As of March 31st, 2020, the Instagram platform will be deprecating its API.
Update: Instagram has postponed this deprecation 90 days. The expected date is June 29th, 2020, for API deprecation.
Each Pixel Union theme’s Instagram feed sections will be impacted by this, as access tokens depend on this system to connect.
Instagram Access Token Generator deactivated
The Instagram Access Token Generator, a free tool to connect themes with Instagram accounts, is no longer available for use. This deactivation is permanent and the tool will not be replaced.
Instagram feeds will be removed from all themes
As of February 14th, 2020, each Pixel Union theme release will exclude the Instagram feed section. For older versions, the Instagram feed section may be visible but no longer functional as of the deprecation date (March 31, 2020).
We recommend you remove the Instagram feed section from your storefront before March 31st, 2020. To do so, go to Customize > Sections > Instagram feed > Remove section > Save
Twitter feed will also be removed for Grid, Launch, and Editions
For the Grid, Launch, and Editions themes, the Twitter feed will be removed along with the Instagram feed.
Instagram sales channel
No action is required for Instagram sales channels. This deprecation only affects Instagram feeds for themes. If you are using Instagram as a sales channel, this sales channel will be unaffected by these changes.
Alternatives to explore
If the Instagram feed is important for your store, consider these alternative approaches for displaying Instagram posts on your home page.
Replace with an app
Many apps available in the Shopify Apps Store perform a similar function as the Instagram feeds. The main benefit of this approach would be the real-time presentation of the latest posts.
Adding 3rd-party apps can come at a cost, however, and we are unable to guarantee that the apps will integrate with Pixel Union themes. Any conflicts with the added app and your theme would need to be resolved by the app’s developers.
View available apps for Instagram feeds
Manually add images using another image section
Each theme includes sections for displaying uploaded images on the home page. Using the same images edited for and added to your Instagram posts, we recommend using the theme sections listed below.
Empire
Atlantic
Grid
Pacific
Superstore
Startup
Launch
Reach
Handy
Slideshow
Vogue
Editions