With over 3 billion monthly active users, Facebook remains one of the most powerful platforms for brands, creators, and businesses. But here’s the catch: posting great content is only half the battle; posting at the right time is what gets it seen.
Why?
Because Facebook’s algorithm rewards early engagement, a well-timed post can earn 2x to 3x more visibility than one published during low-activity hours.
This guide dives deep into the best times to post on Facebook, breaking it down by Day of the week, content type (video, image, Reels, Stories, etc.), industry, audience region, and time zone. You’ll learn exactly when your audience is most likely to be online and ready to engage.
We’ll also show you how tools like SocialBu can help you schedule smarter, get better results, and never miss a prime posting window, no matter where your followers are.
Let’s get into it.
What is the Best Time to Post on Facebook?
When it comes to the Best time to post on Facebook, most sources agree that weekdays between roughly 9 AM and 12 PM deliver the strongest results globally.
General Best Times to Post on Facebook
Knowing when most people are online can help your posts reach more users.
Key times to consider are:
Lunchtime (12 PM to 2 PM)
This time often falls during lunch breaks or free time of users, and that’s when they usually browse their social media more.
After-work hours (5 PM to 7 PM)
People usually relax after work hours, and they will mostly check social media accounts to entertain themselves, so it can be the best time to post entertainment or lifestyle-related content.
Late evening (8 PM to 10 PM)
Most users browse Facebook before sleeping, so this nighttime scrolling is the best time to post engaging content and videos to get maximum engagement and visibility.
After knowing the general best times to post on Facebook, let us discuss whether they vary by day of the week.
Day by Day Summary
Monday | 9 AM–12 PM |
Tuesday | 8-9 AM–12 PM |
Wednesday & Thursday | 9 AM–1 PM |
Friday | 9 AM–11 AM |
Saturday | 8 AM–10 AM |
Sunday | 9 AM–11 AM |
What are the Best Days and Times to Post on Facebook?
Now we know the best times to post on Facebook, but what if you don’t know the best days to post, and because of this, your content isn’t seen as it should be?
What Are the Best Times to Post on Facebook for Monday?
When finding the best time to post on Facebook on Monday, remember that users get back into the flow of work, so posting during mid-morning is considered best.
If you are looking for more likes, try posting your content closer to 1 PM. [Reddit]
What Are the Best Times to Post on Facebook for Tuesday?
Engagement levels are steady on Tuesday. Informative or business-related content resonates well on this day as users have settled into their weekly routine.
What Are the Best Times to Post on Facebook for Wednesday?
Mid-week posts, most especially shareable content that may contain graphics or engaging articles, do well since users are more open to breaks to check their feeds.
Posting Content closer to 4 PM will get you more shares [Reddit].
What Are the Best Times to Post on Facebook for Thursday?
This is when user engagement begins to rise as excitement for the weekend escalates. This is a great time to post content that promotes your plans, events, or special offers over the upcoming weekend.
What Are the Best Times to Post on Facebook for Friday?
Engagement is also high on Fridays, mainly in the afternoon, when people are waiting for the weekend. To attract users’ attention, fun and lighter posts will make better sense, whether you are using them for entertainment-based posts, event promotions, or sales.
What Are the Best Times to Post on Facebook for Saturday?
Generally, Saturday time slots are more flexible. Posts on lifestyle, entertainment, or e-commerce can be highly effective.
What Are the Best Times to Post on Facebook on Sunday?
This will be a review of the past week and preparation for the upcoming week. Any inspirational posts about personal growth or even planning for the week ahead will work well on Sundays.
One analysis found Friday, Monday, and Tuesday offer the highest global engagement, especially between 9 AM and 10 AM.
By understanding these days and when to post, you can make sure your Facebook posts reach your audience when they are most active, leading to higher engagement and greater visibility.
Publishing Behavior: What we Analyzed
Based on recent content performance, here’s what we’ve learned about the best time to post and what kind of content works well on social media.
Best Posting Time: Mid-Afternoon Works
Posting around 4 PM gave the highest results:
- Impressions: 121
- Video Views: 72
- Reactions: 3
The post stood out because it was funny and relatable, a light, engaging tone that connected with the audience.
Another post, shared around 5 PM, also did well:
- Impressions: 76
- Video Views: 23
- Reactions: 4
It was a short, humorous post that delivered quick value, and the audience responded positively.
Result from the Chart
- Image Posts are the most used type of content on Facebook, making up 55.6% of all posts.
- Video Posts are also popular, accounting for 44.4% of posts.
- Text Posts are rarely used, with 0.0% share.
Key Takeaway
If you want more engagement:
- Post between 4 PM and 5 PM
- Use humor and keep it relatable
- Make your message short and clear
- Add a light, friendly video if possible
This combo helps your content stand out and reach more people at the right time.
Best Times to Post on Facebook Based on Content Types
Different types of content perform best at specific times on Facebook, and understanding the optimal timing for each can help maximize engagement and reach.
Best Time to Post Videos on Facebook
The optimal time to post videos on Facebook is generally 12 PM to 2 PM, and in the evening, 7 PM to 9 PM.
Videos perform better during these periods because people have more time to watch them in full, either during breaks or while relaxing after work.
Videos posted during these peak engagement times have higher viewership and engagement.
Best Time to Post Pictures on Facebook
The best time to post pictures on Facebook is 9 AM to 11 AM, and in the late afternoon, 4 PM to 5 PM.
These periods are ideal for image-based posts because users often check their feeds during breaks or while transitioning between tasks.
Posting photos during these times can increase visibility, as image-based content typically requires less time to engage with than videos or longer text posts.
Best Time to Post a Story on Facebook
Facebook Stories get the most engagement in the early morning hours, from 6 AM to 8 AM, and from 8 PM to 10 PM.
Early morning stories catch users as they start their day, while evening posts capitalize on the time when users are relaxing and browsing more casually. These times also align well with higher mobile usage, as Stories are primarily consumed on mobile devices.
Best Time to Post a Reel on Facebook
For Facebook Reels, the best times to post are during lunchtime, 11 AM, 2 PM, and early evening, 6 PM to 8 PM.
These are periods when users are likely seeking entertainment, making Reels a perfect fit for capturing their attention.
Facebook users often scroll through short-form content like Reels during these moments, offering the perfect time to maximize engagement.
Best Time to Post on Facebook Marketplace
The best time to post on Facebook Marketplace is during the weekends, especially on Saturday mornings, 9 AM to 12 PM.
Many users browse the Marketplace during their free time, especially on weekends when they can browse for deals and make purchases.
Posting during these hours increases the chance of visibility as people are more relaxed and have the time to explore listings.
Best Time to Post Ads on Facebook
For Facebook ads, the best time to post is typically during business hours, 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays, particularly from 9 AM to 12 PM.
Ads aimed at professionals or businesses often perform best during working hours, especially early in the day when people are more focused and active online. Additionally, industries like retail can benefit from ads posted during lunchtime or early evenings, when users have more time to interact with promotional content.
What Our Facebook Polls Revealed (Real Data)
To understand when people are most active on Facebook, I ran multiple polls and posts on LinkedIn. These polls gave us useful insights based on real votes, impressions, and post analytics.
1. Best Time to Check Facebook
- Question: When are you most likely to check Facebook?
- Late Night (8–11 PM): 55%
- Lunchtime (12–2 PM): 20%
- After Work (5–7 PM): 15%
- Early Morning (6–9 AM): 10%
Engagement: 20 votes | 679 Impressions | 464 People Reached
Late night is the most active time for many users.
2. How Many Times Should a Brand Post on Facebook Weekly?
- Question: How many times should a brand post weekly?
Results
- 3–5 Times a Week: 71%
- Once a Day: 29%
- Once a Week / Twice a Day: 0%
Consistency matters. Posting 3–5 times a week is ideal.
3. What Type of Facebook Content Do People Prefer?
- Question: What kind of Facebook content do you engage with most?
- Results:
- Videos (Short-form/Reels): 100%
- Carousels, Stories, Polls: 0%
- Engagement: 95 Impressions
Videos, especially short-form like Reels, perform best.
What Does This Mean for You?
Based on this data:
- Try posting between 8 PM to 11 PM for higher visibility.
- Stick to 3–5 quality posts per week.
- Focus on video content, especially short and engaging Reels.
Best Times to Post on Facebook Based on Industry
The timing for posting on Facebook largely differs according to your industry. This is because each industry has a different engagement response to its posts on Facebook.
A post-timing strategy for a retail business can be different from the one required for a B2B company. You just have to know precisely when your target audience is most active to ensure a high engagement rate and make your efforts more efficient.
E-commerce and Retail Industry
Best Time: Late morning through early afternoon, from 11 AM to 1 PM on weekdays, is the recommended time to post on Facebook, with strong weekend activity.
Behavior: That means shoppers like to catch up on offers during their lunchtime breaks or before dinner. Saturday mornings work very well for e-commerce since users prefer to shop on weekends when they have more free time.
Tech and Software (B2B) Industry
Best Time: Between 9 AM to 12 PM on weekdays, especially between Tuesday and Thursday.
Behavior: Developers and techs tend to be most active during work hours, so those will be ideal publishing times for product releases, updates, or even industry news.
Your audiences are usually more engaged in professional, work-related content during mid-morning breaks.
Entertainment and Media Industry
Best Time: Between 7 PM to 9 PM for both weekdays and weekends.
Behavior: People consume entertainment and media-related content after work or during leisure time, so the evening is the best time to post interactive video content or entertainment-based updates.
Healthcare and Wellness Industry
Best Time: Early mornings, that is, 6 AM to 8 AM, and late evening, that is, 7 PM to 9 PM.
Behavior: The audiences in this industry tend to focus on health and wellness either early in the morning when they start their day or in the evening when they are relaxing.
Education Industry
Best Time: 8 AM to 10 AM and 3 PM to 5 PM on weekdays.
Behavior: Students and educators are more likely to engage with educational content outside of school hours. Posting at this time ensures that your content reaches the audience when they are in their most active phase.
Non-Profit and Advocacy Industry
Best time: Between 8 AM and 10 AM on weekdays.
Behavior: Non-profit organizations tend to engage donors and volunteers during the morning hours of the day, as later they can get busy with other work. Weekends are also appropriate, especially for donor prospecting and volunteer opportunities.
Understanding these details in audience engagement for different industries and businesses can really enhance their Facebook posting schedule to maximize visibility and engagement. If you have a Facebook profile for your business, you can convert it to a Facebook page to make it more engaging and appealing for consumers.
How Time Zones Affect Post-Engagement
Understanding your audience’s local time zone is important for maximizing post engagement on social media platforms like Facebook. Since Facebook’s algorithm rewards early engagement with broader visibility, aligning posts with peak user activity can significantly enhance reach and impact.
Let’s briefly discuss the best times to post on Facebook based on regional cultural and behavioral differences.
North America
In North America, the typical user follows a busy morning routine, often checking social media during lunch breaks or after work.
Europe
Europe presents distinct regional differences. Western Europe is known for early risers, with peak social media engagement during early mornings and shorter lunch breaks. In Eastern Europe, social media habits may differ, with longer evening engagement due to different work and cultural patterns.
Asia-Pacific
This region covers numerous time zones, making timing even more critical. The mobile-first nature of this region means content optimized for mobile devices will perform better during these peak hours.
Africa
In Africa, mobile data usage largely influences social media engagement, which can be restricted during certain times due to cost and accessibility.
Most users engage with platforms like Facebook during the evenings when data packages are more affordable or accessible, especially between 6 PM to 9 PM.
Latin America
After work and family obligations, users turn to social media to unwind and connect, making it the ideal time for posting.
By aligning your post times with these regional behavioral patterns, you can maximize engagement and improve the overall performance of your content.
Factors That Influence the Post-Performance
Several key factors influence the performance of your Facebook posts, each contributing to how widely your content is seen and engaged with. Timing, algorithm behavior, and audience habits all play a crucial role.
Let’s explore how to optimize these factors for your social media strategy.
1. When Your Audience Is Active
Social media users usually have habitual times to check their feeds, such as during lunchtime, immediately after working hours, or before bed. Posting within these slots can ensure maximum possibilities of visibility and interaction.
2. How Facebook’s Algorithm Works
The algorithm prioritizes posts that start receiving interactions right after posting. If a post receives immediate likes, shares, and comments soon after publication, the algorithm shows further nudges by exposing it to an even larger audience.
3. Time Zones
If your brand targets a worldwide audience, time zones become a significant factor. You must schedule your postings based on different time zones and your audience’s peak hours according to their region, industry, or days.
How Timing Affects Facebook Engagement
Are you curious about how timing affects engagement? For example, if you post at 11 AM on a Tuesday and immediately get likes and shares, Facebook will ensure that more users see your post throughout the day.
Below is the proper explanation of how timing impacts your post engagement:
1. Early interactions are important
Posts receiving likes, shares, or comments would be more likely to be seen at the top of users’ feeds.
2. Long-term engagement:
A strong start ensures the post performs well. Choosing the best time to post allows your content to be seen by more people for a longer period.
3. Avoid dead zones:
Posting when your audience is inactive will minimize early engagement chances. Without that push, your content will fade into the background noise of user feeds.
How Often Should You Post on Facebook?
1-2 times per day is ideal for most businesses or creators.
Minimum: 3-5 times per week to stay active.
Maximum: 2 posts per day, more than that may annoy followers.
Why This Works:
- Stays visible without overwhelming followers.
- Boosts engagement (likes, comments, shares).
- Helps with Facebook’s algorithm; active pages show up more.
Quick Tips:
- Use a mix of photos, videos, links, and text posts.
- Post when your audience is most active (usually mid-morning or early evening).
Comments from Practitioners:
On Reddit, marketers managing high‑follower pages confirmed:
Also:
How the Facebook Algorithm Reinforces Timing
Facebook no longer shows posts in chronological order; it surfaces content based on predicted interest and meaningful interactions (likes, comments, shares).
Quick engagement signals value, boosting reach to new users. The algorithm also favors content similar to what a user has interacted with before. Algorithm updates in 2025 have increased emphasis on meaningful conversations. Posts that spark comments and replies perform better. Relevance and interaction matter more than ever.
How to Post According to Ongoing Trends
To stay in the game, the best thing you can do is be aware of the ongoing trends and design your posts according to that. Here’s how you can do it for more engagement and likes:
1. Be Authentic and Add Value
Don’t just repost, add your own take, ask a question, or share a fun fact.
2. Use User‑Generated Content (UGC)
Sharing posts from your audience or fans builds trust and community. UGC is seen as very authentic; viewers are 2.4× more likely to trust UGC over branded content.
3. Choose the Right Format
Short-form video/Reels are favored by the algorithm. Photo albums get around 1.6% engagement, often higher than single photos or standard links.
4. Post at Key Times
Trends move fast. Add your content when your audience is active, typically 9 AM to 1 PM on weekdays. Early engagement (likes/comments within the first hour or two) boosts algorithmic reach.
How to Find Your Best Posting Times
Posting at the right time can make a big difference. Even great content won’t perform well if no one sees it. That’s why it’s important to post when your followers are most active.
Here’s how to figure that out:
1. Check Your Insights
Use built-in tools like Facebook Insights or Instagram Professional Dashboard to see when your audience is online
2. Try Different Times
Post at different times throughout the week (morning, afternoon, evening). After a few weeks, check which posts got the most likes, shares, and comments.
3. Use Scheduling Tools
Platforms like SocialBu, Buffer, Later, or Sprout Social can suggest the best posting times based on your audience data. They can even auto-schedule your posts for those times.
4. Think About Your Audience
Consider your followers’ habits. Do they check social media during lunch breaks? At night? Weekends? Choose times that fit their routine.
5. Conduct A/B Testing
A/B testing really works well in determining the best posting times. You post similar content at different times to identify engagement and then adjust your Facebook posting strategy based on these insights.
What Metrics Matter Most?
Success depends on your goal, brand awareness, traffic, or sales. Key Facebook metrics include:
- Reach: How many people saw your post
- Engagement: Likes, comments, shares
- CTR (Click-Through Rate): For links or conversions
How to Adjust Your Facebook Posting Schedule for Different Regions & Holidays
If your business or content is reaching people around the world, posting at one fixed time won’t work. Each region has different routines, time zones, and even online habits.
To get the best results, you need to adjust your posting schedule based on where your audience is and when they’re most likely to be online.
Step 1: Know Where Your Audience Lives
Before you adjust your posting times, find out which countries or cities your followers are from.
Use Facebook Insights or a tool like SocialBu to:
- See the top countries engaging with your page
- Understand your audience’s time zones and habits
Example: If your audience is mostly in New York and London, try to post during overlapping hours, like 11 AM EST / 4 PM GMT.
Step 2: Post in the Right Time Zones
If you post during the night in a certain region, most users might miss it.
Use tools like:
- SocialBu
- Later
- Hootsuite
These tools allow you to schedule posts at different times for different regions, so your content goes live when people are actually scrolling.
This helps you avoid staying up late, or waking up early, to post manually.
Step 3: Test What Works (A/B Testing)
Try posting the same content at different times in different regions.
Track results like:
- Likes
- Shares
- Comments
- Reach
After 2–4 weeks, you’ll know which times work best in each market. This helps you plan your content smarter and avoid guessing.
Step 4: Match the Format to Regional Preferences
Different types of content work better in different areas.
- In the Asia-Pacific region, video posts tend to perform well, especially during the evening
- In Europe, image posts might still get higher engagement
- In the U.S., carousels and Reels are gaining more traction
Step 5: Plan Around Local Holidays & Events
Local holidays and events can greatly affect engagement. People’s routines shift, which changes when they go online.
Examples of How Holidays Impact Posting:
- Ramadan (Middle East): People are more active online after Iftar (sunset), not during the day.
- Christmas (Western countries): Engagement is high before Christmas (gift planning, sales), but drops on Christmas Day.
- Black Friday (U.S.): Best times to post are early morning (7–9 AM) and lunchtime (12–2 PM).
- Back-to-School Season: Educational brands should post weekday mornings and evenings.
- Summer Vacations: Travel brands do well with weekend or evening posts, when people are planning trips.
Real Example: What the Data Says
This means timing is everything, especially when your audience is spread across time zones.
Discover Your Best Posting Times, Automatically!
Want to know the best time to post on Facebook without guesswork? SocialBu’s Optimal Time Recommender uses AI to do that for you in just four simple steps.
First, define your goal.
Then tell it who your audience is and which platforms you’re using. Within seconds, it generates the best time slots based on real platform trends and your audience’s behavior. It’s like having a personal posting coach that helps you post smarter, not harder.
Try Free Optimal Posting Time Recommender and stop throwing posts into the void.
Now That You Know the Best Time to Post on Facebook…
It’s time to stop guessing and start growing, without the stress of remembering the perfect time to post each day. This is exactly where SocialBu steps in to make your Facebook strategy effortless and effective.
Let’s walk through how you can use SocialBu to discover your best posting times, schedule content smartly, and boost your engagement, without being glued to your screen.
Take Your Facebook Posting to the Next Level with SocialBu!
You’ve learned when Facebook users are most active: lunchtime, early evenings, and weekdays, mid-morning. But applying that knowledge consistently isn’t always easy. That’s where SocialBu comes in. This all-in-one platform helps you analyze, schedule, and publish your content at the right time, every time.
Here’s how it works:
1. Analyze Your Audience to Find the Best Times to Post
SocialBu gives you detailed insights into your audience’s behavior.
You can see exactly when your followers are online, when they engage most with your posts, and which type of content performs best at what time.
- No more guessing.
- Post when your audience is most active for maximum reach.
2. Schedule Posts for Peak Engagement
Once you know your best times, SocialBu lets you schedule your Facebook posts to go live at those moments, automatically.
- Schedule for 9 AM, 4 PM, or even late at night if that’s your audience’s prime time.
- Stay consistent, even if you’re not online.
- Schedule weeks of content in just one sitting.
3. Use the Visual Content Calendar to Stay Organized
SocialBu’s drag-and-drop calendar makes it easy to plan content around your high-performing time slots.
- See your week or month at a glance
- Fill empty time slots with ease
- Adjust timing instantly for better performance
4. Get Instant Engagement with Unified Inbox & Automations
As you learned, early engagement boosts visibility on Facebook. SocialBu helps you respond fast:
- Reply to all your comments, DMs, and mentions in one place
- Set up auto-replies so no message goes unanswered
- Perfect for those first crucial minutes after posting
5. Work Better as a Team (Even if You’re Solo)
Whether you’re managing a brand page with a team or flying solo, SocialBu helps you stay on top of everything:
- Assign roles, get approvals, and collaborate in real-time
- Keep your team aligned with the best posting schedule
- Stay consistent, even during busy weeks
6. Let AI Help You Create Perfect-Timed Posts
Need help writing captions or brainstorming content? SocialBu’s built-in AI assistant helps you quickly generate posts that match your audience’s favorite times.
- Generate engaging copy in seconds
- Optimize posts for time, tone, and performance
- Use your time to create, not overthink
Why SocialBu Helps You Post at the Best Time, Without the Extra Work
- Never miss peak time: Schedule once, and SocialBu posts for you.
- Boost engagement: Use data-backed insights to post when it matters most.
- Work smarter: AI, automations, and analytics do the heavy lifting.
- Grow your presence: Focus on content, while SocialBu handles the timing.
Ready to Post Smarter, Not Harder?
With over 3 billion active users on Facebook, timing is everything. SocialBu ensures your content hits the feed when your audience is actually online and ready to engage.
- Start scheduling with precision
- Get more likes, shares, and comments
- Focus on what you do best, creating
Try SocialBu for free and see the difference it makes in your Facebook strategy today.
Final Words!
Now that you know the best times to post on Facebook, whether it’s Monday morning, Saturday afternoon, or mid-week at 4 PM. You’re no longer flying blind. You have the data, the benchmarks, and the industry-backed insights to reach your audience when they’re actually active.
But knowing is just the start.
So instead of stressing about when to post, you can focus on what to post, and let SocialBu handle the rest. Ready to stop guessing and start growing?
Try SocialBu free today and watch your Facebook engagement rise.
FAQs
Q: What is the best time to post on Facebook?
The best time to post is between 9 AM and 1 PM on weekdays, when people are active during work breaks.
Q: What is the best time to post on Facebook on different days?
- Monday: 9 AM – 12 PM
- Tuesday: 9 AM – 1 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM – 1 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM – 2 PM
- Friday: 9 AM – 12 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: 11 AM – 1 PM (lower engagement, but visuals work well)
Q: What is the best time to post on Facebook for maximum engagement?
Post early mornings (6 AM–9 AM) or midday (11 AM–1 PM) on weekdays for the best engagement.
Q: When is the best time to post on a Facebook business page?
Weekday mornings, between 9 AM and 12 PM, work best when users are active and alert.
Q: What is the best time to post on Facebook for maximum exposure?
For maximum exposure, post between 9 AM and 1 PM on Tuesday to Thursday, when user activity peaks.
Q: When is the best time to post on Facebook in the Philippines?
12 PM to 3 PM, aligning with lunchtime and early afternoon scroll time.
Q: When is the best time to post a profile picture on Facebook?
Late morning to early afternoon (11 AM–2 PM) on weekdays gets the highest engagement.
Q: What is the best time to post on Facebook in the UK, USA, and Australia?
- UK: 9 AM – 12 PM
- USA: 10 AM – 1 PM
- Australia: 8 AM – 10 AM
Always post in your audience’s local time zone for better reach.
