With 2 billion active monthly users, Instagram is one of the most sought-after social media platforms in the world, which constantly brings forth new features to keep users engaged with the platform. One of these features is the ability to post content onto the platform. But is there any possibility of backdating posts on Instagram? This article will discuss the possibility of backdating posts on Instagram and the implications of doing so.
1. What is Post-Dating?
Post-dating is a payment method where a check or other form of payment is dated for a future date. Often, post-dated payments are automatically processed once the date is reached, making it a convenient way to pay for services in advance. Usually, post-dated payments are for one-time services that are typically billed in the months after use, such as rent and utilities.
To ensure that the payment is not processed before the intended date, it is important to ensure the check or payment voucher is completely filled in with the intended post-date written as the starting date. It is also important to inform the recipient of the payment and to note that the payment is post-dated on all documentation.
Post-dated payments are often used when a payment is received after the due date or when a payment is received prior to the due date but the recipient wishes the payments to be divided over multiple months. In these situations, post-dating allows the payments to be divided equally over multiple months and due for payment at specific intervals.
- Advantages of Post-Dating:
- It allows for convenient information tracking
- It helps improve the timing on payments
- It is a secure payment system
- Disadvantages of Post-Dating:
- It is dependent on the post-date being accurately written
- It requires both parties to be aware of the post-dating
2. Is There a Way to Backdate Posts on Instagram?
Unfortunately, Instagram does not allow to backdate posts. You can only post photos or videos at the same date and time that your post is created. Instagram Stories are the only exception from this rule. It is possible to schedule posts and upload stories from the past.
Scheduling posts: It is possible to schedule posts using an approved third-party scheduling tool such as Hootsuite. Create the post, add a caption, attach media, and select the date and time when the post needs to be published. After the post is scheduled, it will automatically appear on your feed at the desired time.
Uploading Stories from the past:The archive feature of Instagram Stories allows you to upload content from the past. You can go through the photos (not videos) from your phone’s library, select the desired photo/s and add captions, drawings, etc. before publishing it/them as a story.
- Instagram does not allow to backdate posts.
- It is possible to schedule posts using third-party apps.
- Instagram Stories allows to upload stories from the past.
3. Advantages of Backdating Posts on Instagram
One of the main advantages of backdating Instagram posts is the presentation of a more consistent profile. By backdating posts, you can ensure that your followers get a better impression of your profile, rather than a profile with lots of posts in a short period of time. This will help you gain more credibility and visibility as an Instagram account.
Backdating posts also allows you to organize your profile and your content. For example, if you want to post a certain set of photos or videos, you can backdate them all to the same day or week. This helps create a sense of consistency by having a single post in each time frame.
Backdating posts also allows you to gain more followers from the past. By backdating posts, you can create posts that have a higher chance of being seen by people who have been following you for some time. This can help you reach a wider audience and increase your following over time.
- Presentation of a more consistent profile
- Organize your profile and your content
- Gain more followers from the past
4. Disadvantages of Backdating Posts on Instagram
Backdating a post on Instagram can also have several drawbacks that are important to consider:
- No Timeline Filtering: Backdated posts won’t show up on users’ timelines, either future or previous timeline events. This means that the post may not show up for the audience you’re hoping to reach.
- False Perception of Time: When other users view your post, they may assume that it wasn’t recently posted if it was backdated. This could lead them to think that you are inactive, not monitoring the comments and responses.
Finally, remembering to backdate posts can be an issue since you need to manually do this every time. It’s easy to forget to do this, and if posts are not backdated regularly users may realize it’s a habit.
5. Alternatives To Backdating Posts on Instagram
Bulk Posting
Many users opt to bulk post their Instagram content to save time. This involves scheduling multiple posts at the same time. Many tools exist for doing this, such as Hootsuite and Later. Using these allows you to place your posts determined times and dates to go live.
If you opt to bulk post it is important to be aware of time differences so posts go out when you intend. This also means that you have to have planned out your content in advance to have it ready to upload and schedule.
Word of Mouth
Word of mouth is no longer limited by others being in proximity to each other. Tag your friends in posts, share content in stories, and alert followers of contact methods such as emails and text messages to help spread the word.
Encourage influencers, brands, and communities to help spread the word. Sending out an email or commenting on posts with a call to action can be a successful way to spread the word quickly and widely.
Pre-loaded Captions
- Write posts in advance.
- Add time and date stamp to meaningful place in post.
- Post a flurry of posts from the queue.
Write your posts in advance and have them ready to post at the time that you choose. Use key words, hashtags, and phrases that can remain relevant and accurate for the determined time and date. An example could be “It’s Spring!” for the start of Spring.
Once you have your posts ready, add the time and date stamp to a meaningful place in the post. For example, a post about emerging trends might end with “Checked on April 9th, 2018”.
Once you have added the relevant dates, you can post a flurry of posts from the queue. This allows users to follow along your timeline without you having to post weekly or at each opportunity.
Ultimately, backdating posts is not possible on Instagram. If you need to post something from an earlier date, consider using an external app to schedule a post in advance, or store the information or content until you’re ready to post it.
