Is There a “Best Time to Post on Instagram?”

We’ve all heard it: “There’s a best time to post on social media.” But if you’ve experimented with posting at different times yourself, you’ve probably found that your results vary.

So what’s the deal? Is there really a best time to post on Instagram?

Why Timing Your Instagram Posts Matters

Like all social networks, Instagram wants to keep users on the platform. One of the ways they do this is by showing users the content they’re most likely to enjoy and engage with.

While there are a ton of factors that go into what Instagram shows a user (like who they follow and what they typically engage with) recency is a big one.

When a user opens the Instagram app, the algorithm tries to show them the best posts since their last visit. To make sure your posts are seen, you want to publish them when your audience is online and scrolling.

When Is the Best Time to Post on Instagram in 2023?

Unfortunately, there’s no single answer to that question. Your audience is unique, so the best way to figure out when they’re active on Instagram is to experiment.

Here are a few guidelines to get you started:

Best Times to Post on Instagram Overall:

  • Tuesday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Thursday: 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Best Times to Post on Instagram by Industry:

  • B2B: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday
  • Tech: 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Wednesday
  • Healthcare: 9 a.m. Tuesday
  • Education: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday
  • Nonprofits: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Tuesday
  • Ecommerce: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday

Best Times to Post on Instagram by Day:

  • Monday: 6 a.m., 10 a.m., 10 p.m. EST
  • Tuesday: 2 a.m., 4 a.m., 9 a.m. EST
  • Wednesday: 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 11 a.m. EST
  • Thursday: 9 a.m., 12 p.m., 7 p.m. EST
  • Friday: 5 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. EST
  • Saturday: 11 a.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m. EST
  • Sunday: 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 4 p.m. EST

Finding the Best Time to Post on Instagram for Your Business

Here’s how to take the guesswork out of finding the best time to post on Instagram:

  1. Check your Instagram Insights. If you have a business or creator account on Instagram, you can use the native analytics tool, Instagram Insights, to learn more about your followers (including when they’re most active online).

  2. Use a social media scheduling tool. Social media scheduling tools like HubSpot, Hootsuite, and SproutSocial allow you to schedule your Instagram posts in advance. Many even include features that identify optimal posting times based on historical data.

  3. Experiment. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different posting times and track your results. Over time, you’ll get a better understanding of when your audience is most active on Instagram.

By consistently posting high-quality content and optimizing your posting times, you can ensure that your content is seen by as many people as possible.

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