instawinsta

instawinsta is a Manifest V3 Chrome extension that helps reduce addictive Instagram web behaviors and encourage intentional usage.

It keeps core messaging use-cases available (DMs, Stories, controlled Home feed) while blocking high-distraction surfaces like Reels and Explore.

Features

• Focus and Relaxed modes
  • Focus Mode: stricter feed limit (default: 10 posts)
  • Relaxed Mode: looser feed limit (default: 15 posts)
• Route blocking
  • Redirects /explore, /reels, and /reel routes to /direct/inbox/
• Reels and Explore UI suppression
  • Hides related nav links/buttons where detected
• Suggested/recommended content removal
  • Removes common algorithmic injection blocks by heuristic matching
• Feed depth enforcement
  • Blurs and disables interaction past configured post threshold
  • Shows: Intentional usage only. Feed limit reached for this mode.
• Autoplay reduction
  • Attempts to pause videos and disable autoplay/loop
• Behavioral interruption UX
  • “Are you sure?” prompt when repeatedly trying to scroll past blocked posts
• Daily time limit (default 20 minutes/day)
  • Usage tracked per day in extension storage

Tech Stack

• Chrome Extension Manifest V3
• Vanilla JavaScript (no framework)
• chrome.storage.sync for mode/preferences
• MutationObserver + route watcher for dynamic Instagram updates

Project Structure

instawinsta/
├── content.js
├── manifest.json
├── popup.html
├── popup.js
└── styles.css

Screenshots

Installation (Unpacked)

1. Open Chrome and navigate to chrome://extensions.
2. Enable Developer mode.
3. Click Load unpacked.
4. Select this folder: instawinsta.
5. Open https://www.instagram.com/.
6. Pin the extension (optional) and use popup controls.

How to Use

1. Click the extension icon.
2. Toggle Focus Mode on/off:
   • ON = Focus
   • OFF = Relaxed
3. Optionally adjust:
   • Daily limit in minutes
   • Focus post limit
   • Relaxed post limit
4. Click Save Settings.

Changes are saved to chrome.storage.sync and applied to open Instagram tabs.

Configuration Defaults

• mode: focus
• dailyLimitMinutes: 20
• focusPostLimit: 10
• relaxedPostLimit: 15
• interruptionScrollAttempts: 5
• redirectPath: /direct/inbox/

Behavioral Policy

• Allowed: DMs, Stories, controlled Home feed
• Blocked/limited:
  • Explore routes/UI
  • Reels routes/UI
  • Suggested/recommended feed injections
  • Deep infinite feed scrolling beyond thresholds

Performance & Safety Notes

• Uses throttled DOM re-application to reduce observer churn.
• Avoids broad reflow-heavy operations where possible.
• Uses least-privilege permissions (storage + Instagram host permission).
• Does not use remote code, eval, or Manifest V2 APIs.

Limitations

• Instagram frequently changes DOM structure; selector heuristics may need updates.
• Suggested-content detection uses text/structure heuristics and may not catch all variants.
• Autoplay control depends on Instagram’s current media implementation.

Development Notes

• No build step is required for current version.
• To modify behavior, edit content.js defaults/selectors and popup controls.

Disclaimer

This project is an independent productivity tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Instagram/Meta.