How to Schedule Instagram Posts (2026)
Updated: October 14, 2026 · 2 min read
You don't have to be on your phone at the same time every day. Instagram lets you prepare posts and Reels ahead of time and publish them automatically on the day and time you pick. There are three ways to do it: the Instagram app itself, Meta Business Suite, and a social media scheduling tool. This guide walks through each one.
First, switch to a professional account
Scheduling is only available on professional accounts (Business or Creator). Personal accounts don't see the option. Open the ☰ menu on your profile, go to Account type and tools and switch to a professional account. It's free, and you can switch back later.
Schedule from the Instagram app
- 1Tap the + icon and choose Post or Reel.
- 2Select your photo or video, edit it and tap Next.
- 3Write your caption, then tap Advanced settings.
- 4Turn on Schedule this post and pick a date and time.
- 5Go back and tap Schedule.
The Instagram app lets you schedule up to 75 days ahead. Scheduling works in the mobile app only, not on Instagram for web.
See and edit scheduled posts
Open the ☰ menu on your profile and tap Scheduled content. From there you can change a post's time, share it right away or cancel it.
You can't schedule Stories from the app. To schedule a Story, use Meta Business Suite or a scheduling tool.
Schedule from a computer with Meta Business Suite
If your Instagram account is connected to a Facebook Page, Meta Business Suite can schedule posts, Reels and Stories. It's the easier route if you'd rather work on a desktop.
- 1In Meta Business Suite, click Create post, Create reel or Create story.
- 2Choose your Instagram account as the placement and add your media and caption.
- 3Pick Schedule from the options at the bottom and set the date and time.
- 4Scheduled posts show up in the Planner calendar, where you can change their time.
Schedule several platforms in one place
If you also run TikTok, YouTube or LinkedIn, opening each app separately eats time. In IZY Social you schedule Instagram posts, Reels and Stories from the same screen as your other platforms. Everything lands on the Planning Calendar, and you move a post to another day by dragging its card.
Pick when to post
Scheduling lets you hit the hours when your followers are most active, even if you're busy then. Instagram Insights shows those hours under Followers. We collected general guidance in our post on the best time to post on Instagram.
Frequently asked questions
Can I schedule posts on a personal Instagram account?
No. The scheduling option only appears on Business and Creator accounts. Switching to a professional account is free.
How far ahead can I schedule on Instagram?
Up to 75 days ahead in the Instagram app.
Can I schedule Instagram Stories?
Not from the Instagram app. You can schedule them in Meta Business Suite or in a tool that supports Story scheduling.
Do scheduled posts get less reach?
Instagram doesn't say it treats scheduled posts differently from ones shared live. Reach comes down to the content and the time you post.