What is an access token and how to refresh an expired token?
Access tokens are essential for keeping your social media accounts connected to ContentStudio. Without a valid token, you won’t be able to publish, analyze, or moderate content through our platform.
Let’s walk you through what an access token is, why it expires, and how to reconnect your account when needed. 🤩
In this article:
- What is an access token?
- Why do access token expires?
- How to check your token expiry date?
- How will I know when token is expiring?
- How to refresh or reconnect an expired token?
- FAQs
What is an access token?
When you connect a social media account to ContentStudio, an access token is generated. This token serves as a secure bridge, allowing ContentStudio to interact with your account and enabling features such as publishing, analytics, and inbox management.
If your token expires or becomes invalid, your account will be disconnected, and automation will stop working until you reconnect it.
Why do access tokens expires?
Each social media platform has its own rules and expiration periods for tokens:
- Facebook: 90 days
- LinkedIn: 60 days
- Others: Some platforms may issue tokens that do not expire.
ContentStudio also requires active tokens. If your account hasn’t been active for a while, we may prompt you to reconnect for security reasons.
How to check your token expiry date
You can easily view your token’s status and expiration date:
- 1
- Go to Settings → Workspace Settings → Social Accounts.
- 2
- Under Token Status, you’ll see how many days remain before the token expires.
How will I know when a token is expiring?
You’ll be notified well in advance through:
- Email alerts
- In-app notifications (starting 7 days before expiry)
- Pop-up reminders if the token has already expired
These prompts ensure you stay ahead and avoid any disruptions in service.
How to refresh or reconnect an expired token
If your token has expired or is about to expire, reconnecting is simple:
- 1
- Go to Settings → Workspace Settings → Social Accounts.
- 2
- Find the relevant account and click Reconnect under the Token Status.
- 3
- Log in to your social media account and re-authorize access for ContentStudio.
Once authorized, the new token will extend your connection duration according to the platform’s rules.
✅ Best Practice: Reconnect your tokens before they expire to ensure seamless publishing and account management across all your social media channels.
FAQs
Q1: What happens if I ignore token expiry and don’t reconnect?
A: If a token expires and you don’t reconnect your account, ContentStudio will no longer be able to:
- Publish scheduled posts
- Fetch analytics
- Display inbox messages
- Show up-to-date post previews
Your account will appear disconnected until it’s reauthorized.
Q2: Will my previously scheduled posts be lost if the token expires?
A: No, your scheduled posts will remain in the Planner. However, they will fail to publish until the token is refreshed. You’ll see them marked as Failed in your Planner once the scheduled time passes without reconnection.
Q3: Do I need to generate a new token manually?
A: No, you don’t need to generate a token manually. When you click Reconnect and authorize your social account again, ContentStudio will automatically create and apply the new token.