Here’s how to schedule Instagram posts and save time

Posting on Instagram can be time-consuming. You have to pick the perfect shot, apply a stunning filter, and craft a clever caption. So what if you have too many posts to make and too little time?

If you run a professional account or aim to increase your following, Instagram’s post-scheduling feature is your friend. Scheduling in advance allows you to create batches of content when you have a block of time rather than scrambling to squeeze in daily posts. Your content automatically goes live on the dates and times you choose, and you don’t need to click “Share” yourself.

Scheduling posts help your Instagram presence thrive no matter how busy you are. Is your interest piqued? Read on to learn how to schedule Instagram posts and take your social media game to the next level.

How can you schedule Instagram posts?

Instagram has a new feature that allows professional accounts to schedule posts rather than posting right away. You can schedule photos, Reels, and Carousels at any time and up to 75 days in advance.

Though this is a new in-app feature, the ability to schedule posts on Instagram has existed for a while. Established third-party apps allow users to plan content in advance—and if you don’t have a professional Instagram account, you can still use one of these services to post on your behalf.

But before we dive any deeper into the details, let’s go over the basics.

How to post on Instagram

To make a new post, click the plus (+) button in the top right corner of the app. Select the video, photo, or photos from your camera roll that you wish to post and hit the “Next” button in the top right corner. You can choose to edit your photos, add a filter or leave them as-is. When you’re ready to move on, hit the “Next” button again. Finally, add a caption. Add a location or music, tag people in the photo, and sync the post to other social media platforms.

If you’re ready to post right away, press the “Share” button in the top right corner. To schedule the post-in-app, keep reading.

How to schedule Instagram posts in-app

Remember—the ability to schedule posts in-app is currently only available with professional accounts.

If you have a professional account, prepare your post as you normally would, from selecting your content to writing a caption. Once finished, instead of clicking “Share,” tap “Advanced settings” at the bottom of the page. Swipe the toggle “Schedule this post” and select the date and time you want it to go live, then hit “Schedule” in the post composer.

@linktr.ee Creators and social media managers—this one's for YOU 👏 With this Instagram update being tested, you'll have access to an in-app tool that'll allow you to create content to be scheduled for posting up to 75 days in advance, including Reels! Plus, you can still edit the post even after it's been published. Anyone else freaking out over this new Instagram feature?! #socialmediamanager #instagramupdate #instagramfeature #instagramnews #creatornews #socialmediaupdates #instagramschedule #instagramstrategy #contentcreatortips #socialmedianews #contentcreation ♬ Beat Automotivo Tan Tan Tan Viral - WZ Beat

5 third-party tools for scheduling posts

If you don’t have a professional Instagram account, don’t worry—third-party social media management tools can still help schedule content. You may also choose to use an external application because of its additional features, even if you do have the basic in-app capability.

The best app to schedule Instagram posts will depend on the features you need and your budget. Here are some great options to explore:

1. Hubspot’s social media management software streamlines all your social media accounts and puts content scheduling in one place—you can connect multiple accounts and keep track of everything in the intuitive management system. Hubspot’s pricing starts at $45 per month.
2. Hootsuite allows you to manage and schedule social media posts across multiple platforms, keep on top of engagement, and manage paid ads. The application is used by 25 million people and offers a free trial to ensure it’s right for you. Hootsuite subscriptions start at $49 per month.
3. Sprout Social is more than just a scheduling tool. It shares detailed analytics to help monitor engagement and uncover new trends. On the more expensive side, the software starts at $249 per month.
4. Loomy has a calendar for scheduling, but it also provides content ideas, such as hot new Reels trends, so you always have fresh inspiration. The software also helps create posts from the ground up with a media studio and hashtag generator. Loomy’s pricing starts at $26 per month.
5. Buffer allows you to build a customized landing page to manage accounts. You can schedule posts, create analytics reports, and navigate your comments and engagement. Buffer offers a free version of the software for novices, but if you want more features, pricing starts at $5 per month.

4 reasons you should schedule Instagram posts

Scheduling Instagram posts is an essential part of any social media management strategy, especially if you manage multiple profiles or post high volumes of content. Need more convincing? Here are four key reasons you should schedule your posts:

1. Save time. Scheduling posts in advance means you don’t have to interrupt important parts of your day to post content at peak times. Have a busy week ahead? Your posts will go out automatically, even when you’re swamped.
2. Plan your content. Drafting posts in batches helps create a cohesive feel in your content. You can deliberately craft the appearance of your profile and be strategic with posts. For example, sitting down to plan your content ahead of time might allow you to schedule posts for busy holidays that might have otherwise slipped through the cracks.
3. Increase your engagement. Scheduling allows you to post content at the best times for your audience. This is especially beneficial if most of your audience is in another time zone—with scheduling, you don’t have to be awake at odd hours.
4. Enhance your content calendar. Many social media professionals use content calendars to manage their marketing campaigns—they outline when and why you’re going to make every post weeks in advance. Scheduling posts helps you visualize your calendar and see gaps in your content.

5 tips to make the most of scheduling Instagram posts

Scheduling posts is a great step toward optimizing your Instagram marketing, but following these tips can take your engagement from great to outstanding. Here’s how to schedule posts like a pro:

1. Avoid scheduling too far in the future. While it’s helpful to plan posts in advance, Instagram is constantly changing. Scheduling posts too far out could mean missing trends and other opportunities. Create and schedule posts for a few weeks to a month, and be prepared to tweak your lineup to stay relevant.
2. Don’t over-post. While scheduling a number of posts a day may be tempting, you don’t want to drown your followers’ feeds in redundant content—they might unfollow you. Start small, and work your way up to a post a day.
3. Analyze your posts using Instagram metrics. Professional Instagram profiles have an in-app analytics feature that reveals how posts perform. If you don’t have a professional account, consider choosing a third-party app with analytics. Check which posts earn the most engagement and use that knowledge to inform future content.
4. Pay attention to your captions. Captions are essential—they hold people’s attention and allow you to share detailed information. Check and double-check your captions for spelling errors before you hit “Schedule.”
5. Stick to your content calendar. It may be tempting to constantly shuffle outposts and tweak timing, but try to stick to your content calendar to keep your feed consistent for followers. If you need to make a change here and there, that’s okay—but don’t undermine the work you did to schedule the posts in the first place.

Stay connected with Linktree

Scheduling your posts is an easy way to manage your Instagram account and level up your content. But if you’re going to have a strong social media presence, you need to branch out beyond Instagram.

Your Instagram bio is a great place to direct followers to the rest of your web presence—but it’s only 150 characters. Adding a Linktree to your bio allows you to keep your socials connected. You can link out to other platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and a personal website, all in one place.