On Instagram, where every post battles for attention in an algorithm-driven feed, choosing the right posting time is crucial. If you are putting hours into crafting the ideal Instagram post but aren’t seeing the engagement you hoped for, the culprit could be the time when you hit ‘share.’ Posting at the right time can be the difference between your content skyrocketing or getting lost in the sea of limitless scrolls.
In this guide, we will explore the best times to post on Instagram, backed by data and insights from top platforms like SocialPilot, Hootsuite, CoSchedule, and SproutSocial, to help you make the most of your efforts and keep your audience hooked!
This article also explores the science of Instagram peak posting times for both weekdays and weekends across various regions and time zones, breaking down the best hours for boosted engagement.
Without further ado, let’s dive right into more details!
Best Times to Post on Instagram in 2024 and Beyond
Timing is essential for success on Instagram as it is the key to maximizing engagement, views, and follower growth. By conducting deep research from the top blogs, we have concluded the ultimate best times to post on Instagram as follows;
- Monday: 9 AM – 3 PM
- Tuesday: 12 AM, 1 PM – 3 PM
- Wednesday: 12 AM, 1 PM – 3 PM
- Thursday: 12 AM, 1 PM – 3 PM
- Friday: 6 PM – 9 PM
- Saturday: 6 PM – 9 PM
- Sunday: 6 PM – 9 PM
Pro Tip: You can understand the best times to post by observing and following global patterns; however, the best times to post on Instagram might vary based on your audience’s location or the day of the week you are posting. For example, if your audience is US-based, the best timings may differ from the UK’s.
This was just the overview, further, keep on reading to know the best time to post on Instagram in detail!
Understanding General Posting Times
Overall, the optimal time for Instagram posts remains consistent with previous trends but is slightly refined for 2024 and the coming years. These times often vary based on users’ daily routines, particularly when they are likely to check their phones, such as during morning commutes, lunch breaks, and evenings right before bed. Globally, the best time of day to post on Instagram for engagement are:
- Morning (9 AM to 11 AM): Mornings are great for posting on Instagram as most users start their days early and are more likely to scroll through Instagram.
- Lunchtime (12 PM to 1 PM): Lunchtime is also considered one of the best times to post on Instagram because people usually take a break from work or study and engage with social media content during this time.
- Evening (7 PM to 9 PM): Evenings are also ideal for posting from 7 PM to 9 PM because people often take breaks during these hours after work or school. Users generally like browsing Instagram during these hours, making it a peak time for engagement.
You can get a great understanding of the best times to post on Instagram from this data showing the best times in the last five years;
Best Times to Post on Instagram On Weekdays + (Top Countries Best Timings)
Let us now break down the best time to post on Instagram by day of the week;
1. Monday
The best times to post on Mondays globally are 6 AM to 11 AM and 6 PM to 10 PM. This is because users are just getting into the week’s flow, and their Instagram activity tends to increase. However, it is different for each country. To help you understand this better, here are the country-wise best times to post on Mondays;
- US: 11 AM to 1 PM
- UK: 7 AM to 9 AM
- Canada: 12 PM
- Colombia: 6 PM
- Brazil: 6 PM
2. Tuesday
Tuesday is typically one of the highest engagement days of the week as users generally settle into their work routine and are more likely to check Instagram during the day. Globally, the best times to post on Tuesday are 9 AM to 11 AM and 7 PM to 9 PM.
The country-wise best times to post on Tuesdays are:
- US: 8 AM to 10 AM, 6 PM to 8 PM
- UK: 6 AM to 8 AM, 7 PM to 9 PM
- Canada: 12 PM
- Colombia: 6 PM
- Brazil: 6 PM
3. Wednesday
Wednesday is globally known as one of the peak days for engagement. The most active users are seen at 8 AM, 2 PM, and 6 PM. The best times to post on Wednesday country wise are:
- US: 12 PM to 2 PM
- UK: 9 AM to 11 AM
- Canada: 12 PM
- Colombia: 6 PM
- Brazil: 6 PM
4. Thursday
Engagement on Instagram tends to decrease on Thursdays compared to Wednesdays, but it still offers an excellent opportunity to post, especially in the mid-morning and early afternoon.
The country-wise best times to post on Instagram are:
- US: 11 AM to 1 PM, 8 PM to 10 PM
- UK: 7 AM to 9 AM, 8 PM to 10 PM
- Canada: 12 PM
- Colombia: 6 PM
- Brazil: 6 PM
5. Friday
Fridays see an uptick in engagement towards the afternoon as people relax and get ready for the weekend, so they check their phones more frequently. This is why, globally, the best time to post on Instagram on Friday is from 12 PM to 3 PM. For different countries, the best times for Fridays are as follows;
- US: 2 PM to 4 PM
- UK: 11 AM to 1 PM
- Canada: 12 PM
- Colombia: 6 PM
- Brazil: 6 PM
Now, let’s have a look at the best times to post on Instagram during the weekend.
Best Times to Post on Instagram On Weekends + (Top Countries Best Timings)
On weekends, the patterns of most active timings shift as users usually have more relaxed mornings and late brunches. Here is the breakdown of the best posting times for Instagram on weekends;
Saturday
On Saturdays, users check their Instagrams a bit later in the morning and mostly in the afternoons. This is because they prefer to relax and sleep in after a hectic week. So, Saturday is a great day for posting leisure content like travel, food, and lifestyle. This way you can effortlessly attract new Instagram followers and boost your visibility. Global best Instagram posting time on Saturday is from 10 AM to 12 PM.
For different countries, here are the best times to post on Saturdays;
- US: 11 AM to 1 PM
- UK: 9 AM to 11 AM
- Canada: 12 PM
- Colombia: 6 PM
- Brazil: 6 PM
Sunday
Sundays are usually quieter than other days. The peak activity is typically seen in the morning and later in the evening as people share moments of their weekends and get updates to prepare for the coming week. For Sundays globally, the best times to post on Instagram are 9 AM to 11 AM and 7 PM to 9 PM.
Country-wise, these are the best times:
- US: 10 AM to 12 PM, 6 PM to 8 PM
- UK: 8 AM to 10 AM, 7 PM to 9 PM
- Canada: 12 PM
- Colombia: 6 PM
- Brazil: 6 PM
Why Timing Matters on Instagram?
Instagram is a giant social medium where hundreds of accounts are created every day. So, to succeed on Instagram, you should be aware of why timing matters. Whether you want to get more likes, boost your views, engage with your followers, or attract new ones, posting according to the best timing on Instagram is the key to success.
Let’s explore this in more detail to help you understand why timing matters.
1. The Instagram Algorithm
Understanding the Instagram algorithm is necessary when determining the right time to post. Instagram uses an advanced system to determine which posts appear first on your followers’ feeds, but timing plays a key role in this matter.
Here are some factors that influence the Instagram algorithm.
a. How Instagram Ranks Posts
Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes content that it finds relevant and engaging for the users. Posts that receive quick engagement (likes, comments, shares, and saves) shortly after publication are more likely to appear at the top of users’ feeds. So, if you post when your followers are most active, you’ll increase the probability of receiving early engagement.
b. Engagement Signals and Their Relationship to Timing
Engagement signals are metrics that display a user’s interest in a post. These signals contain likes, comments, saves, and shares. The more interactions a post acquires, the higher Instagram ranks it. So, when you post during peak hours when most of your audience is online, it makes it more likely that they’ll engage with your content immediately, ultimately boosting its visibility.
2. The Science Behind Posting Times
You can understand the science behind posting times by keeping the following essential points in mind;
a. User Behavior Patterns and Time Zones
User’s daily routines indicate when they’re most active on Instagram. For example, many users check Instagram in the morning, some during lunch breaks, or before going to bed. These habits make windows of opportunity for posting.
Another crucial factor is time zones. If you have a global audience, it is essential to post at the times that best align with your audience’s peak activity hours across different regions. Instagram Insights can assist you in determining the time zones of places where most of your followers are based.
b. Psychological Impact of Posting at the Right Time
Posting at the best time on Instagram also has a psychological aspect. Users are more likely to interact with your posts when they feel comfortable, engaged, and immersed. For instance, posts made during lunch hours or early evenings tend to get higher engagement as users are winding down and are more receptive to content.
3. How Posting at Optimal Times Boosts Visibility
To boost your visibility on Instagram, you should post according to the optimal posting times. It will not only boost your visibility but also help in the long-term growth of your Instagram account. Here are more details:
a. Real-Time Engagement vs. Long-Term Growth
When you post at optimal times, you’re maximizing the possibilities for real-time engagement. This immediate activity signals to the Instagram algorithm that your content is valuable, expanding its reach in the short term. However, consistently posting at the right times can also drive long-term growth by keeping your audience engaged and loyal.
Posting according to the best timing leads to immediate interactions, which signals to Instagram that your content is valuable. This keeps your post visible for longer in your followers’ feeds.
Furthermore, brands that consistently post at the perfect times for their audiences often experience significant growth in engagement. For example, fashion brands that post around 7- 9 PM see higher engagement as their followers are more likely to be relaxing and scrolling through Instagram.
b. Long-term Growth
Posting at optimal times can lead to sustained growth in followers and engagement. Brands like Glossier and Nike have seen substantial engagement boosts by strategically scheduling their posts around user activity patterns.
Here are some more top benefits of posting at the best times to post on Instagram;
Best Times to Post On Instagram For Different Industries
There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the best times to post on Instagram. The insights that we offer are based on the best times mostly observed from our research and available data. So, the best times to post on Instagram for different industries are discussed below.
1.Travel and Hospitality
The hospitality and travel industries gain various benefits from using Instagram. By posting according to the best times, they can even gain more benefits, like enhanced viewership, more likes, better visibility, and better reach. The best times, with the most engagement rates, are between 9 AM and 5 PM on almost all weekdays.
However, in data observation, it was observed that the highest engagement was on Wednesday from 2 PM to 4 PM. Then, on Sundays from 11 AM to 1 PM.
2. Healthcare Industry
Healthcare providers, hospitals, and clinics utilize Instagram for much more than navigating healthcare crises. They use it to educate the public, promote different healthcare-related programs, find talented healthcare experts, and encourage patients to feel more comfortable with their services and pay them a visit. So, for the healthcare industry, it is important to know when to post.
According to our research, globally, for healthcare providers, the best time to post on Instagram is usually between 10 AM and 3 PM on working days.
3. Restaurants
The restaurant industry uses Instagram more frequently. From reaching their target audience to promoting new dishes, restaurants make the most out of this platform to gain more followers, boost awareness, and attract more engagement. So, knowing the best times to post is essential for them. It has been noted that restaurants saw 2x more engagements this year during lunch hours, which are usually from 10 AM to 2 PM.
4. Educational Institutes
Educational institutes also utilize key social media platforms like Instagram to promote their institution, attract talented students, and showcase the facilities offered at their institutes. This is why posting at the best times is important for them.
The best times for the education sector are from 10 AM to 6 PM on work days. The times with maximum engagement rates are on Wednesdays from 11 AM to 2 PM and then at 9 PM on weekends.
5. Agricultural Organizations
For agricultural organizations, the best times to post on Instagram are from 9 AM to 12 PM. It is advisable to avoid posting on weekdays and instead post on weekends, especially on Saturdays.
6. Finance Industry
Finance brands mainly focus on informing and educating users about saving, investing, and managing money. So, posting during working hours performs the best.
The main reason is that posting during breaks in the workday when professionals are more likely to check social media, ensures higher engagement from a financially motivated audience. The best days are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The best times are 9 AM to 11 AM and 5 PM to 6 PM.
Best Time To Post Reels On Instagram
Reels are a great way to attract new followers with your visually appealing content. However, another way to reach the target audience perfectly is to know the ideal posting times for Instagram reels.
The best time to post Reels on Instagram varies based on your audience’s location and schedule. However, the peak engagement occurs during these times:
- Lunch breaks: 12 PM – 1 PM
- Early evenings: 5 PM – 6 PM
- Prime-time evenings: 7 PM – 9 PM
Posting during these times will boost your engagement. Additionally, you should consider posting when your audience is most active. To see this data, you can use Instagram insights. Furthermore, you can experiment with different timing to find what works best for you.
Best Time To Post Stories On Instagram
Instagram stories are one feature that can be utilized to reach your targeted audience much more easily than posts. However, you should also post Instagram stories at the right times.
The optimal time to post Instagram Stories depends on your audience’s daily habits. Users are usually the most engaged on Stories during:
- Morning rush: 7 AM – 9 AM
- Lunch break: 11 AM – 1 PM
- Evening commute: 4 PM – 6 PM
Best Times To Go Live On Instagram
Going live on Instagram yields the best results when your audience is most active. This is because the more active users, the more people are likely to join your live session. So, going live on Instagram is preferred at the following times:
- Monday to Friday: 12 PM
- Prime-time evenings 7 PM – 9 PM
- Special events or announcements: Anytime, with prior promotion
You should avoid going live:
- During weekends
- Early mornings
- Late nights
Pro Tip: Promoting your live session through Stories and posts to maximize viewership before going live is always a great idea. Now, lets have a look at how you can find your own best times to post on Instagram.
How to Find Your Own Best Times To Post On Instagram
You can follow the usual best times that have been described in the blog so far. However, for each person, it can differ.
To be exact and find out your own best times to post on Instagram you have to keep your analytics in view. From there, you can see when your audience is the most active. Those times are your best times to post. You can follow these few simple steps if you have a business or creator Instagram account.
First Step: Tap on the 3 bar signs in the top right corner of your profile.
Second Step: Click on “Insights”
Third Step: Click on the metrics underneath the “Overview” section. You can also go to the particular content you’ve shared for further details. Here, click on “Total followers” and scroll to view their most active times.
Other Best Ways
Besides using Instagram insights to see the best times to post on Instagram, here are some other great options;
- Experiment with Posting Times: Try posting at different times throughout the day and week, and track which times yield the best engagement.
- Analyze Results: Regularly review the insights and adjust your Instagram posting schedule for the highest reach.
- You can take an idea of the best times to post on Instagram from this infographic;
How to Find Your Best Time to Post on Instagram with SocialBu
A smart social media scheduling and management tool like SocialBu can provide detailed analytics to help you figure out the best times to post on Instagram. These analytics can help you gain insights by comparing your account’s performance to that of your competitors.
The analytics offered by SocialBu provide insights into your posts’ performance. You can review these analytics to see which days and times have obtained the most engagement.
Another way to figure out your own best times to post with SocialBu is to look at metrics like likes, comments, and shares for different times of the day. Then, you can determine trends for the highest-performing time slots.
Furthermore, you can utilize SocialBu’s automated scheduling to post on Instagram at your own best times.
Pro Tip: You can test different time slots to find out what works best for you. SocialBu’s post-scheduling feature can help you with this, and you can compare results over time to refine your posting strategy further.
Step-by-step Process of Scheduling Instagram Posts with SocialBu
Scheduling Instagram posts with SocialBu is hardly a 5-minute process that streamlines your content management and enhances your online presence. Follow these steps to schedule your content with just one click.
Step 1: Create an Account on SocialBu
To get started, sign up for a SocialBu account. Register with your name and email address and create a secure password.
Step 2: Choose a Subscription
You can choose one of the three subscription plans for your social media management needs. You will receive an email to verify your SocialBu account.
Step 3: Add a Social Media Account
Connect your Instagram account to SocialBu. Follow the simple authentication process to grant SocialBu access to your Instagram profile.
Step 4: Add a New Post
To schedule a new Instagram post on SocialBu, go to “Publish” from the side menu and tap the “+ New Post” button from the dashboard.
Step 5: Insert Media Files and Caption
The “New Post” button will enable you to create an Instagram post from scratch, including captions, hashtags, and media files. Tap “Add Media” to upload images and videos to SocialBu’s media library. Then, type in the caption you wish to go up with the media you have added. Also, add relevant hashtags to increase your post’s reach once it goes on the feed.
Step 6: Schedule Your Post
Tap “Schedule” to select a date you want to schedule your Instagram post. Once you’ve done this, click on “Schedule.” There you go—your post has now been scheduled for a later date with just a click!
See how simple it is to leverage the user-friendly interface and advanced features of this fantastic social media management tool. You can enjoy the benefits of efficient content planning and focus on building meaningful connections with your followers while SocialBu handles the rest.
10 Common Mistakes When Posting on Instagram (And How to Avoid Them)
Instagram is one of the best places to showcase your brand for driving engagement and business growth. Unfortunately, this also means that many brands and individuals make some rookie mistakes, which can hamper their success on the platform. To ensure you’re getting the most out of your Instagram, of course, you need to know about the best times to post on Instagram. However, you also need to know about more common mistakes to avoid. To help you with that, we have highlighted some mistakes and ways to avoid them.
1. No Audience Data or Insights
Mistake:
A common error is not using the analytics built into Instagram or a third-party app to review how your audience behaves. Not reviewing any insights on your followers’ activity can result in delivering posts when your audience is either not on Instagram or engaged.
Solution:
Use the Instagram Insights feature to monitor when your audience is most active, the type of content that drives the highest engagement, and relevant metrics such as follower growth and engagement rates. Over time, track this information and modify the times when you post. You can also evaluate trends and utilize the features of social media management tools like SocialBu to measure their effectiveness.
2. Inconsistent Posting Schedule
Mistake:
If you post too infrequently, you risk losing the attention of your audience. Alternatively, posting too frequently can overwhelm your audience and risk your posts disappearing from people’s feeds. Either way, it will lead to a decrease in engagement, which can harm your Instagram algorithm.
Solution:
The best solution to avoid this mistake is to follow a consistent posting schedule. Whether you post daily or a few times a week, ensure consistency to keep your audience engaged. Post-scheduling tools like SocialBu can help you maintain consistency without the need for manual effort.
3. Posting at the Wrong Times
Mistake:
Posting when your audience is offline reduces your chances of engagement. If your posts go live when people are at work or asleep, they might miss them entirely.
Solution:
Use Instagram Insights or third-party tools to check when your followers are most active. The best times to post are generally between 12 PM and 3 PM or 6 PM and 9 PM, but you should tailor this based on your audience’s time zone and habits. Posting during peak hours increases the likelihood of quick engagement.
4. Neglecting Engagement with Your Audience
Mistake:
Instagram is a platform for interaction, not just posting. If you don’t respond to comments, like posts, or engage with your followers, they may feel ignored, thus limiting your growth.
Solution:
Make an effort to engage with your followers regularly. Reply to comments, like their posts, and interact with their content when relevant. This builds a sense of community, strengthens relationships, and increases engagement, which can improve your visibility in the Instagram algorithm.
5. Not Using Hashtags Properly
Mistake:
Using too few, too many, or irrelevant hashtags can limit your post’s reach. Hashtags are crucial to making your content discoverable but must be used correctly.
Solution:
Use a mix of popular, relevant, and niche-specific hashtags in your posts. Although Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, using 8 – 12 well-researched hashtags can give you the best results. Look into which hashtags are trending in your industry and include a variety in your content to reach a broader audience.
6. Posting Low-Quality Content
Mistake:
Instagram is a visual platform, so posting poorly lit, blurry, or thoughtless content can turn people away. It damages your brand image and reduces engagement.
Solution:
Focus on creating high-quality content. Take well-lit photos, make sure your videos are clear, and design visually appealing graphics. Apps like Canva can help with design, while tools like VSCO or Adobe Lightroom are excellent for editing photos. Remember, good content shows professionalism and pulls in more followers.
7. Over-Promoting Products or Services
Mistake:
Constantly posting about your products or services without offering value can push users away. The reason is that no one wants to feel like they are only being sold to.
Solution:
It’s best to balance your content strategy by incorporating a mix of promotional, educational, and amusing posts. Plus, you can also share customer stories, tips, and behind-the-scenes content. An 80/20 thumb rule works incredibly here, where 80% is value-driven content, and 20% should be promotional. This keeps your audience engaged and makes your promotions feel more natural.
8. Not Using Instagram Stories, Reels, and Live
Mistake:
Sticking only to traditional feed posts and ignoring other features of Instagram can limit your reach. Instagram’s algorithm often favors dynamic content like Stories, Reels, and Live broadcasts.
Solution:
Use Instagram Stories to engage with your audience in real time. Try sharing behind-the-scenes moments or run polls. Also, create Reels to post fun, short-form content with a high chance of going viral. Instagram Live is also fantastic for interacting with your audience in real time. You can use a variety of content types to help grow your reach and boost engagement.
9. Not Sharing User-Generated Content
Mistake:
Overlooking user-generated content (UGC) means missing out on a valuable opportunity for free promotion. Brands that fail to share content from their customers or followers lose the chance to foster trust.
Solution:
Motivate your followers to share content that showcases your products or services, and make sure to repost it (with their permission). User-generated content serves as a free and genuine promotional tool that helps cultivate a sense of community. Additionally, it’s an effective way to keep your audience engaged.
10. Forgetting to Include a Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)
Mistake:
Sharing content without a clear call to action can result in lost engagement opportunities. If your followers are unsure of what to do next, they may simply scroll past your post.
Solution:
Always incorporate a clear call to action. It could be as straightforward as “Click the link in the bio,” “Tag a friend,” or “Swipe up for more details.” A well-crafted call-to-action guides your followers on the next steps to take, encouraging interaction and helping you achieve your objectives.
Final Takeaway!
Making the most of Instagram is not just about constructing stunning content; it’s about knowing when to share it. By understanding the best times to post on Instagram, you can figure out when your audience is most active. This can help you turn ordinary posts into engagement powerhouses.
Timing is everything if you want to get more likes, increase your followers, or grow your brand’s visibility. The ideal moment to post is just one click away, so why wait? Start planning your optimal Instagram schedule today with SocialBu and transform your engagement effortlessly. Try for Free today!
FAQs
Q. How to discover the best time to post on Instagram?
To know the best times to post on Instagram, check Instagram Insights to see when your followers are most active, typically during late mornings (9 AM – 11 AM) and early evenings (5 PM – 7 PM).
Q. What is the best time to post a reel on Instagram?
Reels tend to perform well during off-peak hours, usually between 9 AM – 11 AM and 8 PM – 10 PM.
Q. How do I use Instagram analytics to find the best posting time?
Use Instagram Insights under the “Audience” tab to track when your followers are most active and adjust your posting schedule accordingly.
Q. What is the best time of day to post on Instagram?
The best time is generally between 9 AM – 11 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM, aligning with when users take breaks.
Q. When should I post on Instagram for the highest engagement in the morning/evening?
For mornings, post between 7 AM and 9 AM. For evenings, aim for 6 PM – 9 PM.
Q. What is the best time to post on Instagram in the UK?
In the UK, post between 8 AM – 10 AM and 6 PM – 9 PM for optimal engagement.
Q. What is the optimal time of day to post on Instagram during weekdays?
The best times are typically between 9 AM – 11 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM when users check Instagram before or after work.
Q. What tools can help identify the best time to post on Instagram?
Tools like Instagram Insights and SocialBu can analyze follower activity and suggest the best times to post on Instagram.
Q. When to post on Instagram to get more likes?
The best times to post on Instagram for more likes are typically during peak engagement hours, such as between 9 AM to 11 AM and 6 PM to 8 PM. However, your specific audience’s habits should guide your posting schedule.
