# How to schedule Instagram Reels

> Upload vertical Reels and auto-publish them to your feed on schedule.

To schedule an Instagram Reel, connect a Business or Creator account, upload your vertical video, write the caption, choose a cover frame, and pick the time. Repping.AI publishes the Reel automatically through Instagram's official API, so you can batch your short-form video and keep a consistent posting rhythm without uploading from your phone.

## How to schedule Instagram Reels

1. Connect your Instagram Business or Creator account to Repping.AI.
2. Upload your vertical Reel (9:16, ideally 1080×1920).
3. Write the caption and choose a cover frame.
4. Pick the date and time, or use a recommended posting slot.
5. Add hashtags as a scheduled first comment if you like.
6. Click schedule — Repping.AI auto-publishes the Reel at that time.

## Tips

### Pick a strong cover frame

The cover is the thumbnail shown on your profile grid and in the Reels tab. Choose a clear, on-brand frame so the Reel reads well even before it plays.

### Shoot and export at 9:16

Reels fill the screen at 1080×1920. Upload true vertical so Instagram doesn't crop or letterbox your video, which dampens reach.

### Keep the first three seconds gripping

Reels watch time is decided in the opening seconds. Open on the payoff or a question so viewers stay past the auto-scroll threshold.

### Cross-post to TikTok and Shorts

Queue the same vertical clip to TikTok and YouTube Shorts from the same composer so one Reel export reaches all three short-form feeds.

## FAQ

### Can I schedule Instagram Reels for free?

Yes. You can schedule Reels on Repping.AI's free trial, and paid plans use fair usage-based pricing you can pause anytime, with no per-channel fee.

### Does it auto-publish or just send a reminder?

It auto-publishes for Business and Creator accounts via Instagram's official API. The Reel goes live on its own at the scheduled time — no manual upload from your phone.

### Can I set a cover frame for the Reel?

Yes. Choose the cover frame in the composer before scheduling so your profile grid and the Reels tab show the image you want.

### Do I need a Business or Creator account for Reels?

Yes. Instagram's publishing API requires a Business or Creator account. Once connected, Reels publish automatically at the scheduled time.

### Can I schedule the same Reel to TikTok and Shorts?

Yes. Because the formats overlap, you can queue one vertical clip to Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts from a single composer.

### Where is the full Instagram scheduler?

This guide focuses on Reels. The Instagram scheduler page covers feed posts, carousels, Stories, the grid planner, and the rest of the product.

Source: https://www.repping.ai/schedule-instagram-reels