It’s imperative that entrepreneurs and influencers stay at the forefront of the ever-evolving world of social media. One of the most important factors that can greatly affect your Instagram engagement is the timing of posts. In this blog, we’ll explore the challenges of the best Instagram posting time in 2024 and explore why it’s important.
What is the Best Time to Post on Instagram?
You need to understand your audience’s behavior to determine the best time to post on Instagram. The optimal time to post varies depending on factors such as location, demographics, and user activity. Peak hours are usually between 7:00 and 9:00 pm, but this may vary for your particular audience.
Why Does Finding the Best Time to Post on Instagram Matter?
Looking for the best time to post on Instagram isn’t just to maximize visibility; It’s about figuring out how to align your content with your audience behavior, platform algorithms, and the ever-changing landscape of social media trends. By understanding the importance of passion, innovation and relationships, you can be you, the Instagram system has effectively raised your profile and won.
- Interest: Understanding your audience’s behavior is crucial to maximizing the impact of your Instagram posts. The concept of interest revolves around posting content when your followers are most active and engaged. If you post during a busy time, your content is more likely to show up on your followers’ feeds. Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes recent and relevant posts, so if your posts match your audience’s active hours, they have a better chance of being viewed.
Posting when your audience is most active ensures that more people will see and engage with your content. When your followers are actively scrolling through their feeds, likes, comments and shares are more likely. The timing of your posts should coincide with your audience’s interests and daily activities. For example, if you’re targeting a global audience, consider posting when your followers in different time zones tend to be more active.
- Recency: Instagram’s algorithm considers the time of posting as a key factor in determining the visibility of your content. Recent posts are more likely to appear higher in users’ feeds. Stories and posts are prominently featured on the Instagram app, and timely content is more likely to be featured in the ‘Explore’ section, increasing its reach beyond your existing followers.
If your content is related to current events, trends, or holidays, posting at the right time ensures maximum relevance. This can lead to increased engagement and a higher likelihood of your content being shared.
- Relationship: Regularly appearing on your followers’ feeds creates a sense of consistency. Followers know when to expect content from you, which can strengthen the connection between your brand and your audience.
At its peak hours, regular posts encourage engagement, whether through likes, comments, or shares. The more actively your followers engage with your content, the more it will show up in their feed in the future.
The more engagement your post receives, the more likely it is to be exposed to a wider audience through Instagram’s algorithm. This can lead to organic growth and acquisition of new followers.
Average Best Times to Post on Instagram:
While the best time to post may vary depending on your audience and specific industry, there are some general guidelines that can serve as a starting point. These optimal times take into account global trends in usage and observed patterns in different populations. It is important to note that these are general recommendations, and you should monitor your research carefully to properly prepare your bidding strategy. Here are some insights on the best times to post:
1. Evenings during Weekdays:
- Timing: Between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
- Reasoning: Many users are active on Instagram in the evenings after work or school. They are relaxing and engaging in social media in the meantime.
2. Mid-Mornings on Weekends:
- Timing: Typically, between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
- Reasoning: Weekends often provide more leisure time for users. Mornings are a popular time for scrolling through Instagram, catching up on updates, and exploring new content.
Remember, finding the optimal posting time is an ongoing process. It requires a combination of understanding general trends, analyzing your specific audience’s behavior, and adapting your strategy based on real-time insights. Regularly reassess and refine your posting schedule to ensure you’re maximizing your reach and engagement on Instagram.
Best Times to Post on Instagram by Days of the Week:
Understanding the differences in user activity throughout the week is essential to optimizing your Instagram posting strategy. Different days can attract different levels of stakeholders depending on people’s behaviors, schedules, and leisure habits. Here’s a breakdown of the recommended posting times for each day of the week:
Monday to Wednesday:
The best time to post on Instagram is 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
The start and end of the workday are often opportune times, as people check their phones during breaks and after finishing their daily tasks. Evening hours are also popular for relaxation and social media browsing.
Thursday:
The best time to post on Instagram is 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
Thursday is the difference between the middle of the week and the close week. The afternoons and evenings are ideal as people get ready for the weekend and are more active on social media.
Friday:
The best time to post on Instagram is 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
Friday mornings are suitable for catching users during work breaks, while early afternoons provide a window before people start their weekend activities. Avoid posting too late as users might be less engaged.
Saturday:
The best time to post on Instagram on Saturday is 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Saturdays offer a mix of relaxation and social activities. Late mornings are often a sweet spot for reaching users during their leisure time.
Sunday:
The best time to post on Instagram on Sunday is 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
Sunday mornings and evenings are prime times for Instagram engagement. People may be winding down from the weekend or preparing for the upcoming week, making these periods opportune for social media activity.
Best Times to Post on Instagram by Industry:
As brands and influencers struggle to attract target audiences, understanding the best times to launch is a strategic game changer. Each industry has unique characteristics, preferences and audience behavior, making it necessary to adapt your posting strategy accordingly.
For example, while we previously suggested that weekends might not be the best time to launch on average, fashion and apparel brands typically see their peak sales and impressions on these days That is why our study carefully monitored the performance of each mine. This allowed us to isolate the best times to post on Instagram based on different industries.
Best Times to Post on Instagram for Travel and Tourism:
- Weekdays: 10 am to 12 pm and 7 pm to 9 pm.
- Weekends: 9 am to 11 am and 4 pm to 6 pm.
Weekends are prime planning times for travel enthusiasts. Posting captivating travel content during late evenings can inspire users as they unwind and dream about their next adventure.
Best Times to Post on Instagram for Fashion and Apparel:
Many fashion-conscious individuals browse for style inspiration during their downtime. Weekday evenings and weekend afternoons offer ideal opportunities to showcase new trends and products.
- Weekdays: 12 pm to 2 pm and 7 pm to 9 pm.
- Weekends: 9 am to 11 am and 5 pm to 7 pm.
Best Times to Post on Instagram for Fitness and Wellness:
Fitness enthusiasts often engage with health-related content in the early morning as part of their routines. Evenings during the workweek and afternoons on weekends cater to those looking for workout inspiration and wellness tips.
- Weekdays: 6 am to 8 am and 5 pm to 7 pm.
- Weekends: 8 am to 10 am and 4 pm to 6 pm.
Best Times to Post on Instagram for Food and Beverage:
Late afternoons coincide with snack time, while evenings are when people are more likely to be exploring dining options. Weekends, in particular, are popular for sharing food experiences.
- Weekdays: 12 pm to 2 pm.
- Weekends: 5 pm to 7 pm.
Best Times to Post on Instagram for Digital Marketing/social media:
Professionals in the digital marketing and social media industry often engage with content during working hours. Mid-mornings and early afternoons can capture their attention during breaks or downtime.
- Weekdays: 9 am to 11 am and 1 pm to 3 pm.
- Weekends: Limited activity, but posts from 10 am to 12 am.
Best Times to Post on Instagram for IT Brands:
IT professionals are likely to be active during business hours. Posting during mid-mornings and early afternoons can catch their attention during work breaks or moments of relaxation.
- Weekdays: 10 am to 12 pm.
- Weekends: 1 pm and 3 pm.
Best Times to Post Stories and Reels on Instagram:
Stories:
Throughout the day, with emphasis on mid-mornings (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM) and evenings (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM).
Instagram Stories have a 24-hour lifespan, allowing for flexibility in posting times. Mid-mornings can capture the attention of users during breaks, while evenings provide an opportunity for users to catch up on content after work.
Reels:
Weekday evenings (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM) and weekends (Saturday and Sunday), especially during the afternoon (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM).
Reels, being short-form videos, are well-suited for moments when users are looking for quick, entertaining content. Weekday evenings offer a chance to capture the attention of users winding down, while weekends see increased leisure time for extended engagement.
How to Find the Best Time to Post on Instagram for Your Business:
By using tools provided by Instagram, third-party analytics solutions, and an iterative approach, you can determine the best posting times for the specific task. It’s a dynamic process that requires continuous research and adjustment to match your audience’s behavior.
1. Using Insights on the Instagram Application:
Access your Instagram Business Account and navigate to the Insights section. Here, you can find data on your followers’ location, helping you identify their time zone. Instagram Insights provides information on when your followers are most active. Analyze the ‘Audience’ section to identify peak hours and days for engagement.
2. Instagram Creator Studio:
Use Instagram Creator Studio, a desktop tool, to access detailed analytics about your Instagram account. It provides insights into post performance, audience demographics, and optimal posting times.
3. Instagram Mobile App:
Check the Activity Status section of the Instagram mobile app to see when your followers were last active. This can help you get an idea of when they might be online.
Regularly review the performance of your individual posts on the Instagram app. Look for patterns in terms of engagement, likes, comments, and shares. Identify which posts perform best and analyze the times they were published.
How to Effectively Use Multiple Best Times to Post on Instagram:
Effectively utilizing multiple best times to post on Instagram involves a strategic and diversified approach to content planning and scheduling. By segmenting your audience based on demographics, location, and preferences, you can tailor content to resonate with different segments during their respective peak hours. Incorporating a mix of content types, such as static posts, carousels, videos, Stories, and Reels, ensures a dynamic and engaging feed. Leverage Instagram Insights and scheduling tools to analyze performance metrics and automate posts for optimal times.
Continuous assessment and adaptation based on changing trends and audience behavior ensure the long-term effectiveness of your Instagram presence. Real-time engagement and interaction with your audience foster a sense of community and enhance the overall impact of your content strategy.