The Best Time to Post on Instagram: Get More Likes and Followers
If you are an Instagram user looking to increase your reach, you may
have heard that timing is everything when it comes to posting on the social
media platform. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of when
to post on Instagram, there are general guidelines and best practices that
can help you fine tune your posting schedule for maximum engagement.
In this post, we will explore the factors that go into determining the best
time to post on Instagram, backed by real world data and examples.
We will also discuss the Instagram algorithm and how it affects your post
visibility, as well as the tools available to help you analyze your posting
data and find the ideal times to share your content.
So, whether you are a business trying to reach your target audience or an
individual looking to grow your following, read on to learn more about how to
get the most out of your Instagram posting strategy.
Must Read | 7 Tips for Becoming Instagram Famous and Making Bank
The Algorithm Behind Instagram’s Feed
Before we discuss the best times to
post on Instagram, it is important to understand how the platform’s algorithm
works. Instagram’s algorithm determines which posts appear in users’ feeds and
in what order, based on a variety of factors.
In the past, Instagram’s feed was
organized chronologically, with the most recent posts appearing at the top.
However, in 2016, the platform switched to a personalized algorithmic feed,
which considers several signals to determine what content to show users.
Some of the factors that influence
Instagram’s algorithm include:
- Engagement: Posts with high engagement rates (likes, comments, shares) are more likely to appear in users’ feeds.
- Relevance: The algorithm looks at how relevant a post is to a user’s interests, based on their past activity on the platform.
- Timeliness: While Instagram no longer sorts posts purely by chronological order, recency still plays a role in determining post visibility.
- Frequency: If a user follows a lot of accounts, the algorithm may show them fewer posts from each individual account to avoid overwhelming their feed.
Knowing how Instagram’s algorithm
works can help you understand why posting at the right time is so important.
Even if you have great content, if you are posting at a time when your audience
is not active on the platform, your post may not get the engagement it
deserves.
In the next section, we will talk
about the factors you should consider when determining the best times to post
on Instagram.
In today’s
fast-paced digital world, it is not enough to simply post content on Instagram
and hope for the best. By using the right tools and strategies to determine the
best times to share your content, you can increase your visibility, connect
with your target audience, and build a strong online presence. Do not leave
your Instagram success to chance – take control of your posting schedule and
watch your engagement soar.
Also Read | A Complete Guide To Getting Instagram Sponsorship
Factors to Consider When Deciding the Best Time to Post on Instagram
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of when to post
on Instagram, there are several factors to consider when determining the best
times to share your content. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:
#1. Your Target Audience
The first and most important factor to consider when determining the best
time to post on Instagram is your target audience. Who are you trying to reach
with your content, and when are they most active on the platform?
For example, if your target audience is primarily located in the United
States, you may want to post during their waking hours rather than when they
are asleep. Additionally, if your target audience consists of working
professionals, you may find that they are more active on the platform during
their lunch breaks or in the evenings after work.
#2. Your Content Type
The type of content you are sharing on Instagram can also play a role in deciding
the best times to post. For example, if you are sharing a post that requires
users to take action (such as clicking a link), you may want to post during
times when your audience is most likely to be online and engaged.
On the other hand, if you are sharing a post that is more visually oriented
(such as a beautiful landscape photo), you may find that posting during
off-hours can be effective, as users may be more likely to spend time browsing
through Instagram when they have downtime.
#3. Day of the Week
In addition to considering the time of day, it is also important to think
about the day of the week when posting on Instagram. While weekends may seem
like an obvious choice, depending on your target audience, you may find that
weekdays are more effective for engagement.
For example, if you are trying to reach a business audience, you may find
that posting during the workweek is more effective, as users may be more likely
to be active on the platform during their workday.
#4. Instagram Insights
Finally, one of the most effective ways to determine the best times to post
on Instagram is to use Instagram Insights, a built-in tool that allows you to
view data about your posts and followers.
By analyzing your Insights data, you can gain valuable insights into your
audience’s behavior and engagement rates. You can see when your audience is
most active on the platform, which types of content perform best, and which
posts are generating the most engagement.
Using this information, you can make data driven decisions about when to
post on Instagram to maximize your reach and engagement.
In the next section, we will check out some real world examples of how
businesses and individuals have used these factors to determine their optimal
posting times.
Check Out | The Easiest Way to Repost Instagram Photos Using Your Computer
Tools to Help You Decide the Best Time to Post
Now that you understand some of the key factors to consider when deciding
when to post on Instagram, you may be wondering how to calculate your optimal
posting times. Fortunately, there are several tools available that can help you
gather data and make informed decisions. Here are a few worth checking out:
#1. Instagram Insights
As we mentioned in the previous section, Instagram Insights is a powerful
tool that provides you with data about your followers and their behavior. By
reviewing your Insights data, you can determine when your audience is most
active on the platform, which can help you decide when to post.
To access Insights, simply switch to a business profile and tap the Insights
icon on your profile page. From there, you can view metrics like reach,
impressions, engagement, and more.
#2. Later
Later is a popular social media scheduling tool that offers a feature called
“Best Time to Post.” This feature analyzes your Instagram account and
uses machine learning algorithms to determine the optimal times for you to post
based on your engagement history.
To use this feature, simply connect your Instagram account to Later and
access the Best Time to Post report. Later will provide you with a list of
recommended posting times for each day of the week, based on when your audience
is most likely to be active.
#3. Sprout Social
Sprout Social is another social media management tool that offers advanced
analytics and reporting features. Their ViralPost feature analyzes your
audience’s behavior and engagement patterns to determine the best times for you
to post on Instagram (as well as other social media platforms).
To use ViralPost, simply connect your Instagram account to Sprout Social and
access the Reports tab. From there, you can view data about your audience’s
behavior and see the recommended posting times based on that data.
#4. Iconosquare
Iconosquare is a social media analytics and management tool that offers a
range of features to help you optimize your Instagram strategy. One of their
most popular features is the Best Time to Post report, which analyzes your
audience’s behavior and engagement patterns to determine the optimal posting
times.
To use this feature, simply connect your Instagram account to Iconosquare
and access the Best Time to Post report. From there, you can view a list of
recommended posting times for each day of the week, based on your audience’s
behavior.
Hence, while there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of when to
post on Instagram, there are several factors to consider when deciding upon the
best times to share your content.
By using tools like Instagram Insights, Later, Sprout Social, and
Iconosquare, you can gather data about your audience’s behavior and make
informed decisions about when to post to maximize your reach and engagement.
Timing
is everything on Instagram. While there is no one definitive answer to the best
time to post, understanding the algorithm and your audience’s behavior can help
you maximize your reach and engagement. Experiment, track your results, and be
willing to adjust your strategy as needed to find the optimal posting times for
your brand.
You May Like | 5 Ways to Use Instagram to Promote Your E-Commerce Business
Best Times to Post on Instagram
Now that you know the factors to consider and the tools to use, let us dive
into some of the best times to post on Instagram. Keep in mind that the optimal
posting times may vary depending on your industry, target audience, and
location, so be sure to experiment and track your results.
#1. Weekdays vs.
Weekends
According to a study by Sprout Social, the best days to post on Instagram
are Wednesdays and Fridays, with Wednesday being the overall best day. However,
the study also found that there’s not a significant difference in engagement
between weekdays and weekends.
#2. Time of Day
The same Sprout Social study found that the best times to post on Instagram
are 11am-2pm on weekdays, with Wednesday at 11am and Friday at 10-11am being
the best times overall. However, it is worth noting that the optimal posting
times may vary depending on your time zone and the location of your audience.
#3. Industry Specific
Data
It is also important to consider industry specific data when defining the
best times to post on Instagram. For example, if you are a fashion or beauty
brand, you may want to post during the evening hours when people are more
likely to be browsing Instagram for inspiration. On the other hand, if you’re a
B2B brand, you may want to post during business hours when your target audience
is more likely to be active on the platform.
#4. Your Audience’s
Behavior
Ultimately, the best times to post on Instagram will depend on your specific
audience and their behavior. By using the tools and strategies outlined above,
you can gather data about your audience’s engagement patterns and make informed
decisions about when to post.
Therefore, there is no one definitive answer to the question of when to post
on Instagram. However, by considering factors like weekdays vs. weekends, time
of day, industry-specific data, and your audience’s behavior, you can determine
the best times to share your content and maximize your reach and engagement.
Remember to experiment, track your results, and adjust your strategy as
needed to find the optimal posting times for your brand.
Final Thoughts on Best
Time to Post on Instagram
In today’s digital age, social media has become a crucial component of any successful marketing strategy, and Instagram is no exception. As one of the most popular social media platforms, Instagram offers a powerful tool for brands to connect with their target audience and promote their products or services.
When it comes to maximizing your reach and engagement on Instagram, timing
is key. By understanding the algorithm behind Instagram’s feed, considering the
factors that influence engagement, and using the right tools, you can determine
the best times to post and ensure that your content is seen by as many people
as possible.
Remember, that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to the
best time to post on Instagram. The ideal posting times will vary depending on
your industry, target audience, and location.
In the end, the key to success on Instagram is to stay informed, stay engaged and stay true to your brand’s values and message. With the right approach, you can use Instagram to build a strong online presence, connect with your audience, and achieve your marketing goals.
