Can You Schedule Instagram Posts? The Power of Planning

In the fast-paced digital world, keeping on top of your Instagram posts is essential. Instagram is a top-rated site for sharing content, like video photos and interacting with followers. To keep up with the pressures of consistent posting, users look for effective ways to streamline the process. Some users wonder, “Can you schedule Instagram posts?”

Fortunately, it is possible to schedule Instagram posts. This helps users all over the world save time and elevate their accounts. Plus, you don’t have to spend a dime. If you have multiple accounts or you’re aiming to boost your current one, this is a great tool. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of scheduling your posts and uncover how to do it effectively. Let’s get into it.

A laptop shows the Instagram website open with a person's profile open.

Why Should I Schedule My Instagram Posts? 

Scheduling Instagram posts offers many benefits to individuals and businesses using the app. The question is, why is scheduling your social media posts on Instagram a good idea? Here are some reasons why:

1. You Save Time 

One of the main benefits of scheduling your posts is that you save time. If you’re a business owner or you’re aiming to promote your personal brand, you’ll have many tasks to juggle. From brainstorming to creating compelling content calendars, there’s only so much you can do. 

To make matters more manageable, you can remove the hassle of spending time posting on Instagram. By planning your posts in advance for your Instagram business and arranging specific posting times, you’ll become more efficient. 

2. It Keeps You Consistent 

If you’re trying to become an Instagram influencer or increase engagement, you’ll understand the importance of being consistent. By planning your social posts, you can aim to distribute your content regularly and remain present online. By doing this, your followers will remain engaged with your content and invested in your brand. 

3. Better Global Reach 

According to Demandsage, Instagram currently has over 2.4 billion users worldwide. This means that the global audience engaging with your content is in different time zones. By planning when you’re posting your content, you can strategically reach your audience at optimal times. 

4. More Time To Create Good Captions 

We all know the struggle of coming up with a good Instagram caption, but what if we had more time? Scheduling content gives you more time to think. This means you can avoid spelling errors, overcome writer’s block, and come up with the most engaging caption possible. You’ll also get more time to optimize your caption, using keywords and the best hashtags. This will help to attract more people to your page. 

A person holds a smartphone with the Instagram insights page open. It reads “Post’s insights” at the top and shows data.

5. View Insights and Analytics 

Many of the scheduling tools have built-in analytics features that can help you get valuable insights into your post’s performance. By tracking your content over time, you can use these tools to identify trends and understand your audience more. By doing this, you can alter your content accordingly, working to optimize your content for better results overall. 

6. Effective Content Planning 

If you want to build your brand and boost engagement, planning your content can help. Using a content calendar can help you put your ideas down and allow you to see past trends. Planning ahead can also encourage you to put more effort into your content, making it more strategic and well-thought-out. 

You can also spend time creating carousel posts to boost engagement. Rather than posting content for posting’s sake, you can take your time creating high-quality content. You can also post content at the perfect time, aiming to capture the attention of your followers. 

According to the Search Engine Journal, these are the best times to post on Instagram:

  • Monday: 6 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m.
  • Tuesday: 8-10 a.m., 2 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 9-11 a.m.
  • Thursday: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., 7 p.m.
  • Friday: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., 2-4 p.m.
  • Saturday: 8-11 a.m.
  • Sunday: 6-8 p.m.

Based on these times, you can effectively plan ahead with your content and reach your target audience at optimal times. 

Overall, scheduling content has a lot of benefits. Whether you’re an individual influencer, a small business, or part of a large company, it’ll serve you well.

A person holds a smartphone with the Instagram app open. It shows a person’s account and their posts.

Can You Schedule Instagram Posts?

The question, “Can you schedule posts on Instagram?” has a straightforward answer. The good news is that, yes, you can schedule your content and plan ahead. By using the built-in features of Instagram and third-party software, it’s easier than ever to experience the benefits for yourself. In the following sections, we’ll look at how to plan your posts and stories ahead of time.

How To Schedule Instagram Posts

So, now we know that it’s possible to schedule Instagram posts. It’s time to look at how to actually do it. First, you need to swap your account from a personal account to a business or a content account. If you’re already using either of them, you’re good to go. 

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to schedule Instagram posts:

  1. Open the Instagram app with the account you want to post your content on.
  2. Tap on the plus icon in the middle at the bottom of your screen.
  3. Create either a post or a Reel like you normally would.
  4. Take time creating high-quality content and ensure you’re happy with the caption before continuing.
  5. Once you’ve made the finishing touches, scroll down to the bottom of the screen and tap “Advanced Settings.”
  6. Go to where it says “Schedule,” and choose the date and time you want your post to upload.
  7. Tap on the back button and then “Share” to schedule your chosen post.

If you want to revisit your scheduled posts, go to your account and tap the menu icon. Here, you’ll see “Scheduled content,” and you’ll have three options: edit, reschedule, share now, delete. You can also schedule your posts using the Facebook Business Suite. This platform also enables you to plan your posts ahead of time. In the following section, we’ll explore how to do so.

A person holds a smartphone up and takes a video of food in a bakery.

Can You Schedule Instagram Stories?

Instagram Stories have become an integral part of content creation. They offer a dynamic way to engage with followers and boost engagement. You might be wondering, “Can you schedule Instagram Stories?” The short answer is yes. You can either use an external tool or through the Facebook Business Suite. This is a useful method, especially if you want to post directly to Instagram and Facebook. Keep in mind that it doesn’t work for all channels. 

Scheduling Instagram Stories offers the same benefits mentioned above. By saving yourself time and planning your content ahead of time, you can become more time-efficient and organized. 

If you prefer using a desktop rather than a mobile, here’s how you can schedule your Stories:

  1. Open Facebook Business Suite and click on “Content” on the left side of your screen.
  2. You can also schedule posts or Reels this way. You just need to click “Create Reel” or “Create post.” To create a story, click on the down arrow next to “Create post” and click “Create story” at the top.
  3. Under “Post to,” click on your Instagram account.
  4. Then, create your Story. You’ll have time to ensure it looks the way you want and that it looks as high-quality as possible.
  5. Once you’re happy with your Story, slide the toggle on next to “Set date and time.”
  6. Enter your desired date and time that you want the Story to upload and click “Schedule.”

How To Schedule Stories With a Third-Party Tool 

Another way to schedule your stories is by using a social media management tool. These third-party scheduling tools connect to your Instagram account and allow you to plan your Stories ahead of time. 

Once you’ve chosen your preferred tool, the process is generally as follows:

  1. Look around for different tools and decide on the features you like the most. Popular choices of scheduling apps are Hootsuite, Later, and Planable.
  2. Connect your Instagram account to the third-party tool and follow any necessary steps to ensure they link up.
  3. Create your Story, ensuring it’s engaging and complete with any polls or features you want to add.
  4. Use the built-in features on the tool to schedule a date and time for your Story.
  5. Review and confirm your chosen dates.
  6. Your post will be uploaded at the scheduled time. Before then, the sites usually give you the option to revisit it, edit it, delete it, or post it sooner.
A man is on a laptop with one hand hovering over the mousepad. The screen shows photos, but they’re blurry and distant.

Why Can’t I Schedule Posts on Instagram

Are you having trouble scheduling your Instagram posts? If you’re wondering, “Why can’t I schedule posts on Instagram?” we’ve got you covered. There are a few potential reasons why it might not work. Here are some ideas:

1. You’re Using a Personal Account 

If you don’t have the option to schedule your posts, you’re likely using a personal account. It only works for content or business accounts. Instagram doesn’t offer scheduling features to users unless they swap their accounts over. Luckily, changing your account is a straightforward process. Here’s how to swap your personal account for a business or content account: 

  1. Go to your Instagram profile on your mobile app and select the hamburger icon in the top right corner.
  2. Scroll down to “Account type.”
  3. There, you’ll see “Switch to professional account” and follow the onscreen instructions. 

2. Your App Isn’t Up to Date 

In some cases, if your app isn’t up to date, you won’t be able to access the scheduling feature. The option to do this may not be available on older versions. To check, go to the App Store or Google Play Store on your device. 

3. You Might Not Have Permission 

You might not have permission to access the scheduling feature on your device. By checking with the account administrator, you can ensure you’re able to use it. 

These potential reasons might be the reason that you’re unable to schedule your posts. However, the most common reason is that you’re using a personal account. Switching your account to a business or creator one could be all it takes.

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Now you know the answer to “Can you schedule Instagram posts?” It’s time to begin enhancing your account. Trust GoRead.io and experience the thrill of rapid growth and expand your network like never before.