Best times to post on social media in 2024

Social media is the game-changer we all need to connect with our crowd in this super-connected world. But it’s not just about posting – it’s all about the right timing, too.

In this blog post, we’ll spill the beans on when’s the best time to post on big platforms such as Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter, among others. Each platform has its rhythm and flow, and getting in sync can make your content pop!

But remember that these times are just a starting point. Your perfect post time could be different depending on who your audience is, what they’re into, and what you’re sharing. So whether you’re a social media whiz or just getting started, this guide’s got some nuggets of wisdom that’ll help you get your posts seen by more people. PS: You can use an online social media scheduler to make your life easier. Let’s dive in!

The best time to post on Instagram

Let’s begin with Instagram, the visually-driven social media platform that’s popular across various demographics. Research suggests that the optimal times to post on Instagram are during lunch hours (11 AM to 1 PM) and later in the evening (7 PM to 9 PM). These are typically the times when users check their feeds, either during a break or while unwinding at the end of the day.

However, it’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and the best time for you might differ. Several factors can influence this, including the location of your audience and the nature of your content. For instance, if your audience is global, you’ll need to consider different time zones. Similarly, the type of content you post might resonate differently at various times. For example, motivational posts might perform better in the morning, while entertainment-focused content might see more engagement in the evening.

Instagram post templates collection with 3 pieces: "coming soon", a post for spas and a last one to promote a programing contest.

Find more Instagram Post Templates

The best time to post Stories on Instagram

Instagram Stories have become a game-changer in the way we share and consume content on the platform. With their fleeting existence of just 24 hours, they are an excellent tool for sharing those unfiltered, behind-the-scenes peeks, limited-time promotions, or other exclusive content that adds a sense of urgency and exclusivity.

But when is the golden hour to post these Stories? Well, research points us toward weekday mornings, specifically between 9 am and 11 am (local time). This is when people often check their phones – either starting their workday, enjoying a coffee break, or simply catching up on what they missed overnight.

The best time to post Reels on Instagram

Navigating the world of Instagram Reels can seem daunting, but you can significantly boost your engagement with the right timing. After browsing various sources, it seems the prime time to post Reels on Instagram is generally between 9 AM and 12 PM from Monday to Thursday. This timeframe attracts the most views and interactions. 

However, it’s essential to remember that these are broad guidelines, and the optimal posting times can vary depending on your audience’s habits and location. It’s always a good idea to experiment with different posting times and analyze your Instagram Insights to find the best schedule for your content!

Instagram Reels templates collection for different businesses.

Find more Instagram Reel Cover Templates

The best time to post on Facebook

Unlocking the best time to post on Facebook can completely transform your social media approach! Many studies point out that the most potent times to share content on this platform usually occur during the workweek, particularly from Monday to Thursday, between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. These are the moments when a substantial number of users are likely to scroll their feeds, be it during their morning rituals, coffee breaks, or lunchtime.

Engagement tends to stay relatively steady from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays, suggesting this period is another feasible option for sharing posts. Notably, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings are often bustling with user activity, offering more chances for amplified visibility and interaction.

Mix of Facebook Templates ready to edit

Find more Facebook Post Templates

The best time to post on Twitter

When it comes to Twitter, the best times to post for maximum engagement typically fall within the workweek. Most notably, Tuesday through Friday mornings, from 9 a.m. until noon, are considered prime tweeting hours. Interestingly, the lunchtime slot, specifically between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., sees a high volume of tweets. Additionally, tweets sent around 9 p.m. frequently receive more retweets and favorites!

However, these are broad trends and the ideal posting times can be based on your specific audience. It’s always beneficial to experiment with various posting times and use Twitter’s analytics tools to understand when your followers are most active. Tailoring your posting schedule to align with your audience’s peak activity times can significantly improve your engagement rates.

The best time to post on LinkedIn

When maximizing your presence on LinkedIn, timing strategically your posts can significantly impact your reach and engagement. The best time to post on LinkedIn depends on your target audience and the nature of your content. 

As a professional networking platform, LinkedIn sees the highest levels of activity during weekdays, particularly during business hours. Based on research, the optimal time for posting on LinkedIn is 9:00 AM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, based on overall performance. 

Posting during these peak times, such as early mornings before work, lunch breaks, or late afternoons, can help you reach a larger audience actively browsing the platform!

The best time to post on TikTok

Determining the optimal time to post on TikTok can significantly enhance your chances of reaching a wider audience and maximizing engagement. As one of the fastest-growing social media platforms, TikTok offers a unique blend of creative content and viral trends. 

When timing your posts on TikTok, it’s crucial to understand the platform’s user behavior. Generally, the most active times on TikTok tend to be in the evenings, between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM, when users are more likely to unwind and spend leisure time scrolling through the app. However, it’s important to note that TikTok’s algorithm is designed to personalize content for each user, meaning timing alone may not guarantee success. 

This table summarizes the best times to post on each social network. But remember: they are not set in stone!

Days Times
Instagram Posts Weekdays, especially Wednesday and Thursday Lunch hours (11 AM to 1 PM) & evenings (7 PM to 9 PM)
Instagram Stories Weekday mornings 9 AM to 11 AM
Instagram Reels Monday to Thursday 9 AM to 12 PM
Facebook Monday to Thursday 8 AM to 1 PM
Twitter Tuesday through Friday mornings 9 AM until noon
LinkedIn Tuesday and Wednesday 9 AM and business hours
TikTok In the evenings 6 PM to 10 PM

 

Let’s wrap this up, but remember, while our guide to the best hours to post on social media in 2024 gives you a head start, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Your unique project brings its own metrics and audience behaviors. These times can be a great launchpad, but the real magic happens when you dive deeper into your analytics. 

So, roll up your sleeves, get into the nitty-gritty of your data, and tailor-make a plan that fits your project like a glove. It’s all about aligning with your audience’s rhythm — when they’re scrolling, you’re posting. Remember, in social media, it’s not about following the crowd, but understanding yours!