Why did my post fail to publish?

Post failed to publish

If a post shows a red Failed status in your Content Calendar, click on it to see the specific error message. Here are the most common failure reasons and how to fix them.

Error: "Account disconnected or token expired"

Your social account connection has expired. See How to reconnect a disconnected Instagram account or the equivalent for your platform.

Fix: Reconnect the account in Social Accounts → Reconnect, then reschedule the post.

Error: "Media format not supported"

The image or video you uploaded doesn't meet the platform's specifications.

Common causes:

• •Video longer than the platform allows (e.g. Instagram feed videos max 60 min, Reels max 90 sec)
• •Image resolution too low (Instagram requires min 320px width)
• •Unsupported file format (e.g. HEIC images from iPhone)

Fix: Convert your media to the correct format, re-upload, and reschedule.

Error: "Caption too long"

Your caption exceeds the character limit for the platform.

Fix: Edit the caption to fit within the limit. Each platform's limit is shown in the post composer in real time.

Error: "Too many hashtags"

Instagram has a limit of 30 hashtags per post.

Fix: Reduce your hashtag count to 30 or fewer.

Error: "Insufficient permissions"

Zestly doesn't have the permissions it needs to post to this account.

Fix: Reconnect the account and make sure you click Allow for all requested permissions during the OAuth flow.

Error: "Rate limit reached"

You've hit the platform's API rate limit. This typically happens when you schedule a very high volume of posts in a short window.

Fix: Space out your posts and try rescheduling the failed ones for later.

Error: "Post requires approval"

The post was scheduled without being approved by the assigned approver.

Fix: Have the approver approve the post, or change the post status to Scheduled manually if approval is no longer required.

Still not working?

If the error message doesn't match any of the above, email hello@zestly.com.au and include:

• •The post ID (visible in the failed post detail screen)
• •The platform and account handle
• •A screenshot of the error message

Our team will investigate within 1 business day.