Tutorial & Keepsake Book

How to Export Instagram DM Messages as a Book

Want to save your best Instagram Direct Messages before closing an account, or keep a tangible record of a precious relationship?

Meta offers an official, free way to export your full chat history. This step-by-step guide shows how to download your archive, then turn it into a printed book or PDF with MonLivreSMS.

Jump straight to the tutorial:

Export your Instagram messages
Print your Instagram chat as a book

How to export your Instagram messages

To back up your Direct Messages cleanly, request a data file from Meta's Accounts Center. You can do this directly from the Instagram app on your smartphone.

Open the Instagram app. Go to your profile and tap the three horizontal lines (menu) at the top right to open Settings.

At the top of Settings, tap the Meta Accounts Center.

Under Account settings, select Your information and permissions.

Tap Download your information, then choose Download or transfer information on the next screen.

Select your Instagram account from the profile list (this step only appears if multiple accounts are linked).

Choose « Specific types of information ». Do not pick « All available information » - the file would be too large.

Scroll the list and check only « Messages ». Tap Next, then select Download to device.

Crucial settings: pick your date range. Under Format, you must select JSON (not HTML). Under Media quality, choose Low for faster processing. Finally, tap « Create files ».

Processing time: Meta takes between 10 minutes and 24 hours to generate your archive. You will receive an email when it is ready. Return here and tap Download to save the ZIP file to your device.

Print your Instagram chat as a book

Your Instagram archive is now saved as a .zip on your device. Raw JSON is hard to read - MonLivreSMS rebuilds the conversation visually and turns it into a printed book or PDF.

Go to MonLivreSMS, create an account and click the Instagram icon on the import page.

Click Select a file and upload the ZIP archive from Meta. Do not unzip it.

The platform reads the archive and lists your conversations. Pick the chat you want to print - your preview is generated next.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How do I turn my Instagram DMs into a printed book?

First export your Meta archive in JSON, then upload the .zip file at app.monlivresms.com. MonLivreSMS rebuilds the chat visually and offers a free book or PDF preview before you order.

How long does Meta take to prepare my export?

Between 10 minutes and 24 hours depending on volume. Meta emails you when the archive is ready; download it from Accounts Center.

Do I need to unzip the file before importing to MonLivreSMS?

No. Keep the .zip as Meta delivers it and upload it directly. MonLivreSMS extracts and parses it automatically.

Why choose JSON instead of HTML for the Instagram export?

MonLivreSMS reads Meta archives natively in JSON. HTML is mainly for browsing in a browser, but less reliable for rebuilding chat bubbles with photos and timestamps.

MonLivreSMS

Don't let your memories vanish

A bug, accidental deletion or account closure can erase years of DMs. A JSON archive alone is not enough for everyday reading.

MonLivreSMS securely imports your Meta file, rebuilds Instagram bubbles and generates a free book or PDF preview, shared photos included.

01

Gather your memories

WhatsApp, SMS, Messenger… your chats come together. Private, yours only.
02

Make it yours

Colors, dates, words: it's your story, your way.
03

It comes to you

Your book ships anywhere in the world. And you already have it as a PDF.

Your Instagram DMs deserve a book

Turn your export into a book you can hold

Your jokes, photos and everyday chats. Everything that should not stay trapped in an unreadable ZIP file.

Start my Instagram book