Best Time to Post on Instagram in 2024 [According To Top Studies]

Are you trying to figure out the best time to post on Instagram?

It's a big question, and the answer isn't as simple as it seems.

We're going to dive into how to time your Instagram posts just right, whether your audience is other businesses (B2B) or individual consumers (B2C).

Instagram has evolved from showing posts in reverse chronological order. Now, it's not just about the newest posts. The platform also looks at factors like how interested users are in a post, how often they are on Instagram, their connections, and the number of accounts they follow.

That being said, we are going to reveal the best times to post on Instagram in this article.

Let’s get started without much ado.

Why Timing Matters For Instagram Posting In 2024?

While timing isn't the only thing that matters, brands can't just post on Instagram whenever they want. Posting recently is important because it affects how likely it is for your posts to be seen.

Brands should aim to share their content when most of their followers are active online. It's important to create content that your audience loves, but if you don't think about timing, they might miss out on the great content you have put so much effort into.

Pew Research has found that half of Instagram users check the app daily. But, how much people engage with your posts changes depending on when and what you post.

The best time to post on a Monday will be different from a Sunday. So, there are many things to think about when planning your content schedule.

How Does The Instagram Algorithm Affect Timing?

In the first six years of its launch, Instagram showed posts in the order they were posted, without considering their quality or your relationship with the post creator. Back then, posting at the right time was important for brands.

But in 2016, Instagram decided to prioritize showing “moments you care about” over the newest posts. They aimed to create a better quality feed, but not everyone liked the change. Users were frustrated by automatic refreshes that made them lose their spot, brands felt their content wasn't reaching people, and there was even an online petition to keep the chronological order.

In 2018, Instagram updated its algorithm to include "recency" as a factor again. Now, since new content is a priority, brands need to think about when their audience is most likely to be online to get the best results from their posts.

Instagram has said they won't return to a purely chronological feed. The current system balances several factors, like how users interact with content, how recent it is, interest, and engagement.

In 2022, Instagram made significant changes, like focusing on video content, especially Reels, using AI for recommendations, and introducing full-screen feed videos.

Not everyone was happy with these changes, but some, like the emphasis on video content, are sticking around. When you create high-quality, especially short-form video content, Instagram tends to show your content to more people.

The 2022 updates remind us that social media algorithms are always changing. So, it's important for digital marketers to stay informed about the latest changes.

Let's talk about what these other ranking factors mean for your brand and figure out the best time for you to post on Instagram.

Being Interesting is Key

Even if you post during the busiest hours, it won't matter if your content isn't engaging.

Instagram's algorithm shows people content they are likely to be interested in, based on their past interactions.

Brands should make the most of this by focusing on creating engaging and authentic content. This means using the right hashtags, high-quality images, and creating interesting captions. You want to make posts that people are excited to click on.

Building Relationships is Important

Instagram's algorithm looks at how closely an account is connected with its followers. This is where creating meaningful content comes in.

Instagram’s move towards a more relevant feed focused on building deeper connections rather than just chasing likes or promoting products.

Use Instagram Insights to understand your audience better and tailor your content accordingly.

Also, you can boost engagement by interacting with your followers' accounts and quickly responding to comments.

Encourage Notifications

Instagram lets users turn on notifications for their favorite accounts.

Gently remind your followers that they can activate notifications for your posts. They just need to tap the three dots on your page and select “turn on post notifications.”

While you don’t want to pester your followers, an occasional reminder will help increase engagement on your Instagram videos.

Consider Paid Promotions

If you are looking to expand your audience, Sponsored Posts are a great way to reach new people. With paid promotions, you don’t have to worry about timing since Instagram schedules these for you.

Like with regular posts, make sure your ads target the right audience and feature attention-grabbing captions and images.

Hashtags Still Matter

Despite what you might hear, hashtags are not outdated. Posts with relevant hashtags tend to get more engagement than those without. Mix branded and community hashtags to boost your visibility in search results.

Best Time To Post On Instagram In 2024

We have studied 50+ data sets to understand the global best time to post on Instagram, and here is our conclusion:

Best Time To Post On Instagram On Monday

• Perfect Time: 11 A.M.
• Engagement Pattern: Steady engagement starts from early morning, around 8 A.M., and remains consistent until evening, around 8 P.M. A gradual drop in engagement occurs after this, reaching the lowest between 11 P.M. and 6 A.M.
  

Best Time To Post On Instagram On Tuesday

• Perfect Times: 10 A.M. to 1 P.M.
• Engagement Pattern: The day starts with a strong engagement from 9 A.M., maintaining high levels until early afternoon. The engagement then begins to taper off towards the evening.
  

Best Time To Post On Instagram On Wednesday

• Perfect Times: 10 A.M. to 1 P.M.
• Engagement Pattern: Similar to Tuesday, with consistent user activity starting from late morning and lasting until the early afternoon. A gradual decrease in engagement is observed post-afternoon
  

Best Time To Post On Instagram On Thursday

• Perfect Times: 10 A.M. and 11 A.M.
• Engagement Pattern: Engagement starts to build up in the morning, peaks in the late morning hours, and then slowly declines towards the evening.
  

Best Time To Post On Instagram On Friday

• Perfect Times: 10 A.M. and 11 A.M.
• Engagement Pattern: Engagement begins to rise in the morning, with perfect times similar to Thursday. However, there tends to be a more noticeable drop in engagement as the day progresses into the evening due to the onset of the weekend.
  

Best Time To Post On Instagram On Saturday

• Perfect Times: Generally, the mornings are more favorable, especially around 9 A.M. to 11 A.M.
• Engagement Pattern: Engagement starts to pick up in the early morning and reaches a peak in the mid to late morning. There tends to be a gradual decline in activity as the day progresses into the afternoon and evening.
  

Best Time To Post On Instagram On Sunday

• Perfect Times: Late afternoon to evening, particularly around 4 P.M. to 6 P.M.
• Engagement Pattern: Sundays tend to start slower, with less engagement in the morning. The activity begins to increase by early afternoon and peaks towards the late afternoon and early evening before tapering off at night.
  

So, mornings to early afternoons during the weekdays are generally the best times to post on Instagram. Weekends have more varied suggestions, with mornings being better on Saturdays and evenings on Sundays. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the best days overall for engagement, while Sundays are the least effective.

Best Time To Post On Instagram According To Industry

Here are the best times to post on Instagram for various industries based on Sprout Social data:

Best Time To Post On Instagram for Consumer Goods Industry

• Best Time: Thursdays at 2 P.M.
• Best Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Worst Day: Sundays
  

Best Time To Post On Instagram for  Hospitals & Healthcare

• Best Time: Thursdays at 1 P.M.
• Best Days: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays
• Worst Day: Sundays
  

Best Time To Post On Instagram for Hospitality Industry

• Best Times: Tuesdays at 10 A.M., Wednesdays from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M., Thursdays at noon, Fridays from 10 A.M. to noon
• Best Days: Tuesdays and Wednesdays
• Worst Day: Sundays

Best Time To Post On Instagram for Media Industry

• Best Times: Mondays at 11 A.M., Wednesdays at 11 A.M., Thursdays at 10 A.M.
• Best Days: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
• Worst Days: Saturdays and Sundays

Best Time To Post On Instagram for Nonprofits

• Best Times: Tuesdays at 10 A.M. and 1 P.M., Wednesdays from 11 A.M. to 5 P.M., Fridays from 10 A.M. to noon
• Best Day: Wednesdays
• Worst Days: Saturdays and Sundays
  

Best Time To Post On Instagram for Restaurants

• Best Times: Mondays at 2 P.M. and from 4 to 6 P.M.
• Best Day: Mondays
• Worst Days: Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays

Best Time To Post On Instagram for Schools & Education Institutes

• Best Times: Tuesdays at 11 A.M. and from 1 to 4 P.M., Wednesdays at noon and 3 P.M., Thursdays from 10 A.M. to noon
• Best Day: Tuesdays
• Worst Day: Sundays

Best Time To Post On Instagram for Travel & Tourism Industry

• Best Time: Tuesdays at 10 A.M.
• Best Days: Tuesdays and Wednesdays
• Worst Days: Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays

Best Times To Post Instagram Videos In 2024

Videos have become the most popular kind of content on Instagram.

Since videos require a bit more attention from viewers, a great time to post them is between 11 AM and 2 PM, when people are likely on their lunch breaks.

Another good time is between 7 and 9 PM, when people are usually winding down from work and often browsing their phones, like during commutes.

For different types of video content, like Reels, Stories, and Live sessions, there are specific best times to post on Instagram.

Best Times to Post Instagram Reels In 2024

Instagram Reels really boost your follower count and engagement.

In fact, they are known to get 300% more engagement than other types of Instagram video content.

So, having a good strategy for when to post your Reels is key if you want to get the most out of them.

It's a shame to have great Reels content, but post it at a time when it won't get much attention.

From now on, try posting your Reels on Monday through Thursday at 9 AM and 12 PM, as these are Perfect Times for getting the most engagement with this short-form video feature.

Reels are fantastic for increasing your reach but don't overdo it.

Posting one Reel a day is a good approach, but try not to go beyond that.

It's important to figure out the best time to post Reels and how often you should use this feature for your business.

Best Times To Post Instagram Stories In 2024

Instagram Stories are a great way to get more people involved with your content.

Since Stories get 2 to 3 times more engagement than posts on Instagram, it's important to know the best times to post them. The ideal time for your Instagram Stories is Monday to Friday, from 11 AM to 2 PM.

Best Time To Go Live On Instagram In 2024

When it comes to going Live on Instagram, it requires a bit more time than posting Reels or Stories.

Using lunchtime, like 12 PM, is a good opportunity to connect with your audience.

However, I think it's better to choose a time when people aren't in a rush and can spend more time watching your Live.

A great time for Instagram Live to really engage with your audience is after work, from 7 PM to 9 PM.

This is when people are usually relaxing after their day and have time to enjoy their evening. They are more likely to watch your entire Live session during this time.

6 Tips For Finding Your Best Time To Post On Instagram

Not sure where to begin? Here are six straightforward methods to find the ideal posting time for your Instagram.

Understand Your Audience with Instagram Analytics

Start by diving into your Instagram analytics. This will give you a clear picture of your audience, including where they live, their age, and gender.

If your top audience is young adults in Paris, use this information to your advantage!

Switch your account to creator mode or business to access these insights. To do this, go to your profile, tap the three lines icon, choose 'Insights,' and then 'Total Followers.' Instagram’s analytics provide accurate information about your audience and help you make informed decisions about when and how to post.

Track Your Followers' Active Times

People are spending more time on social media now than ever. On average, internet users are online for about 2 hours and 24 minutes each day. To make the most of this time, find out when your audience is most active. The type of followers you have makes a difference – tech enthusiasts who are online almost every day versus travel buffs who might engage more on Wednesdays, for instance.

Use Instagram’s insights to see the times and days your audience is most active. This helps you pinpoint the exact moment when they are most likely to be on Instagram to ensure your posts get seen. You don’t want to post too early, like 7 AM if your audience typically starts scrolling at around 10 AM.

Match Your Posting Times to Your Audience's Time Zones

It's time to cater to your audience. Once you know when they are most active, adjust your posting schedule to their time zones. For example, if you are a Korean brand but most of your audience is in Singapore and other Southeast Asian countries, prioritize those time zones instead of Korea's. Also, find out the best times to post in these regions to maximize your content's visibility.

Study Your Most Successful Content

Take a close look at your best-performing content. Ask yourself: which posts got the most attention, and when did you post them?

Analyzing this will help you determine when your audience is most likely to engage with your content. To do this, pick a post that got a lot of likes and check its insights.

Even a Reel with no comments can reach over 2000 people, so don't underestimate the impact of your content. For a broader view, go to the Insights section on your profile, look for 'Content You Shared,' and review each post's performance, like impressions, reach, likes, comments, and more.

Instagram's analytics are straightforward but offer deep insights to help you plan the best times to post. But Instagram gives you the raw data, so it's up to you to interpret it and make decisions.

Observe When Your Competitors Post On Instagram

In your industry, your competitors are also trying to figure out the best times to post on Instagram too. Keep an eye on their posting times for ideas.

One tip: avoid posting right on the hour, like at 3 PM, as it's a common time many brands choose, so this will lead to a lot of competition. You can track your competitors' activities using social listening tools in scheduling apps.

Use an Instagram Scheduling Tool For Optimal Posting Times

Researching the best times to post is challenging, and posting at odd times daily is confusing. An Instagram scheduling tool simplifies this process.

Related Topic: Top Instagram Scheduling Tools

Many scheduling tools suggest the best times to post based on how well your content performs, so you can bypass the guesswork and schedule your posts for instagram.

Important Instagram Posting Factors To Consider

To find the best time for you to post on Instagram, look at these points that really impact how much engagement your posts get.

• Who your followers are: For example, working adults might check Instagram in the morning, while college students who stay up late might be more active during the night. Knowing who your audience is will help you decide when they are most likely to be active on Instagram.
• Where your followers are from: If your followers are from different parts of the world, the time you post will affect your results differently than if they were all in the same time zone. For instance, if many of your followers are in North America, you might try posting from early morning EST to late night PST.
• What's worked before: Pay attention to when you get more likes and comments. No matter what general advice says, the most important thing is what works for your own followers.
• What your business profile shows: If you have a business account on Instagram, you will see analytics like how many people see your posts and when. This info will help you figure out the best times to post for your audience.
  

Best Time to Post on Instagram: Key Takeaways

To sum up, the key to finding the best time to post on Instagram is really to experiment and see what works best for you. A well-known Instagram coach once advised, “Focus on what works for you,” and that's solid advice.

The data and recommendations you see on various blogs are based on their specific experiences. It's important for you to figure out where your audience is and when they are most active. This way, you will build strong relationships, gain their trust, and do well in your business deals with them.

Instagram is currently a popular place to be, so make sure you are ready for growth before diving in. As we have mentioned, testing is important. Your perfect posting times will change over time as people often change their routines. Being adaptable and understanding these shifts will give you a better insight into your audience's behavior.