How to Schedule Instagram Posts

If you’re a content creator on Instagram, you know how much time it can take to craft the perfect post. From the copy, the hashtags, and of course, the photo or video you’d like to share, there’s a lot to keep in mind. That’s why scheduling your Instagram posts in advance can be an absolute game-changer!

You may be asking yourself, “What’s the best Instagram scheduler out there?” In the below step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to shift from manually posting to building out a full-fledged Instagram content calendar that will save you time and stress.

Native Instagram App

For a long time, creators had no choice but to turn to third-party apps to schedule Instagram posts. After some time testing, Instagram now allows creators with professional accounts to schedule both photos and videos (including carousels and Reels) directly from the Instagram App.

Getting Started With Instagram In-App Scheduling

The good news is if you’re already familiar with posting content on Instagram, scheduling content through the app is a no brainer. Here’s how you do it:

Step 1: After selecting the content you want to upload and filling out details such as the caption, tags, location, etc., scroll down to Advanced Settings.

Step 2: Under Advanced Settings and Schedule Content, turn on the toggle next to Schedule This Post.

Step 3: Once you’ve turned on the Schedule This Post option, select the day and time you want the post to go live. Note: the time zone is based on your device's settings.

Step 4: Once you’ve chosen the time you want the post to go live, hit Set Time.

Step 5: Select the arrow in the top left hand corner to go back. On this screen, you should see your caption and all the other details you previously filled with the word Schedule on the right side of the screen (instead of Post). Click Schedule when you’re done.

Step 6:  That’s it! Your Instagram post is scheduled and all you have to do is lay back, relax, and get all of the engagement.

Meta Business Suite

Another simple way to automate Instagram posts is to use Meta Business Suite. Suppose you don’t have experience with a third-party Instagram scheduling app. In that case, Creator Studio offers a way for anyone with a Facebook account to easily schedule both Facebook and Instagram posts in advance.

Getting Started with Meta Business Suite

Step 1: Once logged into Meta Business Suite, click the dropdown next to your Facebook/connected account name.

Step 2: Select Create a Business Account.

Step 3: Input the requested details including your business name, first and last name and email address. Then select Create.

Step 4: From the homepage of Meta Business Suite, click Create Post and Select the account you would like to post to.

Step 5: Add your media along with the post details such as caption, location, etc.

Step 6: Scroll down to the bottom and select the Schedule button next to the Publish button. From there, you can choose your preferred time and date, hit Schedule, then you’re good to go!

Later

Later is a platform that allows you to schedule media to various social media platforms including Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and even TikTok.

Getting Started with Later

Step 1: Once you’ve logged into your Later account, go to Settings then Social Sets & Access Groups.

Step 2: Under Social Sets, click the Add Social Profile button.

Step 3: Click the plus icon next to the Instagram icon.  In the pop-up that appears, follow each step, including inputting your Instagram credentials, until you have connected to Later. That’s it!

Scheduling with Later

Step 1: The first thing you’ll need to do is upload your assets to the Media Library listed in the upper left navigation bar of the tool. From there, you’ll be able to upload any photos or videos you like in bulk, storing them for easy access at any time.

Step 2: When you’re ready to schedule content, click Calendar from the left navigation panel. You should now see a minimized version of the Media Library containing all of your content. To the right of your screen, you’ll see your content calendar where you can schedule content, leave notes, and toggle on or off accounts you want to post to.

Step 3: Simply click and drag any photos or videos from the Media Library onto a time slot you’d like to schedule for. Your content’s editing window should now appear, where you can add a caption, location, or tag friends and brands.

There are other optional features you can use like Saved Captions and Edit Image. To schedule your post, click the Schedule Post button.

You can now schedule your posts! If you need to adjust the time slot you’ve chosen after the fact, simply click and drag the content’s square to anywhere else on the calendar.

Create a Link-in-Bio Using Willow

Remember, as an influencer or brand on social media, it’s essential to have a solid call to action for people to explore more of your content.  Remember to include this call to action in your captions when scheduling Instagram posts. Willow, an all-in-one bio link tool, can assist your fans in finding your other pages, content, and resources etc., that you may mention in your captions.

Willow also helps your audience support you with built-in tipping services and increases the visibility of your links. Use Willow to turn your bio into a landing page for your most essential links, allowing your audience to access your entire online portfolio.

Conclusion

Producing good Instagram content doesn’t have to be complicated. Using an Instagram post scheduler,whether it be Instagram’s native in-app schedule or a third party like Later,  can make all the difference. Our team is super excited to offer you access to our Ultimate Social Media Content Calendar Template. This free Instagram posting planner can be used digitally in beautiful 4K or even as a printout for your desk. Whether you share it with a colleague to collaborate or simply want to keep yourself organized, you won’t want to miss out on this powerful, free tool!

DOWNLOAD CONTENT CALENDAR TEMPLATE HERE