When Is the Best Time to Post on Instagram in 2023? [Cheat Sheet]
What are the best times to post on Instagram?
As an ecommerce expert, I can tell you that finding the best times to post on Instagram can help grow your business by increasing your reach, engagement, and building a loyal audience. But with so many factors influencing Instagram's algorithm, it can be difficult to know where to start.
Best Time to Post to Instagram Cheatsheet
This handy cheatsheet will help you get started on finding the best times to post on Instagram based on your timezone:
- East Coast USA: 9am, 11am, 2pm, 5pm, 8pm
- West Coast USA: 8am, 10am, 1pm, 4pm, 7pm
- UK: 10am, 12pm, 3pm, 6pm, 9pm
- Australia: 8am, 10am, 1pm, 4pm, 7pm
How We Found the Best Instagram Posting Times
There are several approaches to finding the best time to post on Instagram, but we recommend experimenting with a mix of data-driven methods and qualitative research. Here are some factors to consider:
Why post on Instagram at a certain time?
Here are a few reasons why posting at the right time can make a big difference in your Instagram strategy:
Increasing Reach
Posting at the right time can help your posts get seen by more people, increasing your reach. By timing posts so they appear at the top of users' feeds, you can boost the chances of people noticing and engaging with your content.
Building a Loyal Audience
By posting at consistent times, you can help your followers develop a habit of checking your feed regularly. This can help build a loyal audience that feels connected to your brand.
Increasing Engagement
Posts that are published at popular times when users are most active on the platform tend to generate more likes, comments, and shares. This helps with Instagram's algorithm, which favors posts with high engagement rates.
Testing New Algorithms
Instagram frequently updates its algorithm, so posting at different times and analyzing which perform best can help you keep up with changes and stay ahead of your competition.
Understanding New Features
New features like Instagram Reels or Stories have different posting times that work best than regular feed posts. Timing these posts correctly can help you make the most of new features and formats.
Streamlining Your Posting Schedule
Knowing your best times to post can help you optimize your posting schedule, saving time and effort while maximizing results.
Finding Your Best Customers
By analyzing when your customers are most active on Instagram, you can adjust your posting schedule accordingly to reach them when they are most likely to be online.
Is there really a best time to post to Instagram?
While there is no perfect answer, there are some factors that impact the success of your posts, including:
Content Quality
The quality and relevance of your content are still the most important factors in generating engagement and connecting with your audience.
Instagram’s Algorithm
Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes content that generates engagement.
Content Consistency
The most successful accounts post content that is consistent and delivers value to their audience.
Best Time to Post on Instagram by Time Zone
United States and Canada
East Coast USA: 9am, 11am, 2pm, 5pm, 8pm
West Coast USA: 8am, 10am, 1pm, 4pm, 7pm
Canada: 8am, 11am, 2pm, 5pm, 8pm
Best Time Each Day to Post on Instagram
While general guidelines can be helpful, it's important to note that the best time to post on Instagram can vary by day. Here are some recommendations based on our research:
- Monday: 6am, 10am, 10pm
- Tuesday: 2am, 4am, 9am
- Wednesday: 7am, 8am, 11pm
- Thursday: 9am, 12pm, 7pm
- Friday: 5am, 1pm, 3pm
- Saturday: 11am, 7pm, 8pm
- Sunday: 7am, 8am, 4pm
Best Time to Post Reels on Instagram
Reels are a newer feature to Instagram, and different strategies work best than regular feed posts. Our research recommends the following times to post Reels:
- Tuesday: 4am, 9am, 5pm
- Thursday: 12pm, 7pm, 10pm
- Sunday: 9am, 3pm, 10pm
Best Time to Post on Instagram by Industry
Education
Monday - Friday: 8am, 10am, 2pm, 4pm
Healthcare Companies
Monday - Friday: 4pm, 6pm
Financial Services
Monday - Friday: 9am, 11am, 2pm
Retail
Tuesday: 10am, 12pm, 2pm
Thursday: 1pm, 3pm, 5pm
Ecommerce
Wednesday: 3pm, 7pm
Business Services
Monday - Friday: 9am, 12pm, 3pm
Consumer Manufacturing
Friday: 12pm, 2pm, 4pm
Manufacturing and Materials
Tuesday: 12pm, 2pm, 4pm
Construction Companies
Monday - Friday: 10am, 12pm, 2pm
Agricultural Organizations
Monday - Friday: 6am, 8am, 9am
Electronics Organizations
Monday - Friday: 1pm, 3pm, 4pm
Energy, Utilities, and Waste Management
Monday - Friday: 9am, 10am, 12pm
Information Technology
Monday - Friday: 11am, 2pm, 4pm
Media and Entertainment
Monday - Friday: 11am, 12pm, 2pm
Transportation and Logistics
Friday: 10am, 12pm, 3pm
Advertising and Marketing Organizations
Monday - Friday: 10am, 2pm, 6pm
How to Find the Right Time to Post to Instagram for Reach
Here are some tips on how to experiment to find the right posting schedule for your Instagram account:
1. Check Your Top Posts
Reviewing the analytics of your top posts can give you insights into the types of content that perform best and when they were posted.
2. Track Competitor Posting Times
Competitor research can be a valuable source of information on posting times that work well in your industry or niche.
3. Focus On Engagement
Post at times when your audience is most engaged with your content, as this will help to increase engagement, reach, and visibility.
4. Use Your Data
Experiment with different posting times and track your results over time to help you find the best posting schedule.
Boost Instagram Engagement on Your Schedule
Ultimately, finding the right posting schedule is just one part of a successful Instagram strategy. Focus on consistently creating high-quality content, engaging with your followers, and monitoring your results. By doing so, you can find the rhythm that works best for you and your audience.