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The Best Time To Post On Instagram, and worst, In 2024

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The best time to post on Instagram – this particular search term has been gaining eye candies in the world of Instagram. Instagram’s growth as a key space for sharing stories has led to a competitive landscape, particularly for those aiming to stand out. 

While some have successfully expanded their reach, newcomers often find it challenging to attract views and interactions. A vital yet sometimes overlooked element in this struggle is timing your posts effectively. Knowing when to post can dramatically increase visibility and engagement. 

Our team at RecurPost, after studying 1 million Instagram accounts for four years, has created this complete guide, which will help new and seasoned users find the best times to post on Instagram, making it easier to succeed on this fast-changing platform.

So, without any further ado, let’s drop the time bomb!

The best time to post on Instagram according to the week

The success of your Instagram posts often hinges on timing. Certain times of the week, known as the best times to post on Instagram, can significantly enhance the engagement rate of your content. 

By aligning your posts with these peak periods, you’re more likely to capture your audience’s attention and boost your engagement rate. Let’s delve into the optimal posting schedule to schedule Instagram posts for each day of the week to help you make the most of your Instagram strategy.

Best time to post on Instagram according to the week

Best time to post on Monday: The Week’s Kick-Off

Start your week strong by posting early in the morning, specifically around 7 a.m., to catch users as they begin their day. There’s also notable engagement at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., offering additional windows to connect with your audience.

Best time to post on Tuesday: Midday Engagement

Tuesdays show an engagement spike at 9 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. It’s a great time to catch users during their midday breaks, offering a refreshing pause with your content.

Best time to post on Wednesday: Morning Momentum

Similar to Tuesday, Wednesday maintains the morning momentum with optimal posting times at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. These hours align well with users’ morning routines and mid-morning breaks.

Best time to post on Thursday: Diverse Opportunities

Thursdays on Instagram see high engagement from 11 AM to 1 PM, during pre-lunch hours. This time is perfect for reaching users on their mid-morning break and those planning their weekend, making it a prime window for engaging relevant content.

Best time to post on Friday: Riding the Weekend Wave

Embrace the weekend vibe by posting at 7 a.m., 11 a.m., or 2 p.m. on Fridays. These Instagram’s best times align with people’s end-of-week mood and anticipation for the weekend. It’s a perfect time to post content that resonates with the weekend’s excitement.

Best time to post on Saturday: Weekend Mornings

Saturdays see a different pattern, with 9 a.m. being the peak time. This later morning slot is likely when people are waking up and planning their weekend activities.

Best time to post on Sunday: Evening Engagement

Sundays on Instagram feature two key engagement periods: a leisurely midday phase from 11 AM to 1 PM and a more active evening window from 6 PM to 9 PM. This pattern caters to users enjoying a relaxed Sunday, first with midday browsing and later as they unwind and prepare for the upcoming week.

The best time to post on Instagram reels according to the locations

Worried about finding the best local times to post on Instagram when you live in different regions around the world? Don’t fret! We’ve got you covered. 

In this section, we’ll provide insights into the best times to post on Instagram for various locations. Whether you’re in Australia, the USA, the UK, Malaysia, Canada, or Europe, we’ll help you navigate the ideal best times to post on Instagram to boost your Instagram engagement and reach your audience effectively. 

Let’s dive into the specifics of when and where to make the most of your Instagram posts.

LocationWeekdaysWeekends
Australia6 PM – 8 PM11 AM – 1 PM
United States of America8 AM, 5 PM9 AM
United Kingdom8 AM, 5 PM12 PM – 2 PM
Malaysia12 PM – 2 PM, 6 PM – 8 PM10 AM – 12 PM
Canada9 AM, 6 PM10 AM – 12 PM
Europe8 AM, 5 PM10 AM
India 7:30 PM8:30 PM
Best time to post on Instagram according to the Location

Australia: Evening Buzz and Weekend Leisure

In Australia, the best time to post on Instagram is during weekdays from 6 PM to 8 PM, capturing the post-work and relaxation period. Weekends show a shift, with 11 AM to 1 PM being prime as Aussies enjoy their midday leisure time, often checking social media during brunch or outdoor activities.

USA: Morning Starts and Evening Unwinds

The United States sees a burst of Instagram activity at 8 AM, as people start their day and check updates. Another peak occurs at 5 PM, coinciding with the end of the workday. On weekends, 9 AM is the magic hour, aligning with a more relaxed start to the day.

UK: Synced with Daily Rhythms

In the United Kingdom, 8 AM and 5 PM on weekdays are key times to post on Instagram. Morning posts catch the early risers and commuters, while evening posts align with the winding down of the day. Weekend activity peaks between 12 PM and 2 PM, fitting nicely into the lunchtime slot when users are likely to scroll through their feeds.

Malaysia: Midday and Evening Engagement

Malaysian users show a distinct pattern, engaging heavily from 12 PM to 2 PM and again from 6 PM to 8 PM on weekdays, fitting into lunch breaks and after-work hours. Weekend Instagram activity is best around 10 AM to 12 PM, aligning with leisurely morning routines.

Canada: Morning Alerts and Evening Checks

Canadians are active at 9 AM, catching the morning crowd, and again at 6 PM, just as they are wrapping up their day. On weekends, the late morning hours from 10 AM to 12 PM see higher engagement, likely as Canadians enjoy a slower start to their weekend days.

Europe: Across Time Zones

Europe’s diverse time zones don’t hinder the consistency of Instagram engagement, with 8 AM and 5 PM on weekdays being popular. These times capture the start and end of most people’s daily routines. On weekends, 10 AM sees a spike, fitting into a relaxed weekend morning schedule across the continent.

India: Evening Peaks and Weekend Sparks

In India, the best times to post on Instagram for maximum engagement are around 7:30 PM on weekdays and Saturday evenings at 8:30 PM. These times are optimal for catching users during their leisure and relaxation periods.

The best time to post on Instagram according to the Industries

So far we have seen the best times to post on Instagram according to days and locations. But what if you belong to a particular industry? How will you crack the code? 

No need to worry! In this section, we’ve customized the optimal posting times for Instagram stories, reels, and posts according to the different industries like travel, fashion, fitness, food, digital marketing, and IT. 

So, say goodbye to confusion, as we provide straightforward industry-specific posting times. Let’s explore these tailored insights and elevate your Instagram strategy.

IndustryWeekdaysWeekendsBest Days
Travel and Tourism10 AM – 12 PM, 7 PM – 9 PM9 AM – 11 AM, 4 PM – 6 PMTuesdays, Wednesdays
Fashion and Apparel12 PM – 2 PM, 7 PM – 9 PM9 AM – 11 AM, 5 PM – 7 PMSaturdays
Fitness and Wellness6 AM – 8 AM, 5 PM – 7 PM8 AM – 10 AM, 4 PM – 6 PMTuesdays, Wednesdays
Food and Beverage12 PM – 2 PMSunday eveningsWeekends
Digital Marketing/Social Media9 AM – 11 AM, 1 PM – 3 PMN/AMondays to Thursdays
IT Brands10 AM – 12 PMWeekend afternoonsTuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
Best time to post on Instagram according to the Industries

Travel and Tourism: Mid-Mornings and Evenings of Discovery

For travel and tourism, the ideal Instagram times are weekdays between 10 AM to 12 PM and 7 PM to 9 PM, capturing the imagination of audiences planning their next adventure.

Weekends from 9 AM to 11 AM and 4 PM to 6 PM also work well, aligning with leisurely browsing. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the standout days for engagement in this sector.

Fashion and Apparel: Stylish Times for Stylish Posts

In the fashion and apparel industry, posting between 12 PM to 2 PM and 7 PM to 9 PM on weekdays aligns perfectly with fashion enthusiasts’ lunch breaks and evening relaxation times. On weekends, aim for 9 AM to 11 AM and 5 PM to 7 PM, especially on Saturdays, when engagement peaks as people seek style inspiration for the week ahead.

Fitness and Wellness: Energizing Mornings and Relaxing Evenings

For fitness and wellness content, early mornings (6 AM to 8 AM) and evenings (5 PM to 7 PM) on weekdays are key, resonating with users’ workout routines and wellness activities. On weekends, the target audience is active from 8 AM to 10 AM and 4 PM to 6 PM. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are especially good for engaging with health-conscious followers.

Food and Beverage: Savory Lunchtimes and Cozy Evenings

The food and beverage industry sees the most interaction during lunch hours (12 PM to 2 PM) on weekdays and Sunday evenings. This timing is perfect for sharing mouth-watering content when people are thinking about their next meal. Weekends generally are great for engaging foodies planning their culinary adventures.

Digital Marketing/Social Media: Business Hours for Business Minds

For digital marketing and social media content, the best times to post on Instagram are within standard business hours on weekdays, particularly from 9 AM to 11 AM and 1 PM to 3 PM. This aligns with professionals and businesses being active online, mostly from Monday to Thursday.

IT Brands: Tech-Savvy Times

IT brands find the most engagement during late mornings (10 AM to 12 PM) on weekdays, a time when tech enthusiasts and professionals take breaks to check updates. Weekend afternoons also offer a significant window for engagement.

Peak days for this industry are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, aligning with when tech audiences are most receptive to new information and innovations.

The Three Pillars of Instagram Engagement

Getting in touch with the three main pillars of engagement can help a user boost their Instagram profile with ease. These are not just pillars but are a secret weapon to your Instagram engagement.

Want to know which are those? Well then, move to the next section:  

Interest: The Instagram algorithm is very smart. It shows or suggests users content similar to what they’ve already liked or interacted with. This implies if you are generating content that is enjoyed by your followers, then the likelihood of them staying on your page increases. Think of it as your friend recommending a few films after discussing them based on interests.

Recency: Timing is everything, right? Instagram thinks so too. The platform favors newer posts, putting them front and center. So, if you post when your audience is most active, you’re playing right into Instagram’s hands, giving your content a better shot at being seen. It’s like catching someone just as they’re looking for something to watch.

Relationship: Instagram is all about building community and not just about likes and views. If people regularly interact with your posts – think comments, shares, likes – Instagram takes this as a sign that they value your content. So, it bumps your posts higher on their feed. Hence, create content that sparks conversations and strengthens your bond with your followers.

How to get YOUR own best time to post on Instagram

If you are just starting out, then you might want to follow the general best time to post on Instagram given by the experts, i.e. between 9 AM to 4 PM on weekdays, as during these hours people are habituated to using their phones more often.   

However, if you are still not getting the results then we recommend you use this tried and tested method, given by our experts. By using this method you will gain a good insight into what works for your engagement and what doesn’t. The good news, it is a more personalized approach to finding YOUR best time to post on Instagram. Here is a short tutorial on this method:

Access Instagram Insights: First, make sure you have a Business or Creator account on Instagram, as this gives you access to Instagram Insights. Go to your profile, tap the menu (three lines), and then tap ‘Insights’.

Tap on the hamburger menu and access Insights.

Analyze Your Audience’s Active Times: In Insights, under the “Overview tab” look for the “Total followers” option. Scroll down and you’ll find data about when your followers are most active on the platform, broken down by days of the week and hours of the day.

Tap on total followers to see the analytics.

Record the Data in a Spreadsheet: Open a spreadsheet program like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. If you prefer Google Sheet a template is attached below. If you prefer your own Excel sheet then, create a new sheet and label columns for days of the week and rows for hours of the day. Input the data from Instagram Insights into the spreadsheet, noting the peak activity times. Every time there is a good response, add one to the cell for that day and hour. Every time the post goes bust, subtract one for that day and hour.

Create a spreadsheet that has Days and Hours of the days inside it.

Identify Patterns: Over several weeks, regularly update your spreadsheet with the latest data from Instagram Insights. Look for patterns to emerge – the darker cell represents the best time, while the lighter ones represents the least or worst. 

The darker cell represents the best time and the lighter ones represents the worst.

Test and Adjust: Based on your findings, schedule posts on Instagram during these identified peak times. Keep an eye on the engagement these posts receive. In your spreadsheet, track likes, comments, shares, and any other relevant metrics.

Iterate and Refine: Over time, you’ll gather enough data to accurately identify the best times to post for your specific audience. Adjust your posting schedule as needed based on ongoing insights and trends.

Stay Updated: Remember that audience behaviors can change, so it’s important to periodically revisit your analytics and update your spreadsheet to reflect any new patterns.

For your ease, we have linked the spreadsheet below. All you need to do is make a copy of it and then use it. 

The worst time to post on Instagram

Like best times, exist worst times that one should be aware of while posting on Instagram. Here are a few of them. 

Time FrameWeekdaysWeekendsNotes
Late Night and Early MorningAfter 9 PM and before 6 AMAfter 10 PM and before 8 AMLow engagement as most are sleeping or inactive
Standard Work Hours9 AM to 5 PMN/ALower engagement due to work/school activities
Weekend Afternoons (Saturday)Not          ApplicableAfternoon (Time Varies)Drop in engagement due to outdoor activities
Sunday EveningsNot ApplicableEvening (Time Varies)Mixed engagement as users prepare for the week
During Major EventsVaries (During event times)Varies (During event times)Engagement drops as attention shifts to events

Late Night and Early Morning Hours: During both weekdays and weekends, very late at night (after 9 PM on weekdays and after 10 PM on weekends) and early in the morning (before 6 AM on weekdays and before 8 AM on weekends) are typically not optimal for engagement. Most people are either sleeping or just starting their day and not actively checking their Instagram accounts.

Standard Work Hours on Weekdays: On weekdays, the hours from 9 AM to 5 PM often show lower engagement because many people are occupied with work or school activities.

Weekend Afternoons: Specifically, on Saturdays, afternoons can experience a drop in engagement as this is a common time for outdoor activities, errands, or social events.

Sunday Evenings: Engagement can be hit or miss on Sunday evenings. While some users might be active, others may be preparing for the week ahead and less engaged on social media. Check out our comprehensive guide on the best and worst times to post on social media for maximum engagement!

During Major Events: Anytime there is a major event, like a popular sports game or a significant cultural event, Instagram reels activity can decrease as attention is diverted elsewhere.

Additional tips to garner engagement apart from the best times

Collecting the best times to post on Instagram is just a part of the puzzle. Here are some extra tips to stimulate your engagement:

Be Authentic and Consistent: Authenticity is key on Instagram. Show the real you or the true essence of your brand. Also, do not forget to be consistent in your posting schedule as consistency in posting keeps your audience engaged and looking forward to your content. It’s like being a reliable friend who always has your back. 

Make Use of Analytics: Instagram Analytics is a perfect tool that should be utilized to get a better insight into what’s working for you and what’s not. It’s like having a customized and detailed map of what your target audience likes, their tastes, and when they are online. By regularly reviewing your Instagram Analytics, you can track changes in your engagement rate.

Use Trendy and Relevant Hashtags: Using trending and relevant hashtags can help your posts reach a wider audience who are interested in those specific topics. Even many great influencers and experts have advised us to use hashtags wisely. Think of hashtags as a way to get your content into the right circles. 

Use Trendy Music: Adding popular music to your stories or reels can make your content more relatable and enjoyable. It’s a simple touch that can add a lot of personality and appeal to your posts.

Don’t Ignore New Instagram Features: In recent years Instagram has updated its platform with a ton of new features, like Reels, IGTV, or Stories stickers. So, try using them to stand out and show you’re up-to-date with the latest trends.

Try Different Post-types: Mix it up with reels, photos, videos, carousels, and different content types. Variety keeps your feed interesting and caters to different preferences in your audience.

Our Other Studies:

Conclusion

To thrive on Instagram, timing your posts correctly is crucial. It’s about sharing your content when most of your followers are online, which boosts the chances of it being seen and interacted with. 

Understanding when your audience is most active isn’t just about posting; it’s about connecting meaningfully with them. This requires observing your audience’s behavior and adapting your strategy accordingly.

Use Instagram’s analytics tools to track your followers’ habits and experiment with various posting times for the best results. The digital world is always changing, so flexibility and responsiveness in your approach are essential. With a thoughtful strategy and consistent effort, you can enhance your presence on Instagram and engage effectively with your community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the Best Time to Post on Instagram for Higher Engagement?

Well, there’s no perfect answer for the query, but generally, posting on mid-week days like Tuesday to Thursday, especially during lunch hours (11 AM to 1 PM) and evenings (7 PM to 9 PM), works great. Just keep in mind, your audience’s routines and their time zones can make a difference here.

Is There a Difference in Posting Times for Businesses vs. Personal Accounts?

Definitely! Businesses tend to get more eyes on their posts during regular work hours on weekdays. In contrast, personal accounts often hit the sweet spot in engagement during evenings and weekends. It all boils down to when your followers are likely scrolling through their feeds.

How Can I Figure Out When My Followers Are Most Active?

Instagram Insights is your go-to tool here. It’s super helpful for business and creator accounts. This tool gives you the lowdown on when your followers are most likely to be on Instagram, so you can time your posts just right.

Do Different Industries Need to Post at Different Times?

Absolutely! Each industry has its rhythm. Like, posts from the entertainment world often get more love during evenings and weekends, whereas B2B sectors might see more action during weekday business hours. It’s all about tuning into your industry’s specific audience habits.

Does Posting at ‘Off’ Times Really Affect My Engagement?

Posting at less-than-ideal times might mean your posts don’t get as much attention right away, but don’t sweat it too much. It’s not a deal-breaker for your long-term engagement. Stay consistent and keep an eye on what works best for your audience – that’s the key. Experiment and evolve; that’s the Instagram game!


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