> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.bento.surf/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Social profiles and live metrics

> Add social accounts and understand when follower counts or recent content can appear.

# Add social blocks

Choose **Add block → Social**, select a platform, and enter the public handle or profile URL requested by the form.

## Live information

Bento requests public metrics on the server and caches successful results for a short period. This keeps provider credentials private and avoids unnecessary requests.

| Platform                  | What can appear                                                                                  |
| ------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| GitHub                    | Followers and the public contribution calendar                                                   |
| GitLab, Bluesky, Mastodon | Public follower counts when the provider exposes them                                            |
| YouTube                   | Public subscriber count and newest public upload when YouTube data is available                  |
| Instagram                 | Followers and recent media after the creator connects an eligible Instagram professional account |
| X                         | Public follower count when Bento's X integration is available                                    |

Some networks restrict follower data or require account authorization. Bento never invents a live count when the provider does not return one.

## Instagram

Instagram data requires an eligible professional account and the connection flow shown by Bento. After connecting, return to the editor and refresh the block. Meta may limit access while an application or permission is still under review.

## If a count is missing

1. Confirm the handle is correct and the profile is public.
2. Open the public profile directly to make sure it exists.
3. Reconnect the provider if Bento shows a connection action.
4. Wait a few minutes for cached information to refresh.
5. If the provider blocks the request, the block still links to the profile.