Best Time to Post on Instagram

Are you struggling to get the desired views on your Instagram Reels and posts? Do you want to unlock the secret to making your content go viral? You are in the right place! 

Posting consistently with the right hashtags will not always guarantee your content reaches its full potential. The reason is that the Instagram algorithm is always evolving, making timing just as important as consistency. Posting at the right time on Instagram can significantly boost your reach and engagement. As the platform grows, understanding user activity and strategically timing your posts has become crucial for maximizing visibility and interaction.

In this article, we’ll explore the best times to post on Instagram, broken down by day of the week and industry-specific insights, so you can craft a winning strategy.

Why Posting Time is Important on Instagram?

You might wonder if there is actually a right time to post on Instagram. The answer is yes! If you are working with content you must know that Instagram’s algorithm favors posts with early engagement. When your audience is online, the chances of engaging with your content are high, which can increase likes, comments, and shares, leading to higher engagement rates. In simple words, when you post during peak hours, it can help your content reach more people and stay visible for longer periods. 

Hence, posting times are essential because they determine when your audience is most likely to be active. Moreover, consistent posting during optimal hours can improve brand visibility, helping you sell photos on Instagram, and can lead to more successful campaigns.

Best Time to Post on Instagram During a Week

To determine the viral posting times on Instagram, many businesses have analyzed engagement metrics from millions of Instagram posts globally, to identify the best posting times. We have used research from Influencer Marketing Hub, Sprout Social, Later SocialPilot, and Buffer to highlight the right posting periods on Instagram for 2024. This research underscores the importance of knowing when your target audience is active to achieve better results.

Let us have an overview of when is the good time to post Instagram reels in a week, in the following section.

Best Time to Post on Instagram on Sunday

While Sunday typically has lower engagement than weekdays, posting between 1 PM and 5 PM and then at 9 PM is the optimal window. Engagement tends to be higher later in the day as users unwind before the start of the workweek.

Best Time to Post on Instagram on Monday

Monday’s best posting time is between 11 AM and 2 PM, corresponding with lunchtime. However, early morning posts around 4 AM have also been found effective, likely due to early risers starting their week and catching up on social media.

Best Time to Post on Instagram on Tuesday

Tuesday shows higher engagement than Monday, with 9 AM to 4 PM being the most effective window for posting. 5 AM also registers as a peak time, likely capturing the attention of an active morning audience.

Best Time to Post on Instagram on Wednesday

Wednesday tends to be the most active day on Instagram, with 9 AM to 4 PM showing consistently high engagement rates. Early posts around 5 AM are also effective, alongside peak activity at 11 AM.

Best Time to Post on Instagram on Thursday

The best time to post on Thursday is from 9 AM to 1 PM, though 4 AM also shows notable engagement. Additionally, 8 PM can capture users after they wind down from work.

Best Time to Post on Instagram on Friday

Posting at 11 AM on Friday yields strong engagement, and there’s considerable activity from 11 AM to 4 PM. Users are also active at 7 PM, after wrapping up the week and preparing for the weekend. This day also shows consistency in the morning around 4 AM.

Best Time to Post on Instagram on Saturday

Like Sunday, Saturday also generally sees lower engagement, but 9 AM to 12 PM on Saturday is the best window for posting.

Best Time to Post on Instagram by Industry

We already know that posting reels on Instagram at the right time is essential to reach a wider audience and maximize user engagement. But this optimal time varies by industry as the audience behavior and goals differ for every industry. 

Here is a breakdown of the best time to post Instagram reels for businesses across six key industries.

Best Time to Post on Instagram for Hospitals and Healthcare

Hospitals and healthcare providers use Instagram to connect with patients, educate the public, and promote healthcare services. According to Sprout Social, the best times to post for this sector are on Mondays at 10 AM and 1 PM, Tuesdays from 11 AM to 4 PM, Wednesdays from 10 AM and 3 PM, Thursdays from 10 AM to 1 PM, and Fridays from 11 AM to 3 PM.

This data shows that healthcare institutions experience high engagement during mid-morning and early afternoon hours on weekdays. Sundays are the worst day for posting in this industry. 

Best Time to Post on Instagram for Food and Beverage Industry

Restaurants and food brands often see the most engagement during typical lunch and dinner times, when users are looking for meal inspiration or deals. The best times to post for food and beverage businesses are Mondays from 10 AM to 1 PM, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11 AM to 2 PM, and Thursdays from 10 AM to 2 PM. Fridays also perform well from 12 PM to 2 PM. For weekends, posting between 5 PM and 7 PM is key.

Best Time to Post on Instagram for Schools and Education

Educational institutions engage their audiences primarily during school hours and late afternoons. The best day to post is Wednesdays, specifically from 2 to 4 PM and again at 9 PM. Posting on Sundays is an Instagram mistake for the education sector as it is least effective.

Best Time to Post on Instagram for Travel and Tourism

The travel and tourism industry sees high engagement throughout the week as people plan their trips or get travel inspiration. The best times to post are on weekdays at 10 AM, 12 PM, 7 PM, and 9 PM, and on weekends from 9 AM, 11 AM, 4 PM and 6 PM. 

Best Time to Post on Instagram for Fashion and Apparel 

Fashion and apparel brands tend to perform well on Instagram during afternoon and evening hours. According to various research analyses, the best times to post are weekdays from 12 PM to 2 PM, as well as 7 PM to 9 PM, with weekend mornings and evenings from 9 AM to 11 AM and evenings from 5 PM to 7 PM also performing well.

Best Time to Post on Instagram for IT Brands

For IT brands, posting during traditional working hours maximizes engagement. The best times to post are weekdays from 10 AM to 12 PM and weekends from 1 PM to 3 PM. This timing captures both professionals and tech enthusiasts during work hours and casual weekend browsing.

How to Find the Best Time to Post on Instagram?

Now, that you know the best times of the week and the related industry to post your content on Instagram, how do you know if the timings are suitable for your desired industry? To maximize engagement on Instagram and boost your Instagram earnings, consider the following strategies:  

• Leverage Instagram Insights:
  Use Instagram’s analytics to understand follower demographics, time zones, and when your audience is most active. This helps schedule posts for high engagement times.
• Track Competitors:
  Monitor competitor strategies using tools like NapoleonCat to identify their most successful posts and timing. Learning from competitors can provide insights into the best posting windows.
• Experiment with Posting Times:
  Test different posting schedules weekly, adjusting based on performance metrics. Match your content to peak times, tweaking your approach seasonally and using scheduling tools for consistency.
• Use Scheduling Tools: Use tools to automate your posts at optimal times, especially when you're not online to engage in real-time. Monitor results throughout the year and adjust based on seasonal changes or promotions.

Using the Right Times to Post on Instagram Effectively

Identifying the best time to post on Instagram is key to increasing engagement and boosting visibility for your content. By understanding and leveraging the best times to post based on both general trends and industry-specific insights, such as when to effectively sell Shopify products on Instagram or incorporate Spocket for dropshipping, you can ensure your content captures the attention it deserves. 

Optimal posting times vary throughout the week and across different sectors, reflecting the diverse behavior of Instagram users. To stay ahead of the curve, regularly analyze your Instagram Insights, keep an eye on competitor strategies, and experiment with posting schedules. Utilizing scheduling tools can further streamline your efforts, allowing you to maintain consistency even when you're offline. 

By aligning your posting strategy with these insights, you’ll boost your visibility, drive more interactions, and achieve greater success on Instagram.