Batching tasks is a common way to increase productivity. Doing more tasks at the same time that are similar in nature helps prevent wasted time. One example of tasks that are good to do at the same time is scheduling social media posts. Since Instagram doesn’t currently have its own scheduling feature, here are 4 ways to schedule Instagram posts.
1. Hootsuite
Hootsuite doesn’t post automatically, but I see that as a positive. When it’s time for your scheduled posts to go live, you receive a notification on your phone. All you have to do is make sure you’re signed into the correct account, and the Hootsuite app will load the image and copy the caption. You just have to paste the caption and add any tags as necessary.
I like doing it this way because I know when something is posted. I find this is the best time to engage with your audience. It’s also the best time to try and find new potential followers who have been recently active on Instagram via similar hashtags.
Price: free – up to 3 social profiles.
2. Grum
For fully automated scheduled posts, try Grum. It doesn’t violate any of Instagram’s terms of use rules and it’s a clean, simple, and easy to use scheduler from your desktop.
The only drawback I’ve seen is that you can’t tag people or locations in the pictures. You would have to do that after the fact once the post is posted.
Price: plans start at $9.95/month.
3. In the Instagram App
Instagram now lets you save drafts directly in the app! This means you can load up multiple images at once to keep in a queue, then you just have to go in and publish when the time is right.
While you can’t schedule posts for specific times with this method, you’ll have preloaded posts ready to go at a moment’s notice. Try setting alarms to remind you to post if you want them to go out at certain times.
Price: free
4. Schedugr.am
I have not personally tested this platform. Features include photo editing with an integration with Canva, posting now or later, bulk uploading, multiple accounts, and multiple users.
Price: plans start at $20/month based on number of accounts and followers. Free 7 day trial.
Do you schedule your Instagram posts? What methods do you use? Share in the comments below.