The Best Time to Post on Instagram & Best Posting Practices to Follow

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As social media for business has grown over the past couple of years, social media platforms like Instagram give brands leverage with their algorithm due to high engagement levels. It’s no wonder the term “best time to post” is on the top of people’s minds.

After all, posting at the best time is one of the many ways you can master Instagram like a pro. But with so many experts and influencers telling you when to post, it’s hard to actually know which is the best time to post on Instagram.

Today we embark on the journey of finding the best time to post on Instagram to help you achieve better engagement.


When is the best time to post on Instagram?

Sprout Social found that posting during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during weekdays can help you generate substantial engagement. However, don’t forget to take a look at your own Instagram analytics to find your best days on Instagram to post your content.

On average, the best time to post on Instagram is between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. CDT. However, the level of engagement you get can change dramatically depending on what day of the week you post. The best day to post on Instagram is Wednesday 11 a.m. and Friday from 10 a.m.–11 a.m.

On average, here are the best times to Instagram during the week within each time zone globally.

Looking at Instagram as a whole, the research found that posting Monday-Friday consistently around 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Engagement lowers every day before 6 a.m. After 9 a.m., people are usually asleep, waking up, going to bed, or being entertained by other mediums.

During the weekends are where things get a little more scattered engagement. This is where you’ll need to lean more into your analytics and use Instagram stories to keep your followers engaged as well as sharing an evergreen or popular piece of content that has a proven track record of driving engagement.

The Best Time to Post Within Your Timezone

A Lot of people overlook the fact that being in different time zones does affect your “best time to post on Instagram.” You have to take into account the specific region your audience is located.

For example, if you’re catering to people outside of the US, then you should consider Pacific, Eastern, and Central Standard Time. However, if you cater to multiple customers in various time zones, posting within your time zone will be a fine or double post. This means they can work as a wake-up post in a one-time zone and a mid-afternoon post in another.

Posting or double posting at your best time on Instagram might sound like a lot of work, but it’s helping you to ensure that you reach your international audience at maximum effort. To help you choose Instagram analytic or management tools that can show you when your audience is most active in improving your Instagram post engagement rate.

Beating the Algorithm

Like it or not but finding your best time to post on Instagram isn’t the only way to double up your Instagram results. You still have to defeat the mighty and ever-changing Instagram algorithm.

You’ll need to come to the Instagram algorithm with an overall strategy. The algorithm isn’t out to get you. If done right, you can allow the algorithm to make your post a priority in your follower’s feed. Here are a few Instagram engagement strategies to get your stats back up and climbing and make your content algorithm friendly:

  • Encourage Likes and Answer Comments: The more likes your content gets, the more Instagram will reward you by allowing your post to be seen by your followers. Add CTA’s like “Like if you love” or “Double-tap” in your captions. Next to likes, be sure to answer comments and respond to followers. This shows that your account is active, and comments are another engagement metric the algorithm uses to verify if your content is worthy!

  • Keep Your Profile Active: Posting content and pushing for likes isn’t the only way to beat the algorithm. It would help if you also used your profile like an actual Instagram account. Follow Instagram accounts of the people in your niche, influencers, or loyal customers. Take it a step further and like and comment on other profiles.

  • Do a Content Audit: Take a look at the type of content that does exceptionally well and the type that lacks engagement on your profile. Your content audit will help you to improve your content and post things that customers will love. For more, check out our guide on “How to Conduct a B2B Content Audit: A Beginner-Friendly Guide.”

  • Share and Tag User Generated Content: User-generated content (UGC) is content created by individuals outside of the organization or business. It’s authentic and created by your fans. UGC builds trust because you’re highlighting real customers enjoying your products and telling everyone about it. If you share UGC, be sure to tag your customer so that others feel encouraged to share with you as well.

  • Keep Your Instagram Profile Active: Instagram followers thrive on consistency. Even if you post at the best time on Instagram but do it inconsistently, you still won’t get you very far. Create a social media schedule or strategy and stick to it. This will help you to keep active and consistent, so your followers know when to expect your Instagram post. Download your FREE Social Media Checklist and get started.

  • Hold Contests and Giveaways: Contest helps you to boost your social media followers and presence. You can do giveaways, hashtag contests, photo contests, caption contests: there are so many ways to generate interests and interaction with your users, and this remains one of the top ways to leverage Instagram’s set up and capabilities for your company and your followers.

Need help with your next contest?

Book a free call to learn how our team of contest experts can help you create high converting social media contests today.

Tools to Schedule Your Instagram Post

Earlier, we spoke about using social media management tools to master the best time to post on Instagram consistently. Here is a list of the ten best Instagram tools and software around:

1. Hootsuite

2. Buffer

3. Preview

4. Later App

5. Planoly

6. CrowdFire

7. Sprout Social

8. Agropluse

9. Sked Social Media Planner

10. Iconosquare

Instagram Guide to Follow

Growing your Instagram can be an uphill climb, but with the right tips and tools, you’ll be able to put your flag on the top of the hill.

As you begin to implement these tips, be sure to check out the most updated articles. Remember that social media now is quite different from social media in the next three months. So staying on top of the latest updates, features, and news is important.

If you’re new to using Instagram for business, then check out Wishpond’s detailed guides and articles to help you along the way:

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