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We Know the Best Time to Post on Instagram [+ Daily Guide]

25/06/2025 10 min read

Key Takeaways

  1. Timing impacts reach: Posting when your audience is active (often weekdays, lunch breaks, or evenings) improves likes, views, and engagement.
  2. Leverage insights: Use Instagram’s built‑in analytics to understand when your followers are online and adjust your posting schedule accordingly.
  3. Tailor to your audience: Consider time zones, demographics, and habits, and review competitors’ posting times for ideas.
  4. Test and refine: Experiment with different times, days, and content types (posts, reels, stories) to find your ideal posting rhythm.
  5. Go beyond Instagram: Build a website or blog alongside your Instagram presence, using a secure domain and privacy protection, to expand your reach and deepen connections.
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If you’re struggling to get visibility and likes for your Instagram posts, it might be due to posting at the wrong times. After analyzing various accounts, we’ve found the most favorable times to post during the week and weekends for maximum engagement and reach. We understand that every business, audience, and location is unique, so we’ve also provided tips on how to find the ideal posting time tailored to your account.

Does It Matter What Time You Post on Instagram?

One of the most common questions influencers often ask is, Does it matter what time I distribute content on my Instagram page? The truth is that time plays a crucial role in determining the success of every single post you make on the platform. While the algorithm constantly changes over time, research consistently shows that posting at certain times can significantly increase views and likes. One major reason why this is the case is that there are peak periods when a majority of your followers are online. If you post around that time, a greater number of individuals will view and interact with your content.

What are the algorithm's preferences?

When a significant number of followers engage with your post, the algorithm recognizes the content as high-quality. Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes engaging content to enhance user experience and prolong their engagement on the platform. When your post gets high watch time and engagement, the algorithm promotes it to a wider audience, potentially leading to viral success.

However, it’s worth noting that the optimal time to distribute content may vary based on factors such as your target audience, industry, and location. What works for one account may not be effective for another. While strategic timing can undoubtedly boost your visibility, other factors also significantly maximize engagement and reach on social channels. You’ll learn more about these in the following sections.

Best Time to Post on Instagram During the Week for Likes and Views

Indeed, the best time to post on Instagram is hugely influenced by factors such as target audience, demographics, and behavior patterns. However, research shows that content made at particular times on weekdays generally performs better regarding engagements and likes. Let’s explore the ideal time to share during the week for engagement.

Best Time to Post on Instagram on Monday

Contrary to popular belief, Monday isn’t necessarily the worst day to distribute content on Instagram. Users tend to be highly active on this day, catching up on news and updates on the latest trends after the weekend. For more views, consider sharing content during periods of highest activity:

  • early morning between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM;
  • lunchtime between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM;
  • late afternoon between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM.

The reason early morning posts often perform well is that lots of people, usually on their way to work, take the opportunity to check their devices before the day begins. At lunchtime and in the early evening, users often take breaks or unwind, providing another window for interaction.

Best Time to Post on Instagram on Tuesday

Tuesday is among the most favorable days for sharing content on social media daily. As users settle into their weekly routines, they are more likely to engage with various content types like art and pics. Prime times to share on Instagram on Tuesday are:

  • late morning between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM;
  • midday between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM;
  • early evening between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM.

These periods tend to capture high engagement rates, as users take breaks during the day or unwind after stressful work hours.

Best Time to Post on Instagram on Wednesday

Based on our findings after analyzing countless Instagram pages, Wednesday posts typically have a steady level of social media activity. The best time to post on Instagram for likes on this day is at 11:00 in the morning when users are likely to browse their devices for updates before diving into their personal endeavors. What’s more, 3:00 in the afternoon may also be a good time, as images or photos shared during the afternoon slump often attract users seeking a brief distraction or inspiration while working.

Best Time to Post on Instagram on Thursday

The optimal time to share content on Thursday is from 7:00 to 8:00 in the morning, as people often browse their devices while commuting to work or just before starting work. Additionally, posts made during evening hours, between 4:00 and 7:00, tend to perform quite well, as social media users wind down their workday.

Best Time to Post on Instagram on Friday

We’ve found that people engage more with content on this day, as they anticipate the approaching weekend and feel more relaxed. The most favorable posting period on Friday for views is 7:00 in the morning. Additionally, content made midday from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM often gets more likes and comments, as users take breaks or plan their weekend activities during these hours.

Best Time to Post on Instagram on Saturday

Posts made on Saturdays often get fewer views and engagements compared to those made on weekdays. However, not posting can lead to a loss of engagement and visibility among your audience. The most favorable time to distribute content on Saturday is between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM, just before users shift their attention from social media to enjoying leisure activities and socializing with family and friends. The second best posting period is between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM, as users typically wind down their day and search for entertainment or relaxation on the social media channel.

Best Time to Post on Instagram on Sunday

Engagement levels are typically lower on Sundays, as most users are often engaged in various activities. Engagements typically start to increase from 6:00 PM to around 9:00 PM, after which they plummet as users start to prepare for bed, getting ready for a fresh workday routine.

What Is the Best Time to Post Reels and Stories on Instagram?

The best time to post reels on Instagram can vary based on the behavior and preferences of your target audience. However, for now, it’s important to understand how reels work and how users perceive them, as well as other types of content on the Instagram app. This knowledge may help you determine the most suitable posting time for your specific page.

Reels often get around 300% higher reach, making them valuable for individuals, including photographers, aiming to grow their following. While most people typically search for close friends in stories and discover new content types and creators on the explore page, they view reels as a feature for entertainment that requires slightly more attention. Consequently, this informs you that posting reels during rush hours, such as early mornings, may likely get low engagement.

Going by the rationale

The most favorable time to distribute content is during the evening when users are winding down their day and seeking entertainment, typically from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Additionally, content made during lunch breaks, between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, also often gets good views. However, for business individuals targeting collaborations or networking, posting during work hours may be more effective.

Generally, sharing content when the majority of your followers are active online can help improve reach and engagement on your reels. As we’ve explained earlier, when a post is made on Instagram, be it a selfie, some other photo type, or a video, the algorithm shows it to a few of your followers. If they engage with it, the algorithm pushes it to more followers’ feeds, potentially increasing its visibility and engagement further. And if the metrics are good, your content may reach a new audience.

In a nutshell, the optimal time to share a reel or story on Instagram is during non-peak hours when your followers are active. Experimenting with different posting periods and examining engagement metrics can help you find the most favorable posting schedule for your account. Read on to learn how to find the ideal timing.

Tips on How to Find Your Ideal Time to Post on Instagram Today

Being able to know the most favorable posting times can significantly influence your reach and ultimately make it possible for you to connect with your audience when they are most active and likely to engage. Here are the top tips that will assist you in determining the perfect moment to distribute content today.

Use Instagram Insights

When you’re just starting on Instagram with few followers, it can feel like you’re navigating in the dark. The platform doesn’t provide details about the location and demographics of your viewers, as well as when most of them are online. At this early stage, the best way to go is to broaden your reach and share during the generally acknowledged peak times each day. However, once you gain more followers and engagements, Instagram will provide you with insights and analytics that offer all the information to help you refine your posting strategy.

Review metrics such as impressions, reach, and engagement rates to uncover patterns and trends. Adjust your everyday posting schedule based on them to optimize your reach and engagement over time.

Focus Your Audience’s Time Zone

Tailor your posting schedule to align with the timezone of your audience, including Eastern Time (EST), Pacific Time (PST), and Central Time (CST), to ensure that a majority of them see and can engage with your content. You can use scheduling tools to share during peak hours, aligning with your followers’ online activity when they’re actively browsing their feeds, even if it coincides with your bedtime.

Research When Your Competitors Are Posting

Research your competitors to gain insights into the ideal times of the day to share content within your niche. Analyze their posting habits and observe their engagement rates and audience reactions. Identify gaps in their schedule that you can take to your advantage. This can help you pinpoint the most favorable posting times and strategies to enhance engagement and expand the reach of your content.

Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the most commonly inquired questions about posting content on Instagram and the best answers to them.

While audiences and businesses on Instagram vary, a specialized posting schedule may be necessary. However, weekdays are commonly regarded as the “best days” to distribute content, even for artists. This is because people are typically more active on the digital platform during the middle of the week. Based on our findings, weekdays, particularly Friday, Thursday, and Tuesday, tend to generate more engagements, likes, and shares, compared to Saturday/Sunday.
The most favorable posting time for engagement depends on the demographics and behavior of your audience. However, we’ve found the overall best and most popular time for maximum engagement is during leisure hours and evenings.
To determine the peak activity periods of your Instagram followers, you can use the platform’s built-in analytics tool known as Instagram Insights. Here’s how to access it: 1. Go to your Instagram profile. 2. Tap on the 3 horizontal lines located in the top right corner to open the menu. 4. Choose “Insights” from the list of menu options. 5. In the “Insights” dashboard, locate and click on the “Audience” section. 6. Scroll down to view the “Followers” tab, where you can access information about their ages, genders, and demographics. To determine when the majority of your followers are online and active, look for the “Followers Activity” graph or table. It displays the days and exact times when your audience is online and how they engage with your pictures or other content.
The ideal time to distribute content on Instagram on holidays may vary based on the specific holiday and your audience’s behavior patterns. Generally, it’s best to target times when individuals are prone to taking breaks. For major holidays like Christmas, consider posting early in the morning or afternoon. This is also applicable on Thanksgiving day. Around this time, people are likely to be relaxing and browsing through their profiles on social media.
The worst period to share on Instagram is when you have the fewest number of your followers online. For most accounts, this is generally around late night hours, very early in the morning when most users are asleep, and during traditional work hours when people are occupied with their jobs or other responsibilities. Whether you’re in California, New York, Los Angeles, or elsewhere in the USA, or even in the UK or some other part of Europe, comprehending the behavior of your audience and time zones is essential for optimizing engagement.

Summing Up

When determining the best posting time, be it in the morning on weekdays or at night on weekends, it’s crucial to take into account your target audience’s demographics and behavior patterns. If you’re new to Instagram and lack access to the “Insights” feature on your account, consider sharing around peak periods.

However, if commonly suggested posting times don’t seem to work, consider trying out posting at various times throughout the day to assess potential improvements. What’s more, it may be helpful to refine your strategy by trying varying content types, including carousel-type content, videos, and pictures.

While posting at the ideal time is one way to increase your reach, owning a personal blog can also help expand that reach, increase your follower base, and help establish a deeper connection with your audience. However, when creating a website for your brand, be sure to register your domain with a reliable domain registrar that guarantees 100% all-year-round cyber threat protection. At Trustname, we prioritize the security of your online presence while ensuring a smooth registration process.

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Combining the Instagram content scheduling tips shared in this guide with a well-designed personal blog may help amplify your online presence and increase your influence across multiple platforms.

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