We have researched the best time to post on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and X to help you get the most engagement from your followers.
The tools of social media marketing do not always come cheap. Identifying the best time to post on social media will ensure that your content reaches as many eyes as possible, making it worth the time and money you invest.
Social media users are generally active from 8 am to 3 pm, Monday to Friday. This is the best time to post on social media overall. Not surprisingly, the worst time to post on social media is between 2 and 5 in the morning, when the majority of users are asleep.
Saturday and Sunday are the worst days to post on social media. Users tend to be more active during the working week to distract themselves from work and switch off at the weekend to spend time with family and friends.
With 3.07 billion users, Facebook remains the most popular social media platform. YouTube is the second most popular. It has around 2.5 billion users.
However, the ideal time to apply may vary depending on your location. By regularly analyzing your Instagram insights and adjusting your strategy in line with local trends and events, you’ll be able to stay ahead of the pack in the competitive social media landscape.
With the application of these insights, you can effectively engage with your audience, optimize your Instagram strategy, and make the most of your social media efforts. Posting at the right time can help you reach more people and increase engagement. See what works best for your audience by trying out these timeslots!
Best time to post on social media: Key Facts
- Overall, the best time to post on Instagram is 8 PM
- The best day to post is Sunday
- Depending on your business niche and target audience, posting during the week will vary.
- Mornings between 7 am and 9 am and evenings between 6 pm and 8 pm are the best times for retail and e-commerce businesses. Mondays to Thursdays are the best days to post.
- The best time to post on Instagram is between 12 pm and 2 pm or 7 pm and 9 pm for restaurants, food, and drink.
- For fitness and wellness, the best time to post on Instagram is between 6 am and 8 am. The best days are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
- For fashion and beauty, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are the best days to post, while late mornings between 10 am and 12 pm or evenings between 6 pm and 8 pm are the best times to post.
- For finance and real estate, the best days to post are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The worst days are Friday and Saturday, while the best time to post is early morning (8 am-10 am) or late evening (4 pm-6 pm).
- Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday are the best days for entertainment and media. Late afternoon is the best time for posting on social media: 3 pm–5 pm or late night: 8 pm–10 pm. Monday and Tuesday are the worst days to post.
The right time to post on Facebook
Regarding the best time to post on Facebook, we found that 9 am to 11 am was fairly consistent throughout the working week.
After the weekend, Facebook users are easiest to reach between 8-9 am on Saturdays and slightly later on Sunday mornings at 10 am. However, users are most active during the week.
The best time to post a video on YouTube
After Facebook, YouTube is the world’s second most popular social media platform. However, users are on YouTube at very different times of the day.
We have learnt that the best time to post is in the middle of the afternoon, between 2 pm and 4 pm from Monday to Friday. However, users are more active on YouTube in the morning when it comes to the weekend. This means that if your videos are posted between 9 am and 11 am, they are likely to get more engagement.
YouTube operates at a slightly different pace than other social media platforms. However, the time you spend posting can still be used to your advantage. There is less variation between days of the week and more variation between ideal posting times on weekdays and weekends.
The best time to post on TikTok for engagements
The best time to post on TikTok is less dictated by the 9-5 working week, as TikTok users tend to be younger than on other social media platforms. Statistically, more than 76% of 18 to 24-year-olds in the US and 70% of teenagers were on TikTok in 2023. This means that for a student, rather than a full-time worker, the best time to post may be in line with their daily schedule.
On most days, the sweet spot seems to be between 4 pm and 5 pm. However, users are also on the platform in the mornings, from Wednesday to Saturday, between 9 and 10 am.
Optimal time to post on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is made for networking. It makes sense that the best time to catch users on the platform is during regular business hours.
You’ll notice that people are most active on LinkedIn in the morning, and tend to stop using LinkedIn in the evening. Monday mornings are usually spent catching up on important business. 11 am is a better time to catch busy professionals looking for a mid-morning break.
There is a significant drop-off in activity over the weekend, but you can still catch some people who are too busy to be on LinkedIn during the week. 10 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays is considered the golden hour. But again, engagement is much lower than on weekday mornings.
The right time to post on X (formerly Twitter)
Since Elon Musk took over in 2022, Twitter. X (formerly Twitter) has seen a decline in engagement. But it still hosts around 500 million users.
Interestingly, X seems to have crept into the territory of a social media app used primarily during the working week, similar to LinkedIn. Businesses, in particular, won’t see much engagement from posting on X over the weekend. We recommend that you focus your efforts on other platforms during this time.
You’ll see the most engagement on X in the morning (9-11 am) during the working week. This peak time is later on Fridays. The most active users are at noon. As people put their phones away for the weekend, this tails off in the afternoon.
What is the best time to post on Instagram?
This is a question we often receive from brands struggling to make their mark on one of the fastest-growing social media platforms in the world—Instagram. Instagram currently has over 2.4 billion active users.
Our team of digital marketing experts in Dubai has cracked the code on the best day and time to post on Instagram after analyzing more than 500 social media accounts. We have found that a 6.7% increase in engagement can be achieved by sharing posts during peak hours. For this reason, it is important for brands looking to make an impact to know the best time of day to post on Instagram.
Here’s a sneak peek at the best times to post on Instagram for each day of the week, before we get into the nitty-gritty.
We created this post about the best times to post on Instagram every day of the week after analyzing more than 500 Instagram accounts. This post will guide you through identifying the ideal time to post on Instagram to get the maximum number of views, likes, shares, and, ultimately, followers.
Why the Timing of Your Instagram Posts Is Important
Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes posts that get engaged quickly, as soon as they’re published. So if you post when your audience is most active, you increase the likelihood that your content will appear in their feeds and on their stories.
More than just a platform for sharing photos and videos, Instagram has evolved to be a powerful tool for businesses, influencers, and individuals looking to connect with their audience in today’s digital age.
It helps you reach those who are interested in your brand or products and builds a relationship between buyer and customer, increasing the potential to convert into profitable customers. Posting at the right time, especially in a unique market like the UAE, can make or break your success on the platform.
In this blog, we’ll have a look at the best times to post on Instagram in the UAE region. Increase your post views, likes, comments, and shares effectively by timing your post.
When is it best to post on social media in the Dubai timezone?
The best time to post on social media for those looking to reach an audience in the Asia/Dubai time zone varies depending on the platform. According to several analytics reports and studies, the best days to post content are the days of the week.
On Facebook, posting between 9 am and 12 pm will likely lead to higher engagement, while on Instagram the ideal time is between 11 am and 1 pm and 7 pm and 9 pm. Various studies suggest a focus on working hours, specifically between 9 am and 11 am, for professional platforms such as LinkedIn.
Twitter users in the ‘Asia/Dubai’ time zone are most active between 7 am and 9 am and again between 2 pm and 4 pm. These times are for guidance only and are subject to change. Measuring your audience’s behavior and adapting accordingly is the best approach.
So when is the best time for social media posts? Timing is key to achieving maximum reach and engagement, no matter how spectacular your content is.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a dynamic and prosperous nation. In addition, Dubai is known around the world for its impressive skyscrapers and bustling commercial centers. Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital, is famous for its luxurious lifestyle and cultural heritage.
While the concept of a ‘best time’ to post is helpful, it’s important to recognize the multitude of factors that affect engagement. It’s always worth experimenting with different times to see what works best for your specific audience and goals.
Is there a “best time” to post on Instagram?
The idea of the “best time” to post on Instagram has some value. But there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Depending on factors such as your audience, content type, and marketing goals, the optimal time to post will vary. Posting at peak times doesn’t always guarantee engagement, as Instagram’s algorithm also affects visibility.
However, some general tips can help you determine the best time to post on Instagram. These include considering your audience’s time zone, looking at engagement rates, and experimenting with different times.
There are also tools to help you identify when your followers are most active on the platform and when your Instagram post is most likely to be seen.
You can significantly increase the visibility and engagement of your posts by understanding the right time to post on social media. This is a vital part of your online presence and the growth of your follower base. Different platforms have different peak times at which they attract the highest number of active users.
Why is timing important when posting to social media?
As it has a direct impact on the visibility and engagement of your content, the timing of your social media posts is crucial. By posting at the right time, you ensure that your content reaches the maximum number of users. This leads to more likes, comments, and shares. This can help you engage with your audience and improve your online presence.
There are different peak times when the majority of users are active on each social media platform. For example, the best time to post on Instagram may not be the best time to post on Twitter or Facebook. Understanding the demographics of your audience is important. Study the analytics of each platform. You will get the best results.
How will it benefit my brand if I post at the right time?
By posting at the right time, you improve the visibility of your content and therefore increase the likelihood that your audience will interact and engage with your content. Brand recall and loyalty tend to increase with engagement. Regularly interacting with your audience can help you convert and sell more.
Regular posting keeps your audience engaged and your brand top of your customers’ minds. However, overposting can annoy users and cause them to unfollow you. It’s important to strike a balance that matches the interests of your audience, their level of engagement, and your ability to create content.
Are the weekends a good time to post on social media?
Depending on the social media platform and your specific audience profile, the effectiveness of weekend posting will vary. Some platforms see high engagement rates at weekends. Others may not.
Similarly, weekends may be a good time if your audience is largely made up of working professionals. To determine the best time for your audience, always consult your analytics.
Can timing affect how my posts reach and engage? Timing can have a huge impact on the reach and engagement of your posts.
By posting when your audience is most active, you ensure that your content gets the maximum exposure. This can help you build stronger relationships with your audience and increase your brand’s relevance through more likes, shares, comments, and even direct messages.
How to find out when you should start posting
What are the best posting times on Instagram for our account? The best times to post on Instagram for your account will depend on your audience and their activity patterns.
- Target audience identification: Think about your audience’s demographics, where they live, interests, and Instagram activity. If you know who they are, you’ll have a better idea of when they’re most likely to be online.
- Leverage Instagram insights: See when your followers are most active using Instagram’s built-in analytics. This data will guide you to peak posting times by showing you the days and times when your audience is online.
- Try posting at different times: Experiment by posting at different times and on different days. To identify patterns and optimal times, monitor which posts receive the most engagement.
- Take time zones into account: Schedule posts for different time zones if your audience is global. This ensures that your content will reach your followers when they’re awake and active.
- Pay attention to your engagement rate. To see which times generate the most engagement, keep an eye on likes, comments, shares, and saves.
- Use a scheduling tool: Plan and schedule your posts in advance using tools like Mention, Buffer or Sprout Social. Based on your audience’s activity, these platforms can help you automate posting at optimal times.
Be flexible and willing to experiment with different posting times. Find out what works best for your specific audience and goals. With the help of your data, you can find the best time for you and have consistent engagement.
What is the optimal time for Instagram posts in EST?
Understanding the best time to post on Instagram in EST is not just about what time your audience is awake. It is also about adapting to their daily rhythms and routines. For example, when we talk about early morning times, such as 6:00 am to 7:00 am EST, you can’t go wrong. That’s the early morning pattern of most people’s lives.
During this time, people often check their phones for any updates that have been made overnight or for anything of interest that they can start their day with.
The other strategic time is lunchtime, especially at noon EST.
The reason for this is that people are usually on their way to lunch and may have a few minutes of free time to scroll through their social media platforms. This is the time when they are not only available for mental breaks. Therefore, your messages can catch their attention during this time of the day.
Evening hours, especially 8 pm EST, are important too.
People are more likely to post or share on social media after having finished working. Because it taps into the audience’s desire for leisurely content consumption that lets them interact with what they like, it is best to post during this time.
Weekends offer a different dynamic.
This means that individuals can be found active on social media throughout, despite these priority dates, including 11 am Saturday and 7 am Sunday, being the most effective times. These hours can be timed to coincide with users enjoying a slow start to the morning or spending time on weekend activities. This includes checking their Instagram feed and commenting on posts.
These times are not set in stone, as the best time to post on Instagram will certainly vary from account to account, depending on your target market. These are only recommendations. They are based on general trends among users living in the EST time zone.
However, the habits of your specific audience will be the determining factor as to when would be the ideal time for you to post on Instagram. You may want to further refine your posting schedule to optimise your reach within the EST zone.
When is the optimal time to post an Instagram reel?
Knowing the best time to post a reel on Instagram gives you an edge when it comes to engaging and monitoring. The timing of when content is shared is one of the factors that significantly affect audience attention and interaction.
So when should you post your reel to Instagram?
The answer is complex. Those interested need to pay attention to their audience, how the platform’s algorithm works and good planning. During peak engagement times is the best time to post Instagram reels. In the morning to start the day and when going to bed, these are the times when users are likely to be scrolling through their feeds.
When considering the best time to post your reel on Instagram, the weekly rhythm is equally important. Weekdays are more active in the early mornings and evenings as people get involved as they travel to and from work. Weekends, on the other hand, are completely different.
Strategic timing of your reels for maximum visibility will do more than just that. By design, Instagram’s algorithm will often prioritise immediate replies after something has been posted. During peak engagement times when you post your reel, you are more likely to get immediate likes, comments and shares. This helps the algorithm recognise your content as important and worthy of a wider reach.
As you can see, it takes constant observation, experimentation and adaptation to determine the best time to post an Instagram reel. Different audiences have unique needs, although general patterns or data analysis can provide useful information. You need to know how much they are engaging with you and what times are considered convenient for them by looking at the relevant metrics; this will help you adjust your release schedule.
FAQs About The Good Times to Post on Instagram
What is the best day of the week to post on Instagram?
Most studies show that weekdays are better for Instagram posts than weekends. During the week, Wednesday is the best day to post on the platform.
What is the worst time of day to post on Instagram?
The worst time to post on Instagram is between 6 am and 9 am, according to HubSpot research. The worst days are Mondays and Tuesdays, although posts made at the weekend also receive a lower level of engagement than posts made in the middle of the week.
What is the best time to post reels on Instagram?
The best time to post reels is between 11 am and 2 pm and after 6 pm, according to Hopper HQ. It was later found that 4 am was the best time to post them. Post reels on Thursdays for best results.
What is the best time to post a story on Instagram?
According to Hopper HQ, the best time to post a story on Instagram is between 11 am and 2 pm. Depending on your specific audience and time zone, this may vary.
Is it best to post on Instagram daily?
When it comes to posting on Instagram, consistency trumps volume. Whether it’s daily or a few times a week, it’s important to keep a regular posting schedule. To stay top of mind with your followers, you don’t need to post feed posts and reels every day, but it’s a good idea to post to your Stories at least once or twice a day.
Does Instagram have a limit on how much to post?
Instagram has no post limit for practical purposes. You are free to create as many posts as you feel are appropriate for your target audience. That doesn’t mean you should bombard your followers with endless content. Find a balance and post quality over quantity.
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