With such a huge user base, Instagram marketing has become highly effective for businesses and content creators alike.
The latest Instagram statistics show that the photo-sharing social media app is the third-largest network in 2025, after YouTube and Facebook.
With such a huge user base, Instagram marketing has become highly effective for businesses and content creators alike.
To truly make an impact, though, it’s not just about what you post; it’s about when you post.
In this post, you’ll explore:
- General best times to post on Instagram
- Best days and times to post on Instagram for top engagement
- Best times to post on Instagram by country and time zone
- Industry-specific posting times on Instagram
- Best times to post on Instagram for different content formats
- How to use Instagram Analytics to find your best times
And more tips to help your content reach your target audience!
How Instagram’s Algorithm Impacts Your Posts
Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes content that’s both relevant and engaging, which means timing is everything.
Here’s how posting at the right time can impact your posts:
⏰ Your visibility will increase: Posting during peak hours makes your content more likely to appear at the top of feeds.
👍 Your content will achieve higher engagement: More visibility leads to more likes, comments, and shares.
🌍 You will reach a wider audience: The more engagement your post gets, the further it reaches, thanks to the algorithm.
That’s why knowing the best times to post on Instagram can increase your chances of making a real impact!
General Best Times to Post on Instagram Globally
Each account has its own best posting time, but general guidelines suggest the best times to post on Instagram globally.
For an even broader reach on social media, explore TikTok, now used in over 160 countries and growing. Be sure to take a look at to our guide on the best times to post on TikTok to level up your social media game!
Here are the general best times to post on Instagram:
When is The Best Time To Post On Instagram Globally?
Source: Buffer
The general best times to post on Instagram is between 7 am and 8 am on weekdays.
Users often start their day by scrolling through their feeds, creating an ideal opportunity to capture their attention.
Posting early can give your content a boost in visibility and engagement as people check their phones first thing in the morning, setting the tone for higher interaction throughout the day.
Best Day to Post on Instagram Globally
User behavior often changes throughout the week. People are usually more active on weekdays as they engage with content during work breaks or commutes.
While weekends can be quieter, posts shared at the right time can still reach a significant audience.
Once you get the timing right, you’ll start to see how small strategy tweaks make a big difference. It’s the kind of skill that not only boosts your own content, but could even open the door to freelancing gigs or remote content manager jobs if you’re looking to take it further.
Finding the Best Day to Post on Instagram
Source: Hootsuite
Wednesday is the best day to post on Instagram, especially around midday, between 10 am and 1 pm.
During the middle of the week, users are typically more active on the platform, taking breaks from work or daily routines to scroll through their feeds.
By focusing on Wednesdays as the best time to post on Instagram, you can increase the visibility of your content, drive more interactions, and ultimately boost your overall engagement rates.
Best Times to Post on Instagram for Different Days of the Week
The best times to post on Instagram can vary depending on the day of the week.
In general, weekdays see higher engagement, but each day has its own prime periods.
Here’s a breakdown of the optimal posting times for each day:
| Day | Best Times to Post on Instagram | Additional Peak Times |
| Monday | 7 a.m. – 8 a.m. | 4 p.m., 8 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 7 a.m. | 6 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 7 a.m. – 8 a.m. | No significant spikes |
| Thursday | 7 a.m. | 8 a.m., 4 p.m. |
| Friday | 4 p.m. | 7 a.m. – 8 a.m. |
| Saturday | 7 a.m. | 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. |
| Sunday | 7 p.m. | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. |
Source: Buffer
Prime Times To Post On Instagram on Mondays
🕰️ Best Time To Post on Monday: 7 am
The best time to post on Instagram on Mondays is early morning, between 7 am and 8 am, as many users start their week by checking their feeds. Smaller peaks also occur at 4 pm and 8 pm.
What’s the Best Time to Post on Instagram on Tuesdays?
🕰️ Best Time To Post on Tuesday: 7 am
Early mornings work best on Tuesdays as well. The ideal posting time is at 7 am, with another smaller engagement peak in the early evening around 6 pm.
Top Time Slots to Post on Instagram on Wednesdays
🕰️ Best Time To Post on Wednesday: 7 am
Wednesday follows a similar pattern to earlier in the week. The most effective time is between 7 am and 8 am, with steady engagement but no significant spikes later in the day.
Best Times for Instagram Posts on Thursdays
🕰️ Best Time To Post on Thursday: 7 am
Thursdays have multiple prime times at 7 am, 8 am, and 4 pm, making it one of the best days to post.
When Is The Best Time To Post On Instagram on Fridays?
🕰️ Best Time To Post on Friday: 4 pm
Fridays offer more high-engagement time slots than any other day. The best times to post are at 4 pm or between 7 am and 8 am.
Optimal Instagram Posting Times on Saturdays
🕰️ Best Time To Post on Saturday: 7 am
On weekends, engagement tends to drop. However, the best time to post on Instagram on Saturdays is at 7 am. Posts shared between 4 pm and 8 pm may also see better engagement.
When Should You Post on Instagram on Sundays?
🕰️ Best Time To Post on Sunday: 7 pm
Sunday is generally a quieter day on the app. The ideal times to post are in the evening, from 6 pm to 9 pm.
These time frames provide a helpful starting point, but remember to monitor your own account’s followers to find the best times to post on Instagram for your unique audience.
Best Times to Post on Instagram by Country & Time Zones
Cultural and lifestyle differences can affect when users are most active, hence how your content will perform according to different locations.
When Are The Best Times To Post On Instagram For Different Countries?
Here’s a breakdown of the optimal posting times by country and region:
| Country / Time Zone | Best Times to Post on Instagram |
| US Pacific Time | 9 p.m. – 12 a.m. |
| US Central Time | 10 p.m. – 12 a.m. |
| US Eastern Time | 11 p.m. – 4 a.m. |
| South America | 5 a.m. |
| UK | 3 a.m. – 4 a.m. |
| Western Europe | 4 a.m. – 6 a.m. |
| Eastern Europe | 5 a.m. – 7 a.m. |
| Australia | 11 p.m. – 12 a.m. |
| Africa | 2 a.m. – 3 a.m. |
| Middle East | 4 a.m. |
| East & Southeast Asia | 6 a.m. – 8 a.m. |
Source: SEJ
- 🕰️ US Pacific Time: 9 pm – 12 am
The best times to post on Instagram for US Pacific Time is when many users are winding down for the day, making it a perfect time to engage with social media content.
- 🕰️ US Central Time: 10 pm – 12 am
The best times to post on Instagram for US Central Time is late at night, as people are more likely to check their feeds before sleeping.
- 🕰️ US Eastern Time: 11 pm – 4 am
The best times to post on Instagram for US Eastern Time is during this quiet period, with less competition for visibility.
- 🕰️ South America: 5 am
The best times to post on Instagram for South America is early morning, as early risers check their feeds to start their day.
- 🕰️ UK: 3 am – 4 am
The best times to post on Instagram for the UK is during these early hours, capturing the morning crowd before their busy day begins.
- 🕰️ Western Europe: 4 am – 6 am
The best times to post on Instagram for Western Europe is in the early morning, aligning with the time users wake up and check social media first thing.
- 🕰️ Eastern Europe: 5 am – 7 am
The best times to post on Instagram for Eastern Europe is during morning routines when many people scroll through Instagram over breakfast.
- 🕰️ Australia: 11 pm – 12 am
The best times to post on Instagram for Australia is late at night, as users often engage in social media browsing during this relaxing period.
- 🕰️ Africa: 2 am – 3 am
The best times to post on Instagram for Africa is in these off-peak hours, helping content gain traction when fewer new posts are shared.
- 🕰️ Middle East: 4 am
The best times to post on Instagram for the Middle East is at 4 am, capturing morning activity before users get busy with their day.
- 🕰️ East & Southeast Asia: 6 am – 8 am
The best times to post on Instagram for East & Southeast Asia is during breakfast time, aligning with the start of the day when users are more active.
Best Times to Post on Instagram by Industry
Audiences across different industries have their own unique habits and engagement patterns, so it’s important to design your posting schedule to match your specific niche.
To help you get started, here’s a look at the best times to post on Instagram for various industries:
| Industry | Best Times to Post on Instagram |
| Ecommerce | Weekdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. |
| Hospitals & Healthcare | Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. |
| Restaurants | Weekdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. |
| Schools & Education | Wednesday, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m., 9 p.m. |
| Travel & Hospitality | Wednesday, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m., 4 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. |
Source: Sprout Social
The Best Time to Post on Instagram for Ecommerce Businesses
The best time to post on Instagram for e-commerce businesses is generally during weekdays, around 10 am to 2 pm.
These times capture the working hours when people often take breaks and browse online.
Ideal Times to Post on Instagram for Hospitals & Healthcare
The best times to post on Instagram for hospitals and healthcare are Tuesdays through Fridays, from 10 am to 3 pm.
Weekday mornings and afternoons are prime times when healthcare information can reach a larger, more engaged audience.
The worst day to post is Sunday, as engagement tends to drop.
Suggested Instagram Posting Times for Restaurants
The best days to post on Instagram for restaurants are weekdays from 10 am to 2 pm
During these hours, users often look for meal ideas or plan their dining experiences.
Weekends generally see less engagement, making them the worst days to post.
Best Hours to Post on Instagram for Schools & Education
The best times to post on Instagram for schools and educational institutions are on Wednesdays from 2 pm to 4 pm and at 9 pm.
During these hours, students and parents are more likely to check updates and information. Sundays are usually the worst days to post, as engagement drops significantly.
Top Times to Post on Instagram for Travel & Hospitality
The best times to post on Instagram for the travel and hospitality industry is on Wednesdays from noon to 2 pm and 4 pm, as well as on Sundays from 11 am to 1 pm.
These times align with planning periods when people think about vacations and trips. Interestingly, there is no specific “w pmorst day” for this industry, as engagement tends to be moderate throughout the week.
What Content Format Performs Best on Instagram?
Knowing the best times to post on Instagram is the key, but the type of content you share is equally important.
Different content formats on Instagram – such as photos, videos, Reels, and Stories – have varying engagement rates.
- Reels: Currently, Reels are at the top in terms of engagement. Their short, entertaining format, combined with the possibility of being featured on the Explore page, makes them highly engaging. Posting Reels at the right times can significantly boost your visibility and interaction rates.
- Carousels: Carousel posts, which allow users to swipe through multiple images or videos, also perform well. They encourage users to interact with your content longer, increasing the chances of likes, comments, and shares.
- Videos: Videos tend to garner more engagement than single-image posts. They capture attention for longer periods, making them effective for storytelling and product demonstrations.
- Stories: Although Stories disappear after 24 hours, they offer a quick way to connect with your audience. Interactive elements like polls, quizzes, and links can enhance engagement.
- Photos: Standard photo posts usually receive consistent likes and comments, especially if they feature high-quality, eye-catching visuals. However, they generally rank lower in engagement compared to Reels and videos.
When Is the Best Time to Post Reels on Instagram?
Reels differ from regular posts in that they’re designed to capture quick, engaging content, often reaching a broader audience through Instagram’s Explore page.
The best time to post on Instagram Reels is generally in the early evening on weekdays, after work, between 6 pm and 8 pm.
Another peak period is during lunch breaks, around 12 pm to 1 pm, when people take a moment to relax and scroll through their feeds.
What Time Is Best to Share Stories on Instagram?
Stories are a unique format on Instagram, designed to last for 24 hours. This extended visibility allows for flexibility, but there are still peak times to consider.
The best time to post on Instagram Stories is typically early in the morning, around 6 am to 8 am, as users often check their feeds right after waking up.
Another prime time is during lunch hours, from 12 pm to 2 pm, when people take a break and browse through social media.
Evening slots, particularly between 8 pm and 10 pm, also see high engagement, as users wind down at the end of the day.
Finding the Best Times to Post on Instagram with Instagram Analytics
While general guidelines provide a solid starting point, finding the best times to post on Instagram for your unique audience requires a more personalized approach.
The best way to find the best times to post on Instagram is by using Instagram’s built-in analytics.
By checking your profile’s insights, you can see when your followers are most active.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Instagram Analytics
Here’s a quick, step-by-step guide to help you find the best times to post on Instagram for your audience:
Intermediate
5 min
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Times To Post On Instagram
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the best times to post on Instagram:
When is the general best time to post on Instagram?
The general best time to post on Instagram is between 7 am and 8 am on weekdays. However, this can vary depending on your audience’s activity, so it’s important to monitor your own analytics.
When is the best time to post on Instagram for ecommerce?
The best time to post on Instagram for ecommerce businesses is usually on weekdays, around 10 am to 2 pm. This timeframe aligns with work breaks when users often browse online stores.
What time slot is the best time to post on Instagram in the US?
For the US, the best time to post on Instagram varies by time zone. Generally, posts between 9 pm and 12 am. Pacific Time and 11 pm to 4 am. Eastern Time see higher engagement.
When is the best time to post on Instagram in the UK?
The best time to post on Instagram in the UK is typically early morning, between 3 am and 4 am, as this captures the attention of users starting their day.
When should I post on Instagram in India for maximum engagement?
In India, the best time to post on Instagram is usually in the evening, between 6 pm and 8 pm, when users are more likely to be online and engaging with content.
What is the ideal time to post Reels on Instagram?
The best time to post Reels on Instagram is generally in the early evening, between 6 pm and 8 pm This is when users are winding down and looking for quick, entertaining content.
Which day is the most effective for posting on Instagram?
The most effective day to post on Instagram is usually Wednesday, as it tends to see the highest engagement, especially during midday hours.
How can I use Instagram Analytics to find my best posting times?
You can use Instagram Analytics by switching to a Business or Creator account, accessing “Insights,” and reviewing the “Your Audience” section to find when your followers are most active. This will help identify the best times to post on Instagram for your specific audience.
When are the best times to post on Instagram on weekdays?
Weekdays generally see higher engagement in the morning, between 7 am and 9 am., and early evening from 6 pm to 8 pm. These times align with when users start their day and take breaks.
When is the top time to post on Instagram on weekends?
On weekends, the best times to post on Instagram are typically Saturday mornings around 7 am and Sunday evenings between 6 pm and 9 pm., when users are more relaxed and have time to browse social media.
Conclusion
Finding the best time to post on Instagram is key to maximizing your engagement and reaching a broader audience.
By experimenting with different posting times and analyzing the performance of your content, you can fine-tune your strategy to suit your unique audience’s behavior.
Use these insights to create a well-rounded Instagram strategy that drives results.
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