How to Schedule Instagram Posts in 2025 (Step-by-Step Guide)

Last Updated on August 3, 2025 by Himanshu Rawat

Posting consistently on Instagram is one of the best ways to stay visible, boost engagement, and grow your presence. But let’s face it—showing up every single day can be exhausting. That’s where scheduling your Instagram posts comes in.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to schedule Instagram posts in 2025—using Instagram’s built-in scheduler, Meta Business Suite, and third-party tools like Outfy that are perfect for eCommerce brands.

Can You Schedule Instagram Posts Natively?

Yes, Instagram now lets professional accounts schedule posts directly within the app. This includes:

• Feed posts (single image or video)
• Carousels
• Reels (limited features)

Note: Instagram’s native scheduler doesn’t yet support Stories, and scheduling is only available for professional accounts (Business or Creator).

How to Schedule Instagram Posts in the Instagram App

Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

• Open Instagram and start creating a post like you normally would

• After adding your media, caption, and tags, tap Advanced settings or More Options

• Tap Schedule this post

• Choose the date and time you want your post to go live
• Tap Done, then tap Schedule

That’s it—your post is now queued to publish automatically at the selected time.

Using Meta Business Suite to Schedule Instagram Posts

Meta Business Suite is a free tool that lets you schedule content across Facebook and Instagram from one dashboard. It’s ideal for managing multiple posts and viewing analytics.

Steps to schedule using Meta Business Suite:

1. Go to Meta Business Suite
2. Click Create Post
3. Select your Instagram account (and Facebook if you want to cross-post)
4. Upload your photo or video and write your caption
5. Choose Schedule instead of “Publish now”
6. Set your desired date and time
7. Click Schedule

You can also view, edit, or reschedule posts from the content calendar inside Meta Business Suite.

Best Third-Party Tools for Scheduling Instagram Posts

If you’re looking for more automation, better visuals, or integration with your online store, third-party tools can save you time and effort. Here are some of the top options:

Outfy (Best for eCommerce Sellers)

Outfy is a powerful content automation tool built specifically for online stores. It lets you automatically create and schedule social media posts using your store’s products.

Key features:

• Auto-generates product posts, videos, and collages
• Supports Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and more
• Syncs with platforms like Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, BigCommerce
• Schedule posts for different times and platforms in one dashboard
• Saves hours of manual work—perfect for busy store owners

Note: If you’re an eCommerce seller looking to stay active on Instagram without spending hours creating content, Outfy is a great pick.

Other Tools Worth Exploring

Buffer
Clean, simple interface. Great for individuals or small teams.

Later
Known for its drag-and-drop content calendar and Instagram grid preview.

Hootsuite
Ideal for larger teams or users who need advanced analytics and approval workflows.

Planoly
Built with Instagram in mind—great for planning visuals and Stories.

Tailwind
Popular for Instagram and Pinterest. Includes smart scheduling and hashtag suggestions.

Best Practices for Scheduling Instagram Posts

Scheduling your posts is only part of the strategy—here’s how to get the most out of it:

• Post at peak times: Use Instagram insights to find when your audience is most active
• Batch your content: Create posts for the week or month in one go to save time
• Use strong CTAs: Encourage comments, clicks, or shares with every post
• Stay on-brand: Maintain a consistent aesthetic and tone
• Monitor performance: Use analytics to see what’s working and adjust accordingly

Final Thoughts

Scheduling Instagram posts in 2025 is easier than ever—whether you’re using Instagram’s built-in features, Meta Business Suite, or third-party tools like Outfy.

For eCommerce brands especially, automation is key to staying consistent without burning out. With the right tool and strategy, you can maintain a steady presence, drive engagement, and grow your business—all while freeing up time for other priorities.