Top Instagram Automation Tools in 2024: Grow Organically & Avoid Penalties

Instagram has significantly transformed digital marketing, helping brands connect with their audience. Its widespread popularity and diverse user base make it a critical component of many businesses’ marketing strategies.

Automation tools play a crucial role in simplifying Instagram account management. They save time by scheduling posts, analyzing engagement, and managing interactions, allowing marketers to focus on strategy and content creation.

It’s essential to use Instagram automation tools responsibly. Sticking to Instagram’s terms of service secures your account and trust with your audience. Ethical use of automation respects platform guidelines and maintains authentic engagement with followers.

Understanding Instagram Automation

Instagram automation includes third-party software or tools to automate various tasks associated with managing your Instagram account. These tasks can range from simple actions like scheduling posts and liking other users’ content to more complex activities like following and unfollowing users, sending automated direct messages, and generating comments.

Benefits

• Efficiency: Automation tools save time by handling repetitive tasks.
• Consistency: They help maintain a regular posting schedule, a key to growing an audience.
• Analytics: Many tools provide insights into account performance, helping refine strategies.

Common Features

• Scheduling: Automatic posting of photos, stories, and videos at predetermined times.
• Engagement: Tools to auto-like, comment, or follow, enhancing interaction.
• Analytics: Detailed reports on follower growth, engagement rates, and more.

Potential Risks and Mitigation

• Spammy Behavior: Overuse can lead to spam-like actions, potentially leading to account penalties. To reduce this, you need to set limits on automated activities.
• Less Personal Engagement: Automation can reduce personal interaction. Therefore, balance automation with manual engagement to maintain authenticity.

Top Instagram Automation Tools: A Guide for Growth and Efficiency

Instagram automation tools can be valuable assets for businesses and individuals looking to streamline their workflow, save time, and potentially boost their presence on the platform. However, it’s crucial to use these tools responsibly and ethically, prioritizing organic growth strategies and adhering to Instagram’s Community Guidelines to avoid account suspension.

Here’s a closer look at some popular Instagram automation tools, highlighting their key features, pricing, and unique offerings:

1. Planoly

Planoly is a popular Instagram automation tool for creators, influencers, and small businesses. It helps users manage their Instagram presence efficiently by offering comprehensive features focused on visual planning, scheduling, and analytics.

Key Features

• Visual Planning: Planoly’s drag-and-drop interface allows you to visually plan your Instagram feed by uploading and arranging photos and videos. It lets you preview your feed’s aesthetics before posting, ensuring a cohesive and visually appealing brand image.
• Scheduling: Schedule your Instagram posts, stories, and Reels in advance to maintain consistent posting and engage your audience at optimal times.
• Hashtag Management: Discover and suggest relevant hashtags to maximize your reach and attract new followers.
• Collaboration Tools: Collaborate with team members by assigning roles and managing content creation and approval workflows.
• Analytics: Track key measures like post engagement, follower growth, and audience demographics to gain valuable insights into your content performance.

Pricing and Plan

Planoly offers a free plan with limited features and paid plans starting from $16/month for individuals and agencies. Pricing scales based on features and the number of social media accounts managed.

Unique Attributes

• Focus on Visual Planning: Planoly’s visual planning interface sets it apart from other tools, allowing users to make their Instagram feed aesthetically before posting.
• Ease of Use: The user-friendly interface makes Planoly accessible to users of all technical skill levels.
• Collaboration Features: Planoly’s collaboration tools are valuable for teams and agencies managing multiple Instagram accounts.
• Content Suggestions: Planoly offers hashtag suggestions to help users expand their reach and attract new followers.

Planoly is a valuable tool for anyone looking to streamline their Instagram workflow, maintain a visually appealing feed, and gain insights into their audience engagement. However, it’s important to note that Planoly cannot automate actions like liking or commenting, as these practices violate Instagram’s terms of service.

2. Later

Later is a popular Instagram automation tool designed to simplify content creation, scheduling, and posting for businesses and individuals. 

Key Features

• Scheduling: Schedule posts, stories, and Reels, ensuring a consistent content flow and maximizing engagement opportunities.
• Visual Planning: Plan the visuals for your Instagram feed to maintain a cohesive aesthetic and brand identity.
• Bulk Uploading: Upload and schedule multiple photos and videos simultaneously, saving time and effort.
• First Comment Automation: Schedule the first comment for your posts, providing context or prompting engagement.
• Analytics: Track basic performance metrics like likes, comments, and reach to gain insights into your content’s effectiveness.
• Hashtag Suggestions: Get suggestions for relevant hashtags to increase your posts’ discoverability.

Pricing and Plan

Later offers a free plan with limited features and paid plans starting at $16.67/month for individuals and $53.33/month for businesses, offering additional features and increased scheduling capacity.

Unique Attributes

• User-friendly Interface: Later boasts a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy for users of all technical abilities to navigate and utilize its features.
• Visual Planning: The ability to visually plan your feed sets Later apart, allowing you to create a cohesive aesthetic and ensure a consistent brand image.
• First Comment Automation: This unique feature allows you to schedule the first comment for your posts, providing valuable context or prompting engagement from your audience.

Later is a valuable tool for businesses and individuals looking to streamline their Instagram management and maintain a consistent presence on the platform. Its user-friendly interface, visual planning capabilities, and unique features make it a strong choice for those seeking to optimize their Instagram strategy.

3. Buffer

Buffer is a famous social media automation platform that offers robust features for managing your Instagram presence.

Key Features

• Scheduling: Allows users to plan and schedule their Instagram posts and stories in advance, ensuring consistent online presence without manual intervention.
• Content Suggestions: Get recommendations for engaging content and relevant hashtags to optimize your posts.
• Collaboration Tools: Collaborate with team members on creating and scheduling content, ensuring consistency and brand alignment.
• Analytics: Track basic performance metrics like likes, comments, and reach to understand your audience and content effectiveness.
• Engagement Tools: Respond to comments and messages directly through Buffer, streamlining communication with your followers.

Pricing and Plan

Buffer offers a free plan with limited features and paid plans starting at $6/month for individuals and $120/month for businesses, providing additional features and increased scheduling capabilities.

Unique Attributes

• All-in-One Platform: Buffer manages multiple social media platforms from a single interface, saving time and effort compared to using separate tools for each platform.
• Collaboration Features: Buffer’s ability to collaborate with team members on content creation and scheduling is particularly valuable for agencies and businesses managing multiple accounts.
• User-Friendly Interface: Buffer boasts a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy for users of all technical abilities to navigate and utilize its features.

Buffer is a versatile tool suitable for individuals and businesses looking to manage their Instagram presence alongside other social media platforms. Its ease of use, collaboration features, and all-in-one approach make it a strong choice for those seeking to streamline their social media management.

4. Kicksta

Kicksta is a notable tool in Instagram automation, focused on helping users grow their Instagram following organically. It targets real, active users to engage with, steering clear of inauthentic methods like buying followers or using bots for engagement.

Key Features

• Organic Growth Strategy: Utilizes a liking method to attract attention from users who are likely to be interested in your account based on the targets you set.
• Targeted Action: Allows you to target users by hashtags, competitor accounts, and location, ensuring the engagement is relevant.
• Safe and Secure: Kicksta prioritizes account safety, adhering closely to Instagram’s terms of service to prevent any risk to your account.

Pricing and Plan

Kicksta offers two main pricing plans that cater to different growth ambitions and budgets. The details of these plans, including specific features and pricing, are readily available on their website.

Unique Attributes

• Focus on Authentic Engagement: Unlike tools that offer instant followers, Kicksta emphasizes gradual, organic growth, ensuring that the followers you gain are genuinely interested in your content.
• Simple Dashboard: Provides a user-friendly dashboard where you can monitor your progress, adjust your target accounts, and track the growth of your following.
• Customer Support: Kicksta is backed by a responsive customer support team, ready to assist with strategies, technical issues, or general inquiries.

Kicksta stands out as a reliable tool for Instagram users aiming to increase their follower count organically without compromising the authenticity of their engagement. Its strategic focus on real growth, combined with a user-friendly interface and dedicated support, makes it a valuable asset for those looking to enhance their Instagram presence effectively and safely.

5. Plixi

Plixi is an Instagram growth service that utilizes automation to achieve results. 

Key Features

• Automated Engagement: Plixi utilizes automation to like, comment, and follow accounts based on specified criteria.
• AI-powered Targeting: The platform claims to use AI to identify relevant users for engagement, aiming to increase the effectiveness of interactions.
• Growth Reports: Track progress and gain insights into follower growth and engagement metrics.

Pricing and Plan

Plixi offers various pricing plans based on desired features and growth goals starting from $29/month.

Unique Attributes

• Focus on Growth: Plixi emphasizes user base and engagement growth through its automated features. However, it’s crucial to remember that automated engagement can violate Instagram’s terms of service and lead to account suspension.
• Paid Advertising Integration: Plixi claims to integrate paid advertising strategies alongside its automated features, potentially offering a broader reach.

It’s critical to exercise caution and thoroughly research Instagram’s Community Guidelines before using any tool that relies heavily on automated engagement. Building a genuine audience through organic strategies like high-quality content creation, community engagement, and strategic collaborations is a safer and more sustainable approach for long-term success on Instagram.

Overall, while Plixi offers features designed to accelerate growth, it’s essential to prioritize ethical practices and user safety. Users should carefully consider the potential risks associated with automated engagement and ensure their chosen strategies comply with Instagram’s guidelines.

6. Iconosquare

Iconosquare is a robust Instagram automation tool that specializes in analytics and social media management. Designed for businesses and social media professionals, it provides detailed insights into account performance, helping users optimize their content and engagement strategies on Instagram.

Key Features

• In-depth Analytics: Offers comprehensive analytics on followers, post-performance, and engagement rates, enabling users to make informed decisions based on data.
• Scheduled Posting: Allows for the scheduling of posts and stories ahead of time, ensuring a consistent and strategic content calendar.
• Comment Management: Streamlines the process of monitoring and responding to comments, facilitating better engagement with the audience.

Pricing and Plan

Iconosquare provides various pricing plans to suit the needs of different users, from solo social media managers to large enterprises. Each plan offers a set of features tailored to the scale of operation, with detailed pricing available on their website.

Unique Attributes

• Competitor Tracking: Unique to Iconosquare, this feature allows users to monitor competitors’ performance, offering insights into industry standards and benchmarks.
• Custom Reports: Users can create custom reports tailored to their specific needs, making it easier to present analytics to clients or team members.
• Multi-Platform Support: Beyond Instagram, Iconosquare also supports analytics for other platforms like Facebook and Twitter, allowing for a comprehensive social media management strategy.

Iconosquare is a powerful tool for those looking into their Instagram analytics and improving their social media presence. With its detailed analytics, scheduling capabilities, and unique features like competitor tracking and custom reports, Iconosquare helps users craft more effective and data-driven Instagram strategies.

7. Combin

Combin is an Instagram automation tool designed to help users grow their audience and enhance engagement through advanced analysis and management features. It focuses on providing a safe and user-friendly platform for attracting genuine followers and interacting with your target audience.

Key Features

• Audience Targeting: Enables precise targeting based on user activity, hashtags, and location, helping to attract a relevant audience.
• Engagement Tools: Facilitates increased engagement through automated likes, comments, and follows based on customized criteria.
• Post Scheduling: Simplifies content management by allowing users to plan and schedule posts in advance.

Pricing and Plan

Combin offers a starter plan that is free of charge, providing basic functionalities suitable for new users. For more advanced features, including detailed analytics and unlimited actions, premium plans are available with transparent pricing.

Unique Attributes

• Growth and Performance Reports: Delivers detailed reports on follower growth and engagement, offering insights into the effectiveness of strategies employed.
• Batch Actions: Allows for the performance of bulk actions, such as mass liking or following, saving time while maintaining a natural growth pattern.
• Search Efficiency: Features advanced search capabilities that enable users to find and engage with potential followers and influencers in their niche.

Combin is an efficient tool to organically increase Instagram following and engagement. With its focus on targeted growth, easy-to-use engagement tools, and comprehensive scheduling and reporting, Combin helps users navigate the complexities of Instagram marketing easily.

8. Sprout Social

Sprout Social is a comprehensive Instagram automation tool that aids businesses in managing their social media presence more effectively. It offers numerous features to optimize engagement, streamline scheduling, and provide actionable insights through advanced analytics.

Key Features

• Scheduling and Publishing: Users can plan and schedule Instagram posts, stories, and carousels in advance, ensuring a consistent content strategy.
• Engagement Tools: Centralizes comments and messages from Instagram, making it easier for businesses to engage with their audience without missing crucial interactions.
• Advanced Analytics: Delivers detailed reports on engagement, audience growth, and performance metrics, enabling users to refine their strategies based on data.

Pricing and Plan

Sprout Social offers tiered pricing plans that cater to various needs and sizes of businesses. Each plan is designed with specific features to accommodate different levels of social media management requirements. Pricing details are available on their website, with options ranging from basic to premium levels.

Unique Attributes

• Unified Social Media Inbox: A standout feature that combines messages, comments, and mentions from all connected profiles into a single inbox for efficient management.
• Listening Features: Allows users to monitor Instagram for brand mentions, hashtags, and keywords, giving insights into the broader conversation around their brand.
• Collaboration and Approval Workflow: Facilitates teamwork by allowing posts and responses to be drafted, reviewed, and approved within the platform, enhancing content quality and consistency.

Sprout Social is distinguished by its approach to Instagram automation, offering scheduling, analytics, comprehensive engagement tools, and listening capabilities. Its focus on collaboration and data-driven insights makes it a valuable tool for businesses aiming to elevate their Instagram strategy and encourage meaningful connections with their audience.

9. SocialBee

SocialBee is a social media automation tool that focuses on providing comprehensive automation services for Instagram and other platforms. It helps businesses, entrepreneurs, and content creators enhance their social media strategy.

Key Features

• Content Categorization: Allows users to organize their content into categories, making it easier to maintain a balanced and diverse content strategy.
• Scheduling: Users can schedule posts across various social media platforms, including Instagram, ensuring a consistent online presence.
• Content Recycling: Offers the ability to automatically recycle evergreen content, maximizing the reach and lifespan of every post.

Pricing and Plan

SocialBee offers a variety of pricing plans to accommodate the needs of different users, from solopreneurs to large businesses. Each plan includes features tailored to various levels of social media management needs. For specific pricing details, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the SocialBee website.

Unique Attributes

• Workspaces: SocialBee provides separate workspaces for different brands or projects, allowing for organized management of multiple accounts.
• Performance Analytics: Offers insights into post performance and audience engagement, helping users to fine-tune their strategies based on actionable data.
• Personalized Assistance: SocialBee offers personalized assistance for content creation, social media strategy, and more, providing a hands-off approach for those who need it.

SocialBee is a versatile Instagram automation tool that simplifies scheduling and content management and offers unique features like content categorization and recycling. Its focus on efficiency and effectiveness makes it a favored choice for those looking to streamline their social media operations and engage their audience more effectively.

10. Hootsuite

Hootsuite is a widely recognized tool in social media automation, offering comprehensive solutions for managing Instagram and other platforms. It enables businesses and marketers to automate their social media strategies efficiently.

Key Features

• Scheduled Posting: Users can schedule content for Instagram, including posts and stories, to be published automatically at optimal times.
• Engagement Dashboard: Centralizes all comments and direct messages from Instagram, facilitating timely and organized responses to the audience.
• Analytics and Reporting: Provides detailed insights into post performance, audience growth, and engagement statistics, helping users adjust their strategies based on data.

Pricing and Plan

Hootsuite’s pricing structure includes several tiers, from a basic free plan to more advanced options that cater to larger organizations with extensive social media needs. Detailed pricing information can be found on their official website.

Unique Attributes

• Multi-Platform Management: Beyond Instagram, Hootsuite supports scheduling and analytics for numerous social media platforms, allowing for a unified management experience.
• Team Collaboration: Offers tools for team collaboration, including content approval workflows and assignment of tasks, making it ideal for team environments.
• Custom Streams: Users can create custom streams to monitor specific hashtags, keywords, or user activities on Instagram, enabling real-time engagement with relevant content.

Hootsuite is a tool for individuals and businesses looking to simplify their Instagram management. Its ability to schedule content with powerful analytics and a focus on engagement makes it an essential tool for anyone serious about their social media strategy.

Choosing the Right Instagram Automation Tool

Selecting the most suitable Instagram automation tool is crucial for enhancing your social media strategy. Here are essential factors to consider and tips for integrating multiple tools for the best outcome.

Key Factors

• Your Goals: Define what you aim to achieve with Instagram automation. Whether it’s increasing follower count, boosting engagement, or improving content scheduling, your goals will guide your choice of tool.
• Budget: Automation tools come with various pricing models. Consider how much you’re willing to invest monthly or annually, and check if the costs align with the features offered.
• Size of Your Following: The size of your audience can influence your choice. Some tools are for large accounts and offer features like mass actions, which might not be necessary for smaller accounts.
• Specific Features Needed: Identify the key features that matter most to your strategy. It could include post-scheduling, analytics, engagement tools, or follower growth features.

Tips for Combining Multiple Tools

• Complementarity: Choose tools that complement each other without overlapping functionalities. For example, one tool is for scheduling posts, and another is for analytics and engagement insights.
• Integration Capabilities: Look for tools that can integrate with other apps you use. It ensures a seamless workflow and maximizes efficiency.
• Ease of Use: Ensure the tools selected are user-friendly and won’t add complexity to your social media management tasks. A steep learning curve can counteract the benefits of automation.
• Test and Evaluate: Don’t hesitate to use trial versions to test how well different tools work together. Monitor their impact on your Instagram performance and adjust your toolset accordingly.

Choosing the right Instagram automation tool requires careful consideration of your specific needs, goals, and resources. By focusing on what each tool offers and how different tools can work together, you can create a more efficient and effective Instagram management strategy.

Best Practices for Using Instagram Automation

Implementing automation in your Instagram strategy can significantly enhance efficiency and effectiveness. However, to ensure positive outcomes and maintain a genuine connection with your audience, it is necessary to stick with best practices.

Setting Realistic Automation Speeds

• Mimic Human Behavior: Automation tools should operate at a speed mimicking human activity. Setting actions to occur too rapidly can trigger Instagram’s spam filters, leading to penalties.
• Adjust Settings: Regularly review and adjust the speed settings of your automation tools to avoid any negative impacts on your account’s health.

Focusing on Quality Content Over Quantity

• Content is King: Even with automation tools at your disposal, the quality of your content remains paramount. High-quality, engaging content will outperform a higher quantity of lesser-value posts.
• Strategic Scheduling: Use automation tools to schedule your content strategically, ensuring that each post has the maximum possible impact on your audience.

Engaging with Your Audience Authentically

• Personalized Interactions: While automation can handle routine tasks, personal and authentic interactions with your audience are irreplaceable. Make time to respond to comments and messages personally.
• Balance Automation with Human Touch: Combine automated actions with manual check-ins and interactions to maintain a genuine relationship with your followers.

Using Instagram automation tools wisely involves more than just setting them up and letting them run. It requires a strategic approach that balances efficiency with authenticity. By setting realistic automation speeds, focusing on the quality of content, and engaging with your audience genuinely, you can utilize these tools to enhance your Instagram presence effectively while maintaining the trust and loyalty of your followers.

The Future of Instagram Automation

The landscape of Instagram automation is constantly evolving, shaped by advancements in technology and shifts in social media policies. Understanding these changes is crucial for marketers and content creators aiming to stay ahead.

Trends in Automation and Artificial Intelligence

• Increased Personalization: Future automation tools are expected to use AI to offer more personalized content and interaction suggestions, tailoring engagements to the individual preferences of users.
• Improved Content Creation: AI-driven tools will likely play a large role in content creation, suggesting post ideas and generating preliminary content drafts based on trend analysis and user engagement data.
• Smart Analytics: Advanced analytics powered by AI will provide deeper insights into audience behavior, enabling more strategic decision-making and allowing for real-time adjustments to campaigns.

Instagram’s Evolving Policies on Automation

• Stricter Guidelines: As Instagram continues to prioritize user experience, it is anticipated that the platform will implement strict guidelines on automation, focusing on eliminating spammy behavior and ensuring genuine interaction.
• Enhanced Detection Technologies: With improvements in technology, Instagram is likely to get better at detecting and penalizing misuse of automation, making it essential for users to adhere to approved practices.
• Support for Authentic Engagement: Instagram may introduce or enhance features that support authentic engagement, rewarding genuine interactions and penalizing inauthentic behavior more effectively.

Navigating the Future

• Adapt to Changes: Stay informed about Instagram’s policy updates and adjust your automation strategies to ensure compliance.
• Focus on Authenticity: Regardless of how automation technology evolves, maintaining a focus on authenticity in engagements will remain paramount.
• Embrace AI with Caution: While embracing the benefits of AI and automation, remember the importance of human oversight in maintaining the quality and relevance of your Instagram presence.

The future of Instagram automation will include significant changes, with artificial intelligence playing a leading role in shaping how content is created, shared, and engaged with. As Instagram tightens its policies on automation, the key to success will lie in using these tools wisely—balancing efficiency with authenticity and staying flexible to the evolving digital market.

Conclusion

Instagram automation tools can be valuable assets for boosting efficiency, managing workflows, and potentially growing your presence on the platform. However, responsible and ethical use is crucial. Remember to prioritize organic growth strategies, adhere to Instagram’s Community Guidelines, and focus on creating high-quality content to build a genuine connection with your audience. By carefully selecting tools that complement your needs and implementing them strategically, you can use the power of automation to enhance your Instagram experience while maintaining authenticity and encouraging meaningful relationships with your followers.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs) about Instagram Automation Tools

1. What are Instagram automation tools?

Instagram automation tools are third-party software or services that help automate various tasks associated with managing your Instagram account. These tasks can range from simple actions like scheduling posts to more complex activities like following and unfollowing users, sending automated messages, and generating comments.

2. What are the benefits of using Instagram automation tools?

• Save time: Automate repetitive tasks like scheduling posts and responding to comments.
• Increase efficiency: Manage your Instagram account more effectively and consistently.
• Grow your audience: Reach a wider audience through features like targeted engagement and hashtag suggestions.
• Gain insights: Analyze your performance and track your progress with detailed reports.

3. What are the potential risks of using Instagram automation tools?

• Violating Instagram’s terms of service: Overuse of automation can be considered spammy behavior and lead to account penalties.
• Reducing authentic engagement: Excessive automation can make your account appear impersonal and inauthentic.
• Wasting time and resources: Choosing the wrong tool or using them ineffectively can be counterproductive.

4. How do I choose the right Instagram automation tool?

Consider your specific needs, goals, budget, and the size of your following when choosing a tool. Look for features that complement your strategy and ensure the tool is user-friendly and integrates well with other apps you use.

5. What are some best practices for using Instagram automation tools?

• Set realistic automation speeds to mimic human behavior and avoid triggering spam filters.
• Focus on high-quality content and strategic scheduling for maximum impact.
• Balance automation with authentic interactions to maintain genuine relationships with your audience.
• Stay informed about Instagram’s policies and adjust your strategies accordingly.

6. What is the future of Instagram automation?

The future of Instagram automation is likely to involve increased personalization, AI-powered content creation, and smarter analytics. However, stricter guidelines and enhanced detection technologies are also expected, emphasizing the importance of authentic engagement and ethical use of automation tools.

7. Is it safe to use Instagram automation tools?

Using Instagram automation tools can be safe if done responsibly. Always prioritize organic growth strategies, comply with Instagram’s guidelines, and avoid practices that violate their terms of service.

8. Can Instagram automation tools help me get more followers?

Some tools offer features like targeted engagement and hashtag suggestions that can help you reach a wider audience and potentially attract more followers. However, building a genuine following requires high-quality content, consistent engagement, and a long-term strategy.

9. Are there any free Instagram automation tools?

Several free Instagram automation tools are available, but they often have limited features and functionality. Consider the potential risks and limitations before using a free tool and ensure it aligns with your needs and complies with Instagram’s policies.

10. Is it better to automate or manage my Instagram account manually?

A balanced approach is ideal. Utilize automation tools for repetitive tasks and scheduling, but prioritize manual interaction and content creation to maintain a genuine connection with your audience.

11. Can Instagram automation tools help me with analytics and reporting?

Many Instagram automation tools offer features like post performance insights, follower growth tracking, and engagement metrics. These can be valuable for understanding your audience and refining your strategy.

12. What happens if I get caught using unauthorized Instagram automation tools?

Instagram may penalize your account by suspending it, limiting its reach, or even removing it entirely. Always choose reputable tools and use them responsibly to avoid such consequences.

13. How can I stay updated on the latest trends and best practices for Instagram automation?

Follow industry blogs, social media experts, and official resources from Instagram to stay informed about policy changes, emerging trends, and best practices for using automation tools effectively.

14. Is it important to disclose the use of Instagram automation tools?

While not explicitly required, transparency is generally recommended. If you heavily rely on automation, consider mentioning it in your bio or captions to build trust with your audience.