How to Schedule Instagram Timeline Posts via API
Publish feed posts to Instagram using the PostFast API. Schedule images, carousels, and videos that appear on your profile grid.
Instagram Timeline posts are permanent feed content that appears on your profile grid and in followers' feeds. Using the PostFast API, you can schedule Timeline posts by setting instagramPublishType to "TIMELINE" (or omitting it since TIMELINE is the default).
Timeline posts support images (single or carousel) and videos. You can control whether the post appears on your profile grid with the instagramPostToGrid option, and invite collaborators to co-author the post.
Key capabilities when scheduling Instagram Timeline posts via API include single images, multi-image carousels, video posts, grid visibility control, and collaborator invitations.
API Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
instagramPublishType | string | Type of Instagram post to create TIMELINESTORYREEL |
instagramPostToGrid | boolean | Post to profile grid (for Reels) |
instagramCollaborators | string[] | Array of Instagram usernames for collaboration |
Code Example
const response = await fetch('https://api.postfa.st/social-posts', {
method: 'POST',
headers: {
'pf-api-key': 'YOUR_API_KEY',
'Content-Type': 'application/json'
},
body: JSON.stringify({
"posts": [
{
"content": "Beautiful moments captured! #instagram #photography",
"mediaItems": [
{
"key": "image/f5a6b7c8-d9e0-1234-5678-90abcdef1234.jpg",
"type": "IMAGE",
"sortOrder": 0
}
],
"scheduledAt": "2025-01-31T10:00:00.000Z",
"socialMediaId": "770fa600-04bd-43f6-c938-667877660003"
}
],
"controls": {
"instagramPublishType": "TIMELINE",
"instagramPostToGrid": true
}
})
});
const data = await response.json();
Did You Know?
Tips
instagramPublishType: "TIMELINE" is the default, so you can omit it when posting feed content
Use sortOrder to control the order of images in carousel posts
Set instagramPostToGrid: false if you want the post in feed but not on your profile grid
Portrait (4:5) images take up more screen space in the feed and often get better engagement
Schedule Timeline posts, Reels, and Stories from one API
Common Pitfalls
You cannot combine images and videos in a single Instagram post. Choose one media type per post.
Video Timeline posts do not get Reels algorithm distribution. For short-form video reach, use instagramPublishType: "REEL" instead.
More than 10 images in a carousel will cause an error. Split into multiple posts if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between TIMELINE and REEL for videos?
TIMELINE posts video to your feed and grid. REEL publishes to the Reels tab with full algorithm distribution and typically gets significantly more reach for short-form video content.
Can I hide a post from my profile grid?
Yes, set instagramPostToGrid: false. The post will appear in followers' feeds but not on your profile grid. This is useful for promotional content you do not want permanently on your profile.
How do carousels work?
Include multiple IMAGE items in your mediaItems array with sequential sortOrder values (0, 1, 2, etc.). Instagram displays them as a swipeable carousel.