How do Websites identify Users

I recently tried to create several dummy Instagram Accounts, though I wasn't able to create more than 5 Accounts.

- Cache and Cookies where cleared between creations.
- User agent and IP was changed.
- Flash and Java was disabled
- JavaScript had to be enabled.

I also tested it with my phone. Via mobile network account creation number 1 and 2 worked, then account creation 3 (on a Macbook) via Hotspot from the phone, didn't work. Account creation 4 again directly on the phone then didn't work as well

So there must be some other way Instagram is able to track/identify me, at least thats my guess, or I am missing something.
Any ideas what these methods could be?

I hope this is the right StackExchange site, if not please tell me which one would be more appropriate for this question.

Thanks a lot!

they could be fingerprinting your browser

If you search google for "browser fingerprinting" you should have plenty of light reading to be getting on with

rootjazz said:

they could be fingerprinting your browser

If you search google for "browser fingerprinting" you should have plenty of light reading to be getting on with

Click to expand...

+1 to that. There's too many ways to really be able to list out a few and say we have it covered.

rootjazz said:

they could be fingerprinting your browser

If you search google for "browser fingerprinting" you should have plenty of light reading to be getting on with

Click to expand...

Thanks a lot, very helpful!

I tried it now on GNU/Linux on the same Machine and still couldn't create Accounts.

I am not really into fingerprinting just got the Basics now so correct me if I'm wrong, but shouldn't it be a completely different Fingerprint or at least a Fingerprint different enough not to be identified as the same 'User' in such a case? Canvas Fingerprint should differ a lot and most of the other Datapoints as well.

Got an opinion on that?

KraftyKyle said:

+1 to that. There's too many ways to really be able to list out a few and say we have it covered.

Click to expand...

yes I know! Maybe its easier to just purchase accounts. Since you seem kind of into Instagram Scraping any recommended sites for purchasing some accounts (maybe email verified, followers do not matter there, would just be used to scrape data)

This can help you https://www.blackhatworld.com/seo/journey-cracking-instagrams-ml-algorithm.1094511/

RealSirJoe said:

Thanks a lot, very helpful!

I tried it now on GNU/Linux on the same Machine and still couldn't create Accounts.

I am not really into fingerprinting just got the Basics now so correct me if I'm wrong, but shouldn't it be a completely different Fingerprint or at least a Fingerprint different enough not to be identified as the same 'User' in such a case? Canvas Fingerprint should differ a lot and most of the other Datapoints as well.

Got an opinion on that?

Click to expand...

you mean from a different OS on the same machine?

Then it is not browser fingerprinting.

They could be escaping the proxy to get your real IP. Various ways to do that. All can be handled.