What is The Best Time to Post on Instagram in 2024: Comprehensive Guide

Finding the right time to share your posts on Instagram in 2024 is key to getting your content seen and interacted with by more people. When you post at the right time, more folks see your stuff, which is super important for anyone trying to get more followers, whether you’re a business or just boosting your profile. 

It makes people more likely to interact with your posts, helping you build a stronger bond with your audience. Knowing when to post is a big deal for getting your posts to make a splash online. 

This guide will cover the perfect time to post on Instagram, why it matters, the top times for posting reels, the three main things that get people engaged on Instagram, and what you should think about before you hit share.

Is There A Best Time To Post On Instagram?

You can post on Instagram anytime you feel like it. But if you want more people to interact with your posts, it’s wise to post when most of your audience is online. If you don’t, you might spend a lot of time making posts that don’t help your account grow. This can be disappointing and even make you tired of social media.

To avoid working too hard with little to show for it, it’s essential to figure out the best times to share your content on Instagram. This means considering when your followers will most likely be scrolling through their feeds based on where they live and what kind of content they like. 

You’ll gain valuable Instagram insights by mastering the art of Instagram success, posting stories, and sharing social media and Instagram posts that speak to your target audience.

Does Finding the Best Time to Post on Instagram Matter?

Instagram often changes how it decides which posts appear first in your feed, with timing being super important for seeing your posts, especially with new features being added. Generally, the app looks at three main things:

• • Interest: If someone has liked similar stuff before, those posts are more likely to be at the top of their feed.

• • Recency: Newer posts get a boost and are more likely to be seen before older ones.

• • Relationship: If users interact a lot with certain accounts (like, comment, share), posts from those are more likely to pop up in their feed.

Because Instagram likes fresh content, posting when most of your followers are online is key. If more people see and interact with your post soon after you share it, Instagram will show it to even more people later.

This is how you get more likes, comments, shares, and saves, which all count as Instagram engagement. So, making a plan for Instagram marketing and deciding the best time to post, including post reels and social media posts, is super important.

For maximum engagement, you want to post when everyone is most likely to see your content. Plus, posting often when your followers are most active helps your brand stay visible in their feeds.

The Overall Best Times To Post on Instagram

The best times to share your posts on Instagram are usually from 7 AM to 8 AM on weekdays. This is probably because people often check their phones first thing in the morning or while they’re on their way to work, using the Instagram app.

Based on a heatmap graph, you can predict when people will most likely be on Instagram, depending on the day. The times with the most activity appear in dark blue, while times when hardly anyone is online fade to light blue or white.

During the week, you’ll notice many people hopping on Instagram at 7 AM. This slows down a bit when everyone starts their workday. However, there’s a slight jump in activity around noon during lunch breaks, which is an excellent time for posting Instagram stories.

Activity increases a little again in the early evening. On Thursdays and Fridays, there’s a noticeable bump in activity at 4 PM, probably because people are starting to wind down for the weekend.

Weekends tell a different story. Fewer people check Instagram on Saturdays and Sundays, with some exceptions on Saturday morning and Sunday night. But even these weekend points don’t come close to the level of activity seen on weekdays.

So, to get more eyes on your content, think about posting early in the morning or during lunch breaks. And don’t forget, sharing an Instagram story to boost traffic and engagement can be particularly effective during these peak times.

When Is The Best Time Each Day To Post On Instagram?

Choosing the right moment to share your Instagram content can change the game. It’s all about understanding your audience’s daily life rhythm, considering their location, what they celebrate, and their daily routines.

But we’ve curated a few data-based suggestions below:

Monday

You should hit the post button at 12:00 PM. It looks like many Instagram users take a moment during their lunch break to catch up on their feeds as they get into the new week.

Tuesday

Aim for 9:00 AM. People often scroll through their Instagram accounts and engage with content early, around 8-10 AM, but 9:00 AM is when it really picks up.

Wednesday

11:00 AM is your sweet spot. This day tends to see a lot of action on Instagram, making it a prime time for posting.

Thursday

Noon (12:00 PM) is again the time to post. The 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM window is generally great for seeing your posts on any weekday.

Friday

Go for 2:00 PM. Friday sees steady engagement from morning through lunch, from 7 AM to 2:00 PM.

Saturday

Early birds win with a 9:00 AM post. It’s a good idea to share something on your Instagram account before everyone gets busy with their weekend activities.

Sunday

7:00 PM works best. People tend to check their social media accounts consistently in the afternoon and evening, from noon until about 8:00 PM.

Best Time to Post Reels on Instagram

Every type of post has its own best moment to shine. This means we can’t just throw everything out there simultaneously and hope for the best. Specifically for Instagram reels, picking the right moment to post is key for getting lots of likes and comments.

Based on what we’ve learned from the data, the sweet spot for posting Instagram reels is during lunchtime from 11 AM to 2 PM and again in the evenings after 6 PM. But remember, the perfect time might change based on who you’re trying to reach with your posts. That’s where tools like eclincher come into play.

Looking closely at your Instagram insights can help you determine when your followers will likely see and engage with your reels. Besides just timing, remember that posting regularly and ensuring your reels are top-notch are super important for their success.

Let’s understand how and when to make your Instagram reels pop according to different locations. Keeping an eye on those posting times, sprinkling in some Instagram stories, and sticking to an intelligent posting schedule will help your reels get the attention they deserve.

Best Time To Post On Instagram By Industry

Regarding posting on Instagram, different industries have their own prime times when their posts get the most eyes.

• • B2C (Business to Consumer) Businesses: These companies do well posting early in the morning, during lunchtime, and late at night when people relax. This is a great strategy for your business Instagram account if you sell directly to customers.

• • B2B (Business to Business) Businesses: Similar to B2C, B2B companies see a lot of engagement around lunchtime and after work. This insight is key to building a better B2B social media marketing strategy, as it helps you know when your content is most likely to be seen by other businesses.

• • Software Businesses: There is little deviation here, but the slight difference is that the best times tend to be just before and after lunch. It seems those in the software industry might prefer to give their eyes a rest from screens during lunch.

• • Healthcare Companies: These businesses find more success posting in the mid-morning and early afternoon, times that are generally quieter on Instagram. This off-peak timing might help healthcare-related posts stand out more.

• • Media Companies: For media companies, the goal of using Instagram might be more about building their brand. They find the best engagement early in the morning, during lunch, or mid-afternoon when people might seek a break from work.

• • Higher Education: Posts about higher education seem to hit the mark when shared after work. This timing suggests people might be more open to furthering their education or switching careers after their workday.

The Three Pillars of Instagram Engagement

These key parts of Instagram engagement can help you level up your Instagram game. These pillars are like secret tools to get more people interacting with your profile.

Here’s a closer look at each:

Interest

The way Instagram works is pretty intelligent. It shows people posts that are similar to things they’ve liked or engaged with before. If you create content your followers enjoy, they’re likelier to keep looking at your posts. 

It’s like how a friend might suggest movies you’d like based on what you’ve enjoyed watching together.

Recency

Posting at the right time matters a lot. Instagram loves fresh posts and puts them in a spot where more people can see them—so sharing content when most of your followers are online increases the chances of your post being noticed. Imagine it’s like showing up with a movie suggestion just as someone is trying to decide what to watch.

Relationship

Instagram isn’t just about collecting likes; it’s about making connections. When people frequently engage with your posts by commenting, sharing, or liking, Instagram sees this as a good sign. 

It means your content is valuable to them, so Instagram shows your posts higher up in their feed. This is why creating posts encouraging your followers to interact with you is crucial. Including a post on your Instagram story inviting comments or sharing is a great way to do this.

Key Considerations When Posting on Instagram

When you’re figuring out when to share your stuff on Instagram, there’s much to consider. Here are the top four things you should consider to nail your posting time.

1. Day Of The Week

Some days are better for posting than others. Usually, people are more active on Instagram from Monday to Friday compared to the weekend. That’s because, on Saturdays and Sundays, people are often out doing things and not sticking to their phones.

Even on weekdays, consider when folks might be checking their phones (like during coffee or lunch breaks) versus when they’re likely busy (like commuting to work or having dinner).

2. Time Zones

Make sure your posts align with when your followers are awake and active. Where are most of your followers from? Instagram insights can show you this. If they live in a different time zone than you, try to post according to their local time. Think about the best times they might be scrolling through Instagram.

3. Breaks During The Workday

People tend to check Instagram a lot during the workweek. They often look at their feeds during breaks to take a mental breather. Try to figure out when your followers might be taking their breaks so you can post right when they’re likely to see it, especially around lunchtime.

4. Frequency Of Posts

How often you should post depends on how much great content you can create. Whether it’s once a week or several times a day, it is important to keep it consistent.

Planning out a content calendar can help you maintain a steady posting rhythm. Setting up a schedule you can follow is crucial for keeping your Instagram game strong. 

Also, think about balancing your regular posts with Instagram stories. Pick a few good times to post and stick to those to keep your audience engaged.

Conclusion

Finding the best time to post on Instagram in 2024 is all about understanding your audience and using smart strategies. Remember, the day of the week, time zones, workday breaks, and how often you post can all make a big difference. 

By paying attention to these factors, you can increase your chances of getting your content seen and engaged with by more people. 

Whether you’re a business looking to connect with customers or someone trying to boost their profile, timing your posts right can help you shine on Instagram. So, use these insights to plan your content calendar wisely and watch your Instagram engagement soar.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Worst Time To Post On Instagram?

Posting on Instagram in the very early morning, like from 1 AM to 5 AM, might not get your posts much attention. However, different studies show different results. The key is knowing when your followers will most likely be scrolling.

Should I Post Every Day On Instagram?

Being active on Instagram is great, but posting too much can be overkill. Sticking to a consistent schedule is better so your followers know when to look out for your posts. While posting several times a day might work for some brands, posting at least once daily is a good practice for most. 

Is It Good To Post On Instagram During Holidays?

Yes, holidays can be an excellent time for posting on Instagram because many people are online looking for holiday-related content or deals. If Instagram is your main marketing platform, share your holiday promotions there.

What Is The Best Time To Post On Instagram For Likes?

Our research suggests that posting on Instagram between 9 AM and 4 PM can lead to more likes. This period tends to see higher engagement levels, making it a great time to catch your audience’s eye and increase your likes.