Using Instagram with Buffer - Buffer Help Center

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carousels, stories and reels, get posting strategy recommendations, and engage with your community, all in one place.</p> <p>In this article:</p> <ol> <li><a href="#h_01HB99SMK6389CZEMAG1XBP6K6" target="_self">How Instagram works with Buffer</a></li> <li><a href="#01H85TJYNSGGQWBYQA6YDR24F0" target="_self">Connecting and refreshing your Instagram account</a></li> <li><a href="#Finding-your-Instagram-account-type-x-zBM">Finding your Instagram account type</a></li> <li><a href="#Converting-your-Instagram-account-to-a-Professional-account-Creator-o-pCMTs">Converting your Instagram account to a Professional account (Creator or Business)</a></li> <li><a href="#01H85TJYNSEZGDDX8DHJP4BAVJ" target="_self">Scheduling Instagram posts, reels, and stories</a></li> <li><a href="#01H85TJYNSH5M13KP58PGVSJY3" target="_self">Image, video, and feature specifications by post type</a></li> <li><a href="#h_01HBH4B6SGE4RTFCG7RVWEJ248" target="_self">Engaging with Instagram posts</a></li> <li><a href="#h_01HBGYGR254T30MG5DXAV8ECTQ" target="_self">Instagram analytics</a></li> <li><a href="#01H8HDDF73RDSVXXSR2QB755F1" target="_self">Instagram error library</a></li> </ol> <h2 id="h_01H6SJ4JQ53Y0YEXBM6QX2PYFM">These features are available for Instagram</h2> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td><strong>Publishing</strong></td> <td><strong>Analytics</strong></td> <td><strong>Engagement</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>✓</strong></td> <td><strong>✓</strong></td> <td><strong>✓</strong></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h2 id="h_01HB99SMK6389CZEMAG1XBP6K6">How Instagram works with Buffer</h2> <p>Instagram works slightly differently from other social networks in that posts can either be: </p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td><strong>Automatic Posts</strong></td> <td><strong>Notification Posts</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div> Posts can be published to Instagram automatically if: </div> <ol> <li>you have an Instagram Business or Creator account (not sure which type of account you have? <a href="#Finding-your-Instagram-account-type-x-zBM" target="_blank">Let our guide help</a>!)  </li> <li>the posts are within <a href="https://buffer.helpscoutdocs.com/article/622-instagrams-accepted-aspect-ratio-ranges" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener">Instagram's accepted aspect ratio range</a> and the following type of post:</li> <ul> <li>a single image</li> <li>multiple (carousel) images</li> <li>single video posts</li> <li>reels</li> <li>stories</li> </ul> </ol></td> <td> <div> Posts will need to be scheduled as a notification if: </div> <ul> <li>you connect an Instagram personal account to Buffer (<a href="//support.buffer.com/article/551-how-to-test-buffers-beta-features">currently in Beta</a>) </li> <ul> <li>Not sure which type of account you have? <a href="#Finding-your-Instagram-account-type-x-zBM">Find out here</a>!</li> </ul> <li>they contain an image or video that falls outside of Instagram's accepted aspect ratio range</li> <li>you want to add features that aren't supported for automatic publishing such as:</li> <ul> <li>music for stories or reels</li> <li>links on stories</li> <li>text on stories</li> <li>product tags</li> <li>collaboration posts</li> <li>topics</li> </ul> </ul> <div> Notification posts don’t publish automatically. Instead, we send a notification to your phone that guides you in taking the final publishing steps manually. <a href="https://buffer.helpscoutdocs.com/article/658-using-instagram-reminders" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener">Learn more in the article: Using notification based publishing </a> </div></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br> <div> You'll also see an option in the composer where you can either choose <b>Automatic </b>(if your post can be scheduled automatically) or <b>Notify Me </b>(if you either choose to get a mobile notification for your post or if it contains content that can't be published automatically, such as videos that are over the duration limit).  </div> <p style="text-align: center;" class="align-center"><img alt="GIF of toggling between automatic and notifications based publishing in the Buffer composer" src="//d33v4339jhl8k0.cloudfront.net/docs/assets/64cb6cf86d4a3e191f237e66/images/65fb09ce668a210c0c45d6c3/file-7oYZyhUJma.gif" style="width: 100%; max-width: 100%; text-align: center;"></p> <div class="callout-red"> <p>⚠️ If you have an Instagram account connected and wish to use notification based publishing, you must <a href="https://buffer.helpscoutdocs.com/article/658-using-instagram-reminders" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener">set up </a><a href="https://buffer.helpscoutdocs.com/article/658-using-instagram-reminders" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener">notification</a><a href="https://buffer.helpscoutdocs.com/article/658-using-instagram-reminders" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener">s</a> on your mobile device to ensure you don't miss any posts. (Download our mobile app on <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/buffer-plan-schedule-posts/id490474324" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener">iOS</a> or <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.buffer.android&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener">Android</a>).</p> </div> <h2 id="01H85TJYNSGGQWBYQA6YDR24F0">Connecting and refreshing your Instagram account</h2> <p>Head to your Channels area to connect your Instagram account to Buffer: <a href="https://account.buffer.com/channels">https://account.buffer.com/channels</a></p> <p>You can connect multiple Instagram accounts to Buffer. To make sure Buffer knows which one want to connect, log in to that Instagram account in another browser tab before trying to connect it to Buffer.</p> <p>To see a step-by-step guide and troubleshooting steps, checkout the following articles:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://buffer.helpscoutdocs.com/article/568-connecting-your-instagram-business-or-creator-account-to-buffer" target="_self">Connecting your Instagram account to Buffer</a></li> <li><a href="https://buffer.helpscoutdocs.com/article/565-troubleshooting-facebook-and-instagram-connections" target="_self">Troubleshooting Instagram connections</a></li> </ul> <p>If your connected Instagram channel requires a refresh, head to the article <a href="https://buffer.helpscoutdocs.com/article/573-refreshing-a-channel-in-buffer" target="_self">Refreshing a channel in Buffer</a>.</p> <div class="callout-blue"> <ul> <li>Not sure what type of Instagram account you have? <a href="#Finding-your-Instagram-account-type-x-zBM" target="_self">Check out the steps below</a> to find your account type. </li> <li>Instagram has a limit of five active accounts per device, so if you are managing more than five Instagram accounts in Buffer, we recommend checking out our guide to <a href="https://buffer.helpscoutdocs.com/article/582-working-with-multiple-instagram-accounts" target="_self">Working with multiple Instagram accounts</a>.</li> </ul> </div> <h2 id="Finding-your-Instagram-account-type-x-zBM">Finding your Instagram account type</h2> <div> Use these steps to determine whether you have an Instagram Bersonal, Business, or Creator account: </div> <ol> <li>Open the Instagram app on your mobile device and go to your profile.</li> <li>Tap on the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) in the upper right corner of the app.</li> <li>Here's what you will see at the bottom of the list of options, depending on your current account type: <ul> <li>If you currently have an <b>Instagram Business account</b>, you'll see <b><i>Business tools and controls.</i></b></li> <li>If you currently have an<b> Instagram Personal profile</b>, you'll see <b><i>Account type and tools.</i></b></li> <li>If you currently have an <b>Instagram Creator account</b>, you'll see <b><i>Creator tools and controls.</i></b></li> </ul></li> </ol> <div class="callout-blue"> <p>If your account is a Personal account and you’d like to post automatically using Buffer, you’ll need to <a href="#Converting-your-Instagram-account-to-a-Professional-account-Creator-o-pCMTs" target="_blank">follow the steps below to convert your account to a professional account</a>.</p> </div> <h2 id="Converting-your-Instagram-account-to-a-Professional-account-Creator-o-pCMTs">Converting your Instagram account to a Professional account (Creator or Business)</h2> <div> There are a few reasons you may want to convert your Instagram account: </div> <ul> <li>Your Instagram account must be a Professional account in order to post automatically.</li> <li>You may want to convert to Instagram Business because Instagram Creator accounts cannot schedule Instagram stories for automatic publishing.</li> </ul> <div class="callout-blue"> <div> Note: If you are trying to link your Instagram account to a Facebook Page (required to use our Engage and Analyze tools), <a href="//support.buffer.com/article/568-connecting-your-instagram-business-or-creator-account-to-buffer#Converting-and-linking-your-Instagram-account-to-a-Facebook-Page--TLG6Z" target="_blank">please follow these steps instead</a>. </div> </div> <ol> <li>Open the Instagram app on your mobile device and tap the menu button in the upper right corner.</li> <li>Scroll down to <b><i>For professionals</i></b> and tap <b><i>Account type and tools</i></b>.</li> <li>Tap <b><i>Switch to professional account</i></b>. <i>Note: If you don't see "Switch to professional account," but do see "Business tools and controls," you're already set up and can try connecting or refreshing your Instagram channel in Buffer again. If you're still experiencing trouble, </i><a href="//support.buffer.com/article/565-troubleshooting-facebook-and-instagram-connections#h_01HBEHSGE37D233K3ACBTEHAWA"><i>let's check the connection between Facebook and Instagram</i></a><i>.</i></li> <li>Tap continue until you reach the category page. Select a category.</li> <li>Select <b><i>creator</i></b> or <b><i>business</i></b>. Your Instagram account will now be a professional account.</li> </ol> <h2 id="01H85TJYNSEZGDDX8DHJP4BAVJ">Scheduling Instagram posts, reels, and stories</h2> <p>Check out a quick overview of scheduling features available for Instagram below or check out our full guide to <a href="//support.buffer.com/article/657-scheduling-instagram-posts-and-reels">Scheduling Instagram posts, reels, and stories</a>. </p> <div class="callout-blue"> <p>Check out our <a href="//support.buffer.com/article/530-answering-questions-about-your-social-media-strategy">Answers feature</a> to find the best time to post on Instagram. For general guidance, you can also check out our blog post, <a href="https://buffer.com/library/when-is-the-best-time-to-post-on-instagram/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer ugc nofollow">The Best Time to Post on Instagram</a>. </p> </div> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td><strong>Features & good-to-knows</strong></td> <td><strong>Notes</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Scheduling posts, reels, and stories (web)</strong></td> <td>Checkout our step-by-step guides to <a href="https://buffer.helpscoutdocs.com/article/657-scheduling-instagram-posts-and-reels" target="_self">Scheduling Instagram posts, reels and stories</a>. Plus, check out some good to knows below.</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Scheduling in the mobile app</strong></td> <td>Check out our guide to <a href="https://buffer.helpscoutdocs.com/article/639-scheduling-instagram-posts-on-the-mobile-app" target="_self">Scheduling Instagram posts, reels, stories, and notifications on the Buffer mobile app</a>.</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Tagging / mentions</strong></td> <td><p>To tag / mention another Instagram account in your post or reel caption, type in the exact handle (we are unfortunately unable to search @usernames as you type). Once published to Instagram, the account you mentioned will become hyperlinked. <a href="https://buffer.helpscoutdocs.com/article/587-adding-mentions-tags-in-posts" target="_self">Learn more about adding @ mentions (tags) here</a>.</p> <ul> <li><a href="//support.buffer.com/article/657-scheduling-instagram-posts-and-reels#01H7G21HKE58NN5XZSC0Y9JSAG" target="_blank">Tagging users in images</a> is only available on automatically published posts. It’s not available for reels, stories, or posts scheduled as notifications.</li> <li>You can include up to 20 mentions within one post.</li> </ul></td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Instagram Shop Grid</strong></td> <td><p>Add a link to each of your posts, and then view all of your posts in a clickable grid via the link in your Instagram bio. <a href="https://buffer.helpscoutdocs.com/article/590-instagram-shop-grid" target="_self">Learn more about Instagram Shop Grid here</a>.</p><p>Instagram Shop Grid is not available for Instagram Personal accounts.</p></td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Daily posting limit</strong></td> <td>50 posts per 24 hours (this includes all posts, stories, and reels shared within a 24 hour period). Learn more about <a href="https://buffer.helpscoutdocs.com/article/646-daily-posting-limits" target="_self">Daily posting limits here</a>.</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Character limit</strong></td> <td><p>2,200 characters per post.</p><p>2,196 characters per first comment.</p></td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Image descriptions / alt text</strong></td> <td>Due to API limitations, we are not able to add alt text to Instagram posts, reels, stories, or notifications. </td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Reposts</strong></td> <td>Unfortunately, it is not possible to schedule Instagram reposts. However, you can share one of your own posts again using <a href="https://buffer.helpscoutdocs.com/article/660-share-posts-with-the-share-again-feature" target="_self">Buffer’s Duplicate feature</a>.</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Adding a location</strong></td> <td>Learn more here: <a href="https://buffer.helpscoutdocs.com/article/591-how-locations-work-when-scheduling-instagram-posts-through-buffer" target="_self">How locations work when scheduling Instagram posts through Buffer</a>.</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Carousel posts</strong></td> <td>Enjoy publishing carousel posts through Buffer. Instagram carousel posts do not support mixed media, meaning you will not be able to create a post containing both an image and video.</td> </tr> <tr> <td><b>Hashtags</b></td> <td>In the composer, type the hashtags you'd like to use. When the post is published, the hashtags will hyperlink just as if they were sent from the native platform itself. Learn more about <a href="https://buffer.helpscoutdocs.com/article/586-how-hashtags-work-in-buffer" target="_self">How hashtags work in Buffer</a>.</td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div> <b>Collaborator posts</b> </div></td> <td> <div> Collaboration posts are not supported due to limitations with Instagram’s API. However, if you schedule the post using the <b>Notify Me</b> option, you'll finish publishing your post in Instagram and can use their collaboration feature at that time. </div></td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div> <b>Music, Story Stickers, Polls & Links, Reels Topics, Product Tagging</b> </div></td> <td>By selecting these options in the composer, your post will get scheduled for <b>notification based publishing</b>, as these options are not available with automatic publishing. <a href="//support.buffer.com/article/658-using-instagram-reminders" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener">Learn more about</a><a href="//support.buffer.com/article/658-using-instagram-reminders" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener"> notification based</a><a href="//support.buffer.com/article/658-using-instagram-reminders" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener"> publishing here. </a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h3 id="h_01HBEQ70EYX9TM9ZC862E5Y3M3">Scheduling Good to Knows</h3> <ul> <li>Due to API limitations, we're not able to add trending music to posts or reels at this time.</li> <li>Due to API limitations, it is not possible to publish stories automatically on creator accounts. </li> <li>If you are sharing the URL of an Instagram post to another social network, we are unable to generate a link preview. Learn more about <a href="https://buffer.helpscoutdocs.com/article/619-sharing-facebook-and-instagram-links-through-buffer" target="_self">Sharing Facebook and Instagram links through Buffer.</a></li> <li>If you have Instagram settings to auto share on Facebook, your Instagram posts sent via Buffer won't auto publish on Facebook. </li> </ul> <div class="callout-blue"> <p>📝 If your Instagram posts are not being published automatically when they should be, check out our troubleshooting guide here: <a href="https://buffer.helpscoutdocs.com/article/659-why-arent-my-instagram-posts-sending-automatically" target="_self">Why aren't my Instagram posts sending automatically?</a></p> </div> <h2 id="01H85TJYNSH5M13KP58PGVSJY3">Image, video, and feature specifications by post type</h2> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> <td><strong>Post</strong></td> <td><strong>Reel</strong></td> <td><strong>Story</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Images</strong></td> <td><p>✓</p><p>(up to 10, between 4:5 and 1.91:1 aspect ratio)</p></td> <td>X</td> <td><p>✓</p><p>(suggested aspect ratio is 9:16)</p></td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Image size</strong></td> <td>8MB</td> <td>X</td> <td>8MB</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Videos</strong></td> <td><p>✓ (1)</p><p>(video must be between 4:5 and 16:9 aspect ratio)</p></td> <td><p>✓ (1)</p><p>(video must be between 4:5 and 16:9 aspect ratio)</p></td> <td><p>✓</p><p>(recommended size is 9:16; frame rate must be between 23 fps and 60 fps)</p></td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Video length</strong></td> <td>between 3 and 60 seconds </td> <td>5 seconds and 15 minutes for reels</td> <td>between 3 and 60 seconds </td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Video size</strong></td> <td>100MB or smaller</td> <td>100MB or smaller</td> <td>100MB or smaller</td> </tr> <tr> <td><b>Video bitrate</b></td> <td>25Mbps maximum</td> <td>25Mbps maximum</td> <td>25Mbps maximum</td> </tr> <tr> <td><b>Audio bitrate</b></td> <td>128kbps</td> <td>128kbps</td> <td>128kbps</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Adding a location</strong></td> <td>✓</td> <td>✓</td> <td>X</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>First comment</strong></td> <td>✓</td> <td>✓</td> <td>X</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Hashtag manager</strong></td> <td>✓</td> <td>✓</td> <td>X</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Shop Grid</strong></td> <td>✓ (not available for Instagram Personal accounts)</td> <td>X</td> <td>X</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h2 id="h_01HBH4B6SGE4RTFCG7RVWEJ248">Engaging with Instagram posts</h2> <p>Once your posts are published, you can use our engagement features to see your comments and reply, all in one view. Learn more about <a href="https://buffer.helpscoutdocs.com/article/592-engaging-with-facebook-and-instagram-comments" target="_self">Engaging with Facebook and Instagram comments</a> here. </p> <div class="callout-blue"> <ul> <li>To use our engagement features for Instagram, your Instagram account must be <a href="//support.buffer.com/article/568-connecting-your-instagram-business-or-creator-account-to-buffer#Converting-and-linking-your-Instagram-account-to-a-Facebook-Page--TLG6Z">set up as a professional account and must be connected to a Facebook page</a>. </li> </ul> </div> <h2 id="h_01HBGYGR254T30MG5DXAV8ECTQ">Instagram analytics</h2> <p>We can post all day, but the real excitement comes when seeing the reactions to our posts. If you’re on the Essentials, Team, or Agency plans, you’ll find all of your stats within the <a href="https://analyze.buffer.com/">Analyze tab</a>.</p> <p>There are two places to look for analytics in your Buffer account:</p> <ul> <li><p>To get a quick view of each of your Instagram posts' likes and comments, head to the <i><b>Publish</b></i> tab and then the <i><b>Sent</b></i> tab.</p><p><img alt="Instagram Sent Posts" src="//d33v4339jhl8k0.cloudfront.net/docs/assets/64cb6cf86d4a3e191f237e66/images/66b67fd46eb51e63b8f9e89c/file-b2SPoOZWs0.jpg" style="width: 100%; max-width: 100%; "></p></li> <li><p>To dive straight into advanced analytics for your Instagram account, select Instagram on the left-hand side and peruse the tabs:</p><p><img src="//d33v4339jhl8k0.cloudfront.net/docs/assets/64cb6cf86d4a3e191f237e66/images/667c642add0f8c60bb3fd9a1/file-Y3Nq1VX9Wv.jpg" style="width: 100%; max-width: 100%; "></p></li> <li><strong>Overview</strong>: gives insight into your overall engagement levels for your profile over time. Learn more about the <a href="https://buffer.helpscoutdocs.com/article/526-performance-overview" target="_self">Performance overview on your analytics dashboard</a>.</li> <li><strong>Posts</strong>: provides a history of all of your published posts and how they are performing. Learn more about <a href="https://buffer.helpscoutdocs.com/article/527-analyzing-your-posts-within-your-analytics-dashboard" target="_self">Analyzing your posts within your analytics dashboard</a>.</li> <li><p><strong>Answers</strong>: shares answers to questions such as the best day, type, and frequency to post. Learn more about <a href="https://buffer.helpscoutdocs.com/article/530-answering-questions-about-your-social-media-strategy" target="_self">Answering questions about your social media strategy</a>.</p><p>Feel free to also learn more about our <a href="https://buffer.helpscoutdocs.com/article/521-instagram-metric-descriptions" target="_self">Instagram metric descriptions</a>.</p></li> </ul> <div class="callout-blue"> <ul> <li>To view advanced analytics for Instagram, your Instagram account must be <a href="//support.buffer.com/article/568-connecting-your-instagram-business-or-creator-account-to-buffer#Converting-and-linking-your-Instagram-account-to-a-Facebook-Page--TLG6Z">set up as a professional account and must be connected to a Facebook page</a>. </li> <li>When you first connect an Instagram channel, we will be able to backfill up to 30 days of data (excluding Stories data). Learn more about <a href="https://buffer.helpscoutdocs.com/article/525-why-your-data-in-buffer-might-differ-from-your-native-analytics" target="_self">Why your data in Buffer might differ from your native analytics here</a>.</li> <li>Due to API limitations, we are only able to pull Instagram data into the analytics dashboard for accounts that have 100 or more followers. Whilst it's technically possible to connect accounts that have fewer than 100 followers, no data will be available.</li> </ul> </div> <h2 id="01H8HDDF73RDSVXXSR2QB755F1">Instagram error library</h2> <p>If you're (unfortunately) hitting Instagram errors in Buffer, the <a href="https://buffer.helpscoutdocs.com/article/581-instagram-error-library" target="_self">Instagram error library</a> is the place to go for solutions. </p> <div class="callout-blue"> <p>Do you have an Instagram feature suggestion? 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