Best Time To Post On Instagram In 2024: Increase Your Engagement Now!

Hey there, fellow Instagram enthusiasts! 📸 Have you ever wondered when the best time to post on Instagram is? Well, you’re not alone!

As a passionate Instagram user, I’ve spent countless hours experimenting with different posting times, trying to decipher the elusive algorithm, and seeking that magical moment when my content gets the attention it deserves.

In this journey of trial and error, I’ve uncovered some valuable insights about the best times to share your moments with the world, and I can’t wait to share them with you. So, grab your coffee, get cozy, and let’s dive into the intriguing world of Instagram posting times!

What is The Best Time to Post Reels on Instagram?

However, some general guidelines can help you determine when to share your Reels for maximum visibility and engagement:

1. Weekdays vs. Weekends: Weekdays tend to be better for posting Reels, particularly from Tuesday to Thursday. Many people are more active on Instagram during their work breaks or after work hours during these days.
2. Morning and Lunchtime: Posting Reels in the morning (around 8 AM to 10 AM) and during lunchtime (around 12 PM to 1 PM) can be effective, as people often check their social media during these times.
3. Early Evening: Another prime time is early evening, typically between 6 PM and 8 PM. This is when many Instagram users unwind and scroll through their feeds.
4. Consider Your Audience: Analyze your Instagram Insights to understand when your specific audience is most active. This data can provide valuable insights into the ideal posting times for your content.
5. Experiment and Monitor: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different posting times and days of the week. Instagram’s algorithm takes into account the engagement your post receives within the first hour, so you can use trial and error to find the sweet spot for your Reels.
6. Time Zones: Keep in mind the time zones of your target audience. If your audience is spread across different regions, scheduling posts catering to most of your followers can be beneficial.

What is the Best Time to Post Stories on Instagram?

When determining the best time to post Stories on Instagram, it’s crucial to recognize their unique nature. Unlike Reels and regular posts that remain on your Instagram feed for future viewing, Stories have a limited lifespan of 24 hours, making them ideal for more immediate and engaging content.

If you’re planning to share something visually appealing, significant, or just lighthearted through Stories, feel free to do so without worrying too much about the timing.

These types of content are often meant for instant engagement and can be posted whenever inspiration strikes.

However, timing can make a difference if you’re a business or influencer seeking to leverage Stories as a promotional tool for your Reels, products, services, or regular posts. In such cases, it’s advisable to target the weekdays’ lunch break window, which typically spans from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This period aligns with the time when many Instagram users take a break, check their phones, and are more likely to engage with your content. So, for strategic marketing efforts, consider scheduling your Stories during these hours to maximize their impact.

Best Time to Post on Instagram for Different Locations

Here’s a general guideline for posting times in different time zones:

1. Eastern Time Zone (ET):

• Best times: 11 AM – 1 PM and 7 PM – 9 PM
• Weekdays generally work well, with peak engagement on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

2. Central Time Zone (CT):

• Best times: 10 AM – 12 PM and 6 PM – 8 PM
• Like ET, weekdays are generally better, with Tuesdays and Thursdays being high-engagement days.

3. Mountain Time Zone (MT):

• Best times: 9 AM – 11 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM
• Again, weekdays are preferred, especially on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

4. Pacific Time Zone (PT):

• Best times: 8 AM – 10 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
• Posting on weekdays is effective, and Wednesdays tend to see increased engagement.

5. United Kingdom (GMT):

• Best times: 12 PM – 2 PM and 8 PM – 10 PM
• Weekdays are popular for posting, and Wednesdays and Thursdays are peak engagement days.

6. Australia (AEST):

• Best times: 7 PM – 9 PM and 3 AM – 5 AM (next day)
• Given the time difference, consider scheduling posts that cater to both local and international audiences.

7. India (IST):

• Best times: 12 PM – 2 PM and 8 PM – 10 PM
• Weekdays generally work well, with a focus on Wednesdays and Fridays.

8. South America (BRT):

• Best times: 2 PM – 4 PM and 8 PM – 10 PM
• Weekdays are preferred, with Thursdays seeing higher engagement.

Using Hashtag while posting

Using hashtags while posting on Instagram is not strictly necessary, but it is highly recommended for several reasons. Hashtags serve as a powerful tool to increase the discoverability of your content.

They help your posts reach a broader and more relevant audience beyond your existing followers, making them essential for growing your Instagram presence.

Hashtags categorize your content and align it with specific topics or themes, allowing users interested in those subjects to find and engage with your posts easily.

Without hashtags, your content may remain confined to your current follower base, limiting your potential reach and engagement.

Therefore, while not mandatory, incorporating relevant hashtags into your posts is a valuable strategy for boosting your visibility, connecting with new audiences, and ultimately achieving greater success on Instagram.

Additionally, hashtags provide valuable insights into trending topics and conversations, helping you stay relevant and aligned with current trends.

In essence, hashtags are a fundamental element of Instagram marketing, as they bridge the gap between your content and a vast, interested audience, making them an indispensable component of any successful Instagram strategy.

Worst Time to Post on Instagram:

Understanding when not to post on Instagram is just as crucial as identifying the best times. Posting at the wrong times can dilute your content’s impact, despite your dedication and investment in its production.

One of the times that’s often considered less favorable for Instagram posting is weekends, especially Saturdays. This is because many people tend to be engaged in other activities, taking a break from their screens.

However, it’s important to note that this can vary depending on your niche and target audience. It can still work well if you have a compelling reason to post on a Saturday that aligns with your audience’s habits.

Sundays are also commonly seen as a less optimal time to post on Instagram. This is because many people use Sundays to prepare for the upcoming week, which may reduce their screen time.

However, the research on this aspect doesn’t always have robust data to support the claim. As a result, it’s worth experimenting to see if Sunday posting works for your specific audience.

While weekends, especially Saturdays, and Sundays, are generally considered less favorable for Instagram posting, the effectiveness of your posting schedule depends on your unique audience and niche.

Experimentation and monitoring engagement metrics can help you fine-tune your posting strategy and determine the best times for your Instagram content.

Instagram Audience Persona:

Instagram Users by Age:

• Instagram has a diverse age range of users, with the majority falling between 18 to 44 years old.
• The largest user group is aged 25 to 34 years, accounting for approximately 31.5% of users.
• The 18-24 age group is also substantial, making up around 30.1% of users.
• Teens aged 13-17 make up 8.5% of users, and there’s a significant presence of users in the 35-44 and 45-54 age groups as well.
• Instagram even has users aged 65 and above, comprising 2.1% of the platform’s user base.

Instagram Users by Gender:

• Instagram’s user base is nearly evenly split between male and female users.
• Approximately 50.7% of users identify as male, while 49.3% identify as female.

Instagram Users by Region:

• Instagram users can be found across different regions, including urban, suburban, and rural areas.
• Urbanites make up the largest percentage of Instagram users at 45%, followed closely by suburbanites at 41%.
• Rural residents also have a notable presence on the platform, constituting 25% of Instagram users.

More Points on Right Timing to Post on Instagram:

1. Analyze Instagram Insights: Instagram provides valuable data about your followers’ activity. Go to your Instagram Insights, navigate to the “Audience” tab, and review the “Followers” section. This will show you when your followers are most active on the platform.
2. Identify Your Time Zone: Ensure that you are aware of your target audience’s time zone, especially if you have a global following. Consider posting at times that align with the majority of your audience’s local time.
3. Consider Your Audience’s Daily Routine: Consider when your target audience will likely have downtime or check their phones. Common times include morning commutes, lunch breaks, and evening relaxation.
4. Test Different Time Slots: Experiment with posting at various times to see which ones generate the most engagement. Instagram’s algorithm considers the initial engagement within the first hour, so monitor your post’s performance shortly after posting.
5. Day of the Week Matters: Generally, weekdays tend to be better for posting, with Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday often showing the highest engagement. However, it can vary based on your niche and audience, so always check your Insights.
6. Avoid Peak Times: Avoid posting during peak hours when many other users are active, as your content might get lost in the feed. Instead, try posting slightly before or after peak times.
7. Storytelling and Consistency: Maintain a consistent posting schedule. Your audience will come to expect your content at specific times, increasing the chances of engagement.
8. Use Scheduling Tools: Utilize social media scheduling tools like Buffer, Hootsuite, or Later to plan and schedule posts in advance, ensuring you don’t miss optimal time slots.
9. Engage and Respond: Be active and responsive when your content goes live. Engage with comments and messages promptly to signal to the algorithm that your content is relevant and engaging.
10. Consider Time Zone Differences: If your audience spans different time zones, try to schedule posts strategically for maximum coverage. Instagram’s Creator Studio allows you to schedule posts in advance while considering time zone differences.
11. Monitor Performance: Regularly review your Instagram Insights to track which posting times generate the most likes, comments, and shares. Adjust your posting schedule accordingly based on your findings.
12. Keep Seasonal Trends in Mind: Be mindful of seasonal trends and holidays that may affect your audience’s availability and interests. Tailor your content and posting times accordingly.

Quick Links:

• Best Time To Post On Facebook
• Best Times to Post On TikTok 
• Tips About Instagram Marketing You Need to Know