Best Time to Post on Instagram: Explained

Ever wonder why some Instagram posts sparkle with engagement while others fade into the background? It’s not magic—it’s all about timing. The Best Time to Post on Instagram can be the difference between a post that takes off and one that barely makes a splash.

According to Statista, a 2024 study of Reels on the Meta platform Instagram found that the highest average views occurred at midnight, with about 25,000 views. It also found that the  most popular posting time for content creators was 6 PM, with 119,000 Reels published at that time. Ready to uncover the Best Time to Post on Instagram and transform your Instagram game? Dive in to discover how timing can elevate your social media presence to new heights.

Table of Contents 

1) What is the Best Time to Post on Instagram?

2) What is the Best Day to Post on Instagram?

3) Best Time to Post Stories on Instagram 

4) Best Time to Post Reels on Instagram 

5) What are the Best Times to Post on Instagram by Industry?

6) How to Determine Your Optimal Instagram Posting Times?

7) Conclusion

What is the Best Time to Post on Instagram?

Discovering the Best Time to Post on Instagram can greatly enhance your engagement. Uploading when your audience is most active ensures your content reaches a larger audience and boosts interaction rates.

Here’s a breakdown of the best times to post throughout the week to help you get the most out of your Instagram strategy:

a) Monday: 5 PM and 6 AM

b) Tuesday: 5 PM and 6 AM

c) Wednesday: 1 PM, 7 PM, and 11 PM

d) Thursday: 8 PM and 1 AM (Friday)

e) Friday: 5 PM to 6 PM and 1 AM to 2 AM (Saturday)

f) Saturday: 4 PM to 8 PM

g) Sunday: 6 PM to 10 PM

1) Best Time to Post on Instagram on Monday

The Best Time to Post on Instagram is between 5 PM and 6 AM. As people settle into their work week, they’re more likely to browse Instagram, providing a prime opportunity to capture their attention.

2) Best Time to Post on Instagram on Tuesday

The Best Time to Post on Instagram is from 5 PM to 6 AM. As the week progresses, people remain productive and open to discovering new content, making this a high-engagement period.

3) Best Time to Post on Instagram on Wednesday

The Best Time to Post on Instagram are 1 PM, 7 PM, and 11 PM. Wednesdays offer multiple perfect posting windows. Early birds can post at 1 PM, capture mid-morning energy at 7 PM, and conquer the late afternoon slump at 11 PM to maximise visibility and engagement. 

4) Best Time to Post on Instagram on Thursday 

Best Time to Post on Instagram is 8 PM and 1 AM (Friday). Engage your audience during their lunch break at 8 PM and again at 1 AM when they wind down after work.

5) Best Time to Post on Instagram on Friday 

Best Time to Post on Instagram is from 5 PM to 6 PM and 1 AM to 2 AM (Saturday). As the weekend approaches, people look for distractions, making these times ideal for posting.

6) Best Time to Post on Instagram on Saturday 

Best Time to Post on Instagram is from 4 PM to 8 PM. Saturday mornings are perfect for Instagram scrolling, so post during these hours to maximise engagement.

7) Best Time to Post on Instagram on Sunday 

Best Time to Post on Instagram is from 6 PM to 10 PM. End your week on a high note by sharing content during these relaxed afternoon hours.

 

What is the Best Day to Post on Instagram?

The Best Time to Post on Instagram during weekdays is generally a safe bet. However, Monday and Friday stand out as the best days for engagement, slightly edging out the rest of the week. 

In contrast, weekends are the least favourable times to post. Engagement drops significantly on Saturday and Sunday, making them the worst days to share content on Instagram.

Best Time to Post Stories on Instagram

Finding the optimal times to post Instagram Stories can greatly boost your visibility and engagement. Based on comprehensive research, here are the best time slots to post Instagram Stories:

a) Monday: 3 PM to 5 PM

b) Tuesday: 11 AM to 1 PM

c) Wednesday: 2 PM to 4 PM

d) Thursday: 3 PM to 5 PM

e) Friday: 7 PM to 9 PM

f) Saturday: 1 PM to 4 PM

g) Sunday: 8 PM to 10 PM

Research suggests that posting Instagram Stories during lunch breaks, typically between 11 AM and 2 PM, yields higher engagement. This insight can guide you in fine-tuning your posting schedule for better results.

Now, that you know what are the best days to post on Instagram by understanding these time frames helps you optimise your Instagram Stories to capture more attention. However, as with all social media strategies, it's important to consider your specific audience and adjust your timing based on their unique behaviour patterns. Additionally, learning How to Repost an Instagram Story can further enhance your engagement and reach. 

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Best Time to Post Reels on Instagram

Just knowing the best day to post on is not enough. It is important to know the best time as well. Instagram Reels, like other content types on the platform, have their own peak times for engagement. To maximise your reach and interaction with Reels, timing is crucial. Data suggests that the optimal times to post Instagram Reels are during lunch hours, from 11 AM to 2 PM, and in the evenings after 6 PM

However, these timings can vary based on your specific audience. Remember, while timing is important, maintaining consistency in your posting schedule and ensuring high-quality content are key factors in the success of your Reels. Furthermore, considering the optimal Instagram Reel Length can help maximize viewer engagement and retention.

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What are the Best Times to Post on Instagram by Industry?

Understanding the optimal times to post on Instagram can be a game-changer for businesses and influencers aiming to engage their target audience effectively. Each industry has distinct characteristics and audience behaviours, making it crucial to tailor your posting schedule to your specific sector.

Here’s a breakdown of the Best Times to Post on Instagram for various industries based on a comprehensive analysis:

Best Time to Upload Travel and Tourism Content

The travel and tourism industry thrives on aspirational content, capturing the imagination of potential travellers. Posting during midday and evening hours allows audiences to dream about their next adventure.

a) Weekdays: 10 AM to 12 PM and 7 PM to 9 PM

b) Weekends: 9 AM to 11 AM and 4 PM to 6 PM

c) Best Days to Post on Instagram: Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Best Time to Upload Fashion and Apparel Content

Fashion and apparel brands benefit from showcasing their latest trends when consumers have more time to browse their feeds, typically in the afternoon and evening.

a) Weekdays: 12 PM to 2 PM and 7 PM to 9 PM

b) Weekends: 9 AM to 11 AM and 5 PM to 7 PM

c) Best Days to Post on Instagram: Weekends, especially Saturdays

Best Time to Upload Fitness and Wellness Content

For the fitness and wellness sector, targeting audiences early in the morning or late at night aligns with their workout routines and motivations.

a) Weekdays: 6 AM to 8 AM and 5 PM to 7 PM

b) Weekends: 8 AM to 10 AM and 4 PM to 6 PM

c) Best Days to Post on Instagram: Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Best Time to Upload Food and Beverage Content

The world of food and beverages tempts taste buds at various times. For maximum engagement, aim to post during weekday lunch hours and Sunday evenings when people are seeking meal inspiration or planning their dining experiences.

a) Weekdays: 12 PM to 2 PM

b) Weekends: 5 PM to 7 PM

c) Best Days to Post on Instagram: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

Best Time to Upload Digital Marketing/Social Media Content

Digital Marketing and social media professionals are active during standard business hours. While weekends may see lower activity, they are still suitable for brief updates or engaging content.

a) Weekdays: 9 AM to 11 AM and 1 PM to 3 PM

b) Weekends: 10 AM and 12 PM

c) Best Days to Post on Instagram: Monday to Thursday

Best Time to Upload IT Brands Content

IT brands offering a range of products and services can engage professionals and tech enthusiasts effectively. Posting in the late morning during weekdays and early afternoon on weekends ensures visibility to both business professionals and hobbyists.

a) Weekdays: 10 AM to 12 PM

b) Weekends: 1 PM to 3 PM

c) Best Days to Post on Instagram: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday

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How to Determine Your Optimal Instagram Posting Times?

Finding your best times to post on Instagram involves a blend of data analysis and strategic experimentation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you determine the best times to post for your unique audience:

1) Analyse Instagram Insights

Instagram provides a built-in analytics tool called Instagram Insights for business and creator accounts. This tool helps you understand your audience's behaviour and engagement patterns. Here’s how to use it:

a) Access Insights: Go to your profile and tap the menu icon (three lines) in the top right corner. Select Insights.

b) Review Audience Insights: Navigate to the Audience tab to view data on when your followers are online. This section shows you the hours and days when your audience is most active.

2) Experiment with Posting Times

Testing different posting times is crucial. Create a posting schedule and test various times over several weeks. Note the performance metrics such as engagement rates, reach, and interactions.

a) Set Up Experiments: Post content at different times of the day and on different days of the week.

b) Track Performance: Monitor how each post performs in terms of likes, comments, shares, and views.

3) Use External Tools

Consider using third-party tools to gain additional insights. Many Digital Marketing Tools and social media management tools offer advanced analytics that can help you find the best times to post.

a) Popular Tools: Tools like Hootsuite, Buffer, or Later provide detailed analytics and can help you identify patterns in your engagement data.

4) Understand Your Audience

Best Times to Post on Instagram may vary based on your audience's habits and time zones. Research your target demographic to understand their daily routines and preferences.

a) Consider Time Zones: If your intended audience is worldwide, adapt your posting schedule to fit different time zones.

b) Audience Preferences: Tailor your content schedule based on whether your audience prefers morning, afternoon, or evening content.

5) Monitor and Adjust

After implementing your findings, continuously monitor performance and adjust your posting times as needed. Audience behaviours and trends can change, so staying flexible and responsive is key.

a) Review Regularly: Regularly check your analytics to ensure your posting schedule remains effective.

b) Adapt to Changes: Prepare yourself to modify your strategy based on evolving audience behaviours or changes in Instagram’s algorithm.

By following these steps, you can identify the Best Times to Post on Instagram to maximise engagement and reach your target audience effectively.

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Conclusion

Mastering the Best Time to Post on Instagram is key to boosting engagement and visibility. By understanding and utilising optimal posting times, you can enhance your Instagram strategy and maximise your reach. Start applying these insights today to see your social media presence soar!

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