How to Plan & Schedule your Instagram Feed with Preview App
Preview app will replace around 4 apps you are currently using to manage your Instagram account.Preview allows you to schedule unlimited Instagram posts for free. You can also edit your photos, save your hashtag groups, find the best hashtags for your post, test your hashtag groups, see your analytics - and much, much more.In this tutorial I’m going to show you how to use Preview App from A to Z.Download Preview to follow the tutorial step-by-step with me.This is what I’m going to cover:
- Add photos in Preview
- Rearrange the order of your photos
- Edit your photos
- Plan your caption and save your hashtag groups
- Find hashtags with the Hashtag Finder
- Schedule your posts
- Post on Instagram
I’m also going to show you how to:
- Manage multiple accounts in Preview
- Monitor your Instagram analytics (including your hashtag & hashtag group analytics)
- Use the Spy to see anyone’s Instagram analytics
It looks like a lot, but trust me, it’s easy.Just click on a section to fast forward to it.Let’s get started!Not into reading? Watch this video.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36tUtJaXQTQ
1. Add photos in Preview
To add photos in Preview:
- Tap the “+” icon
- Select “Add photos / videos”
Android: Select “Photos” or “Recent” apps.
As you can see below, there are many other options. You can also:
- Repost
- Create an Instagram Carousel
- Add free stock photos using the Explore feature
- Take a photo or video
Click on the links to see the tutorials for that.
2. Rearrange the order of your photos
Now that you have photos in your Preview feed, you can move them around.There are 3 ways to re-arrange your photos using Preview:
- Drag & Drop
- Swap
- Shuffle
Note: Instagram doesn’t allow any apps or websites to rearrange or edit photos that have already been posted on Instagram. You have to add new photos in Preview first to start planning your feed.Once you have added your new photos in Preview, you can move them around to design your feed! This way you know exactly how your feed will look like before you post on Instagram.
3. Edit your photo
Time to edit your photo.
- Select a photo
- Tap on the “circle” icon
You can now see 2 icons on top of your screen.The first icon on the left is the Editing Tools.The second icon is the Filter Packs section.You can also apply filters.
The Editing Tools:Tap on the Editing Tools icon.You will see all the editing tools you need: brightness, contract, borders, whitening tool, blemish remover and more.Read this blog post for a step-by-step tutorial on how to use the Photo Editor.
The Filter Packs:Tap on the Filter Packs icon.You will see all the filter packs.
4. Plan your caption and save your hashtag groups
On the bottom bar, you will also see a “Speech Bubble” icon.Tap on it to write your caption.
Here you can also save your hashtag groups.No more copy & paste from your Notes app. No more text replacement. Save all your hashtag groups in your Preview app.The great thing about saving them in Preview is that you can test your hashtags to see which one gets you the most likes, comments and engagement (your hashtag analytics can be found in in the analytics section). So if you are serious about growing your account, you will love this feature.
5. Find hashtags with the Hashtag Finder
Find Instagram hashtags based on locations, topics or communities. Use the Hashtag Finder:
- Press “Find”
- Search hashtags
- Press “Add All” to add the whole hashtag group in your caption
- Or press on individual hashtags to add only some of them in your caption
6. Schedule your posts
Turn on “Schedule Post” to set a day and time.
Remember: Instagram does not allow any other apps or websites to post automatically for you. It is against their Policy and can get your account banned or blocked (read this). Preview is approved by Instagram and follows their guidelines.You will receive a notification when it is time to post.
7. Post on Instagram
When it is time to post:
- Select a photo
- Tap on the “Export” icon
- Select “Instagram”
Your caption and hashtags are automatically copied by Preview.All you have to do is paste them in your caption on Instagram, and post.
Done!There are 3 other features I want to show you.
8. Manage multiple accounts
You can add as many galleries as you want inside Preview.I use different galleries to manage other Instagram accounts, experiment with new themes and schedule my Insta Stories.To add another Instagram account:
- Tap on your current gallery name (as you normally would to switch between Instagram accounts)
- Select the “+” button to add an account
9. Instagram analytics in Preview App
To see your Instagram Analytics:
- Tap on the “Bar Charts” icon
You will see:
- Your photos, videos, carousels Instagram analytics
- Your engagement rate growth
- Your best time (and day) to post and interact
- Your hashtags analytics
- Your hashtag groups analytics
You can press the “See More” button to dive into deep Instagram analytics. Check this article for a detailed look at the Analytics section.
10. Use the Spy to see anyone’s Instagram analytics
You can see the same things for other Instagrammers.To see the Analytics of ANY other Instagrammer:
- Tap on the “Spy” icon
Type a username. You can also search with a keyword (like “travel” to find influencers in your niche).
Let’s say I want to see Chloe’s (@lovechloejane) Instagram Analytics:
You can search as many Instagram accounts as you want. There’s no limit.My tip?Find your competitors or customers. Look at their top hashtags and best time to post. It will give you insights you can apply in your own Instagram strategy.
That’s it!
You’re all set! Have fun creating your feed and growing your Instagram account.Feel free to roam around our blog for more tips, tricks and Instagram theme ideas.Until next time, see you all on Instagram (@preview.app)!Alex