When is the Best Time to Post on Instagram for Likes: Exact Day and Time
Instagram has become one of the most popular platforms for sharing images, videos, reels, stories, and more. However, getting noticed and receiving likes on your posts can be a challenging endeavor. So as a creator and business owner you may be wondering, when is the best time to post on Instagram to get discovered, have more likes and comments?
We’ve compiled the best times to post on Instagram for likes, considering various factors such as days of the week, time of day, and the type of content you’re sharing.
It’s time to srategically time your posts, and maximize your chances of attracting attention and interaction from your followers on Instagram.
Table of Contents
Understanding Instagram algorithm
Before we get into the best posting times, let’s go over the basics of the Instagram algorithm. Instagram uses an algorithm to evaluate your behavior, interests, and engagement to determine what content you see on your feed. The algorithm prioritizes content from accounts that you regularly engage with, so timing isn’t the only factor that determines how many people will see your post.
That being said, posting at the right time can have a big impact on your post’s initial engagement, which can help it reach a wider audience. This is especially important for businesses and influencers who want to maximize their organic reach and engagement rates.
Best time to post on Instagram for likes, views and comments
The best time to post on Instagram can vary depending on your target audience, their geographic location, and their online habits. Generally, there are some optimal time slots that tend to perform well across different demographics. Here are some insights into the best times to post on Instagram for likes:
When to post on Instagram:
On weekdays: The majority of Instagram users are active on weekdays. The ideal time slots are during lunch breaks (12:00 PM to 1:00 PM) and in the evening (5:00 PM to 6:00 PM). This is when people are likely to take a break from work or school and check their social media feeds.
On weekends: On weekends, posting between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM can be effective. Additionally, evenings between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM are popular times when users are more likely to engage with content.
Suggested best time to post on Instagram for each day
| Day of the Week | Best Time to Post |
| Monday | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM<br>6:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM<br>3:00 PM – 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM<br>7:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM<br>5:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Friday | 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM<br>1:00 PM – 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM<br>7:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM<br>4:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
Best days to post on Instagram:
Based on statistical analysis, Wednesday and Thursday have shown to be the best days to post on Instagram. These days have consistently demonstrated higher engagement rates compared to other weekdays. On the other hand, Sundays tend to have the lowest engagement rates.
Best time of day to post on Instagram: the impact of time zones
The best time of day to post on Instagram can vary depending on your specific audience demographics. It is alo crucial to understanding the time zones of your target audience.
If you have a global following, posting at a time that aligns with the majority of your audience’s timezone can be advantageous. Tools like Instagram Insights and third-party analytics platforms can help you identify the locations of your followers and plan your posting schedule accordingly.
Consider scheduling your posts to align with the peak hours of different time zones to ensure broader engagement and reach.
🔔Learn How to Post on Instagram: | Perfect Posting Guide
Best time to post reels/photos/stories/IGTV on Instagram
Instagram’s algorithm heavily favors video content, including Reels and Stories. Here’s a breakdown of the best times to post reels, photos, stories, and videos on Instagram:
1. Reels:
Reels are short, entertaining videos that can capture the attention of your audience quickly. To maximize their impact, consider posting reels during these timeframes:
- Afternoons: Posting between 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM (local time) is effective, as many people take breaks during this time and are more likely to browse through Instagram.
- Evenings: Between 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM is also a good time, as people often relax and unwind after work or dinner and are more receptive to entertaining content.
🔔Tips for How to Increase Instagram Reels Views
2. Photos:
Regular photo posts can be really engaging and stand the test of time. If you want to increase your visibility and likes, you may post at these times:
- Mornings: Posting between 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM can catch the attention of people during their morning routine or commute, leading to higher engagement.
- Evenings: Between 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM is another favorable time, as many users check their Instagram feed during their leisure time.
3. Stories:
Instagram Stories are temporary and offer a more authentic and immediate connection with your audience. Since they are visible for only 24 hours, posting at different times throughout the day ensures you reach different segments of your followers:
- Morning Stories: Posting a series of Stories in the morning (between 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM) can engage early risers who check their phones upon waking up.
- Afternoon Stories: Between 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, post additional Stories to reach people during their lunch breaks or afternoon downtime.
- Evening Stories: Sharing more Stories in the evening (around 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM) allows you to connect with users during their leisure time.
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4. Videos:
IGTV and longer-form videos on Instagram require more significant time commitment from viewers, so consider posting them during periods when people have more time to watch:
- Evenings: Between 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, as viewers are more likely to have free time to watch longer videos after work or during their evening routines.
- Weekends: On Saturday and Sunday afternoons or evenings, people have more leisure time, making it an ideal time to share videos.
Try using Linkr to monetize your Instagram posts
Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes content that keeps users within the platform. However, with tools like Linkr Posts, you can customize membership tiers with exclusive access to your premium content or benefits. This feature is especially useful for digital creators and influencers who want to make money with their posts and following.
Moreover, the “Link in Bio” feature is essential for sharing multiple links through your Instagram profile. By updating the link in your bio regularly, you can direct followers to various landing pages and websties, current promotions, or specific products, ensuring your content remains relevant.
FAQ about the best time to post on Instagram
What time are people most active on Instagram?
On workdays, particularly from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm and at lunchtime (12:00 pm to 1:00 pm), Instagram users are most active. Additionally, activity is frequently higher on the weekends, notably Sunday afternoons and evenings, and during morning commutes (8:00 AM to 10:00 AM).
What time should you avoid posting on Instagram?
You should generally avoid posting on Instagram during the late-night hours (between 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM) when most users are asleep and less likely to engage with your content. Posting during these off-peak times can lead to lower visibility and reduced engagement for your posts.
How do you check the best time to post on Instagram?
To check the best time to post on Instagram, use Instagram Insights (for business accounts) or third-party analytics tools. These tools provide data on your followers’ activity, showing when they are most active and engaged. Analyzing this information helps determine the optimal posting times for higher reach and engagement.
When is the best time to post on Instagram on Christmas?
On Christmas, the best time to post on Instagram is in the morning, between 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, when people are waking up and checking their phones. Another optimal time is in the early evening, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, as users spend time with their families and may browse social media during gatherings or downtime.
Conclusion
As we’ve discussed, the best time to post on Instagram for likes depends on your target audience’s demographics and the type of content you share. Posting during weekdays, particularly Wednesday and Thursday, is generally more effective, but weekends can also yield positive results.
Don’t forget to keep an eye on the outcome and adjust accordingly to work towards your goal with a clear strategy. Good luck!
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