You can control exactly when your follow-up emails are sent by setting the wait time between sequence steps. Instantly offers flexible timing options in days, hours, or minutes for precise sequence control.
How the "Send next message in X Days/Hours/Minutes" feature works:
You set a delay between steps using days, hours, or minutes. For example, the delay configured under Step 1 determines when Step 2 is sent.
If you want the follow-up to be sent on the same day as the previous step, set the delay in hours or minutes. If you want it sent on a later day, use days.
Instantly counts that exact time from when the previous step was sent. The wait time is applied per lead, not per campaign. Each lead follows their own timeline based on when they received the previous email.
The follow-up will only be sent during your active scheduled hours
Important: We recommend not setting this value to 0. Doing so will send the next step immediately, which may cause follow‑ups to go out too quickly or all at once. For a more natural sending pattern, we suggest setting a delay of at least 1 day between steps.
Days-Based Delays
Count the exact days from the previous step. Instantly counts all calendar days (including weekends and non-sending days) when calculating the days.
Example: If your schedule is 9 AM - 5 PM(Monday to Friday)
Step 1 sends: Friday
Delay: 2 days(counted Sat + Sun)
Result: + 2 calendar days = Sunday (inactive)
Actual sending: 9 AM Monday (next active day)
Hours-Based Delays
Count the exact hours from the previous step.
Example: If your schedule is 9 AM - 5 PM(Monday to Friday)
Step 1 sends: 4:00 PM Monday
Delay: 2 hours (would be 6:00 PM)
Result: 6 PM is outside your schedule
Actual send: 9 AM Tuesday (next active period)
Minutes-Based Delays
Count the exact minutes from the previous step.
Example: If your schedule is 9 AM - 5 PM(Monday to Friday)
Step 1 sends: 4:50 PM Monday
Delay: 20 minutes(would be 5:10 PM)
Result: 5:10 PM is outside your schedule
Step 2 sends: 9 AM Tuesday (next active period)