Why is there so much code in Instagram's embed link

5 minute read

17 December 2020

(This article will keep updating as I uncover more)

I wanted to embed my insta posts on this website. I thought it'd be simple to just use the embed link and embed it. It's simple enough if you want to put just one photo, but it turns into code pasta if you want to embed 20. Because here's what the embed code looks like:

My first thought is that the biggest chunk of block in the middle is just for the insta logo because (a) it's in an < svg > block and (b) removing it didn't affect the photo, just the insta logo that shows while loading.
In the current sitting that I'm writing this, I'm unable to go down this rabbit hole. This article will keep updating!