Instagram Posts

Use Picmim to plan, preview, and publish Instagram content from the same calendar you use for your other channels. This guide covers supported formats, media rules, and current Instagram publishing limits.

Overview

Picmim supports Instagram feed posts, carousels, Reels, and Stories. You can schedule them from one editor, preview each format, and publish automatically when your connected Instagram account supports direct publishing.

Supported Formats

Picmim covers the main Instagram publishing formats that map cleanly to Instagram's current publishing API.

1. Feed posts with one image or one video.
2. Carousel posts with up to 10 images.
3. Reels for short-form vertical video publishing.
4. Stories for one image or one video per scheduled Story.

Media Requirements

Prepare vertical-first media where possible so your content works cleanly across feed, Reel, and Story placements.

1. Use high-quality image or video files sized for mobile-first viewing.
2. For carousels, upload the media in the order you want followers to swipe through.
3. For Stories and Reels, vertical 9:16 media usually gives the best result.
4. Review the Instagram preview before scheduling so captions, crops, and media order are correct.

Scheduling Behavior

Instagram content is scheduled from the main Picmim post editor. You can customize the Instagram version of a multi-platform post, keep a separate media set for Instagram, and publish automatically at the selected time.

1. Choose your Instagram account in the editor.
2. Set the post type that fits your content: feed post, carousel, Reel, or Story.
3. Review the Instagram-specific preview and media order.
4. Schedule the post or add it to your queue.

Platform Limits

Instagram posts follow Instagram's own caption and media rules. Picmim warns you when a post exceeds those limits before publishing.

1. Feed captions can be longer than most other social platforms, but still need to stay within Instagram's limits.
2. Carousels support up to 10 images in one post.
3. Stories support one image or one video per scheduled Story.
4. Reels should be prepared as video-first content with a mobile-friendly aspect ratio.

Unsupported or API-Limited Features

Instagram Stories support one image or one video per scheduled Story. Interactive Story elements such as stickers, polls, questions, and quizzes are not supported for scheduled publishing because Instagram's publishing API does not expose those interactive Story elements to Picmim.

1. Plan interactive Story campaigns manually if they require native Instagram stickers or polls.
2. Use standard scheduled Stories in Picmim when the goal is timed visual publishing without interactive overlays.
3. Keep Story sequences as separate scheduled Story posts rather than assuming one scheduled Story can contain multiple media items.

Tips and Troubleshooting

If an Instagram post fails, review the selected format, media type, and account connection first. Most issues come from a mismatch between the chosen format and the uploaded media.

1. Make sure the Instagram account is connected and authorized for publishing.
2. Double-check whether the content should be a feed post, Reel, carousel, or Story.
3. Re-upload media if the preview looks cropped or the wrong files are attached.
4. Use the Instagram-only post settings when the content should not be copied exactly to other platforms.