How to Schedule Instagram Reels in 2025

Instagram Reels have become the most powerful way to grow your audience on the platform. But creating and posting Reels consistently is time-consuming. The solution? Schedule your Reels in advance so they publish automatically at the optimal time.

Scheduling your Reels offers several advantages over manual posting:

• Consistency: Maintain a regular posting schedule without being tied to your phone
• Optimal Timing: Post when your audience is most active, even if you're asleep
• Batch Creation: Create multiple Reels in one session and spread them out over time
• Better Planning: See your content calendar and ensure variety in your content mix

Step 1: Connect Your Instagram Account

First, connect your Instagram Business or Creator account to Fanbeam. Go to Channels in your dashboard and click Connect Channel. Select Instagram and authorize access through Meta.

Note: You'll need an Instagram Business or Creator account to schedule Reels. Personal accounts don't support the Instagram API required for scheduling.

Step 2: Create Your Reel

In Fanbeam's composer, select Instagram as your platform and upload your video. Reels support videos from 3 seconds to 15 minutes, though 15-30 second Reels typically perform best for reach.

Video Requirements:

• Aspect ratio: 9:16 (vertical)
• Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels recommended
• Format: MP4 or MOV
• Size: Up to 4GB

Step 3: Write Your Caption

Add a compelling caption that encourages engagement. Include:

• A hook in the first line
• Relevant hashtags (3-5 work best)
• A call-to-action (ask a question, invite comments)

Step 4: Choose Your Cover Image

Select a cover frame from your video or upload a custom thumbnail. The cover image appears on your profile grid, so choose something eye-catching that represents your content.

Step 5: Schedule Your Reel

Click the calendar icon to set your publish date and time. Consider when your audience is most active—typically early morning, lunch time, or evening hours work best.

Post at Peak Times

While the best time varies by audience, general peak times for Instagram Reels are:

• Weekdays: 7-9 AM, 12-2 PM, 7-9 PM
• Weekends: 9-11 AM, 7-9 PM

Use your Instagram Insights to find when YOUR specific audience is online.

Maintain a Consistent Schedule

The Instagram algorithm rewards consistency. Aim for:

• Minimum: 3 Reels per week
• Ideal: 1 Reel per day
• Maximum: No more than 3 Reels per day

Batch Your Content Creation

Instead of creating one Reel at a time, dedicate specific days to content creation:

1. 1
   Planning Day: Brainstorm ideas and write scripts
2. 2
   Filming Day: Record multiple Reels in one session
3. 3
   Editing Day: Edit and add captions/effects
4. 4
   Scheduling Day: Upload to Fanbeam and schedule for the week

Monitor Performance

After your Reels publish, check your analytics to see what's working:

• Watch time and retention rate
• Engagement (likes, comments, shares, saves)
• Reach and impressions
• Profile visits and follows

Double down on content types that perform well.

Posting at the Wrong Times

Don't schedule Reels for times when your audience isn't active. Check your Instagram Insights to see when your followers are online.

Forgetting Hashtags

Hashtags help your Reels get discovered. Include 3-5 relevant hashtags in your caption or comments.

Neglecting the Caption

A weak caption means missed engagement. Always include a hook, value, and call-to-action in your Reel captions.

Not Checking the Preview

Before scheduling, preview how your Reel will look. Check the cover image, caption formatting, and video quality.

Ready to streamline your Instagram Reels strategy? Fanbeam makes it easy to schedule Reels in advance, so you can focus on creating great content instead of manually posting every day.

Start your free trial and schedule your first Reel in minutes.