How to Schedule Reels on Instagram Reels: Step by Step Guide
Instagram Reels has become the fastest growing feature in the IG app. In fact, the average Instagram user spends 30 minutes a day browsing Reels.
And while reels are a great way to share a quick video update with your followers, it can be difficult to record and edit a new video every day.
If you’re looking for a way to schedule your videos so you can keep posting fresh content without feeling chained to your phone, we’ve got good news.
While the Instagram API limits how you can schedule videos, we’ve created some creative workarounds to help you get the job done.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the best ways to schedule Instagram videos with Hootsuite, along with some tips and tricks to get the most out of your video content strategy.
Is there an app for scheduling Instagram videos?
There is currently no Instagram Reels auto scheduling app. Direct posting to Reels is not possible due to an API limitation in the Instagram app.
However, there are a few workarounds you can use to pre-prep your Reels content and remind you when it’s time to post. What’s more, you can do it all in the same place where you schedule all your social media content – Hootsuite.
Keep reading to learn how to schedule reels using the Hootsuite control panel.
Can I schedule videos in Creator Studio?
Unfortunately no. While the Instagram API allows you to schedule videos and photos in your Instagram feed, you cannot schedule Story or Reels content in the Meta Creator Studio app or website.
How to schedule reels
If you have a Hootsuite business profile, you can schedule reels in the Hootsuite app and dashboard using the same process you use to schedule an Instagram story.
Please note that this process will only allow you to create your content and schedule it to be published, it will not be published automatically. At the scheduled time, a push notification will be sent to your phone to remind you to manually post.
To schedule an Instagram video in Hootsuite:
Open Hootsuite Composer and select Instagram Story.
Click Select social network account and select your Instagram profile.
Then upload your video and add any copy you want.
In the Publisher Notes section, add Publish to Videos.
Choose the date and time you want to post your video and you’ll get a push notification on your phone when it’s time to post!
See this process in action below. Happy planning!
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Benefits of scheduling videos on Instagram
Now that you know how to schedule drums in Hootsuite, here are a few reasons why you should.
Save time by planning ahead
Planning and scheduling your reels ahead of time can help you save time in the long run. With a content calendar and schedule, you can shoot and edit your videos in batch so you don’t have to pack anything at the last minute.
It also allows you to be more strategic about the content you post and make sure it aligns with your overall marketing goals. Well-designed content can boost engagement rates on your Instagram videos and other content, which can lead to more followers and customers in the future.
Create a consistent look
Linked content performs better on social media, so it’s important to keep the overall look of your videos in mind when planning them. This means thinking about the colors, filters, and branding you use in your videos.
While it’s important to match the aesthetic of your videos, you also don’t want your content to look too uniform. Mixing the types of videos you post will make your videos interesting and engaging. Planning your reels ahead of time will also help you find that balance.
Use these free Instagram Story templates to inspire your process.
Download Instagram videos from your computer or laptop
While Instagram Reels need to be filmed on your phone, by scheduling them ahead of time, you’ll be able to upload them from your desktop or laptop. This can be a huge time saver, especially if you have multiple videos to plan.
Plus, downloading Reels from your desktop gives you more control over the quality of your videos. You can upload videos in higher resolution, which will make your videos even more flawless and professional.
Encourage Participation
A recent study by Hootsuite found that there was a significant spike in engagement a few days after a video was posted. This is likely due to the fact that people are more likely to watch videos when they see them in their feed, and if they are entertained, they are more likely to engage. In addition, videos are often advertised on the Explore tab, which can also lead to more views and engagement.
While our experiment did not show any significant change in our following or unfollowing rates, we did see an increase in the average number of likes and comments per post.
Source: Hootsuite stats on Instagram.
So what does this mean for you?
If you want to increase your chances of being seen and interested in your videos, schedule them for times when you know your audience is most active on Instagram. This way, you can be sure that your videos will be seen by people who are interested in interacting with your content. Find the best time to post on Instagram here.
Source: Hootsuite social group.
Click on video
88% of people say they bought a product after watching a brand video. Not to mention, people are twice as likely to share video content with their networks than any other type of content. This makes video content essential for building visibility and sales for your Instagram business.
Videos are the perfect way to showcase your brand personality and products in a creative and engaging way. Videos not only give you the opportunity to showcase your products in action, but also allow you to get creative with your marketing. You can create behind-the-scenes content, how-to videos, or even just fun clips that showcase your brand’s personality.
Planning your videos ahead of time can help you optimize your video marketing strategy and make sure your content videos reach your target audience at the right time.
Improve team collaboration
Video scheduling can also be helpful if you’re working with a team and need to coordinate who posts what and when. This can help you avoid running too many reels at the same time and overwhelming your followers.
Scheduling also takes the load off of real-time publishing, which can be useful if you’re trying to balance your video posting with other tasks.
Easily manage your Instagram page along with other social channels with Hootsuite. Schedule and share content (including video!), engage your network, and improve your top-performing content—all from a single dashboard.
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