What is the Best Instagram Management App for Scheduling?

6 min read

14 September 2023

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Table of Contents

Introduction to Instagram Management Apps

For professional Instagram users and social media managers, third-party Instagram management apps provide powerful tools to schedule posts, analyze performance, collaborate with teams, and manage multiple accounts efficiently.

But with so many options to choose from, what is the best Instagram app for core needs like scheduling? Let’s explore the top solutions.

Benefits of Scheduling Instagram Posts

Key reasons social media managers use Instagram scheduling apps:

Plan out content in advance
Maintain consistent posting schedules
Manage multiple accounts efficiently
Free up time by batching content
Post at optimal high-traffic times
Promote key content at strategic times
Gain insight into the best posting times

Key Features of an Instagram Scheduling and Management App

The best management apps provide:

Scheduling and Queue Management

Tools to easily schedule individual or bulk posts in advance and manage queues.

Account Management

Switch between and post from unlimited connected profiles.

Insights and Analytics

In-depth analytics on posts and account performance.

Content Creation and Optimization

Features to create, edit, and collaborate on visual content.

Engagement Automation

Auto-liking, commenting, and following to build audiences.

Ad Management

Create, schedule, and track promoted posts and Instagram ads.

Team Workflow and Collaboration

Tools for working with employees, clients, or influencers.

Customer Support

Solid technical support via email, chat, phone, and resources.

Pricing Tiers

Affordable pricing tailored to individuals or larger teams/accounts.

Top Instagram Management and Scheduling Apps

Planoly

Made specifically for Instagram with robust scheduling, visual content tools, and analytics.

Hootsuite

Industry leader integration Instagram along with Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and more.

Hopper HQ

Specializes in Instagram scheduling, optimization, analytics, and account management.

Buffer

Affordable and user-friendly social media management with scheduling built in.

Iconosquare

Provides Instagram analytics and scheduling with business account optimization.

Later

Visually focused scheduler for Instagram and Pinterest with useful reporting.

Setting up an Instagram Management App

To get started scheduling with a management app:

Downloading and Signing Up

Download the mobile app or sign up for web access and create your account.

Connecting Instagram Account(s)

Link the Instagram profiles you want to manage by logging in.

Configuring Settings and Preferences

Set up scheduling preferences, post formats, workflows, etc.

Adding Team Members or Clients

Invite any collaborators like employees, clients, or agencies to access connected accounts.

Best Practices for Scheduling with an Instagram Manager

Planning and Crafting Posts in Advance

Ideate and create content ahead of time for a steady scheduling flow.

Using Posting Templates

Design reusable templates with branding for a consistent Instagram presence.

Scheduling for Peak Times

Use available analytics to determine and schedule during optimal engagement windows.

Spreading Out Content

Strategically space out scheduled posts over days and weeks to avoid overwhelming followers.

Being Consistent

Maintain a steady, predictable posting cadence for the best long-term results.

Scheduling Different Types of Instagram Content

Tailor scheduling strategies to content types:

Static Images

Evergreen content that builds brand and engages your audience.

Instagram Stories

Post timely Stories in the moment instead of scheduling in advance.

Reels

Entertaining short videos to resonate with short attention spans.

IGTV Videos

Longer videos like interviews, behind-the-scenes, tutorials.

Shoppable Posts

Promote products by scheduling demo videos, new arrivals, etc.

Live Videos

Go live in real-time based on events rather than scheduling.

Analyzing Scheduled Post-Performance

Review analytics on likes, comments, saves, reach, follows, and engagement rate, and optimize your approach per post type.

Limitations of Instagram Management Apps

Additional subscription cost for access to features
Can’t schedule some content like Stories or live video
Less flexibility than posting natively in the app
Still requires creating quality content

Should You Schedule In-App or Use a Management Platform?

In-app scheduling allows more flexibility and control for quick posts.

Management platforms empower planning, batching, and managing more complex multi-account workflows.

Ideally, use a combined approach based on your specific needs and volume.

The Future of Instagram Management Apps

Expect continued expansions like more post automation, AI optimization, e-commerce integrations, expanded account management capabilities, and likely an eventual native scheduling feature within Instagram.

As Instagram marketing becomes more critical for brands, reliance on management platforms will increase.

Conclusion

Robust Instagram management apps like Planoly and Hootsuite provide advanced scheduling capabilities to plan and automate multi-account content workflows.
Look for an app that offers scheduling, calendar and queue management, analytics, account management, engagement automation, collaboration tools, and customer support.
Setup involves downloading the app, connecting accounts, configuring preferences, scheduling content, and monitoring performance.
Blend scheduled posts via a management platform with more real-time native posting for ideal results.
As Instagram marketing grows more complex, management apps will continue progressing with automation, analytics, and business integrations.

FAQs

What is the best free Instagram management and scheduling app?

Buffer has a free scheduling plan with basic Instagram management capabilities, but advanced features require paid upgrades.

Can you schedule Instagram ads?

Yes, some tools like Hopper HQ, Iconosquare, and Hootsuite offer the ability to schedule and manage Instagram ad campaigns.

Do management apps work with business accounts?

Yes, leading management apps offer specialized solutions for business accounts including analytics, promotion, customer messaging, and shoppable posts.

How many Instagram accounts can you manage with these apps?

Most offer plans to support unlimited Instagram accounts, with the highest tier tools able to manage hundreds or thousands of accounts.

Can you schedule posts years in advance?

Most apps limit schedules from 1 week up to 6-12 months maximum. Buffer allows scheduling up to 10 years in advance.

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