix comments

* Remove rhx_gis from Post and Profile

Co-authored-by: Alexander Graf <17130992+aandergr@users.noreply.github.com>

.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/bug_report.md

@@ -24,4 +24,4 @@ If applicable, add error messages and tracebacks to help explain your problem.
 **Additional context**
 Add any other context about the problem here.
 
-(please also see https://instaloader.github.io/contributing.html for how to report a bug)
+<!-- please also see https://instaloader.github.io/contributing.html for how to report a bug -->

.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/config.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+blank_issues_enabled: false
+contact_links:
+  - name: Contributing to Instaloader
+    url: https://instaloader.github.io/contributing.html
+    about: Guidelines for how to report an issue.
+  - name: Instaloader Troubleshooting
+    url: https://instaloader.github.io/troubleshooting.html
+    about: Many common problems and their workarounds are described here.
+  - name: Instaloader Documentation
+    url: https://instaloader.github.io/
+    about: Many questions might be already answered here.

.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/feature_request.md

@@ -15,10 +15,10 @@ A clear and concise description of what you want to happen.
 A clear and concise description of any alternative solutions or features you've considered.
 
 **If the feature request is accepted, would you be willing to submit a PR?**
-
+Yes / No
-Yes / No _(Help can be provided if you need assistance submitting a PR)_
+<!-- Help can be provided if you need assistance submitting a PR -->
 
 **Additional context**
 Add any other context about the feature request here.
 
-(please also see https://instaloader.github.io/contributing.html for how to suggest a feature)
+<!-- please also see https://instaloader.github.io/contributing.html for how to suggest a feature -->

.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/question.md

@@ -6,3 +6,7 @@ labels: question
 ---
 
 Your question here...
+
+<!-- Please see our documentation: https://instaloader.github.io/ -->
+
+<!-- Basic questions regarding Instaloader's usage might be more appropriate to ask on Stack Overflow -->

.github/pull_request_template.md

@@ -0,0 +1,17 @@
+
+
+<!--
+Please describe:
+
+- A motivation for this change, e.g.
+  - Fixes # .
+  - More general: What problem does the pull request solve?
+
+- The changes proposed in this pull request
+
+- The completeness of this change
+  - Is it just a proof of concept?
+  - Is the documentation updated (if appropriate)?
+  - Do you consider it ready to be merged or is it a draft?
+  - Can we help you at some point?
+-->

.github/workflows/lint.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,30 @@
+name: PyLint and MyPy
+
+on: [push, pull_request]
+
+jobs:
+  lint:
+    name: PyLint and MyPy
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    strategy:
+      matrix:
+        python-version: [3.8]
+    steps:
+      - name: Checkout Instaloader Repository
+        uses: actions/checkout@v2
+        with:
+          fetch-depth: 0  # needed for building docs
+      - name: Setup Python
+        uses: actions/setup-python@v2
+        with:
+          python-version: ${{ matrix.python-version }}
+      - name: Install Dependencies
+        run: |
+          python -m pip install pipenv==2020.6.2
+          pipenv sync --dev
+      - name: PyLint
+        run: pipenv run pylint instaloader
+      - name: MyPy
+        run: pipenv run mypy -m instaloader
+      - name: Build Documentation
+        run: pipenv run make -C docs html SPHINXOPTS="-W -n"

.github/workflows/stale.yml

@@ -2,14 +2,25 @@ name: Mark stale issues and pull requests
 
 on:
   schedule:
-  - cron: "15 16 * * *"
+  - cron: "10 14 * * *"
 
 jobs:
   stale:
 
+    name: Mark stale issues and pull requests
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
     
     steps:
+    - uses: actions/stale@v3
+      with:
+        repo-token: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
+        only-labels: 'question'
+        stale-issue-message: 'There has been no activity on this question for an extended period of time. This issue will be closed after further 14 days of inactivity.'
+        stale-issue-label: 'stale'
+        exempt-issue-labels: 'leave open'
+        days-before-stale: 15
+        days-before-close: -1
+        remove-stale-when-updated: false
     - uses: actions/stale@v1
       with:
         repo-token: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
@@ -21,4 +32,3 @@ jobs:
         exempt-pr-label: 'leave open'
         days-before-stale: 90
         days-before-close: 14
-        operations-per-run: 7

.github/workflows/windows_exe.yml

@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ on: [push, pull_request]
 
 jobs:
   build:
+    name: Windows EXE build
     runs-on: windows-latest
     steps:
       - name: Checkout Instaloader repository

.travis.yml

@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ deploy:
     repo: instaloader/instaloader.github.io
     target-branch: master
     on:
-      tags: true
+      branch: master
       python: 3.6
   - provider: script
     script: deploy/arch/deploy.sh $TRAVIS_TAG

deploy/windows/create_exe.py

@@ -8,33 +8,18 @@ import sys
 # copy the required files into repo root
 shutil.copy('docs/favicon.ico', '.')
 shutil.copy('deploy/windows/instaloader.spec', '.')
-shutil.unpack_archive('deploy/windows/ps', '.', 'xztar')
 
 code = """
+import contextlib
 import psutil
 import subprocess
 
 def __main():
-    grandparentpid = psutil.Process(os.getppid()).ppid()
+    with contextlib.suppress(AttributeError, psutil.Error):
-    grandparentpidsearchstring = ' ' + str(grandparentpid) + ' '
+        if psutil.Process().parent().parent().name() == "explorer.exe":
-    if hasattr(sys, "_MEIPASS"):
+            subprocess.Popen("powershell -NoExit -Command \\\"& {0}\\\"".format(sys.argv[0]))
-        ps = os.path.join(sys._MEIPASS, 'tasklist.exe')
+            return
-    else:
+    main()
-        ps = 'tasklist'
-    popen = subprocess.Popen(ps, stdout=subprocess.PIPE, universal_newlines=True)
-    for examine in iter(popen.stdout.readline, ""):
-        if grandparentpidsearchstring in examine:
-            pname = examine
-            break
-    popen.stdout.close()
-    return_code = popen.wait()
-    if return_code:
-        raise subprocess.CalledProcessError(return_code, ps)
-    if pname[0:12] == 'explorer.exe':
-        subprocess.Popen("cmd /K \\\"{0}\\\"".format(os.path.splitext(os.path.basename(sys.argv[0]))[0]))
-    else:
-        main()
-
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     __main()

deploy/windows/instaloader.spec

@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ block_cipher = None
 
 a = Analysis(['__main__.py'],
              binaries=[],
-             datas=[('tasklist.exe', '.'), ('framedyn.dll', '.')],
+             datas=[],
              hiddenimports=[],
              hookspath=[],
              runtime_hooks=[],

docs/_static/instaloader.css

@@ -18,14 +18,17 @@ code {
     padding: 0.7em;
     color: #fff; }
   .highlight .c1 {
-    color: #008d06; }
+    color: #666; }
   .highlight .k, .highlight .kn, .highlight .ow {
-    color: #f48400;
+    color: #008d06; }
-    font-weight: bold; }
+  .highlight .nb, .highlight .ne, .highlight .nf, .highlight .vm {
-  .highlight .nb {
     color: #f48400; }
-  .highlight .s1, .highlight .s2, .highlight .mi {
+  .highlight .s1, .highlight .s2, .highlight .sa, .highlight .se, .highlight .si, .highlight .mi {
     color: #ff7efd; }
+  .highlight .c1, .highlight .nf, .highlight .sa, .highlight .se, .highlight .si {
+    font-style: italic; }
+  .highlight .k, .highlight .kn, .highlight .ow {
+    font-weight: bold; }
 
 .doc-content {
   padding-top: 0.5em;

docs/_static/instaloader.scss

@@ -37,21 +37,28 @@ code {
   }
 
   .c1 {
-    color: $color_instaloader_main
+    color: #666;
   }
 
   .k, .kn, .ow {
-    color: $color_instaloader_accent;
+    color: $color_instaloader_main
-    font-weight: bold
   }
 
-  .nb {
+  .nb, .ne, .nf, .vm {
     color: $color_instaloader_accent
   }
 
-  .s1, .s2, .mi {
+  .s1, .s2, .sa, .se, .si, .mi {
     color: $color_instaloader_hyper
   }
+
+  .c1, .nf, .sa, .se, .si {
+    font-style: italic;
+  }
+
+  .k, .kn, .ow {
+    font-weight: bold
+  }
 }
 
 .doc-content {

docs/basic-usage.rst

@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ invoke it with
     instaloader --login=your_username profile [profile ...]
 
 When logging in, Instaloader **stores the session cookies** in a file in your
-temporary directory, which will be reused later the next time :option:`--login`
+home directory, which will be reused later the next time :option:`--login`
 is given.  So you can download private profiles **non-interactively** when you
 already have a valid session cookie file.
 
@@ -111,8 +111,12 @@ Instaloader supports the following targets:
    ``profile`` (requires :option:`--login`).
 
 - ``-post``
-   The single **post** with the given shortcode. Must be preceeded by ``--`` in
+   Replace **post** with the post's shortcode to download single post. Must be preceeded by ``--`` in
-   the argument list to not be mistaken as an option flag.
+   the argument list to not be mistaken as an option flag::
+
+    instaloader -- -B_K4CykAOtf
+
+
 
    .. versionadded:: 4.1
 
@@ -291,17 +295,18 @@ Instaloader as Cronjob
 Instaloader is suitable for running as a cronjob to periodically update your
 personal Instagram archive. The :option:`--quiet` option disables user
 interactions and logging of non-error messages. To non-interactively use
-Instaloader logged-in, create a session file, e.g. in your home directory::
+Instaloader logged-in, create a session file::
 
-   instaloader --login=your_username --sessionfile=~/.instaloader-session
+   instaloader --login=your_username
 
-Then use the same parameters in your cronjob to load the session and download
+Then use the same parameter in your cronjob to load the session and download
 the given targets::
 
-   instaloader --login=your_username --sessionfile=~/.instaloader-session --quiet <target> [...]
+   instaloader --login=your_username --quiet <target> [...]
 
-Without :option:`--sessionfile` option, Instaloader saves the session file in
+Instaloader saves the session file to
-a path within your temporary directory.
+``~/.config/instaloader/session-YOUR-USERNAME``. See
+:option:`--sessionfile` option for how to override this path.
 
 Programming Instaloader
 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

docs/cli-options.rst

@@ -193,9 +193,8 @@ Instaloader to login.
 
 .. option:: --sessionfile SESSIONFILE, -f SESSIONFILE
 
-   Path for loading and storing session key file.  Defaults to a path within
+   Path for loading and storing session key file.  Defaults to
-   your temporary directory, encoding your local username and your Instagram
+   ``~/.config/instaloader/session-YOUR-USERNAME``.
-   profile name.
 
 .. option:: --password YOUR-PASSWORD, -p YOUR-PASSWORD
 
@@ -243,6 +242,11 @@ How to Download
 
    .. versionadded:: 4.2
 
+   .. warning::
+      We discourage from using the "commit mode" due to its bugs when being used
+      with other command line options (e.g. :issue:`257` with
+      :option:`--fast-update` and :issue:`483` with :option:`--tagged`).
+
 .. option:: --request-timeout N
 
    Seconds to wait before timing out a connection request.

docs/codesnippets.rst

@@ -28,8 +28,9 @@ Download Posts in a Specific Period
 -----------------------------------
 
 To only download Instagram pictures (and metadata) that are within a specific
-period, you can play around with :func:`~itertools.dropwhile` and
+period, you can simply use :func:`~itertools.dropwhile` and
-:func:`~itertools.takewhile` from :mod:`itertools` like in this snippet.
+:func:`~itertools.takewhile` from :mod:`itertools` on a generator that returns
+Posts in **exact chronological order**, such as :meth:`Profile.get_posts`.
 
 .. literalinclude:: codesnippets/121_since_until.py
 
@@ -37,6 +38,14 @@ See also :class:`Post`, :meth:`Instaloader.download_post`.
 
 Discussed in :issue:`121`.
 
+The code example with :func:`~itertools.dropwhile` and
+:func:`~itertools.takewhile` makes the assumption that the post iterator returns
+posts in exact chronological order.  As discussed in :issue:`666`, the following
+approach fits for an **almost chronological order**, where up to *k* older posts
+are inserted into an otherwise chronological order, such as an Hashtag feed.
+
+.. literalinclude:: codesnippets/666_historical_hashtag_data.py
+
 Likes of a Profile / Ghost Followers
 ------------------------------------
 

docs/codesnippets/121_since_until.py

@@ -5,13 +5,11 @@ import instaloader
 
 L = instaloader.Instaloader()
 
-posts = instaloader.Hashtag.from_name(L.context, 'urbanphotography').get_posts()
+posts = instaloader.Profile.from_username(L.context, "instagram").get_posts()
-# or
-# posts = instaloader.Profile.from_username(L.context, PROFILE).get_posts()
 
 SINCE = datetime(2015, 5, 1)
 UNTIL = datetime(2015, 3, 1)
 
 for post in takewhile(lambda p: p.date > UNTIL, dropwhile(lambda p: p.date > SINCE, posts)):
     print(post.date)
-    L.download_post(post, '#urbanphotography')
+    L.download_post(post, "instagram")

docs/codesnippets/615_import_firefox_session.py

@@ -0,0 +1,53 @@
+from argparse import ArgumentParser
+from glob import glob
+from os.path import expanduser
+from platform import system
+from sqlite3 import OperationalError, connect
+
+try:
+    from instaloader import ConnectionException, Instaloader
+except ModuleNotFoundError:
+    raise SystemExit("Instaloader not found.\n  pip install [--user] instaloader")
+
+
+def get_cookiefile():
+    default_cookiefile = {
+        "Windows": "~/AppData/Roaming/Mozilla/Firefox/Profiles/*/cookies.sqlite",
+        "Darwin": "~/Library/Application Support/Firefox/Profiles/*/cookies.sqlite",
+    }.get(system(), "~/.mozilla/firefox/*/cookies.sqlite")
+    cookiefiles = glob(expanduser(default_cookiefile))
+    if not cookiefiles:
+        raise SystemExit("No Firefox cookies.sqlite file found. Use -c COOKIEFILE.")
+    return cookiefiles[0]
+
+
+def import_session(cookiefile, sessionfile):
+    print("Using cookies from {}.".format(cookiefile))
+    conn = connect(cookiefile)
+    try:
+        cookie_data = conn.execute(
+            "SELECT name, value FROM moz_cookies WHERE baseDomain='instagram.com'"
+        )
+    except OperationalError:
+        cookie_data = conn.execute(
+            "SELECT name, value FROM moz_cookies WHERE host LIKE '%instagram.com'"
+        )
+    instaloader = Instaloader(max_connection_attempts=1)
+    instaloader.context._session.cookies.update(cookie_data)
+    username = instaloader.test_login()
+    if not username:
+        raise SystemExit("Not logged in. Are you logged in successfully in Firefox?")
+    print("Imported session cookie for {}.".format(username))
+    instaloader.context.username = username
+    instaloader.save_session_to_file(sessionfile)
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    p = ArgumentParser()
+    p.add_argument("-c", "--cookiefile")
+    p.add_argument("-f", "--sessionfile")
+    args = p.parse_args()
+    try:
+        import_session(args.cookiefile or get_cookiefile(), args.sessionfile)
+    except (ConnectionException, OperationalError) as e:
+        raise SystemExit("Cookie import failed: {}".format(e))

docs/codesnippets/666_historical_hashtag_data.py

@@ -0,0 +1,30 @@
+from datetime import datetime
+import instaloader
+
+L = instaloader.Instaloader()
+
+posts = instaloader.Hashtag.from_name(L.context, "urbanphotography").get_posts()
+
+SINCE = datetime(2020, 5, 10)  # further from today, inclusive
+UNTIL = datetime(2020, 5, 11)  # closer to today, not inclusive
+
+k = 0  # initiate k
+k_list = []  # uncomment this to tune k
+
+for post in posts:
+    postdate = post.date
+
+    if postdate > UNTIL:
+        continue
+    elif postdate <= SINCE:
+        k += 1
+        if k == 50:
+            break
+        else:
+            continue
+    else:
+        L.download_post(post, "#urbanphotography")
+        k = 0  # set k to 0
+        # if you want to tune k, uncomment below to get your k max
+        #k_list.append(k)
+#max(k_list)

docs/codesnippets/92_import_firefox_session.py

@@ -1,23 +0,0 @@
-from glob import glob
-from os.path import expanduser
-from sqlite3 import connect
-
-from instaloader import ConnectionException, Instaloader
-
-# FIREFOXCOOKIEFILE = "/home/alex/.mozilla/firefox/l96w6b90.default/cookies.sqlite"
-FIREFOXCOOKIEFILE = glob(expanduser("~/.mozilla/firefox/*.default/cookies.sqlite"))[0]
-
-instaloader = Instaloader(max_connection_attempts=1)
-instaloader.context._session.cookies.update(connect(FIREFOXCOOKIEFILE)
-                                            .execute("SELECT name, value FROM moz_cookies "
-                                                     "WHERE baseDomain='instagram.com'"))
-
-try:
-    username = instaloader.test_login()
-    if not username:
-        raise ConnectionException()
-except ConnectionException:
-    raise SystemExit("Cookie import failed. Are you logged in successfully in Firefox?")
-
-instaloader.context.username = username
-instaloader.save_session_to_file()

docs/conf.py

@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@
 # documentation root, use os.path.abspath to make it absolute, like shown here.
 #
 import os
+import platform
 import subprocess
 import sys
 import typing
@@ -49,7 +50,23 @@ autodoc_member_order = 'bysource'
 intersphinx_mapping = {'python': ('https://docs.python.org/3', None),
                        'requests': ('https://requests.kennethreitz.org/en/master/', None)}
 
-extlinks = {'issue': ('https://github.com/instaloader/instaloader/issues/%s', 'issue #')}
+current_release = subprocess.check_output(["git", "describe", "--abbrev=0"]).decode("ascii")[1:-1]
+date_format = "%e %b %Y" if platform.system() != "Windows" else "%d %b %Y"
+current_release_date = subprocess.check_output(
+    ["git", "log", "-1", "--tags", "--format=%ad", "--date=format:"+date_format]).decode("ascii")[:-1]
+
+html_context = {'current_release': current_release, 'current_release_date': current_release_date}
+
+extlinks = {
+    'issue': (
+        'https://github.com/instaloader/instaloader/issues/%s',
+        'Issue #'
+    ),
+    'example': (
+        'https://raw.githubusercontent.com/instaloader/instaloader/v' + current_release + '/docs/codesnippets/%s',
+        'Example '
+    ),
+}
 
 # Add any paths that contain templates here, relative to this directory.
 templates_path = ['_templates']
@@ -69,7 +86,7 @@ master_doc = 'index'
 
 # General information about the project.
 project = 'Instaloader'
-copyright = '2017, Alexander Graf and Andre Koch-Kramer'
+copyright = '2017-2020, Alexander Graf and Andre Koch-Kramer'
 author = 'Alexander Graf and Andre Koch-Kramer'
 
 # The version info for the project you're documenting, acts as replacement for
@@ -353,12 +370,6 @@ texinfo_documents = [
 # texinfo_no_detailmenu = False
 
 
-current_release = subprocess.check_output(["git", "describe", "--abbrev=0"]).decode("ascii")[1:-1]
-current_release_date = subprocess.check_output(["git", "log", "-1", "--tags", "--format=%ad", "--date=format:%e %b %Y"]).decode("ascii")[:-1]
-
-html_context = {'current_release': current_release, 'current_release_date': current_release_date}
-
-
 def setup(app):
     typing.TYPE_CHECKING = True
     app.add_stylesheet("instaloader.css")

docs/contributing.rst

@@ -35,8 +35,8 @@ reporting a problem, please keep the following in mind:
 - If not obvious, describe **which behavior you expected**
   instead of what actually happened.
 
-- If you think an issue has been closed accidentally or inappropriately, feel
+- If we have closed an issue apparently inadvertently or inappropriately, please
-  free to reopen it.
+  let us know.
 
 Writing Code or Improving the Documentation
 -------------------------------------------
@@ -45,28 +45,25 @@ Changes of the Instaloader source can be proposed as a
 `Pull Request <https://github.com/instaloader/instaloader/pulls>`__. There are only
 few things to consider:
 
-- Sometimes, the most current code is not in the ``master`` branch. Check that
+- Base your Pull Request on the ``master`` branch if it fixes a bug,
-  you forked from the most recent branch.
+  or the ``upcoming/v4.X`` branch (if it exists at the moment of submitting the PR)
+  otherwise.
 
 - We use `Pylint <https://www.pylint.org/>`__ for error and syntax checking of
-  the source. The file ``.travis.yml`` in the project's root directory
+  the source and `MyPy <https://github.com/python/mypy>`__ for type checking.
-  shows how it is invoked. Note that sometimes it might be better to disable a
+  Beware that sometimes it might be better to disable a warning rather than
-  warning rather than adapting the code to Pylint's desires.
+  adapting the code to a tool's desires.
 
 - The documentation source is located in the ``docs`` folder. The file
   ``cli-options.rst`` is merely an RST-formatted copy of ``instaloader --help``
   output, of which the source is in ``instaloader/__main__.py``.
 
-- Feel free to contact us, even if you "only" have Proof-of-Concepts or
+Proposing Features
-  not-fully integrated changes. They already might be an advance for the
+------------------
-  project.
-
-Suggesting Features
--------------------
 
 .. goal-start
 
-Instaloader's goal is to mimick the browser's behavior to access the data that
+Instaloader's goal is to mimic the browser's behavior to access the data that
 is available through the Instagram web interface, pack this data into complete
 and easily-(re)usable python objects, and provide a user interface for the most
 common downloading and metadata collection tasks, without changing any of the
@@ -74,10 +71,9 @@ online data.
 
 .. goal-end
 
-If you have an idea of how Instaloader should be enhanced, but do not want to
+Prior spending effort on implementing a new feature, it might be appropriate to
-implement the feature yourself, feel free to open a ticket in our 
+clarify how it could fit into the project's scope or discuss implementation
-`Issue Tracker <https://github.com/instaloader/instaloader/issues>`__.
+details. If you feel the need to do so, please create a "feature suggestion".
-Please consider the following:
 
 - Instaloader already has plenty of features. **Check the documentation**
   beforehand to ensure your desired suggestion is not already implemented.
@@ -86,16 +82,21 @@ Please consider the following:
   an issue suggesting the same or a similar feature, share your thoughts in a
   comment there, instead of opening a new issue.
 
-- If possible, provide us a **use case of the feature**: How could the user
+- **Motivate the feature**, i.e.
-  invoke the new function? Which problem would it solve? If new information is
-  obtained, how would it be further processed?
 
-- If not obvious, briefly motivate how your suggested feature **conforms with
+  - Provide us a **use case of the feature**: How could the user
-  Instaloader's project goal**.
+    invoke the new function? Which problem would it solve? If new information is
+    obtained, how would it be further processed?
 
-- **Be patient**. Naturally, bugs and pull requests have a higher priority than
+  - Describe already-working **alternatives of the feature** and how they
-  feature suggestions. Keep in mind that this is a free software project, and
+    compare to your proposed feature.
-  unfortunately we only have limited time to work on it.
+
+  - Briefly describe how your suggested feature **conforms with Instaloader's
+    project goal**.
+
+- Explain your **solution ideas**. Describe your ideas on how the feature could
+  be implemented and the underlying problem could be solved. Also **describe
+  alternatives** that you have considered.
 
 Donations
 ---------

docs/troubleshooting.rst

@@ -27,12 +27,26 @@ expired. In case the retry continuously fails for some reason, which should not
 happen in normal conditions, consider adjusting the
 :option:`--max-connection-attempts` option.
 
+There have been observations that services, that in their nature offer
+promiscious IP addresses, such as cloud, VPN and public proxy services, might be
+subject to significantly stricter limits for anonymous access. However,
+logged-in accesses (see :option:`--login`) do not seem to be affected.
+
+Too many queries in the last time
+---------------------------------
+
 **"Too many queries in the last time"** is not an error. It is a notice that the
 rate limit has almost been reached, according to Instaloader's own rate
 accounting mechanism. We regularly adjust this mechanism to match Instagram's
 current rate limiting.
 
-Login error
+Private but not followed
+------------------------
+
+You have to follow a private account to access most of its associated
+information.
+
+Login Error
 -----------
 
 Instaloader's login *should* work fine, both with and without
@@ -40,21 +54,31 @@ Two-Factor-Authentication. It also supports handling the *checkpoint challenge*,
 issued when Instagram suspects authentication activity on your account, by
 pointing the user to an URL to be opened in a browser.
 
-Nevertheless, in :issue:`92` users report problems with logging in. To still use
+Nevertheless, in :issue:`92` and :issue:`615` users reported problems with
-Instaloader's logged-in functionality, you may use the following script to
+logging in. We recommend to always keep the sessionfile which Instaloader
-workaround login problems by importing the session cookies from Firefox and
+creates when using :option:`--login`. If a sessionfile is present,
-bypassing Instaloader's login.
+:option:`--login` does not make make use of the failure-prone login procedure.
+Also, sessionfiles usually do not expire and can be copied between different
+computers without any problems.
 
-.. literalinclude:: codesnippets/92_import_firefox_session.py
+If you do not have a sessionfile present, you may use the following script
+(:example:`615_import_firefox_session.py`) to workaround login problems by
+importing the session cookies from Firefox and bypassing Instaloader's login and
+so still use Instaloader's logged-in functionality.
 
-To use this,
+.. literalinclude:: codesnippets/615_import_firefox_session.py
 
-#. login to Instagram in Firefox, 
+To use this script,
 
-#. execute the snippet,
+#. Download the script: :example:`615_import_firefox_session.py`,
 
-#. then, ``instaloader -l USERNAME`` should work fine.
+#. Login to Instagram in Firefox,
 
-If you do not use your default firefox profile, or your operating system has the
+#. Execute the snippet, e.g. with ``python 615_import_firefox_session.py``,
-paths differently set up, you may have to alter the ``FIREFOXCOOKIEFILE``
+
-variable first.
+#. Then, ``instaloader -l USERNAME`` should work fine.
+
+This script also supports specifying a cookiefile path, which may be useful if
+you use multiple Firefox profiles or if your operating system has the directory
+structure differently set up. Also, you can specify an alternative sessionfile
+path.

instaloader/__init__.py

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 """Download pictures (or videos) along with their captions and other metadata from Instagram."""
 
 
-__version__ = '4.4b1'
+__version__ = '4.4.5'
 
 
 try:

instaloader/__main__.py

@@ -82,6 +82,8 @@ def _main(instaloader: Instaloader, targetlist: List[str],
         instaloader.context.log('Only download storyitems with property "{}".'.format(storyitem_filter_str))
     # Login, if desired
     if username is not None:
+        if not re.match(r"^[A-Za-z0-9._]+$", username):
+            instaloader.context.error("Warning: Parameter \"{}\" for --login is not a valid username.".format(username))
         try:
             instaloader.load_session_from_file(username, sessionfile)
         except FileNotFoundError as err:
@@ -143,7 +145,7 @@ def _main(instaloader: Instaloader, targetlist: List[str],
                     for followee in profile.get_followees():
                         instaloader.save_profile_id(followee)
                         profiles.add(followee)
-                elif re.match(r"^#[A-Za-z0-9]+$", target):
+                elif re.match(r"^#\w+$", target):
                     instaloader.download_hashtag(hashtag=target[1:], max_count=max_count, fast_update=fast_update,
                                                  post_filter=post_filter,
                                                  profile_pic=download_profile_pic, posts=download_posts)
@@ -196,8 +198,8 @@ def _main(instaloader: Instaloader, targetlist: List[str],
         if len(profiles) > 1:
             instaloader.context.log("Downloading {} profiles: {}".format(len(profiles),
                                                                          ' '.join([p.username for p in profiles])))
-        if profiles and download_profile_pic and not instaloader.context.is_logged_in:
+        if profiles and (download_profile_pic or download_posts) and not instaloader.context.is_logged_in:
-            instaloader.context.error("Warning: Use --login to download HD version of profile pictures.")
+            instaloader.context.error("Warning: Use --login to download higher-quality versions of pictures.")
         instaloader.download_profiles(profiles,
                                       download_profile_pic, download_posts, download_tagged, download_igtv,
                                       download_highlights, download_stories,

instaloader/instaloader.py

@@ -27,6 +27,20 @@ from .structures import (Hashtag, Highlight, JsonExportable, Post, PostLocation,
 
 def get_default_session_filename(username: str) -> str:
     """Returns default session filename for given username."""
+    sessionfilename = "session-{}".format(username)
+    if platform.system() == "Windows":
+        # on Windows, use %LOCALAPPDATA%\Instaloader\session-USERNAME
+        localappdata = os.getenv("LOCALAPPDATA")
+        if localappdata is not None:
+            return os.path.join(localappdata, "Instaloader", sessionfilename)
+        # legacy fallback - store in temp dir if %LOCALAPPDATA% is not set
+        return os.path.join(tempfile.gettempdir(), ".instaloader-" + getpass.getuser(), sessionfilename)
+    # on Unix, use ~/.config/instaloader/session-USERNAME
+    return os.path.join(os.getenv("XDG_CONFIG_HOME", os.path.expanduser("~/.config")), "instaloader", sessionfilename)
+
+
+def get_legacy_session_filename(username: str) -> str:
+    """Returns legacy (until v4.4.3) default session filename for given username."""
     dirname = tempfile.gettempdir() + "/" + ".instaloader-" + getpass.getuser()
     filename = dirname + "/" + "session-" + username
     return filename.lower()
@@ -103,22 +117,20 @@ class _ArbitraryItemFormatter(string.Formatter):
 
 
 class _PostPathFormatter(_ArbitraryItemFormatter):
-    def vformat(self, format_string, args, kwargs):
-        """Override :meth:`string.Formatter.vformat` for character substitution in paths for Windows, see issue #84."""
-        ret = super().vformat(format_string, args, kwargs)
-        if platform.system() == 'Windows':
-            ret = ret.replace(':', '\ua789').replace('<', '\ufe64').replace('>', '\ufe65').replace('\"', '\uff02')
-            ret = ret.replace('\\', '\ufe68').replace('|', '\uff5c').replace('?', '\ufe16').replace('*', '\uff0a')
-        return ret
-
     def get_value(self, key, args, kwargs):
-        """Replaces '/' with similar looking Division Slash and on windows newline with space"""
         ret = super().get_value(key, args, kwargs)
         if not isinstance(ret, str):
             return ret
+        return self.sanitize_path(ret)
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def sanitize_path(ret: str) -> str:
+        """Replaces '/' with similar looking Division Slash and some other illegal filename characters on Windows."""
         ret = ret.replace('/', '\u2215')
         if platform.system() == 'Windows':
-            ret = ret.replace('\n', ' ')
+            ret = ret.replace(':', '\uff1a').replace('<', '\ufe64').replace('>', '\ufe65').replace('\"', '\uff02')
+            ret = ret.replace('\\', '\ufe68').replace('|', '\uff5c').replace('?', '\ufe16').replace('*', '\uff0a')
+            ret = ret.replace('\n', ' ').replace('\r', ' ')
         return ret
 
 
@@ -381,12 +393,12 @@ class Instaloader:
         if ((format_string_contains_key(self.dirname_pattern, 'profile') or
              format_string_contains_key(self.dirname_pattern, 'target'))):
             profile_str = owner_profile.username.lower() if owner_profile is not None else target
-            filename = '{0}/{1}_{2}.{3}'.format(self.dirname_pattern.format(profile=profile_str,
+            filename = os.path.join(self.dirname_pattern.format(profile=profile_str,
-                                                                            target=target),
+                                                                target=target),
-                                                pic_identifier, name_suffix, pic_extension)
+                                    '{0}_{1}.{2}'.format(pic_identifier, name_suffix, pic_extension))
         else:
-            filename = '{0}/{1}_{2}_{3}.{4}'.format(self.dirname_pattern.format(), target,
+            filename = os.path.join(self.dirname_pattern.format(),
-                                                    pic_identifier, name_suffix, pic_extension)
+                                    '{0}_{1}_{2}.{3}'.format(target, pic_identifier, name_suffix, pic_extension))
         content_length = http_response.headers.get('Content-Length', None)
         if os.path.isfile(filename) and (not self.context.is_logged_in or
                                          (content_length is not None and
@@ -443,6 +455,8 @@ class Instaloader:
         """
         if filename is None:
             filename = get_default_session_filename(username)
+            if not os.path.exists(filename):
+                filename = get_legacy_session_filename(username)
         with open(filename, 'rb') as sessionfile:
             self.context.load_session_from_file(username, sessionfile)
             self.context.log("Loaded session from %s." % filename)
@@ -487,7 +501,7 @@ class Instaloader:
         """
 
         dirname = _PostPathFormatter(post).format(self.dirname_pattern, target=target)
-        filename = dirname + '/' + self.format_filename(post, target=target)
+        filename = os.path.join(dirname, self.format_filename(post, target=target))
         os.makedirs(os.path.dirname(filename), exist_ok=True)
 
         # Download the image(s) / video thumbnail and videos within sidecars if desired
@@ -616,7 +630,7 @@ class Instaloader:
 
         date_local = item.date_local
         dirname = _PostPathFormatter(item).format(self.dirname_pattern, target=target)
-        filename = dirname + '/' + self.format_filename(item, target=target)
+        filename = os.path.join(dirname, self.format_filename(item, target=target))
         os.makedirs(os.path.dirname(filename), exist_ok=True)
         downloaded = False
         if not item.is_video or self.download_video_thumbnails is True:
@@ -681,7 +695,8 @@ class Instaloader:
             name = user_highlight.owner_username
             highlight_target = (filename_target
                                 if filename_target
-                                else Path(name) / Path(user_highlight.title))  # type: Union[str, Path]
+                                else (Path(_PostPathFormatter.sanitize_path(name)) /
+                                      _PostPathFormatter.sanitize_path(user_highlight.title)))  # type: Union[str, Path]
             self.context.log("Retrieving highlights \"{}\" from profile {}".format(user_highlight.title, name))
             self.download_highlight_cover(user_highlight, highlight_target)
             totalcount = user_highlight.itemcount
@@ -942,8 +957,10 @@ class Instaloader:
         .. versionadded:: 4.1"""
         self.context.log("Retrieving tagged posts for profile {}.".format(profile.username))
         self.posts_download_loop(profile.get_tagged_posts(),
-                                 target if target else Path(profile.username) / Path(':tagged'), fast_update,
+                                 target if target
-                                 post_filter)
+                                 else (Path(_PostPathFormatter.sanitize_path(profile.username)) /
+                                       _PostPathFormatter.sanitize_path(':tagged')),
+                                 fast_update, post_filter)
 
     def download_igtv(self, profile: Profile, fast_update: bool = False,
                       post_filter: Optional[Callable[[Post], bool]] = None) -> None:
@@ -957,10 +974,12 @@ class Instaloader:
     def _get_id_filename(self, profile_name: str) -> str:
         if ((format_string_contains_key(self.dirname_pattern, 'profile') or
              format_string_contains_key(self.dirname_pattern, 'target'))):
-            return '{0}/id'.format(self.dirname_pattern.format(profile=profile_name.lower(),
+            return os.path.join(self.dirname_pattern.format(profile=profile_name.lower(),
-                                                               target=profile_name.lower()))
+                                                            target=profile_name.lower()),
+                                'id')
         else:
-            return '{0}/{1}_id'.format(self.dirname_pattern.format(), profile_name.lower())
+            return os.path.join(self.dirname_pattern.format(),
+                                '{0}_id'.format(profile_name.lower()))
 
     def save_profile_id(self, profile: Profile):
         """
@@ -1074,9 +1093,9 @@ class Instaloader:
 
                 # Save metadata as JSON if desired.
                 if self.save_metadata:
-                    json_filename = '{0}/{1}_{2}'.format(self.dirname_pattern.format(profile=profile_name,
+                    json_filename = os.path.join(self.dirname_pattern.format(profile=profile_name,
-                                                                                     target=profile_name),
+                                                                             target=profile_name),
-                                                         profile_name, profile.userid)
+                                                 '{0}_{1}'.format(profile_name, profile.userid))
                     self.save_metadata_json(json_filename, profile)
 
                 # Catch some errors

instaloader/instaloadercontext.py

@@ -113,7 +113,7 @@ class InstaloaderContext:
     def close(self):
         """Print error log and close session"""
         if self.error_log and not self.quiet:
-            print("\nErrors occurred:", file=sys.stderr)
+            print("\nErrors or warnings occurred:", file=sys.stderr)
             for err in self.error_log:
                 print(err, file=sys.stderr)
         self._session.close()
@@ -215,8 +215,11 @@ class InstaloaderContext:
         session.headers.update({'X-CSRFToken': csrf_token})
         # Not using self.get_json() here, because we need to access csrftoken cookie
         self.do_sleep()
+        # Workaround credits to pgrimaud.
+        # See: https://github.com/pgrimaud/instagram-user-feed/commit/96ad4cf54d1ad331b337f325c73e664999a6d066
+        enc_password = '#PWD_INSTAGRAM_BROWSER:0:{}:{}'.format(int(datetime.now().timestamp()), passwd)
         login = session.post('https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/ajax/',
-                             data={'password': passwd, 'username': user}, allow_redirects=True)
+                             data={'enc_password': enc_password, 'username': user}, allow_redirects=True)
         try:
             resp_json = login.json()
         except json.decoder.JSONDecodeError:
@@ -533,8 +536,8 @@ class InstaloaderContext:
 
         .. versionadded:: 4.2.1"""
         with copy_session(self._session, self.request_timeout) as tempsession:
-            tempsession.headers['User-Agent'] = 'Instagram 10.3.2 (iPhone7,2; iPhone OS 9_3_3; en_US; en-US; ' \
+            tempsession.headers['User-Agent'] = 'Instagram 123.1.0.26.115 (iPhone12,1; iOS 13_3; en_US; en-US; ' \
-                                                'scale=2.00; 750x1334) AppleWebKit/420+'
+                                                'scale=2.00; 1656x3584; 190542906)'
             for header in ['Host', 'Origin', 'X-Instagram-AJAX', 'X-Requested-With']:
                 tempsession.headers.pop(header, None)
             return self.get_json(path, params, 'i.instagram.com', tempsession)

instaloader/structures.py

@@ -69,8 +69,11 @@ class Post:
         self._node = node
         self._owner_profile = owner_profile
         self._full_metadata_dict = None  # type: Optional[Dict[str, Any]]
-        self._rhx_gis_str = None         # type: Optional[str]
         self._location = None            # type: Optional[PostLocation]
+        self._iphone_struct_ = None
+        if 'iphone_struct' in node:
+            # if loaded from JSON with load_structure_from_file()
+            self._iphone_struct_ = node['iphone_struct']
 
     @classmethod
     def from_shortcode(cls, context: InstaloaderContext, shortcode: str):
@@ -111,6 +114,8 @@ class Post:
             node['owner'] = self.owner_profile._asdict()
         if self._location:
             node['location'] = self._location._asdict()
+        if self._iphone_struct_:
+            node['iphone_struct'] = self._iphone_struct_
         return node
 
     @property
@@ -136,9 +141,11 @@ class Post:
 
     def _obtain_metadata(self):
         if not self._full_metadata_dict:
-            pic_json = self._context.get_json("p/{0}/".format(self.shortcode), params={})
+            pic_json = self._context.graphql_query(
-            self._full_metadata_dict = pic_json['entry_data']['PostPage'][0]['graphql']['shortcode_media']
+                '2b0673e0dc4580674a88d426fe00ea90',
-            self._rhx_gis_str = pic_json.get('rhx_gis')
+                {'shortcode': self.shortcode}
+            )
+            self._full_metadata_dict = pic_json['data']['shortcode_media']
             if self._full_metadata_dict is None:
                 # issue #449
                 self._context.error("Fetching Post metadata failed (issue #449). "
@@ -156,9 +163,13 @@ class Post:
         return self._full_metadata_dict
 
     @property
-    def _rhx_gis(self) -> Optional[str]:
+    def _iphone_struct(self) -> Dict[str, Any]:
-        self._obtain_metadata()
+        if not self._context.is_logged_in:
-        return self._rhx_gis_str
+            raise LoginRequiredException("--login required to access iPhone media info endpoint.")
+        if not self._iphone_struct_:
+            data = self._context.get_iphone_json(path='api/v1/media/{}/info/'.format(self.mediaid), params={})
+            self._iphone_struct_ = data['items'][0]
+        return self._iphone_struct_
 
     def _field(self, *keys) -> Any:
         """Lookups given fields in _node, and if not found in _full_metadata. Raises KeyError if not found anywhere."""
@@ -225,6 +236,13 @@ class Post:
     @property
     def url(self) -> str:
         """URL of the picture / video thumbnail of the post"""
+        if self.typename == "GraphImage" and self._context.is_logged_in:
+            try:
+                orig_url = self._iphone_struct['image_versions2']['candidates'][0]['url']
+                url = re.sub(r'&se=\d+(&?)', r'\1', orig_url)
+                return url
+            except (InstaloaderException, KeyError, IndexError) as err:
+                self._context.error('{} Unable to fetch high quality image version of {}.'.format(err, self))
         return self._node["display_url"] if "display_url" in self._node else self._node["display_src"]
 
     @property
@@ -239,10 +257,18 @@ class Post:
             if any(edge['node']['is_video'] for edge in edges):
                 # video_url is only present in full metadata, issue #558.
                 edges = self._full_metadata['edge_sidecar_to_children']['edges']
-            for edge in edges:
+            for idx, edge in enumerate(edges):
                 node = edge['node']
                 is_video = node['is_video']
-                yield PostSidecarNode(is_video=is_video, display_url=node['display_url'],
+                display_url = node['display_url']
+                if not is_video and self._context.is_logged_in:
+                    try:
+                        carousel_media = self._iphone_struct['carousel_media']
+                        orig_url = carousel_media[idx]['image_versions2']['candidates'][0]['url']
+                        display_url = re.sub(r'&se=\d+(&?)', r'\1', orig_url)
+                    except (InstaloaderException, KeyError, IndexError) as err:
+                        self._context.error('{} Unable to fetch high quality image version of {}.'.format(err, self))
+                yield PostSidecarNode(is_video=is_video, display_url=display_url,
                                       video_url=node['video_url'] if is_video else None)
 
     @property
@@ -362,7 +388,7 @@ class Post:
                                      created_at_utc=datetime.utcfromtimestamp(node['created_at']),
                                      text=node['text'],
                                      owner=Profile(self._context, node['owner']),
-                                     likes_count=node['edge_liked_by']['count'])
+                                     likes_count=node.get('edge_liked_by', {}).get('count', 0))
 
         def _postcommentanswers(node):
             if 'edge_threaded_comments' not in node:
@@ -388,14 +414,9 @@ class Post:
         if self.comments == 0:
             # Avoid doing additional requests if there are no comments
             return
-        try:
+
-            comment_edges = self._field('edge_media_to_parent_comment', 'edges')
+        comment_edges = self._field('edge_media_to_comment', 'edges')
-            answers_count = sum([edge['node']['edge_threaded_comments']['count'] for edge in comment_edges])
+        answers_count = sum([edge['node'].get('edge_threaded_comments', {}).get('count', 0) for edge in comment_edges])
-            threaded_comments_available = True
-        except KeyError:
-            comment_edges = self._field('edge_media_to_comment', 'edges')
-            answers_count = 0
-            threaded_comments_available = False
 
         if self.comments == len(comment_edges) + answers_count:
             # If the Post's metadata already contains all parent comments, don't do GraphQL requests to obtain them
@@ -403,14 +424,10 @@ class Post:
             return
         yield from (_postcomment(node) for node in
                     self._context.graphql_node_list(
-                        "97b41c52301f77ce508f55e66d17620e" if threaded_comments_available
+                        "97b41c52301f77ce508f55e66d17620e",
-                        else "f0986789a5c5d17c2400faebf16efd0d",
                         {'shortcode': self.shortcode},
                         'https://www.instagram.com/p/' + self.shortcode + '/',
-                        lambda d:
+                        lambda d: d['data']['shortcode_media']['edge_media_to_parent_comment']))
-                        d['data']['shortcode_media'][
-                            'edge_media_to_parent_comment' if threaded_comments_available else 'edge_media_to_comment'],
-                        self._rhx_gis))
 
     def get_likes(self) -> Iterator['Profile']:
         """Iterate over all likes of the post. A :class:`Profile` instance of each likee is yielded."""
@@ -425,8 +442,7 @@ class Post:
         yield from (Profile(self._context, node) for node in
                     self._context.graphql_node_list("1cb6ec562846122743b61e492c85999f", {'shortcode': self.shortcode},
                                                     'https://www.instagram.com/p/' + self.shortcode + '/',
-                                                    lambda d: d['data']['shortcode_media']['edge_liked_by'],
+                                                    lambda d: d['data']['shortcode_media']['edge_liked_by']))
-                                                    self._rhx_gis))
 
     @property
     def is_sponsored(self) -> bool:
@@ -507,7 +523,6 @@ class Profile:
         self._has_public_story = None  # type: Optional[bool]
         self._node = node
         self._has_full_metadata = False
-        self._rhx_gis = None
         self._iphone_struct_ = None
         if 'iphone_struct' in node:
             # if loaded from JSON with load_structure_from_file()
@@ -569,10 +584,9 @@ class Profile:
     def _obtain_metadata(self):
         try:
             if not self._has_full_metadata:
-                metadata = self._context.get_json('{}/'.format(self.username), params={})
+                metadata = self._context.get_json('{}/feed/'.format(self.username), params={})
                 self._node = metadata['entry_data']['ProfilePage'][0]['graphql']['user']
                 self._has_full_metadata = True
-                self._rhx_gis = metadata.get('rhx_gis')
         except (QueryReturnedNotFoundException, KeyError) as err:
             top_search_results = TopSearchResults(self._context, self.username)
             similar_profiles = [profile.username for profile in top_search_results.get_profiles()]
@@ -654,6 +668,16 @@ class Profile:
     def external_url(self) -> Optional[str]:
         return self._metadata('external_url')
 
+    @property
+    def is_business_account(self) -> bool:
+        """.. versionadded:: 4.4"""
+        return self._metadata('is_business_account')
+
+    @property
+    def business_category_name(self) -> str:
+        """.. versionadded:: 4.4"""
+        return self._metadata('business_category_name')
+
     @property
     def biography(self) -> str:
         return self._metadata('biography')
@@ -695,8 +719,7 @@ class Profile:
                                                         'include_reel': False, 'include_suggested_users': False,
                                                         'include_logged_out_extras': True,
                                                         'include_highlight_reels': False},
-                                                       'https://www.instagram.com/{}/'.format(self.username),
+                                                       'https://www.instagram.com/{}/'.format(self.username))
-                                                       self._rhx_gis)
             self._has_public_story = data['data']['user']['has_public_story']
         assert self._has_public_story is not None
         return self._has_public_story
@@ -755,8 +778,7 @@ class Profile:
                                                     {'id': self.userid},
                                                     'https://www.instagram.com/{0}/'.format(self.username),
                                                     lambda d: d['data']['user']['edge_owner_to_timeline_media'],
-                                                    self._rhx_gis,
+                                                    first_data=self._metadata('edge_owner_to_timeline_media')))
-                                                    self._metadata('edge_owner_to_timeline_media')))
 
     def get_saved_posts(self) -> Iterator[Post]:
         """Get Posts that are marked as saved by the user."""
@@ -770,8 +792,7 @@ class Profile:
                                                     {'id': self.userid},
                                                     'https://www.instagram.com/{0}/'.format(self.username),
                                                     lambda d: d['data']['user']['edge_saved_media'],
-                                                    self._rhx_gis,
+                                                    first_data=self._metadata('edge_saved_media')))
-                                                    self._metadata('edge_saved_media')))
 
     def get_tagged_posts(self) -> Iterator[Post]:
         """Retrieve all posts where a profile is tagged.
@@ -782,8 +803,7 @@ class Profile:
                     self._context.graphql_node_list("e31a871f7301132ceaab56507a66bbb7",
                                                     {'id': self.userid},
                                                     'https://www.instagram.com/{0}/'.format(self.username),
-                                                    lambda d: d['data']['user']['edge_user_to_photos_of_you'],
+                                                    lambda d: d['data']['user']['edge_user_to_photos_of_you']))
-                                                    self._rhx_gis))
 
     def get_igtv_posts(self) -> Iterator[Post]:
         """Retrieve all IGTV posts.
@@ -795,8 +815,7 @@ class Profile:
                                                     {'id': self.userid},
                                                     'https://www.instagram.com/{0}/channel/'.format(self.username),
                                                     lambda d: d['data']['user']['edge_felix_video_timeline'],
-                                                    self._rhx_gis,
+                                                    first_data=self._metadata('edge_felix_video_timeline')))
-                                                    self._metadata('edge_felix_video_timeline')))
 
     def get_followers(self) -> Iterator['Profile']:
         """
@@ -810,8 +829,7 @@ class Profile:
                     self._context.graphql_node_list("37479f2b8209594dde7facb0d904896a",
                                                     {'id': str(self.userid)},
                                                     'https://www.instagram.com/' + self.username + '/',
-                                                    lambda d: d['data']['user']['edge_followed_by'],
+                                                    lambda d: d['data']['user']['edge_followed_by']))
-                                                    self._rhx_gis))
 
     def get_followees(self) -> Iterator['Profile']:
         """
@@ -825,8 +843,7 @@ class Profile:
                     self._context.graphql_node_list("58712303d941c6855d4e888c5f0cd22f",
                                                     {'id': str(self.userid)},
                                                     'https://www.instagram.com/' + self.username + '/',
-                                                    lambda d: d['data']['user']['edge_follow'],
+                                                    lambda d: d['data']['user']['edge_follow']))
-                                                    self._rhx_gis))
 
     def get_similar_accounts(self) -> Iterator['Profile']:
         """
@@ -841,8 +858,8 @@ class Profile:
         yield from (Profile(self._context, edge["node"]) for edge in
                     self._context.graphql_query("ad99dd9d3646cc3c0dda65debcd266a7",
                                                 {"user_id": str(self.userid), "include_chaining": True},
-                                                "https://www.instagram.com/{0}/".format(self.username),
+                                                "https://www.instagram.com/{0}/"
-                                                self._rhx_gis)["data"]["user"]["edge_chaining"]["edges"])
+                                                .format(self.username))["data"]["user"]["edge_chaining"]["edges"])
 
 
 class StoryItem:

test/instaloader_unittests.py

@@ -94,6 +94,10 @@ class TestInstaloaderAnonymously(unittest.TestCase):
         self.assertEqual(EMPTY_PROFILE.lower(),
                          instaloader.Profile.from_id(self.L.context, EMPTY_PROFILE_ID).username)
 
+    def test_get_username_by_name_empty(self):
+        self.assertEqual(EMPTY_PROFILE_ID,
+                         instaloader.Profile.from_username(self.L.context, EMPTY_PROFILE).userid)
+
     def test_post_from_mediaid(self):
         for post in instaloader.Profile.from_username(self.L.context, PUBLIC_PROFILE).get_posts():
             post2 = instaloader.Post.from_mediaid(self.L.context, post.mediaid)