If you are a content creator or frequently post photos and videos on Instagram, you would be happy to know that the mobile app now has a new feature – the ability to schedule posts and reels. This is an important feature that Instagram has been missing all along. It’s finally here now, so let us tell you how you can use the feature to schedule your Instagram posts and reels with ease.
Previously, you had to resort to third party apps and services to schedule posts on Instagram, which is not ideal as these apps may not be trustworthy. A built-in tool solves this problem, so we’re glad it’s finally here. If you’ve been asking about this feature all along, here’s how you can finally schedule Instagram posts and reels through the mobile app on iPhone and Android. Let’s start with the basics.
What Kind of Posts Can You Schedule in the Instagram App?
The new Scheduling feature on Instagram lets you schedule photos, carousel posts, and reels. You can’t currently schedule Stories, but there’s a chance Instagram will expand the scheduling feature to Stories in the coming months.
The feature is mainly useful for scheduling Instagram roles for free, which has been quite a difficult task for creators so far.
How to schedule Instagram posts and reels on iPhone and Android
Currently, the ability to schedule posts and reels is only available through the Instagram app on Android and iOS. Follow the instructions to learn how to use the feature on both platforms.
The new scheduling feature on Instagram is only available for business and creator accounts. So if you have a standard account, you need to convert it to a business account first. Follow the instructions below to learn how. If you already have a business account, skip this section.
Convert your Instagram account to a business account
Step 1: Open the Instagram app on your iPhone or Android device. Navigate to your account by tapping the icon in the bottom right corner of the app.
Step 2: Tap the three lines in the top right corner to access more options.
Step 3: select settings. Now navigate to the Account section.
Step 4: Scroll all the way down. Select “Switch to professional account”.
Step 5: Scroll through all pages and tap Next.
Step 6: Choose a category that describes your profile. Select Done.
Step 7: Choose whether you want a Creator account or a Business account. The schedule feature is available for both types of accounts.
Step 8: You can either continue setting up your profile with more details or tap the “X” button in the top right corner to exit.
You have now successfully converted your account to a professional account on Instagram.
Tip: You can easily deactivate your Instagram business account at any time.
Schedule IG posts and reels without third-party apps
Now that you have a professional account, you can schedule posts through the app on both iOS and Android. Here’s how.
Step 1: Open the Instagram app on your iPhone or Android device. Select the New Post option.
Step 2: Select the photo or role you want to schedule from the media library.
Step 3: Tap Next in the top right. Tap Next again.
Step 4: Enter all relevant details such as captions and location tags. Then select Advanced Settings.
Step 5: Next to Schedule this post, turn on the switch. You will now be prompted to select the date and time you want to schedule the post or role for. Select the time you want and tap Set time.
That’s it! You have successfully scheduled your post on Instagram.
Schedule Instagram posts for free on desktop via Creator Studio
In case you don’t use the Instagram app or want to schedule posts from your computer, there is an alternative way to do it. This is done through Meta’s Creator Studio tool, which allows you to link your Instagram account to schedule uploads. That’s how it works.
note: Before starting this method, it is important that you have a YouTuber or business account on Instagram. If you’re not sure how to get that, check out this section above.
Step 1: Visit Meta Creator Studio using the link below.
Step 2: Navigate to the Instagram tab above.
Step 2: Select Instagram Login. You now need to link your Instagram account.
Step 3: Sign in with your Instagram account.
Step 4: Click on “Create post”. Then select Instagram feed.
Step 5: Upload the picture or video you want to post on Instagram. Add any relevant details once you’re done. Then click the arrow next to the Publish button.
Step 6: Select the Schedule option. You will now be prompted to select the date and time you want to schedule your post or reel for. Choose them accordingly.
Step 7: After selecting the relevant date and time, click the Schedule button. Your post will be uploaded to Instagram at the selected date and time.
Should you use a third-party app to schedule Instagram posts
Since the Instagram app now officially lets you schedule posts and reels, there’s no need for a third-party app. Also, there is no reliable app that can schedule your Instagram posts. There are apps that can remind you to post your picture on a specific date and time. If you still want to use a third-party app, you can use an app like Planoly to do so.
How to plan posts on Instagram with Planoly
Step 1: Install Planoly from the Play Store or App Store depending on which device you have.
Step 2: Choose Create Account. Enter your access data and log in.
Step 3: Tap Connect Instagram to connect your account to Planoly. Then select Link Instagram again.
Step 4: Select the required permissions, then tap Allow.
Step 5: Depending on the account you manage, select the appropriate option. If this is your personal account, select “My Accounts”. Then select your account category and tap Next.
Your Planoly account is now set up. This is how you can start planning your posts.
Step 6: Tap the “+” icon on the bottom bar. Then select Albums.
Step 7: Select the folder with your image. After that select the picture you want to upload and tap Add.
Step 8: Tap Upload. Your photo will be uploaded to Planoly but not yet to Instagram.
Step 9: Select the photo you just uploaded. Enter the caption and all relevant details.
Step 10: Next to “Schedule a reminder notification,” turn on the switch.
Step 11: You will now see a calendar for setting the date and time. Select the relevant details and tap Select time.
Step 12: Finally tap Save.
Step 13: At the selected time, you will receive a notification from Planoly. Tap on it and you will be taken to the post scheduled for upload. Then tap Post Now.
Your photo will be posted to Instagram with the caption you entered and all the details.
Frequently asked questions about scheduling Instagram posts
Since the scheduling feature is only available for business and creator accounts, you cannot schedule posts if you have a personal Instagram account.
Instagram currently allows you to schedule posts up to 75 days in advance.
No, there is no limit to the number of posts you can schedule through the official Instagram app. If you use a third-party app, you may have a free version limit.
Yes, you can edit a scheduled post before it goes live. Just go to the app and select the post you plan to upload. You can cancel the upload from here or change the scheduling date/time.
Don’t miss an upload
If you are a content creator, uploading regularly is paramount. This is exactly where the planning function can be helpful. Easily schedule your Instagram posts on your phone, whether it’s a photo or a reel, and make sure your followers get the content they want in a timely manner.
