Building a Pay-Per-Request Instagram Data API (Next.js + Convex + Clerk)

Andrew Seeley — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 01:58:32 +0000

Most Instagram data APIs I looked at fell into two buckets: RapidAPI-style scrapers with unpredictable uptime, or "contact sales" enterprise products with approval queues. I wanted something self-serve — sign up, get a key, pay for what you use.

What it does

Instagram API is a REST API for public Instagram data:

Profiles, posts, reels, stories
Hashtag and location search
Bearer token auth, JSON responses
Pay-per-request pricing, no subscription

Stack

Next.js for the app + API gateway
Convex for the database and usage/credit tracking
Clerk for auth
Stripe for prepaid credit packs

The gateway sits in front of the underlying data provider, normalizes responses, and meters usage per request so pricing can stay pay-as-you-go instead of tiered subscriptions.

Docs

Full OpenAPI 3.1 spec is public at instagramapi.dev/openapi.json, and there's a Postman collection if you'd rather explore it that way.

Happy to answer questions about the architecture or the pricing model — feedback on what endpoints would actually be useful is especially welcome.

Uncensored AI - Revolutionary Tool or a Pandora’s Box?

Andrew Seeley — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 10:29:08 +0000

AI, in all its glory, has transformed the way we live, work, and even think. But here’s the kicker: not all AI systems come with guardrails. Some operate uncensored—free to generate whatever comes to mind (or code). It’s exciting, sure, but it’s also a little terrifying, isn’t it? Let’s unpack the pros and cons of uncensored AI to see if it’s a golden opportunity or a ticking time bomb.

The Upside: Why Some Folks Are All In

Let’s start with the good stuff—because, honestly, there’s a lot to admire.

Boundless Creativity

Imagine a brainstorming partner who never shuts down an idea because it’s “too risky” or “off-brand.” That’s uncensored AI. Whether it’s crafting experimental art, designing radical tech solutions, or exploring philosophical debates, this type of AI is like that one friend who says, “Why not?” instead of “Are you sure?”

Breaking Research Barriers

For scientists and academics, uncensored AI can be a game-changer. Want to analyze sensitive topics like crime patterns or societal taboos? An unrestricted system doesn’t shy away, letting researchers explore without the usual red tape.

User Freedom

People love personalization. With uncensored AI, users can push boundaries and fine-tune outputs to match their unique needs. Think of it like ordering a burger with all the toppings—except the toppings are niche solutions only an unfiltered AI could conjure up.

Shedding Light on Bias

Here’s the thing about restrictions—they can hide flaws. With uncensored AI, you get the raw, unvarnished truth of how the system thinks. Sure, it might reveal biases, but isn’t that the first step to fixing them?

The Dark Side: When It All Goes Wrong

But let’s not sugarcoat it—uncensored AI isn’t all rainbows and genius brainstorms. There’s a flip side, and it’s messy.

Dangerous Outputs

What happens when you give a system no rules? It might churn out hate speech, harmful instructions, or plain nonsense. Imagine asking an AI for cooking advice and getting a recipe for chaos. Scary, right?

Scaling the Bad Stuff

Uncensored AI doesn’t just make mistakes; it amplifies them. A biased or harmful response can spread faster than you can say “oops.” In a hyperconnected world, that’s a big deal.

Trust Issues

Remember when chatbots started saying weird, borderline creepy things? Yeah, that’s the risk here. People might start side-eyeing AI, wondering if it’s more rogue than reliable.

Ethical Quicksand

Who’s responsible when uncensored AI goes off the rails? The developer? The user? The AI itself? The ethical gray area here is enormous—and slippery.

Walking the Tightrope: Can We Balance Freedom and Responsibility?

So, where does that leave us? Somewhere between awe and anxiety, honestly. Uncensored AI is powerful, but power without control is, well, chaos waiting to happen.

Developers could lean on dynamic moderation—smart systems that adjust their filters based on context. And transparency? That’s not just a buzzword here. Openly documenting how these systems work can keep everyone accountable.

But maybe the biggest piece of the puzzle is us—the users. If we educate ourselves on AI’s quirks and limitations, we can wield it responsibly. After all, even the sharpest tool needs a skilled hand.

Closing thoughts

Uncensored AI is like fire: it can light your way or burn your house down. The trick is in how we manage it. If we approach it with caution, collaboration, and a touch of humility, maybe—just maybe—we can harness its full potential without losing control.

So, what do you think? Is the risk worth the reward? Or are we better off sticking with the AI equivalent of training wheels?

You can chcek out some uncensored AI models below:

GPT Uncensored
No filter GPT

DEV Community: Andrew Seeley

Building a Pay-Per-Request Instagram Data API (Next.js + Convex + Clerk)

What it does

Stack

Docs

Uncensored AI - Revolutionary Tool or a Pandora’s Box?