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Time to Wait Between Steps

Learn how to determine when to send a follow up in the sequence

Updated this week

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

  • Instantly counts that exact time from when the previous step was sent

  • The follow-up is sent at the calculated time, but only during your active scheduled hours

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)

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