Blog/Troubleshooting

Instagram export troubleshooting

Instagram JSON export changed? followers_1.json, following.json, and string_list_data explained

Instagram export files can look different over time. File names, folders, and nested JSON fields may change, which is why raw compare tools and copied ChatGPT prompts often produce bad unfollower lists. This guide explains the core pieces Unfollio looks for and what to check when your export format looks different.

By Sridhar Vukkadapu

Last updated June 22, 2026.

Last verified against the current Unfollio export workflow on June 22, 2026.

Reviewed for Instagram export format, JSON/HTML support, and privacy-safe parsing.

Fast answer

If your Instagram JSON export changed, do not compare the raw files line by line. Look for the actual username values inside follower and following files, often under string_list_data. A parser should extract usernames, normalize them, and compare the cleaned lists instead of comparing raw JSON text.

What followers_1.json usually means

followers_1.json usually contains accounts that follow you. The useful value is commonly the username inside a nested string_list_data array. Read the followers_1.json guide.

What following.json usually means

following.json usually contains accounts you follow. Comparing this file with your follower file is how tools identify nonfollowers and mutuals. A dedicated following.json page is intentionally deferred until the next content batch.

Got your Instagram ZIP already?

Upload it to Unfollio and see who does not follow back without entering your Instagram password. Your ZIP is read in your browser, and saved audit history is optional.

Upload your Instagram exportNeed the ZIP? Follow the export guide

What string_list_data means

string_list_data is a nested structure Instagram often uses to store values such as usernames, profile URLs, and timestamps. The username is usually the value field.

{
  "string_list_data": [
    {
      "href": "https://www.instagram.com/example_user",
      "value": "example_user",
      "timestamp": 1729031492
    }
  ]
}

Why raw compare tools break

Raw compare tools do not understand Instagram’s export structure. They may compare JSON punctuation, URLs, timestamps, or folder names instead of usernames. That can make the result look larger, smaller, or completely wrong.

What to do if your export looks different

  • - Confirm you selected “Followers and following.”
  • - Confirm the date range is “All time.”
  • - Confirm you chose JSON if available.
  • - Upload the original ZIP instead of copying raw text.
  • - If the result looks wrong, request a fresh export.

Related guides

Instagram export analyzer

Let Unfollio extract usernames instead of comparing raw JSON blobs.

Download a fresh export

Use the current Accounts Center settings for a clean ZIP.

Export wrong or incomplete

Check missing files, strange counts, and partial downloads.

ChatGPT list wrong

See why copied prompts often misread full Instagram exports.

Privacy proof

Understand saved audit history and wipe controls.