Finding the perfect time to post on Instagram can make or break your engagement levels.
In this post, Senior Social Media Strategist, Josh Rohr, will explore how posting times can impact engagement on Instagram and reveal the best times to post in 2024. Using the latest data and analytics, we’ll guide you through creating a successful content schedule for both B2B and B2C audiences.
What You’ll learn:
- Why Timing Matters
- What is the Best Time to Post on Instagram?
- How Does the Algorithm Affect Timing?
- What Are the Best Times to Post on Instagram By Industry?
- Determining the Best Time to Post
- Does the Best Time to Post Differ Based on Post Type?
- Best Times to Post on Instagram FAQs
Why Timing Matters For Instagram Posting Times in 2024
Instagram’s algorithm, which continues to evolve, prioritizes posts based on user engagement, relevance, and timeliness. Posting when your audience is online is crucial to getting your content seen.
In 2024, Instagram’s AI-driven recommendations and the rise of short-form video content like Reels have made timely, engaging posts more important than ever. When timed correctly, posts are more likely to appear in users’ feeds and generate interaction.
What is the Best Time to Post on Instagram?
Easily put: the best time to post on Instagram is when your users are most online. Since the Instagram algorithm is designed based on user habits, your posting schedule should follow it, too.
The optimal posting times vary depending on your audience and industry. However, studies from Hootsuite and Later suggest that these are the general best times to post:
- Monday: 12:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM
- Friday: 2:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM
- Sunday: 7:00 PM
These times are based on global engagement patterns, but every business should consult its Instagram Insights to see when their followers are most active.
Industry-Specific Posting Times for Instagram in 2024
While general best times are useful, industries see different patterns based on user behavior:
- Consumer Goods: Thursdays at 2 PM
- Healthcare: Thursdays at 1 PM
- Hospitality: Tuesdays at 10 AM, Wednesdays 11 AM – 1 PM
- Restaurants: Mondays at 2 PM
- Education: Tuesdays at 11 AM, Thursdays at 10 AM
How to Determine Your Brand’s Best Time to Post
Ultimately, the best way to optimize your posting schedule is by analyzing Instagram Insights. These insights give you real-time data about when your audience is most active.
Testing different times and measuring the results is essential for refining your strategy. Play around with your content, such as posting Reels in the afternoon and static posts in the morning, and see which times yield the most engagement.
On that note, let’s take a look at how the Instagram algorithm, in its current iteration, impacts timing.
How the Instagram Algorithm Affects Timing
Initially, Instagram displayed content in reverse chronological order. This changed in 2016 when the platform began prioritizing content based on user interest, relationships, and engagement. Although Instagram still considers recency, the current algorithm favors posts that spark interactions.
In 2024, short-form video content, especially Reels, plays a significant role. Engaging, timely, and authentic content is essential, and using features like polls or interactive stories increases your chances of reaching more users.
Increase Your Instagram Engagement With Timely Strategies
Run Paid Promotions
If your goal is to grow an audience, Sponsored Posts are a great way to put your content in front of a new crowd. Paid ads remove timing concerns, as Instagram handles scheduling, allowing you to focus on creative content and audience targeting.
Relevant Hashtags
There’s been some talk lately that hashtags are dead. This isn’t true. It’s no secret that Instagram posts featuring relevant hashtags receive higher engagement than those without. Use a mix of branded and community hashtags to increase your reach by helping you show up in related search results.
Content Format Matters
Reels generally outperform static posts, but you should experiment with various formats to understand what resonates with your audience. Adding captions also ensures accessibility for a broader audience.
By consistently posting at optimal times, engaging with followers, and leveraging insights, you can maximize your Instagram reach and effectiveness in 2024.
Be Interesting
Posting during peak hours means nothing if your content lacks personality. Instagram’s machine-learning algorithm aims to deliver the content you care about based on how you’ve interacted with similar content in the past.
Brands can take advantage of this by focusing on engagement and being authentic. What this means is, identifying hashtags that will help you get seen, along with high-quality visuals, and well-crafted captions. In other words, your goal is to push out posts people actually want to click on.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does Instagram’s ‘Recent’ vs. ‘Relevant’ feed impact posting times?
The ‘Relevant’ feed uses an algorithm based on engagement, while ‘Recent’ shows posts in chronological order. Monitor audience behavior to determine optimal posting times.
2. How often should I post for optimal engagement?
Consistency matters, but avoid overwhelming your audience. Focus on posting high-quality content at a sustainable frequency.
3. Does timing differ for Stories vs. Feed posts?
Yes. Stories require real-time engagement, while Feed posts benefit from strategic timing for visibility.
4. Do holidays or events affect posting?
Yes, adjust your schedule during these times based on changes in audience behavior.
5. Are weekends more effective for certain niches or industries on Instagram?
Yes, weekends may work better for industries like B2C. Analyze your audience’s habits to confirm.
6. How does Instagram Insights improve my schedule?
Instagram Insights show when your followers are most active, helping refine your timing strategy.
7. What role do IGTV and Reels play in timing?
IGTV and Reels have different dynamics than regular Instagram posts. Reels perform well in short windows, while longer IGTV content requires strategic scheduling.
Understanding your audience’s preferences is vital.
8. Do collaborations timing?
Collaborations and shoutouts can influence your posting times. Coordinating with collaborators’ schedules and considering their audiences can impact the success of your posts. Collaboration timing should align with the shared audience’s active hours.
Want to Improve Your Social Media Marketing?
While finding the optimal posting time is crucial, it’s just one piece of the puzzle.
Combining well-timed posts with high-quality content—particularly Reels and interactive Stories—will help increase engagement on Instagram.
We can also help:
- Monitor Instagram Insights regularly
- Test different post times
- Adjust your posting schedule as needed to stay ahead in 2024.
Ready to level up your Instagram strategy in 2024? Contact Ignite Visibility today for expert advice on how to enhance your social media marketing.
