Want to know how to schedule Instagram posts?
Imagine you’re a busy creator. You’ve just taken a great photo to share on Instagram. But instead of relaxing, you remember it’s time to post it.
Sounds familiar?
Posting on Instagram at the right time can be tough and takes away from your fun in creating. But there’s a way out – scheduling your posts. This means you can plan when to post your photos and videos ahead of time and still get more views on Instagram. It gives you more time to be creative and talk to your followers.
Let’s take a look at how to schedule your posts on Instagram to save time and boost your creativity.
Unique Ways to Use Instagram for Business
Can you schedule Instagram posts in advance?
Yes, you can schedule Instagram posts in advance. In fact, there is more than one way of scheduling posts on Instagram. In this post we will cover them all.
Now that you know that you can schedule instagram posts, the next question is if you should do it. The answer to that question is a yes as well. Scheduling instagram posts helps you execute your social media marketing strategy effortlessly.
Do’s Before You Start Scheduling
Switch to a Business or Creator Account: Before you dive into how to schedule post on Instagram, ensure your account is set to Business or Creator. These types offer insights and scheduling features not available in personal accounts. Still here’s how you can schedule post on personal account on ig.
Connect Your Instagram to Your Facebook Page: Link your Instagram to your Facebook page. This step simplifies the use of many Instagram scheduling tools and enhances the insights you get from your posts.
Wanna know the differences? Check out this blog on Instagram vs Facebook.
Prepare High-Quality user-generated Content: High-resolution visuals are key. Gather images and videos with correct Instagram post size, which is at least 1080 pixels resolution for your standard and carousel posts. Also, prepare captivating captions in advance. Quality content attracts more engagement. Also, when creating content, don’t forget about Instagram reel ideas. Creating quality content, crafting interesting Instagram captions and including engaging concepts in reel content improves the overall quality of your Instagram feed posts.
Choose the Right Aspect Ratio for Images and Videos: Stick to aspect ratios of 1.91:1 for landscapes, 1:1 for squares, and 4:5 for portraits. For videos, maintain these aspect ratios and keep their length between 3 and 60 seconds for optimal engagement.
Collect Trendy and Relevant Hashtags: Research and compile hashtags that align with your content and are trending. Using the right Popular Instagram hashtags helps reach a wider audience and increases the visibility of your posts.
How can you schedule Instagram posts the Best ways?
Scheduling posts on Instagram isn’t just a shortcut; it’s a smart strategy that demands an understanding of the platform. For many, the process might seem daunting at first. But don’t worry, with this step-by-step guide, you’ll master the art of Instagram scheduling effortlessly.
So, let’s get started and walk through the three best ways to schedule Instagram posts in advance, ensuring you stay ahead in your social media game.
- Schedule Posts on Instagram via the Mobile App.
- Schedule Posts on Instagram via Meta Business Suite.
Check out this blog to know more: can you schedule instagram reels on meta business suite, - Schedule Posts on Instagram via RecurPost Apps.
Schedule Posts on Instagram App for Free
For those of you who prefer scheduling Instagram posts through the native app, here is a short run down to its process. This method shows how to schedule Instagram posts without a third-party app, using the features available directly on Instagram. Instagram is a mobile-first social media platform. Hence, it doesn’t allow any users to schedule Instagram posts from desktop.
Open Instagram: Launch the Instagram app on your iOS or Android device.
Start a New Post: Tap on the “+” icon at the bottom of the screen.
Select Your Content: Choose a photo/video you wish to upload, then click “Next.”
Also do check out this Step-by-Step Guide on how to schedule carousel post on Instagram
Edit Your Post: Apply any filters or add music if desired, and then tap “Next.”
Access Advanced Settings: Scroll down and tap on the “Advanced Settings” option.
If you’re unable to find the advanced settings option in the Instagram app for scheduling, check out our detailed guide on Why can’t I schedule posts on Instagram to troubleshoot and explore alternative solutions.
Enable Post Scheduling: Find and enable the “Schedule this post” toggle. Choose the date and time you want your post to go live and tap “Done.” Tap on the back button to return to your post preview.
Confirm Scheduling: Tap on “Continue scheduling” to finalize the timing.
Share Your Post: Tap on “Share” to schedule your post. It will automatically go live at the scheduled time.
Need to make changes to your scheduled Instagram posts? No problem. Instagram’s app allows you to edit, reschedule, share immediately, or even delete your scheduled posting on Instagram.
How to check scheduled posts on Instagram?
Simply go to the ‘Hamburger’ menu, select ‘Scheduled Content,’ and then tap on the three-dotted menu beside the post you want to modify. From there, you’ll have options to ‘Edit Post,’ ‘Reschedule,’ ‘Share Now,’ and ‘Delete,’ allowing you to manage your content exactly as you need.
How many posts can you schedule on Instagram?
You can schedule up to 25 posts a day on Instagram using Meta Business Suite, and you can plan content up to 75 days in advance.
Schedule Posts on Instagram Via Meta Business Suite App for Free
Meta Business Suite, formerly known as Creators Studio, is Meta’s very own in-house tool designed for seamless content scheduling. It’s a powerful resource, especially for Instagram users with Instagram business account looking to smoothen their posting process.
If you prefer to schedule IG posts from Meta Business app, as an IG account manager, follow the instructions. The app makes it easier to manage your social media content in one place, bringing the convenience of scheduling right to your fingertips. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide for your Instagram scheduling needs:
Install Meta Suite: Download and open the Meta Suite app on your Android or iOS device.
Log In and Set Up: Use your Facebook credentials to log in. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your account.
Start Creating a Post: Tap on the “+” icon to upload your desired content.
Select Your Instagram Profile: In the drop-down menu, make sure to select your Instagram profile.
Craft Your Post: Write an engaging caption and include relevant, trendy hashtags. Once done, tap on “Next.”
Schedule the Post: Select the “Schedule for Later” option. Choose the date and time you want your post to go live and tap “Schedule.”
Confirm Scheduling: Tap “Schedule” again to finalize and confirm the timing of your post, depending on best time to post on ig friday.
How to manage instagram post on Meta?
If you need to make changes, scroll to the “Recent Posts” section, tap on “See details” next to the post, and then tap the three-dotted vertical menu. Here, you can choose to “Edit Post”, “Duplicate Post”, “Publish Post”, or “Delete Post” as needed.
How to schedule a post on Instagram on desktop?
Yes, you can schedule Instagram post using Instagram scheduler desktop tools like Meta Business Suite or RecurPost. These tools provide an easy way to manage your Instagram content calendar from a desktop, offering more flexibility and control over your Instagram posting schedule for 2025. Here’s how to schedule Instagram posts on desktop:
Using Meta Business Suite (Free):
- Login: Go to Meta Business Suite and log in with your account.
- Create Post: Click on the “Create Post” button.
- Select Instagram: Choose your Instagram account.
- Upload Content: Add your image/video, caption, hashtags, and location (optional).
- Schedule: Select the “Schedule” option, choose your date and time, and click “Save”.
Explore our step-by-step guide to scheduling Instagram posts from your desktop for more detailed instructions
Why Are My Scheduled Posts Not Posting on Instagram?
I know how frustrating it can be when your scheduled posts on Instagram don’t go live as planned. It’s often due to some technical or account-related hiccups, but don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into some common reasons why this might be happening and how to fix them:
Common Issues with Scheduled Instagram Posts:
- Account Permissions Not Granted
- Switching Account Types
- Outdated Tools or Apps
- Content Violates Instagram Guidelines
- Connectivity Issues
- Tool-Specific Restrictions
- Technical Glitches
Schedule Posts on Instagram Via RecurPost Apps:
When it comes to scheduling an instagram post, RecurPost is one of the best Instagram scheduling apps, offering advanced features that go beyond the capabilities of the native app or Meta Business Suite. RecurPost allows users to easily automate Instagram posts and serves as a powerful Instagram content planner, enabling you to schedule posts far into the future without strict time limits. This makes it an ideal tool for meticulous content planning and strategizing, particularly for businesses and social media managers looking for efficiency and automating instagram posts.
If you haven’t tried RecurPost yet, now is the perfect moment to always have well timed Instagram posts!
Download and Sign Up: Get the RecurPost app from the PlayStore or App Store. Sign up for your preferred plan.
Add Your Instagram Account: Open the app and tap on “Add Social Accounts.” Then select “Instagram” and choose “Add Business Profile.”
Link to Facebook: You’ll be redirected to the Facebook app. Sign in with your Facebook credentials and follow the instructions to link your accounts.
Prepare Your Post: Back in RecurPost, tap the “Share a post” button. Then tap on “+”, select your Instagram account, and hit “Done.”
Upload and Customize: Tap the “Camera” icon to upload your images/videos. Write an engaging caption, include your keywords, and add relevant hashtags.
Choose Post Type: Tap on “Customize” and select the “Instagram” icon. Then choose “Feed” from the Instagram post type options.
Schedule Your Post: Enable the “Schedule Post” toggle and set your desired date and time.
Alternatively, you can also select “Auto-Schedule for best time within next 24 hours” for optimized posting.
Finalize and Schedule: Once everything is set, tap on “Done” and then “Schedule” to confirm your post timing.
Editing Scheduled Posts: If you need to edit a scheduled post, simply go to the RecurPost dashboard, find the post, tap the three-dotted vertical menu, and select “Edit this post.”
The Canva Instagram scheduler also supports scheduling IG posts, Instagram stories, and you can also schedule reels instagram. Check out the step-by-step guide on how to schedule posts through the Canva platform to streamline your social media management and ensure consistent engagement with your audience.
Instagram Auto Poster: Save Time and Post Smarter
Best Practices For Scheduling Posts on Instagram
Balance Promotional and Engaging Content: Balancing your content is key. Too much promotion can push followers away, and only engaging content might not meet your goals. Mix promotional posts with engaging material like tutorials and behind-the-scenes stories to keep your audience interested and informed.
Incorporating timely, relevant posts around key holidays or events can also enhance engagement. You can plan for these dates using our Social Media Holiday Calendar, ensuring your content is always in sync with important moments that resonate with your audience.
Stay Adaptable to Trends: Keep an eye on emerging trends and viral topics. Being quick to incorporate these can increase your content’s relevance and appeal. However, always ensure they align with your brand’s voice and values.
Understand the Instagram Algorithm: The algorithm favors content that engages users through likes, comments, and shares, and therefore it becomes crucial to understand how the Instagram Algorithm works. Familiarize yourself with these nuances to craft posts more likely to be favored and seen by a wider audience.
Good time to post on Instagram : Analyzing when your followers are online and most active is crucial. Scheduling posts during these windows can significantly increase engagement, as your content is more likely to be seen.
Include Related Keywords: Keywords aren’t just for websites; they’re also valuable on Instagram. Use them in your captions and hashtags to enhance your content’s searchability within the platform. But remember, avoid stuffing them, instead describe what your Instagram post is all about.
Utilize Instagram Analytics: Analytics can tell you which type of content performs best, what times yield the most engagement, and who your audience is. This continuous learning process is vital for refining your Instagram content strategy over time.
Utilize a Content Calendar: A content calendar is key for planning your Instagram posts. It helps you organize your posts ahead of time, keeping a consistent theme and a good mix of content. This way, you can align your posts with special events or trends and have a clear plan for what to post and when making your Instagram strategy more effective and less stressful.
Stay Updated with Instagram’s Policies: Instagram occasionally updates its terms and features. Staying informed helps you avoid any potential disruptions to your posting schedule and ensures your content strategy remains effective.
Regularly Check Live Posts: Sometimes, posts may appear differently than planned. Regular checks allow you to quickly fix any formatting issues, broken links, or incorrect hashtags, ensuring a professional appearance.
Keep Your Scheduling Tools Updated: Scheduling tools frequently roll out updates that can include new features or improved interfaces. Staying current with these updates can enhance your scheduling experience and provide new opportunities for your strategy.
Check out our blog post on Instagram Tools for Marketers. This guide covers the best tools to streamline your Instagram strategy and enhance your marketing efforts.
Pro Tip: Use an Instagram automation tool to schedule share instagram at optimal times, ensuring a consistent posting schedule and maximum Instagram audience engagement.
Conclusion
As we wrap up this guide on how to schedule Instagram posts, one important question to consider is: does scheduling Instagram posts affect engagement? The answer is quite encouraging.
Properly follow an Insta schedule to scheduled all your Instagram posts, aligned with your audience’s most active hours, do not negatively impact engagement. Instead, they can boost your presence by ensuring you post consistently and at the best times.
Remember, the power of scheduling your Instagram posts lies in its ability to free up your time, allowing you to focus more on content creation and less on timing. You can also use Recurpost, one of the best app to schedule Instagram posts.
So, go ahead, schedule your posts smartly, and watch as your Instagram community flourishes.
Learn how to schedule Instagram stories
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can I only schedule 5 posts on Instagram?
Several social media management tools have a limitation of only 5 posts on Instagram. It depends on the plan or subscription you have chosen. Upgrading to a higher plan can solve your problem and allow you to schedule more posts. However, Instagram allows business accounts to schedule 25 posts per day.
Will using a third-party scheduling tool affect my post’s reach or engagement?
Generally, using third-party scheduling tools does not negatively affect your post’s reach or engagement as long as the content is engaging and posted at the right time. It’s crucial to choose best IG scheduling tools that are officially recognized by Instagram.
Do I need to be online when my scheduled Instagram post goes live?
No, you don’t need to be online. One of the main benefits of scheduling posts is that they automatically go live at the scheduled time, whether or not you are online. However, it’s often beneficial to check in shortly after your post goes live to engage with any immediate comments or reactions.
Can I schedule all types of content, like Stories and Reels?
The resounding answer is yes, you can schedule all types of content like reels and stories or IGTV. However, one should always check the features of the tools that they are using. Here’s a complete guide on how to schedule reels.
What’s the best time to schedule my Instagram posts?
The best time depends on your specific audience. Generally, it’s when most of your followers are online and engaging with content. Use Instagram Insights (for business accounts) to analyze when your followers are most active and schedule posts accordingly.
Can I tag people or add location tags to my scheduled Instagram posts?
Yes, most third-party scheduling tools allow you to tag people and add location tags to your scheduled posts. If you’re scheduling directly through Instagram, you can also include these tags. However, the process may vary slightly depending on the tool you’re using, so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with your chosen tool’s specific features and capabilities.
Why can’t I schedule posts on my Instagram professional account?
If you’re unable to schedule posts, ensure your Instagram mobile app is updated and your account is correctly linked with Facebook. If issues persist, checking with the scheduling tool’s support or the Instagram help center may resolve the problem.
Can you schedule Collab posts on Instagram?
Yes, you can use third-party tools to schedule Collab posts on Instagram.
Where can I find scheduled posts on Instagram?
You can find your scheduled posts on Instagram by heading to your profile, tapping the menu (three lines) in the top right, then going to Scheduled Content. If you’re using a business account, this is where all your scheduled Instagram posts are listed.
How do you schedule a post on Instagram?
To schedule a post on Instagram, tap the ‘+’ to create a new post, edit it as usual, then tap Advanced Settings before posting. Under Schedule this post, pick your date and time. This works only if you have a professional account.
Why are my scheduled Instagram posts not showing?
If your scheduled Instagram posts are not showing, make sure you’re using a business or creator account. Also, check if you have the latest app update. Sometimes, the Scheduled Content section disappears due to app glitches or switching account types.
Debbie Moran is a Digital marketing strategist with 5+ years of experience producing advertising for brands and helping leaders showcase their brand to the correct audience. She has been a part of RecurPost since 2019 and handles all the activities required to grow our brand’s online presence.