Let’s be honest – keeping up with Instagram can feel like a full-time job. Between creating visuals, writing captions, and hitting the perfect posting time, it’s a lot. But here’s the good news: Instagram scheduled posting is here to save your sanity.

Whether you’re running a brand page, growing your freelance portfolio, or just trying to stay consistent, being able to schedule posts on Instagram is a total game-changer. And yes, you can do it all from your phone – no complicated tools required.

Before you begin: a few quick facts

Before you start scheduling, make sure you’ve checked these boxes:

  • You’re using a professional (Business or Creator) account.

  • You can schedule up to 25 posts a day.

  • Posts can be planned up to 75 days in advance – perfect for content calendars.

  • If you’re cross-posting to Facebook, your chosen page remains locked once you hit ‘schedule’.

  • If you switch your account type or link structure, your post might not publish.

  • Instagram keeps your privacy and audience settings intact at the time your post goes live.

Got it? Great. Now, let’s walk through how to actually set it up.

How to schedule Instagram posts

1. Schedule posts in the Instagram app

You can now schedule posts and Reels directly in the Instagram app – no extra software needed.

  1. Open Instagram and tap the “+” to start a new post.

  2. Upload your photo or video, write your caption, tag anyone, and add your location.

  3. Tap Advanced Settings at the bottom.

  4. Select Schedule this post, then pick your preferred time and date (up to 75 days out).

  5. Hit Done, then Schedule – and that’s it.

Your post will quietly wait in your Scheduled Content tab until it’s time to shine.

2. Schedule via Meta Business Suite

If you manage multiple pages or want a bird’s-eye view of your content calendar, Meta Business Suite is your best friend.

  1. Go to business.facebook.com and open Meta Business Suite.

  2. Click Create Post, select Instagram, and upload your content.

  3. Add your caption and any hashtags or tags you’d like.

  4. Click Scheduling Options → Schedule, then pick your date and time.

  5. Hit Save, and you’re good to go.

Meta Business Suite also gives you insights on performance – perfect for fine-tuning your strategy.

Can you schedule Instagram posts, Reels, or Stories from the web?

You can! Instagram allows scheduled posts and Reels from both the web version and Meta Business Suite.
 However, Stories still need to be scheduled through the mobile app (or third-party tools). Let’s go over that next.

How to schedule Instagram Stories

So, can you schedule Instagram Stories? You absolutely can – but only from the mobile app.

Here’s how:

  1. Open Instagram and create your Story.

  2. Tap Advanced Settings → Schedule this Story.

  3. Choose your date and time, and tap Schedule.

Want your Stories to stand out before you post them? The Picsart Instagram Story Maker is packed with templates, text overlays, and design elements that make even a simple announcement look brand-worthy.

How to schedule Reels on Instagram

Next up – can you schedule Reels on Instagram? Definitely. Reels can be scheduled straight from the Instagram app or through Meta Business Suite.

  1. Create your Reel as usual: upload clips, add audio, and polish it with effects.

  2. Tap Advanced Settings → Schedule this Reel.

  3. Pick your date and time, and hit Schedule.

Scheduling Reels helps you stay consistent with trends while freeing up time to actually engage with your followers – or just breathe.

Make scheduling effortless with Picsart tools

Once you’ve got scheduling handled, the next challenge is creating content that looks incredible on your feed. That’s where Picsart comes in.

The Picsart Instagram Post Maker helps you design thumb-stopping posts in minutes. Choose from thousands of templates, swap in your colors and fonts, and create branded content that feels uniquely you.

Need quick edits or enhancements before posting? Try Picsart’s image tools to resize, remove backgrounds, or perfect lighting – all in one place.

Why creators love using Picsart with Instagram

  • Everything in one place: Design, edit, and plan your content without switching between apps.

  • Consistency made simple: Templates keep your visuals on-brand across posts and Stories.

  • Time-saving workflows: Batch-design your content and upload it directly for scheduling.

When you combine Instagram’s scheduling feature with Picsart’s creative suite, your posting routine practically runs itself.

FAQs

Can you schedule posts directly on Instagram?

Yes. Go to Advanced Settings → Schedule this post when creating your post or Reel in the app.

Why can’t I schedule posts on Instagram?

You might be using a personal account or an older app version. Switch to a professional profile and update the app.

Can I schedule an Instagram post for a specific time?

Absolutely – you can set any time within the next 75 days.

How do I activate my schedule on Instagram?

Once you tap Schedule, your post will publish automatically. You can edit or view it in your Scheduled Content section anytime.

Final thoughts

So, can I schedule posts on Instagram? Without question. It’s built right into the platform now, giving creators and businesses full control over their posting rhythm.

Pair it with Picsart’s design tools, and you’ll spend less time rushing to post – and more time actually creating the content you love. Consistency meets creativity, and that’s exactly where your best work happens.