Rationale
Instagram Stories disappear after 24 hours and are under-represented in digital trace datasets.
Their ephemerality may encourage more candid or spontaneous messaging, and enable real-time engagement strategies that differ from feed posts. In our arXiv paper we argue that ignoring Stories introduces a systematic bias toward more “archivable” content and against casual, rapid-fire communication styles.
Twice-Daily “Tidal” Schedule
Running the plugin at two fixed points guarantees complete 24-hour coverage while minimising researcher effort. Hence the name Tidal Tales: Tidal Tales reflects the plugin’s twice-daily collection rhythm, inspired by the ebb and flow of tides, which ensures consistent coverage without overwhelming researchers. See our example schedule:
| Time Slot | Rationale |
|---|---|
| 09:00 | Captures content posted overnight and early morning. |
| 21:00 | Captures afternoon & evening material. |
Sampling Logic
- Systematic, not random – avoids the “path-of-least-resistance” bias of ad-hoc grabbing.
- Temporal coverage – ensures consistent sampling across typical posting hours.
- Replicability – a clock-based rule can be audited and repeated by other labs.
From Capture to Analysis
- Local-first philosophy – media and metadata are stored on the researcher’s drive to remain compliant with GDPR data-minimisation principles.
- CSV schema – see the Data Schema page.
For data cleaning tutorials and additional processing steps, refer to the course website. For an overview and download instructions, return to the homepage or head to the plugin page.