How to schedule Instagram Reels (direct posting)

Launched only 2 years ago, Instagram Reels have taken social media by storm.

These short attention-grabbing vertical videos are the most engaging content type on Instagram. Artistic moves, how-to tutorials, product showcases, behind-the-scenes, and funny content are all perfect to capture in a Reel.

According to Instagram, 91% of active users watch videos on IG weekly so having a video marketing strategy is a must.

Reels introduction by Instagram.com

Some stats from Influencer Marketing Hub that will blow your mind:

Reels was able to increase Instagram users by 4.34% between October and November 2019
87% of Gen Z’s view Reels and TikTok as “basically the same”
Reels receive 22% more engagement than regular Instagram video posts
IG Reels allows at least 8% more screen real estate compared to TikTok videos
61% of Gen Z TikTok users plan to spend more time on Reels
Instagram users spend an average of 30 minutes on the app
Reels are seen on the Explore page, where 50% of Instagram users go to discover new content

Schedule and preview IG Reels with Publer

Until last week, due to API limitations from Meta, it was impossible to schedule and automatically publish Instagram Reels, but with the most recent updates, now you can.

All major 3rd party social media management apps have already started offering this functionality. Of course, we recommend Publer.

Just like scheduling photos, videos, and carousels, planning Instagram Reels with Publer is only a few clicks away.

Toggle between posting to Feed vs Reels

The best part is that you can even preview in real-time how your Reel will look once automatically published. Considering that Instagram Reels are full vertical videos, you may want to avoid unexpected black borders beforehand.

Preview in realtime your scheduled IG Reels

And of course, the scheduled Reel will be published automatically by Publer.

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Don’t forget YouTube Shorts and TikTok
Besides Instagram Reels, With Publer you can also schedule YouTube Shorts and TikTok, all in one place.

Try it now!

Visualize IG Posts and Reels in the social media calendar

Even though Instagram is heavily investing in Reels, regular Posts are not going anywhere. Believe it or not, 75% of brand posts on Instagram are single images. That’s we suggest that you mix and match all post types. The visual calendar and the little indicators should help you stay consistent.

Visualize all your Instagram Posts and Reels

Schedule Instagram Reels

Absolutely free for up to 3 Instagram accounts

Incorporate Reels into your Link in Bio page

The most recent API update allows us to also sync Reels that you have published outside Publer. This means that regardless of the tool you used for posting the Reels, you will be able to:

Convert them into clickable posts on your Link in Bio page
View them in your social media calendar
Track their insights and analytics

Give power to your Link in Bio

Click here to set up your Link in Bio Page

Tag a location

Instagram algorithm displays Reels based on your location, so Reels with a tagged location have a higher chance to be discovered by customers near you. Besides the algorithm, people who click on the location tag can view all the other Posts and Reels that have been uploaded to that location. More exposure, more customers.

Tag a location for your IG Reel

Schedule the first comment

The first comment may help you increase the engagement of your audience. For example, you can ask a question or urge people to start a discussion. Here’s how you can schedule the first comment, with or without delay using Publer.

Schedule first comment for IG Reels

P.S. Instagram recently recommended on its creators page NOT to place the hashtags in the comments section.

Schedule first comments

Works for all major social networks

Use a CSV file to create and schedule Reels in bulk

Scheduling Reels one by one is great, but how about scheduling hundreds of them in a few clicks? All you need is to add the hashtag #reels in the Message column of your CSV spreadsheet.