How To Set Timer On Instagram Camera?

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Do you love posting reels and pictures on Instagram but don’t have someone to shoot them for you every time? Well, you can always use your camera timer.

But for people like you who have never used an Instagram camera timer before, this can be a bit of a task.

But don’t worry, as I will explain how to set timer on Instagram camera to shoot your stories, reels, and photos.

To set the timer on Instagram’s camera:

  1. Open Instagram and tap the “+” icon at the top.
  2. Select “Reel” from the pop-up menu at the bottom
  3. Tap the “Timer” with the clock icon to the left to set the timer & record.
  4. Edit and post the video as a reel on your Instagram feed.

The timer feature on Instagram only applies to reels; you cannot take pictures using it. However, I will explain below some additional tips to go around this limitation.

So, keep reading to know more about the timer feature on Instagram and step by step process to use it.

Setting Timer On Instagram Camera For Reels 

Using the timer feature on the Instagram camera, you can now record your reels from anywhere at any time.

The best part is that it isn’t complex to set a timer for recording reels on your Instagram part, and you can perfectly nail it even if you are a beginner. 

Here is what you need to do for this: 

Step #1: Go to Instagram 

For the first step, you have to go to your Instagram account from which you want to post your reel. We know it’s obvious but let’s start with the basics. 

Step #2: Open the “Reel” option 

Tap your “Profile” photo at the bottom to go to your Instagram feed. You will see a “Plus” icon at the top. Select it and choose the “Reel” option from the pop-up menu at the bottom. 

How To Set Timer On Instagram Camera?

Step #3: Set the “Timer” 

You will now see a couple of options on the left side of the screen. Select “Timer.”

How To Set Timer On Instagram Camera?

Here you can set the length of your recording and also the countdown before your camera starts recording.

Move the bar to set a time limit for the recording and tap the countdown to set the camera timer countdown. It can be 3 seconds or 10 seconds.

Once done, tap “Set Timer” to proceed. 

How To Set Timer On Instagram Camera?

Tap the “White Circle” in the bottom middle to start the recording. A countdown will run on your screen before your camera starts recording.

Step #4: Post the “Reel” 

Once you have successfully recorded your reel, tap “Next,” make all the edits you want in your video and select “Next.” 

You can now select whether you want to share the reel on your feed or not, tag people, add captions, and locations, and when you are done, tap “Share” to post your reel. 

How To Set Timer On Instagram Camera?

Setting a Timer to Capture Pictures for Instagram 

As mentioned earlier, you can only use the Timer feature on Instagram for recording reels. But this doesn’t mean you have no way out to capture pictures to post on your Instagram account. 

You can use the Timer feature available on your phone camera to capture a photo or record a video, and once you are done, you can post it to your Instagram feed or add it to your story easily. 

Following are the steps you need to follow to do this:

Step #1: Open “Camera” & Set “Timer” 

To capture a picture using the timer option on your mobile’s camera, first, you need to open “Camera” on your phone. 

Tap the “Clock” icon at the top and select the timer you want to set.

Setting a Timer to Capture Pictures for Instagram

You can go for either “3s” or “10s.” 

Setting a Timer to Capture Pictures for Instagram

Step #2: Capture a Picture 

Once you have set the timer, tap the “white circle” in the middle. A countdown till 3 will appear on the screen. Pose during this time before your picture gets clicked. 

Step #3: Post Picture on Instagram 

Now open the Instagram app on your phone. Tap your “Profile” icon at the bottom and select the “Plus” sign at the top. 

If you want to share your picture on your Instagram story, select “Story” from the pop-up menu. Select the picture you just clicked, and add the stickers, effects, or music you want. 

Setting a Timer to Capture Pictures for Instagram

Once you are happy with how your story looks, tap the “Arrow” icon at the bottom to share it with the people you follow on Instagram.

Setting a Timer to Capture Pictures for Instagram

Adding Timer on Instagram Story (Additional Method) 

When it comes to the Instagram timer feature, there is much more to it than setting a timer on your camera for recording reels.

Another timer feature you will find on Instagram comes under the “Countdown” tag and is used to keep track of auspicious occasions and events. 

If this is your first time setting a timer on your Instagram story, here are the steps you need to follow to do this. 

Step #1: Go to the Instagram App

To begin the process, you first need to open the Instagram app on your mobile phone. 

Step #2: Head to Your Story

Select the “Your Story” option at the top and choose a photo to upload. Swipe right on the story tab to add a picture from the gallery or capture an image if you want. 

Adding Timer on Instagram Story

Step #3: Select the “Smiley Face” Icon 

Once you have selected a picture, select the “Smiley Face” icon at the top menu bar. 

Adding Timer on Instagram Story

Step #4: Choose the “Countdown” Option 

From the menu appearing before you, select the “Countdown” option. Tap “Countdown name” to add a title for your timer. 

Adding Timer on Instagram Story

Step #5: Edit the Timer 

Tap the Countdown appearing on the screen, i.e., the time part, and put in the exact date and time of the event. To change the countdown color, tap the “circular color palette” appearing on the story. 

Adding Timer on Instagram Story

Step #6: Set the Timer 

Once you have selected the right date and time and made all the changes you want to the timer, you can resize the countdown bar using your two fingers.

When done, tap “Your story” at the bottom to finally set the timer. 

Adding Timer on Instagram Story

Conclusion – How To Set Timer On Instagram Camera?

Using this guide, we have tried to improve your experience on the Instagram app.

Fortunately, you won’t have to feel anxious now when you are wearing a lovely dress and want your picture clicked in it or feel like posting a reel on Instagram but have no one around to capture you. 

Hopefully, your confusion concerning the timer on the Instagram camera is gone now, and you understand how to set one on your account well. 

You can now keep on sharing reels and adding stories on your Instagram without the involvement of any other person. Enjoy! 

Also, if you are new to the world of Instagram, you would love reading about the 15 most used acronyms on Instagram to up your social game.

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Ahmed is a professional Engineer and technology expert. With nine years of experience in the tech industry, he helps others navigate the ever-evolving world of technology, focusing on social media, streaming, and smart devices with his troubleshooting guides & articles.

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