What Is The Best (or Worst) Time to Post on Instagram?

Posted 2 years ago by Max Komonov

Businesses that market through Instagram should consider peak hours when user activity is skyrocketing. Whether you’re posting a story, reel, or an actual post, there are a few things to keep in mind.

For instance, there is actually a best time to post on Instagram, and sticking to these recommendations can boost activity. By posting at peak hours, businesses that utilize Instagram can capture an audience’s attention given that their content is fresh, original, and captivating.

By knowing when to post and who will see your posts, you can also create better content. This typically all begins with understanding the tendencies of your audience. Understanding your audience’s tendencies is made relatively simple through insights, but businesses on Instagram should also understand the general times that are best for posting.

After analyzing data from Buffer, Sprout Social, SocialPilot, Hootsuite, and Later we are ready to bring you the specifics of when to post on Instagram and how to convey your message properly.

Please note that all times are local to your audience.

Let’s get started.

What is the Best Time to Post on Instagram?

Based on the information gathered from various sources, the best time to post on Instagram can vary, but some common trends emerge. For optimal engagement, consider posting on weekdays during specific time windows like:

Mondays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Weekdays between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.
Thursdays with highest engagement at 4 a.m.
Monday and Thursday between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m., and Tuesday mornings.

These times are generally suggested for better likes, engagement, and audience reach. However, it’s essential to analyze your own audience insights to tailor your posting schedule for maximum impact based on your specific followers’ activity patterns and preferences.

What is the Best Time to Post Reels on Instagram?

The best time to post Reels on Instagram can vary based on your target audience and their behavior. However, some general recommendations suggest that ideal times for posting Reels to maximize engagement are typically:

Weekdays: Consider posting during lunchtime (around 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) or in the early evening (between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.).
Weekends: Saturdays and Sundays can also be good times, especially in the late morning or early afternoon.

What is the Best Time to Post Stories on Instagram?

Based on research and general trends, the best times to post Stories on Instagram for optimal engagement are typically:

Weekdays: Posting during lunchtime (around 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.) and in the early evening (between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.) can capture viewers during break times and after work hours.
Evenings: Consider posting around 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. when many users are active on the platform.

However, it’s essential to analyze your own audience behavior using Instagram Insights to identify when your followers are most active and adjust your Story posting schedule accordingly.

What is the Best Time to Post on Instagram for Online Stores?

Determining the best time to post on Instagram for online stores involves understanding your specific audience’s behavior and preferences. However, as a general guideline, research suggests that optimal times for online stores to post on Instagram are typically:

Weekdays: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday tend to show higher engagement rates.
Evenings: Posting between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. can be effective as many users are active during these hours.
Weekends: Saturdays and Sundays may also be good times to reach a broader audience.

What is the Best Time to Post on Instagram for Fashion and Apparel?

Some general guidelines suggest that optimal times to post for this industry are:

Weekdays: Aim for mid-morning around 10 a.m. to catch users during work breaks and early evenings between 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. when people are relaxing.
Weekends: Consider posting on Saturdays between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. for weekend shoppers and on Sundays in the afternoon.

What is the Best Time to Post on Instagram for Restaurants?

While ideal posting times for restaurants can vary based on the specific audience, here are some general suggestions:

Lunch hours: Posting around 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. can catch users looking for lunch ideas.
Dinner hours: Consider posting between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. when people are planning their evening meals.
Weekends: Saturdays and Sundays are popular for dining out, so posting during brunch and dinner hours can be effective.

What is the Best Time to Post on Instagram for Education Businesses?

Weekdays: Consider posting during lunch hours (around 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.) or in the early evening (between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.) when users may be taking breaks or unwinding after work.
Weekends: Saturdays mornings (9 a.m. to 11 a.m.) and Sundays afternoons (1 p.m. to 3 p.m.) can also be effective for engaging with students and learners.

What is the Best Times to Post on Instagram for Travel & Hospitality Businesses?

While the ideal posting times may vary based on the specific audience demographics, here are some general recommendations:

Weekdays: Try posting during mid-morning (around 10 a.m.) and early evening (between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.) to catch users during break times and after work hours.
Weekends: Consider posting on Saturdays in the late morning (around 11 a.m.) or early afternoon (1 p.m.) when people are planning weekend getaways.

What is the Worst Time to Post on Instagram?

Late at night: Posting during the late-night hours (after 11 p.m.) when many users are inactive.
Early morning: Avoid posting too early in the morning (before 6 a.m.) when people are just waking up and not actively browsing social media.
During work hours: Posting during typical work hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) may not generate as much engagement as many users are occupied with work.

When to Post on Instagram: Tips & Tricks

There are a few other key things to consider when getting ready to post on Instagram.

Breaks in the workday

It’s insane how common it is for workers to check their Instagram accounts/feeds when on break. This is especially the case on lunch breaks. Similar to this, people’s interest in their work decreases as the day goes by, which is why posts in the early/mid-afternoon often garner so much attention. Knowing this, users should post between the early/mid-afternoon.

Time zones

The greater the geographic reach of your audience is, the less important the timeframes mentioned in this article become. However, one should check their Instagram insights to figure out when people are interacting with their posts to determine how much their geographic reach really influences their posts. Whatever the case, users should always keep the time in which they post specific to their time zone for maximum effect.

Frequency

It’s vital to update your Instagram account regularly in order to keep your account looking new. This means changing descriptions, profile pictures, saved stories, etc. This also means posting either on your feed or on your story one to three times a day for maximum effectiveness. Be sure to use a mix of posts, but don’t appear to be primarily focused on selling. As always, it’s important to create fresh, quality content ahead of bulk volume.

The Takeaway

Use the above information as a sort of blueprint or roadmap rather than strict law. In order to remain relevant, you’ll want to post regularly and consistently engage with your audience. Be sure to craft and create unique and original content that captivates your viewers and makes the most of how many people will be seeing your content.

By using these timeframes and our tips and tricks as a guide, you will see a monumental increase in views, likes, comments, and you may even drive some more traffic to your business’ website!

About The Author

Max has been working in the ecommerce industry for the last six years helping brands to establish and level-up content marketing and SEO. Despite that, he has experience with entrepreneurship. He is a fiction writer in his free time.