CrowdTangle alternatives: what still works for public social data
CrowdTangle shut down on August 14, 2024. Meta Content Library replaced part of it for approved researchers. Here are the routes that remain for public page and post data.
Short answer
CrowdTangle has shut down, leaving Meta Content Library as a route for approved academic researchers and nonprofits. Hosted tools offer another route to public page and post data, subject to Meta's terms.
Verified against the sources below on 2026-11-12.Routes that work for Facebook data
The official route first, then the catalogue Actors that fit this problem (public posts with engagement), by their published fields. Store figures are the publisher's public numbers.
| Route | Core fields | Price / 1K | Success, 30 days | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limited accessMeta Graph API | not compared | below | Official docs | |
| Facebook Timeline Posts & Reel Transcript Extractor | 1/6 | $0.99 | 100% of 31 runs | Open in Apify Store |
| Facebook Group Feed & Engagement Extractor | 2/6 | $0.99 | 17 runs, too few to rate | Open in Apify Store |
| Facebook Page Photo Gallery & Engagement Scraper | 3/6 | $0.99 | 87% of 67 runs | Open in Apify Store |
Official price: No per-call fee is published for standard Graph API use; access depends on app review. Compare all 19 Facebook routes.
Routes that work for Instagram data
The official route first, then the catalogue Actors that fit this problem (public posts with engagement), by their published fields. Store figures are the publisher's public numbers.
| Route | Core fields | Price / 1K | Success, 30 days | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limited accessInstagram Platform API | not compared | below | Official docs | |
| Instagram Posts & Reels Data Scraper | 4/7 | $0.99 | 19 runs, too few to rate | Open in Apify Store |
| Instagram Profile Scraper - Bio & Posts | 4/7 | $0.70 | 10 runs, too few to rate | Open in Apify Store |
Official price: No published per-call price for standard use; access depends on Meta app configuration. Compare all 12 Instagram routes.
What is verified
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Shutdown | August 14, 2024 |
| Replacement | Meta Content Library, limited to approved academic researchers and nonprofits |
| Public alternative | Public page and post data through hosted tools; respect Meta's terms |
| Ad transparency | Meta Ad Library API is still limited to social issue, election and political ads |
Researcher access requires approval
Meta Content Library replaced part of CrowdTangle's role, with access limited to approved academic researchers and nonprofits. If you do not qualify, it cannot serve as your replacement.
Hosted tools depend on coverage
Hosted tools provide a route to public page and post data. Check whether a candidate covers the Facebook or Instagram material your work requires, and whether your intended collection respects Meta's terms.
Advertising is a separate route
Meta Ad Library API is limited to social issue, election and political ads. That scope makes it relevant to those advertising tasks, but it does not replace access to ordinary public posts.
Options that fit the new reality
Start with your access eligibility and whether you need public posts or covered advertising. Then check each candidate's coverage against your required material and review the applicable terms before committing to it.
Questions people ask
Can I still use CrowdTangle?
CrowdTangle has shut down. You need another route for public page and post data.
Can anyone use Meta Content Library?
Access is limited to approved academic researchers and nonprofits. Check your eligibility before planning work around it.
Can hosted tools replace CrowdTangle?
Hosted tools can provide public page and post data. Whether a tool suits your work depends on its coverage and whether your intended use respects Meta's terms.
Does Meta Ad Library API cover ordinary posts?
Meta Ad Library API covers social issue, election and political ads. Use a public page and post data route when ordinary posts are the material you need.
Sources
Every dated claim on this page comes from the public sources below. Check the source before you make a business decision on it.
- AP report — checked 2026-11-09
- Meta Ad Library API — checked 2026-11-09
Get Facebook data with a catalogue Actor
Facebook Marketplace Listing & Price Extractor returns 3 of 6 core Facebook fields at $0.99 per 1,000 results. Compare all 19 Facebook routes, or see Instagram.