📅 Quick Answer
To schedule with Instagram's native tool: Create a post as normal → On the share screen, tap "Advanced settings" → Toggle on "Schedule" → Set your date and time → Tap "Schedule". Requires a Professional (Creator/Business) account.
⚠️ Requirements
- • Professional Account – Switch in Settings → Account → Switch to Professional Account
- • Latest Instagram version – Update your app for all scheduling features
- • Mobile app only – Native scheduling isn't available on desktop (use Meta Business Suite instead)
How to Schedule Posts (Instagram App)
Create Your Post
Tap + to create a new post. Select your photo/video and edit as usual.
Write Caption & Tags
Add your caption, location, tags, and any other options on the share screen.
Open Advanced Settings
Scroll down and tap "Advanced settings" at the bottom of the screen.
Enable Schedule
Toggle on "Schedule this post" and select your desired date and time.
Tap Schedule
Go back and tap "Schedule" instead of "Share". Your post will publish automatically!
How to Schedule Reels
Scheduling Reels works the same way as posts:
1. Create your Reel and edit it
2. On the share screen, add caption and tags
3. Tap "More options" or "Advanced settings"
4. Toggle on "Schedule" and set your time
5. Tap "Schedule" to confirm
View & Manage Scheduled Posts
To find your scheduled posts:
1. Go to your profile
2. Tap the menu (☰) in the top right
3. Select "Scheduled content"
4. View all your upcoming posts, Reels, and their times
Edit
Change caption, time, tags
Reschedule
Pick a new date/time
Delete
Cancel the scheduled post
Third-Party Scheduling Tools
For more features like Story scheduling, analytics, and multi-platform management:
Later
Visual planner, auto-publish, Stories scheduling, analytics. Great for visual planners.
Free tier availableBuffer
Simple scheduling, multiple platforms, team collaboration. Clean interface.
Free tier availableHootsuite
Enterprise-level, all social platforms, advanced analytics.
Paid plansMeta Business Suite
Free official tool for scheduling to Instagram and Facebook from desktop.
Free (Official)Best Times to Schedule Posts
General Best Times (2026):
- •Weekdays: 11 AM - 1 PM and 7 PM - 9 PM
- •Best day: Wednesday and Thursday typically perform well
- •Weekend: 10 AM - 12 PM performs better than weekday mornings
💡 Check your Instagram Insights for YOUR audience's most active times – every audience is different!
See our complete Best Time to Post guide →Scheduling Tips for Success
Batch Create Content
Set aside time weekly to create and schedule multiple posts at once. More efficient than daily posting.
Stay Flexible
Schedule core content but leave room for spontaneous, timely posts that feel more authentic.
Engage When Posts Go Live
Set a reminder to be online when scheduled posts publish to respond to early comments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule Smart, Grow Faster
Scheduling saves time, but tracking results matters. UnfollowCheck helps you see which posts attract followers, who unfollows, and how to grow your Instagram strategically.
Try UnfollowCheck Free→