Best Time to Post on Instagram: The Ultimate Guide 2023

If you’re an avid Instagram user, you might be wondering, “What is the best time to post on Instagram?“, and want to know how to increase your engagement rates and get more likes and followers. Well, it’s time to talk about it!

Why is timing important? Because Instagram’s algorithm favors content that receives a lot of likes and comments within the first hour of being posted. So, if you want to maximize your exposure and reach a wider audience, you need to post at the right time.

Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty details and find out when you should be posting those carefully curated pictures of your cat!

Why Timing Matters on Instagram

The best time to post on Instagram can truly make or break your engagement rate. You don’t want to be posting when your followers are sleeping or busy with work, as your post will simply get lost in the never-ending abyss of the platform. 🌪️ That’s why it’s essential to post when your followers are most active and ready to engage with your content.

Think of it like being the life of the party 🎉 – you want to show up when the party is in full swing, not when everyone is already leaving. Similarly, you want to show up on Instagram when your followers are ready to party (or at least scroll through their feed). That’s why taking the time to research and figure out the best time to post for your specific audience is key.

It may take a bit of trial and error, but trust me, it’s worth it! Once you find the optimal posting time, you can sit back and watch the likes and comments roll in. So, don’t underestimate the importance of timing when it comes to Instagram. It could be the secret sauce to your Instagram success!

What Is the Best Time to Post on Instagram

We all know that Instagram is a place for cool kids, influencers, and celebrities to show off their lives. But if you’re not posting at the right time, your post might go unnoticed, and no one wants to feel like the kid sitting alone at lunchtime. So, let’s figure out the best time to post on Instagram and become the cool kid that everyone wants to hang out with!

Now, let’s be honest. As much as we’d like to believe that our followers are eagerly waiting for our posts, they probably have their own lives to live. But fear not, my friend! By posting at the best times, you’re increasing your chances of your content being seen and engaged with.

So, what are these magical times, you ask? Well, let me break it down for you:

Early Mornings: From 6 A.M. to 8 A.M.

It’s a fact that some people are morning people, while others are not. But even if you’re not a morning person, posting during these hours can catch the attention of those who are. So, if you’re feeling ambitious, set your alarm early and start posting!

Lunchtime: From 11 A.M. to 1 P.M.

Ah, lunchtime. The most important meal of the day (sorry, breakfast). Most people take a break during these hours, and they tend to scroll through their social media during that time. So, take a break from your sandwich and post that amazing content!

Evenings: From 5 P.M. to 7 P.M.

After a long day at work or school, people usually unwind and check their social media. This is the perfect time to post and catch their attention. Plus, you can also unwind and check your social media while waiting for the engagement to roll in.

Late Nights: From 8 P.M. to 10 P.M.

You might think that people would be winding down for bed during these hours, but you’d be surprised how many people check their phones before they go to sleep. Posting during these hours can catch their attention and increase engagement. Plus, you’ll have something to look at while you can’t fall asleep.

Now that you know the best times to post on Instagram, it’s time to become the cool kid that everyone wants to hang out with! But remember, even if you post at the “best time,” your content still needs to be engaging and high-quality to receive the best engagement. So, go forth and increase your Instagram engagement!

How to Determine Your Personal Best Time to Post on Instagram

Finding the best time to post on Instagram isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The optimal posting time depends on your audience’s behavior, location, and time zone. Here are some tips to help you determine your personal sweet spot:

#1 Know Your Target Audience

To find the best time to post on Instagram, you need to know your target audience. Who are they, and where are they located? This information can help you determine what time zone they’re in and when they’re most likely to be online. By understanding your audience’s behavior, you can adjust your posting schedule accordingly.

Pro Tip: here’s how to schedule Instagram posts.

#2 Use Instagram Insights

Instagram Insights is a valuable tool that can provide you with data on your followers’ activity. This feature can give you insights into your followers’ demographics, location, and behavior on the platform. By analyzing this data, you can get a better understanding of when your followers are most active and adjust your posting schedule accordingly.

#3 Utilize Third-Party Apps

In addition to Instagram Insights, you can also use third-party apps to analyze your Instagram account’s engagement data. These apps can provide you with a detailed report on your audience’s engagement patterns, including the best time to post on Instagram for your account. 

For example, Hopper HQ allows you to calculate your Instagram engagement rate based on your followers and posts, which can help you determine the effectiveness of your posts at different times.

By using these apps, you can get a better understanding of your audience’s behavior and adjust your posting schedule accordingly.

#4 Experiment and Analyze

Ultimately, finding the best time to post on Instagram takes experimentation and analysis. Try posting at different times of the day and track your engagement rates. By analyzing your engagement data, you can determine which posting times work best for your audience.

People Also Searched for

Now, let’s explore some additional questions that you may have about this topic.

Q1. How Do I Track When My Followers Are Most Active on Instagram?

To find out the best time to post on Instagram for your specific followers, you can use Instagram’s native analytics feature, called Insights. This feature will show you when your followers are most active on the app and allow you to tailor your posting schedule to maximize engagement. Another option is to use third-party apps that provide more detailed insights.

Q2. Does the Best Time to Post Vary by Industry or Type of Content?

Yes, the best time to post on Instagram can vary based on the industry and type of content you’re sharing. For example, if you’re in the fashion industry, you may find that your followers are most active during fashion shows or events, which would be different from the best times for a food blogger. 

Additionally, the type of content you’re sharing can impact the best time to post. For instance, video content may perform better at different times than static images.

Q3. Are There Any Global Best Times to Post That Work for All Time Zones?

While the best time to post on Instagram can vary based on your audience and location, there are some general guidelines that can be helpful. For example, research has shown that Wednesdays and Thursdays tend to have the highest engagement rates globally. Additionally, posting during non-work hours (before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.) tends to perform well since people are more likely to have free time to engage with your content.

Q4. What Other Factors Should I Consider When Trying to Increase Engagement on My Instagram Posts?

While the best time to post on Instagram is important, there are other factors to consider when trying to increase engagement on your posts. First and foremost, you want to make sure that your content is high-quality, visually appealing, and aligned with top Instagram trends.

Additionally, using relevant hashtags can help expand your reach and attract new followers. Engaging with your audience by responding to comments and messages is also a great way to increase engagement and build a loyal following. 

Finally, testing and experimenting with different types of content and posting times can help you find what works best for your specific audience.

Conclusion

Figuring out the best time to post on Instagram can be a real head-scratcher. But with a little research and experimentation, you can uncover the optimal posting times for your unique audience and start seeing some serious engagement.

Remember to consider factors like your industry, type of content, and audience location when crafting your posting schedule. And don’t forget to keep things fresh and exciting by trying out new types of content and posting at different times. Who knows, you may just find that posting at 3 a.m. on a Sunday morning is the secret to Instagram fame!