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How-to guide

How to post Instagram Reels with a cover

Open the composer, pick your Instagram account, choose Reel and upload the video. Add a cover image, a caption of up to 2,200 characters, and up to three collaborators if you want. 1Post checks the file against Instagram's rules before it goes out at the time you schedule.

Also:How-to guidesSchedule Instagram postsTrial Reels

Updated 2026-10-23

Steps

  1. 01

    Choose Reel

    In Compose pick your Instagram account and set the post type to Reel.

  2. 02

    Upload the video

    Add the video file. Use the video spec checker first if you are unsure about its length or shape.

  3. 03

    Set the cover

    Pick or upload a cover image so the grid shows the frame you want.

  4. 04

    Write the caption

    Add the caption and hashtags. Put hashtags in the first comment if you want a clean caption.

  5. 05

    Add collaborators and alt text

    Name up to three collaborators and describe the image for alt text.

  6. 06

    Schedule

    Pick a time or the next free slot. A Trial Reel setting is available on the same tab.

Good to know

  • Instagram takes JPEG images; a PNG or WebP cover is converted for you.
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Questions

Can I schedule a Story instead?

Yes. Choose Story as the post type; a first comment is not available on Stories.

Can I add a first comment?

Yes, on a Reel. Add it in the first comment box and it posts with the Reel or after the delay you set.

Sources

How-to guides for scheduling social media postsSchedule Instagram posts: formats, limits, setupTrial Reels: definition for social media postingReels versus Shorts: what it means in social media

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