How to schedule messages on Instagram

Instagram is still seen as a feed of algorithmically suggested photos first and foremost, but the app is also hugely popular for messaging as well. If you want to take some of the stress out of remembering to send a birthday message to a friend, as part of the latest update, now you can Schedule Instagram messages advance. Scheduled messages can’t contain media like GIFs, photos, or videos, but you can schedule them up to 29 days in advance on both the Android and iOS versions of the app.

What are Instagram direct messages?

If you’ve been stuck using Instagram as a repository for your smartphone photos, you may have missed out on the introduction of the Instagram app Instagram live In 2013, the direct messaging system was integrated directly into the Instagram app for sharing photos and videos with friends and family.

Meta has changed the look, location, and features of Instagram DMs over the years, and has been linked to them Messenger in 2020added recently Location sharing capabilities In November 2024. The addition of scheduled messages makes Instagram more compatible with messaging tools like iMessage and Gmail.

How to schedule a message on Instagram

You can access direct messages by clicking on the arrow or chat bubble icon in the top right corner of your feed. To schedule a message, select an existing conversation or create a new message by tapping the new message icon in the upper right corner. Then fill in the text box with what you want to say, and tap and hold the blue arrow icon to the right of the text box.

Instagram will then pull up a series of numbers that you can use to set the date and time you want to send your message. Once you’re happy, click the blue send button at the bottom of the menu and the message will be scheduled.

How to delete scheduled Instagram message

If you change your mind about a scheduled message, you can delete it directly from the chat. From within the chat, tap the small text that says “Scheduled Messages” at the top of the text box. Then tap and hold on the message you want to delete. From the drop-down menu that appears, press Delete to remove the message.

How to Edit Scheduled Instagram Message

If you want to edit your message instead of deleting it, things get more complicated. It became possible Edit regular Instagram messages in March 2024, but editing a scheduled message is not currently possible. There is a way to achieve the same effect if you are willing to put in a little extra work.

First, open the chat where the scheduled message you want to edit was. Then tap Scheduled Messages near the bottom of the screen above the text box. Find the message you want to edit, then tap and hold it. Press “Copy” from the menu to copy the text to your clipboard, then repeat the process and press “Delete.”

With your copied message in hand, paste it into the text box of your current conversation or into a new message. Edit it as you see fit, then press and hold the blue arrow to the right of the text box to schedule it again for the date and time you want. Press the submit button at the bottom of the list, and it will be scheduled.