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What is the Best Time to Post on Facebook?

Best Time to Post on Facebook

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When it comes to sharing content on Facebook, timing is everything. Finding the best time to post on Facebook can be the difference between your content being a hit or a miss. Have you ever wondered why some posts get lots of likes, comments, and shares, while others barely get noticed? It’s not just about what you post, but when you post it. Timing your posts well makes all the difference.

This article explores the best times to share updates on Facebook for maximum reach and engagement. By strategically scheduling posts, you can boost their impact. For marketers and influencers, timing is crucial in the digital realm. Additionally, incorporating engagement posts for Facebook groups enhances community interaction and fosters ongoing engagement.

Think about it: Facebook is like a busy street with a constant flow of traffic. If you put up your sign when the street is empty, hardly anyone will see it. But if you choose the busiest time, more people will notice. That’s what we’re going to explore – the ‘busy times‘ of Facebook when your audience is most likely scrolling through their feed.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything from the lifespan of a Facebook update to the best times to post for different types of businesses. We’ll also look at tools to help you schedule your posts and even discuss the times you might want to avoid.

Whether you are a social media manager or a small business owner looking to boost your Facebook presence, this article is packed with tips and tricks to help you make the most out of your social media posts.

Use RecurPost for Facebook Post Scheduling

The lifespan of a Facebook update

lifespan of a Facebook update is 5 hours

Five Hours

The average lifespan of a Facebook update is five hours. Yes, you read that right! After hitting publish, your post has just five hours to capture the attention of your audience before it gets pushed down, hidden by newer content.

But don’t lose hope! While that lifespan might seem short, here’s the good news:

  • When you post on Facebook, 75% of engagement is received in the first 5 hours.
  • The maximum number of impressions on a post is received in the first 4 and a half hours.
  • 75% of your audience comes across your message in the first 5 hours of posting.

Diving Deep into Facebook’s Global Audience

With over 2.83 billion monthly active users spanning continents and cultures, understanding Facebook’s diverse audience is key to deciding when to post.

Demographics

As the world’s largest social media platform, Facebook has a highly diverse audience. For instance, the largest user demographic is 25 to 34-year-olds, who comprise 14% of users. Geography also plays a role – over 300 million active users are from India while 230 million reside in the United States and Canada.

When posting, time zones require special consideration, especially for global brands. You need to identify peak scrolling times across regions like North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific and calibrate posting times accordingly.

Analysis by RecurPost suggests early afternoons tend to work well across time zones. For the Americas aim between 11 am – 1 pm, European and African regions from 3 pm – 5 pm and Asia Pacific countries can see traction from 6 am – 10 am local times.

Usage Patterns

Not everyone checks Facebook at the same time. Some people scroll through their feeds first thing in the morning. Others might check during lunch breaks or in the evening after work. These patterns can change depending on whether it’s a weekday or a weekend. For instance, on Saturdays, people might sleep in late and not check their Facebook until noon.

So, how do these factors influence the best posting times? It’s like solving a puzzle. You need to match your posting times with when most of your audience is likely to be online. If your audience includes young professionals, they might be more active during lunch breaks or evenings. If you’re targeting parents, early mornings or afternoons might be your sweet spot.

In short, understanding the different lifestyles and schedules of your Facebook audience is crucial. It helps you choose the best times to post, ensuring your content gets the attention it deserves.

Decoding the Best Times to Post on Facebook

Figuring out the best time to post on Facebook can be a bit like choosing the right time to host a party. You want to make sure most of your guests can come and have a good time.

Here’s a breakdown of the best times to post on Facebook, both on weekdays and weekends.

Weekday vs. Weekend Posting

People’s routines change on the weekend, so your posting strategy should too. During the week, many are busy with work or school. On weekends, they might relax or spend time with family and friends.

DayBest Posting TimesWhy it Works
Mondays and Tuesdays6:00 AM – 10:00 AMFresh start mentality, workday momentum
Wednesdays and Thursdays8:00 AM – 2:00 PMMid-week peak activity, during lunchtime
Fridays10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PMWinding down from work, Weekend anticipation, Evening Entertainment
Saturdays and Sundays10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 9 PMLazy browsing, Family Moments, Evening Entertainment

Time of Day Breakdown

Morning (6 AM – 9 AM): Early birds are checking their phones. Good for quick, upbeat posts to start the day.

Afternoon (12 PM – 3 PM): People often browse Facebook during lunch breaks. It’s a prime time for engaging content.

Evening (6 PM – 9 PM): As the day winds down, more people check their feeds. Great for longer, thoughtful posts.

Time of DayIdeal forConsiderations
Morning (6:00 AM – 12:00 PM)Newsfeed newcomers, Commuters, Early birdsKeep it light, informative, and visually appealing for mobile screens
Afternoon (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM)Lunch breakers, Mid-day Scrollers, Professionals on the goShare engaging content, promote discussions, offer quick wins
Evening (4:00 PM – 9:00 PM)Relaxing post-work crowd, families unwinding, entertainment seekersPost longer reads, emotional content, interactive elements

Remember, these are general guidelines. The best time can vary based on your specific audience. It’s like picking the perfect outfit – what works well for one occasion may not be the best choice for another!

Best time to post on Facebook day-wise

Here is a breakdown of the best time to post on Facebook day-wise:

  • The best time to post on Facebook on Sunday is 10 AM – 2 PM
  • The best time to post on Facebook on Monday is 6 AM – 12 PM
  • The best time to post on Facebook on Tuesday is 4 AM  – 10 AM
  • The best time to post on Facebook on Wednesday is 8 AM – 2 PM
  • The best time to post on Facebook on Thursday is 8 AM – 2 PM
  • The best time to post on Facebook on Friday is 8 AM – 12 PM and 7 PM – 9 PM
  • The best time to post on Facebook on Saturday is 10 AM – 2 PM and 7 PM – 9 PM

Industry-Specific Strategies: Data-Driven Insights

Different industries have different peaks and valleys when it comes to Facebook engagement. Just like a surfer picks the right wave, businesses need to post when their audience is most likely to engage.

Let’s look at key industries and the best times for them to post on Facebook.

IndustriesBest DaysBest TimesWhy it works
RetailWeekdays1 PM – 4 PMPost during breaks, early afternoon
HealthcareWednesday9 AM – 12 PMPeople are more likely to focus on health
EntertainmentFriday and Saturday6 PM – 9 PMPeople are relaxing
TechnologyTuesday and Wednesday10 AM – 12 PMTechies want the latest updates
EducationMonday and Wednesday4 PM – 6 PMStudents are likely seeking educational resources
NewsEveryday6 AM – 9 AMLatest news in the morning

1. Retail

Best Times: Weekdays, 1 PM – 4 PM

Retail businesses thrive when they catch people during their breaks or downtime. Posting in the early afternoon on weekdays can capture shoppers planning their next purchase.

Worst Times: Early mornings and late nights

Retail posts often get lost in the noise outside typical shopping hours.

2. Healthcare

Best Times: Wednesdays, 9 AM – 12 PM

For healthcare, mid-morning during the middle of the week works best. It’s when people are more likely to focus on health-related content.

Worst Times: Late evenings and weekends

Healthcare-related content needs to be noticed during leisure time.

3. Entertainment

Best Times: Fridays and Saturdays, 6 PM – 9 PM

The entertainment industry sees higher engagement when people are relaxing and looking for leisure activities, making evenings and weekends the prime time.

Worst Times: Early weekday mornings

Entertainment content is less engaging when people are starting their work or school day.

4. Technology

Best Times: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 AM – 12 PM

Tech enthusiasts often engage more during mid-mornings on weekdays, possibly seeking the latest tech news and products.

Worst Times: Late nights and weekends

Tech enthusiasts are less likely to engage with content during off-hours.

5. Education

Best Times: Mondays and Wednesdays, 4 PM – 6 PM

For educational content, late afternoons on weekdays are ideal. This is when students and educators are likely seeking educational resources and updates.

Worst Times: Weekends and late evenings

Educational content is often missed outside the usual school or work hours.

6. News

Best Times: Mornings (6 AM – 8 AM) every day

News outlets tend to engage their audience early in the morning when people are catching up on the latest news.

Worst Times: Late-night

As news is typically consumed early in the day, late-night posts may not get much attention.

These industry-specific recommendations provide a roadmap for various sectors to optimize their Facebook posting schedule. Each industry has its unique audience behavior, and understanding these patterns can make a significant difference in engagement rates.

Remember: These are just starting points! Analyzing your audience demographics and using Facebook Insights can further refine your strategy for hyper-targeted engagement.

Read our other studies:

Personalizing Your Schedule with Facebook Insights

Facebook insights

To hit the mark with your Facebook posts, you need to know your audience like the back of your hand. This is where Facebook Insights becomes your best friend. It’s a powerful tool that lets you peek into when your fans are most active and how they interact with your posts. 

Let’s explore how you can use Facebook Insights to tailor your posting schedule for maximum impact.

Understanding Your Audience’s Activity

Imagine having a magic window that shows when your audience is online. That’s what Facebook Insights does! It provides a graph showing the days and times your fans are scrolling through their feed. This information is gold. It helps you identify the peak times when your posts are most likely to be seen.

Analyzing Past Engagement

Past behavior often predicts future actions. Dive into your previous posts and check which ones got the most likes, comments, and shares. Look for patterns. Were these successful posts shared at a certain time of day or on specific days of the week? This historical data gives you clues about when your audience is most responsive.

Introducing Your Personalized Best Time Picker Template

We’ve created something special just for you – a unique Personalized Best Time Picker Template! This user-friendly template, available in Google Sheets, is our gift to help streamline your social media strategy. It’s designed to easily capture and analyze your Facebook activity, guiding you to pinpoint the perfect posting times.

Using the Personalized Best Time Picker Template

To start, simply access the template we’ve provided below. It’s set up with columns for each day of the week and rows for every hour. As you gather data from Facebook Insights, note the peak activity times in your template. For each successful post, add a mark in the corresponding cell. If a post doesn’t do well, make a note of that too.

Using the Personalized Best Time Picker Template

Spotting the Best Times for Engagement

As weeks go by, keep updating your template with fresh data. You’ll begin to see patterns emerge – darker cells highlight your prime posting times, while lighter ones indicate less favorable periods.

Spotting the Best Times for Engagement

Optimize Your Posting Schedule

Use these insights to schedule Facebook posts during the peak times you’ve identified. Monitor how these posts perform in terms of likes, comments, and shares, and keep track of these metrics in your template.

Refine and Evolve

Over time, your Personalized Best Time Picker Template will become an invaluable tool, offering clear insights into the best times to post for your unique audience. Adjust your strategy as needed, based on the evolving data.

Stay Updated

Audience behavior can shift, so it’s crucial to regularly revisit your Facebook analytics. Keep your template updated to catch any new trends and ensure your posting strategy stays on point.

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

Crafting Your Perfect Schedule

Now, it’s time to put these insights into action. If you notice that your audience is most active on Wednesday afternoons, make that a key time for your posts. If your in-depth articles get the most engagement on Sunday evenings, save your best long-reads for them.

Facebook Insights isn’t just about numbers; it’s about understanding the heartbeat of your audience. By aligning your posting schedule with these insights, you’re not just throwing posts into the void. You’re strategically placing them where they have the best chance to thrive.

Seasonal and Event-Driven Timing Strategies

Just like you change your wardrobe with the seasons, scheduling a post on facebook should also adapt to seasonal and event-driven changes. Why? Because your audience’s interests and online behavior can shift during holidays, events, and different seasons. Let’s explore how to make these changes work for you.

Adapting to Holidays

Holidays are like special spices – they can add a unique flavor to your Facebook content. During major holidays like Christmas or Diwali, people are in a festive mood, often looking for related content, offers, or greetings. This is a great time to tailor your posts to these themes. But remember, it’s not just about posting on the day itself. Build up to the holiday with relevant posts to maximize engagement.

Riding the Wave of Events

Whether it’s the Super Bowl or a popular music festival, events grab attention. If there’s a big event that resonates with your audience, joining the conversation can boost your visibility. Create posts that tie into the event’s theme. But be authentic – if it doesn’t relate to your brand or audience, it’s best to skip it.

Tuning into Seasonal Trends

Each season brings its own vibe and interests. For example, summer might be about travel and outdoor activities, while winter might focus on cozy indoor moments. Align your content with these seasonal trends. For instance, a fitness brand might focus on outdoor workouts in the summer and indoor routines in the winter.

By staying in tune with holidays, events, and seasonal trends, you can make your Facebook content more relevant and engaging. This approach shows your audience that you’re not just a brand – you’re part of their world, experiencing the same moments they are.

Remember: Flexibility is key! Stay tuned to trending topics, seasonal changes, and local events to tailor your content and timing accordingly. Embrace the dynamic nature of the online world, and keep your audience engaged throughout the year with seasonal and event-driven flair.

Key Considerations When Looking for the Best Times to Post on Facebook

When you are picking the best times to post on Facebook for maximum reach, you should take into account all the following factors:

  • The goal for your social media posting – your goals for posting on social media can be getting maximum views, increasing awareness about your brand, gaining followers, or selling products. 
  • Days of a week – what days of the week you choose is important because they form a part of audience behavior.  For B2B audiences, they are most active on workdays or work hours. For B2C users, weekends are a good time.
  • Time zone- this is an important factor for targeting a global audience. Your posting schedule should match the target audience’s time zone.
  • Posting frequency – You should not post too often because then the Facebook algorithm will declare you as a spammer. At the same time, you need to post just about enough to remain consistent. So, try to strike a balance.
  • Industry – a lot of things like the audience base, frequency of posting, and the type of social media posts will depend on the industry that you operate in. So, if you are thinking of the best time to post a video on Facebook, do think of what industry you are operating in.

Advanced Scheduling Tools and Techniques

While Facebook’s built-in publishing options allow basic scheduling, third-party social media management platforms offer advanced capabilities for optimized timing.

Advanced scheduling tools not only save time but also help you post consistently at optimal times. Alongside scheduling regular posts, you can also schedule a Facebook live at the best time when your audience is most active.

RecurPost: AI-Based Best-Time Prediction

RecurPost offers an automated Best Time Suggestion engine based on machine learning algorithms. It analyzes your Page’s historical performance and your update’s content such as text, images, and video to predict the ideal time your post will perform best.

The tool maps out high-visibility spots – say Tuesdays at 10:30 AM for a promotional sale post. This eliminates manual trial and error around scheduling.

Maximizing Efficiency with RecurPost

With RecurPost, you can batch-create content and set it to go live at the times predicted by the AI. This not only saves you time but also takes the guesswork out of your posting schedule.

For example, a “Thoughtful Thursday” opinion segment can be set to automatically go live every Thursday at 5 PM based on prior traction.

auto schedule for best time

Are there any Worst Times to Post on Facebook

While the best times to post can vary based on your specific audience and industry, there are general patterns for times that tend to be less effective. People are usually busy with work, asleep, or otherwise engaged during these periods.

Here’s a quick guide to the times that are generally less favorable for posting on each day of the week:

DayWorst Times
MondayEarly mornings before 6 AM
Tuesday1 PM – 3 PM afternoons
WednesdayMidnight after 11 PM
ThursdayWeekday early afternoons 2 PM – 4 PM
FridayPost-evening nights after 10 PM
SaturdayFriday late nights after 8 PM
SundayAll mornings before 10 AM

Generally, weekends, especially Sundays, tend to have lower engagement rates. People are often out and about, spending time away from their screens, making it less likely for them to interact with Facebook content. Sunday, therefore, might be the day to hold off on those important posts or announcements.

Remember, these are guidelines based on general trends. Your specific audience might have different habits, so it’s always a good idea to check your Facebook Insights to tailor your strategy accordingly.

Conclusion

Mastering the best times to post on Facebook is an ongoing journey, one that blends careful analysis with a keen eye for evolving trends. Remember, the landscape of social media is dynamic – what works today may need adjustment tomorrow. Regularly diving into your Facebook Insights is crucial. This tool is your guide, helping you understand your audience’s behavior and refining your strategy for better engagement.

Stay agile and open to learning, especially when it comes to how to post on Facebook. The key to success lies in your ability to adapt to changing trends and audience preferences. Experiment, analyze, and grow your posting strategies. By staying informed and flexible, you’ll not only keep up with the pace of social media but also create meaningful connections with your audience.

Want to get your posts seen by more people on Facebook?

Try Recurpost’s AI-based best time schedules and see the magic!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to post on Facebook for maximum exposure?

The best times are usually weekdays, especially from 6 AM to 12 PM. This varies based on your audience, so checking Facebook Insights for when your followers are most active is ideal.

What is the best day to make a Facebook post?

Weekdays, particularly Tuesday, often see higher engagement. However, the best day can vary depending on your specific audience.

What is the best time of the day to post on social media?

Generally, mid-mornings (8 AM to 12 PM) and early afternoons (1 PM to 3 PM) are effective times. The specific best time can vary based on the platform and audience. Want to know when to share on social media for the most impact? Dive into our detailed guide on the best times to post on social media!

What is the best time to post on Facebook, and why?

The best time is typically early afternoon, around 6 AM to 10 AM and 12 PM to 2 PM, because this is when many users are active during their lunch breaks or just starting to wind down their day.

How do you find the best time to post on Facebook groups?

Monitor the group’s activity levels and engagement. Many groups have peak times when members are more active, which you can identify by observing patterns over a period.

How many times should you post on Facebook?

Quality over quantity is key. For most pages, 1-2 daily posts are sufficient to engage your audience without overwhelming them.

What are the best times to post on Facebook for businesses?

Weekdays, especially from 1 PM to 4 PM. It’s important to tailor this based on your audience’s specific habits, which can be determined through Facebook Insights.

When is the best time to upload a video to my Facebook Page?

Videos often do well in the evening, from 6 PM to 9 PM, when people are more likely to have free time to watch longer content.

What are the Best And Worst Times To Post On Social Media?

The best time to post on Facebook is between 6 AM to 10 AM on weekdays. The worst time to post on Facebook tends to be late at night after 9 PM to early mornings before 6 AM when fewer people are online.

Am I posting at the right time?

To determine if you’re posting at the right time, review your engagement metrics. If your posts are consistently reaching a good number of people and receiving engagement, you’re likely posting at effective times for your audience. If not, consider adjusting your posting schedule based on insights and trends.

What is the best time to post on Facebook for more likes?

If you want to get more likes on your Facebook posts, you should stick to posting between 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM on weekdays. You will see specific periods on each weekday when the engagement will be very high. Also, during weekends from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

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