Instagram’s data download contains more than messages, so choosing the right category and format matters. Request only the information you need, select JSON, and keep the archive on your own device.
Open Instagram settings and enter Accounts Center. Menu labels can change slightly between app versions, but the download controls are under your information and permissions.
Select Messages, choose Download to device, set the date range you need and select JSON as the format. HTML is convenient for reading manually but is not the structured format expected by the parser.
After Meta prepares the download, unzip the archive and open the messages or inbox folder. Individual conversations usually have their own folder containing one or more message JSON files.
Select the file for the intended conversation rather than uploading the entire account archive blindly.
A complete Instagram archive can include sensitive profile and activity data unrelated to chat analysis. Store it carefully and delete copies you no longer need.
Brutal Verdict parses the selected supported message file locally and does not require account credentials.
Common questions
Choose JSON. JSON preserves the structured participant, timestamp and message fields required by the Instagram parser.
Large exports can be divided into several folders or message files. Locate the folder for the conversation you want to analyze and select its message JSON file.
Preparation time varies with account size and the selected date range. Instagram notifies you when the archive is ready; Brutal Verdict cannot accelerate that process.
No. The product does not connect to Instagram. You request the archive through Meta's Accounts Center and choose a local file yourself.
Upload an export. Raw chat messages stay in your browser during local analysis.