Answering its users’ prayers, Instagram now supports social media marketing platform Buffer.
This has been a highly anticipated feature for Buffer users, and it especially makes life easier for those managing brand accounts. Unfortunately Instagram still doesn’t allow foreign apps to post any pictures on behalf of a user, but the new Instagram Buffer feature does allow you to schedule posts in the advance.
You can now create an Instagram post either on Buffer’s website or through its mobile app. It won’t post automatically, as it would for Facebook (FB) or Twitter (TWITR), but you will receive a push notification to let you know when to send out the picture.
Buffer for Instagram is here! We're excited to present our most anticipated feature yet 🎉📷 https://t.co/kfrPr1osRspic.twitter.com/Om7JYhR2AF
— Buffer (@buffer) July 12, 2016
Co-founder and COO of Buffer, Leo Widrich, told Tech.Co that the reminder notification “contains a preview of the Instagram post and takes the user right to Instagram with their photo pre-filled and ready to post.” The app will also copy the caption for you so all you have to do is paste it into the caption box and send it out.
Buffer’s scheduling feature works similar to other apps, like Later which notifies you when it’s time to post something. What’s different about it is that it also provides analytics. Buffer will show you how many likes and comments each picture receives, as well as follower growth and other audience engagement statistics.
The Instagram feature is available for all Buffer plans, including the free version, though you’d need to upgrade in order to be able to manage multiple accounts.