A step-by-step guide to using the new Instagram scheduling feature to plan your content calendar

Social media marketing is an integral part of any business strategy. Instagram has become one of the most popular platforms for businesses and creators to showcase their brands and engage with their audiences. In a recent announcement, Instagram shared that they are rolling out a new in-app scheduling feature (Instagram scheduling feature) for professional accounts.

This new tool allows businesses and creators to schedule their posts and reels up to 75 days in advance without relying on third-party apps or Creator Studio. As a social media manager, content creator, or small business owner, this new feature can save you much time and streamline your content planning process.

This step-by-step guide will show you how to use the new Instagram scheduling feature to plan your content calendar.

Key Takeaways

Here are the important things to keep in mind when using the new Instagram scheduling feature to plan your content calendar:The new in-app Instagram scheduling feature is available for professional accounts on Instagram. It allows businesses and creators to schedule their posts, reels, and IGTV videos up to 75 days in advance.

You must have a professional account and switch to the Creator Studio in the Instagram app to use the feature.

When scheduling a post, choose a high-quality image or video, write a compelling caption, add relevant tags and location, and choose the optimal posting time for your audience.

You can’t edit the post once it has been scheduled. Only the caption, tags, location, and posting time can be edited. Therefore, it’s crucial to review your post before scheduling it.

To view and manage your scheduled posts, go to your profile, tap the three lines in the top right corner, and then tap “Settings.” Here, you can see all your scheduled posts, edit or delete them if necessary, and monitor their performance.

The new Instagram scheduling feature will help you streamline your content planning process, save time, and create engaging, high-quality content that resonates with your audience. With a well-planned content calendar, you can build a strong brand presence on Instagram, increase engagement and reach, and achieve your social media goals.

Image source: Instagram

8 Steps to using the new Instagram scheduling feature to plan your content

Step 1: Switch to a Professional Account

Before scheduling your Instagram posts, switch to a professional account. If you haven’t already done so, go to your Instagram profile, tap the three lines in the top right corner, and then tap Settings > Account > Switch to Professional Account. Choose the option that best describes your business or brand and follow the prompts to complete the process.

A professional account offers many benefits, including access to Instagram Insights, the ability to run ads, and the ability to schedule your posts directly in the app.

Step 2: Connect your Instagram account to a Facebook Page

Connect your Instagram account to a Facebook Page to use the new scheduling feature. To do this, go to your Instagram profile, tap the three lines in the top right corner, and then tap Settings > Account > Linked Accounts.

Choose Facebook and enter your login information. If you don’t have a Facebook page, you can create one directly from Instagram.

Connecting your accounts to use the Instagram scheduling feature will help you access more detailed insights about your audience, run ads, and now schedule your posts without leaving the app.

Step 3: Access the Scheduling Feature

To access the scheduling feature, go to your Instagram profile, tap the plus sign in the top right corner, and create a new post. Instead of posting immediately, tap the “Schedule” button next to “Post.”

You can schedule feed posts, reels, and IGTV videos up to 75 days in advance. However, you can only schedule one post per time slot.

Step 4: Create a New Post or Select an Existing Post to Schedule

You can create a new post from scratch or select an existing post from your library to schedule. If you choose to create a new post, you will be prompted to add a photo or video from your camera roll. Make sure to select an image or video that is high-quality, on-brand, and relevant to your audience.

If you choose to schedule an existing post, go to your profile, select the post you want to schedule, and tap the three dots in the top right corner. Then, tap “Schedule” and follow the prompts.

Step 5: Add Captions, Tags, and Locations

You can add a caption, tags, and a location to make your scheduled post more engaging. Your caption should be concise, on-brand, and encourage engagement.

Use hashtags and tags that are relevant to your business and audience, and add a location to reach a wider audience.

Step 6: Choose a Posting Date and Time

Choosing the best posting date and time is crucial to the success of your Instagram strategy.

To choose a date and time, tap “Pick Date” and select the date you want to schedule your post. Then, tap “Pick Time” and choose when you want your post published.

Make sure to choose a time when your audience is most active on the platform to increase engagement.

Click Here to Read a Comprehensive Guide on the Best Time to Post on Instagram for Engagements.

Step 7: Review and Schedule Your

After adding all the necessary details, including the image or video, caption, tags, and location, and choosing a posting date and time, it’s time to review your scheduled post. Double-check all the information and make sure everything is correct.

Once satisfied with your post, tap “Schedule” to confirm your scheduling. Your post will be saved to your “Scheduled Posts” folder and will be automatically published on the date and time you selected.

Step 8: View and Manage Scheduled Posts

To view and manage your scheduled posts, go to your profile, tap the three lines in the top right corner, and then tap “Settings.” Scroll down to “Business Settings” and tap “Posts.” Here, you can see all your scheduled posts, edit or delete them if necessary, and monitor their performance.

It’s important to note that you can’t edit the post once it has been scheduled. Only the caption, tags, location, and posting time can be edited. Therefore, it’s crucial to review your post before scheduling it.

Conclusion

The new in-app Instagram scheduling feature for professional accounts is a game-changer for businesses and creators who want to streamline their content planning process. This new Instagram Scheduling feature allows you to schedule your posts, reels, and IGTV videos up to 75 days in advance without relying on third-party apps or Creator Studio.

This step-by-step guide will help you maximize this new feature and plan your content calendar efficiently. With a well-planned content calendar, you can create engaging and high-quality content, increase engagement and reach, and achieve your social media goals.

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