Understanding and Troubleshooting Instagram Comment Webhook Issues for Your WordPress Site

In today’s digital landscape, integrating Instagram comment notifications via webhooks can significantly enhance your website’s engagement tracking. However, what happens when these webhooks suddenly stop functioning for new posts? If you’re experiencing this challenge, you’re not alone—and this guide aims to shed light on common causes and potential solutions.

The Scenario: An Intermittent Webhook Malfunction

Imagine you’ve set up a Meta (formerly Facebook) app connected to your WordPress site, subscribing to Instagram comment notifications through webhooks. Initially, everything worked seamlessly: new comment events on recent posts triggered your webhook as expected. Over time, however, the webhook started ignoring comments on newly published posts—while comments on older posts continued to be delivered without issue.

This inconsistency persisted despite efforts to troubleshoot, including:

• Updating the webhook callback URL to ensure it points to the correct endpoint
• Removing and recreating the webhook subscription
• Conducting test calls via the Meta developer portal, which confirmed the webhook was operational

Despite these steps, only comments on older posts were received, and newer posts’ comment notifications remained elusive.

Potential Causes and Solutions

1. Webhook Subscription Limitations or Delays
   Sometimes, Facebook/Meta may impose limits or experience delays in webhook updates for new content. Verify your app’s recent subscription status and check for any notices or restrictions in your developer dashboard.

2. Instagram API Changes or Restrictions
   Instagram’s API policies evolve periodically. Ensure your app adheres to the latest API guidelines and that your webhook configuration is aligned with current requirements.

3. Permissions and App Review Status
   Confirm your app has the necessary permissions (such as instagram_manage_comments) and has passed all required review processes. Missing or pending permissions can lead to inconsistent webhook behavior.

4. Webhook Endpoint Verification
   Since the test calls succeed, your endpoint likely functions correctly. However, double-check server logs for errors or dropped requests when new comments are posted.

5. Content Update and Post Visibility
   Occasionally, Webhook activation can be affected by privacy settings or content visibility issues. Ensure your posts are public and accessible via the API.

6. Rate Limits and API Quotas
   Exceeding API call quotas might cause delays or missed notifications. Review your API usage to ensure you’re within permitted thresholds.

Best Practices for Sustained Webhook Reliability

• Regularly monitor your