How to connect & post to Instagram

This guide shows the exact steps: connect your Instagram Business/Creator profile (linked to a Facebook Page), create a Post Group, test prompts, post a preview, and schedule automated posts.

Contents

Requirements 1) Connect your accounts 2) Create a Post Group 3) Test Prompts 4) Post a preview 5) Schedule your group 6) View metrics Troubleshooting FAQ

Requirements

  • Instagram account set to Business or Creator. (See here)
  • Instagram is linked to a Facebook Page via Meta Accounts Center. (Link via Settings -> Instagram accounts HERE
  • You can approve the permissions: instagram_basic, instagram_content_publish, pages_show_list, pages_read_engagement, business_management.

1) Connect your accounts

  1. Open the connection page.
  2. Click Connect Instagram and log in with Facebook.
  3. Select the Facebook Page that is linked to your Instagram account.
  4. Allow all requested permissions (see Requirements above).
Tip: After a successful connect, your Instagram handle and Page will appear in “My Connections” on the dashboard. If you have multiple Pages, make sure you chose the one linked to your target Instagram.

2) Create a Post Group

A Post Group bundles your prompts and schedule. Each run can generate a caption and an image/video for your connected Instagram.

  1. Go to Post Groups and click Create Post Group.
  2. Select your Instagram Connection from the list.
  3. Enter a Name (e.g., “Daily Motivational”).
  4. Provide your Caption Prompt and optional Image/Video Prompt.
    • Use {{CAPTION_OUTPUT}} in the image/video prompt to reference the generated caption.
    • Optionally provide a CSV URL; you can reference it as {{CSV_URL}} in any prompt.
  5. Set Run every (minutes) and an optional Start time.
  6. Click Create Post Group.

3) Test Prompts (preview)

Before scheduling, generate a one‑off preview to validate your prompts.

  1. In the Create or Edit Post Group form, click Test prompts.
  2. Review the preview caption and image/video.
  3. Tweak your prompts and test again until you’re happy.
Heads‑up: If you use a CSV URL, ensure it’s publicly accessible (or accessible to your backend) and the format matches what your Lambda expects.

4) Post a preview to Instagram

When you have a good preview, you can post it immediately without waiting for the schedule.

  1. Click Post this preview to Instagram (or in Edit modal, Post Preview to IG).
  2. Wait for the confirmation; if successful, a link to the Instagram post may appear.
Requirement: You must have a valid connection selected, and your preview must include a caption plus an image or video.

5) Schedule your group

  1. Ensure the Post Group Status is active.
  2. Pick a sensible interval (e.g., 1440 for daily).
  3. Optionally set a Start time to align with your audience timezone.
Tip: Use multiple groups for different themes or frequencies (e.g., “Daily Tips” vs “Weekly Round‑up”).

6) View metrics

Use the Post Performance panel to see likes, comments, reach, saves and views.

  • Select a date range and (optionally) a specific Instagram account.
  • Click Refresh to fetch updated metrics.

Troubleshooting

  • Invalid Scopes: Make sure your Facebook app is in Live mode (or your user is a Tester/Developer) and that the requested permissions are added.
  • No Instagram connections listed: Confirm your IG is Business/Creator and is linked to a Facebook Page in Meta Accounts Center. Re‑run the connection flow.
  • Preview posts but schedule doesn’t: Check that the group is active, the interval is set, and your backend Lambdas are running without errors.
  • CSV not read: Verify the URL is publicly reachable and in the expected encoding (UTF‑8). Test in your Lambda logs.

FAQ

Do I need a Facebook Page?
Yes. Instagram Business/Creator must be linked to a Facebook Page. You’ll pick that Page during the connection flow.
Can I post to multiple Instagram accounts?
Yes—connect each IG account (via its linked Page). Create separate Post Groups per connection.
How do credits work?
Your workspace may debit credits for image/text/video generation. If you run out, previews and schedules may pause.