Notification publishing lets you finish publishing Instagram content directly in the Instagram app. At the scheduled time, Later sends a notification to your mobile device and prepares your media and caption for publishing.

This article explains how notification publishing works and how to publish Instagram posts, carousel posts, Reels, and Stories using the Later mobile app.

Before You Begin

A few things to know before using notification publishing:

• Supported content: Single-photo posts, carousel posts, Reels, and Stories
• Mobile app required: You’ll need the Later mobile app installed on your device (iOS or Android)
• Instagram account: Make sure you’re logged in to the correct Instagram account before publishing
• Instagram editing: You can add Instagram-native features such as music, stickers, filters, locations, and additional edits before publishing

How Notification Publishing Works

When you schedule a post using Send Notification, Later sends a push notification to your mobile device at the scheduled time.

Opening the notification:

• Downloads any required media to your device
• Copies your caption to your clipboard when applicable
• Opens Instagram so you can complete the publishing process

Publish an Instagram Feed Post

Use these steps for single-photo, single-video, and carousel posts.

1. Open the Later notification
2. Select Open in Instagram
3. Confirm you’re logged in to the correct Instagram account
4. Create a new Instagram post

For carousel posts:

5. Select the Carousel or Select Multiple option
6. Select all media items for the post
   • Later automatically downloads the media to your device
   • Continue selecting media until you reach the Later image with the blue hand

For single-photo or single-video posts:

5. Select the photo or video that Later downloaded to your device
6. Select Next
7. Apply any edits in Instagram
8. Paste the caption copied by Later
9. Add any Instagram-native features you want to use
10. Select Share

Publish an Instagram Reel

1. Open the Later notification
2. Select Open in Instagram
3. Confirm you’re logged in to the correct Instagram account
4. Create a new Reel in Instagram
5. Select the video that Later downloaded to your device
6. Add music, effects, filters, collaborators, or other Reel-specific settings
7. Paste the caption copied by Later
8. Select Share

Publish an Instagram Story

1. Open the Later notification
2. Select Open in Instagram
3. Confirm you’re logged in to the correct Instagram account
4. Create a new Story
5. Select the photo or video that Later downloaded to your device
6. Add stickers, music, links, polls, text, or other Story features
7. Share the Story

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I use notification publishing?

Notification publishing allows you to use Instagram features that aren’t available through Auto Publish, including:

• Music and trending audio
• Stickers
• Polls and interactive Story features
• Instagram-native editing tools
• Additional Instagram effects

What happens if I miss my notification?

You can still publish the post through the Later mobile app. See Missed Post Notifications.

Does Later publish the post automatically?

No. With notification publishing, you complete the publishing process in Instagram after opening the notification. If you want Later to publish automatically, use Auto Publish instead.

See Auto Publish vs. Notification Publishing & How to Switch.

Limitations and Availability

Notification publishing is available for supported Instagram content types.

A few additional limitations apply:

• Later’s mobile app is required
• You must complete the publishing process manually in Instagram
• Instagram determines which editing features are available during publishing
• Some Instagram functionality may vary based on account type and region