Best Social Media Practices: Best Time & Day to post on Social Media
Somewhere around 24/7
Have you ever posted on social media, eagerly awaited the engagement, and then... crickets? You’re not alone. Timing can be everything when it comes to social media success. In this blog, we’ll dive into the best times and days to post on social media, tailored to different platforms, audiences, and businesses. Spoiler alert: there’s no “one-size-fits-all,” but I’ll guide you through some data-driven insights to help you find your sweet spot.
Why Timing Matters in Social Media
Timing can make or break a post. If something is currently trending, you won’t benefit from it months later — e.g. brat summer in winter. When you post at the right moment, you maximize visibility and engagement, ensuring your content reaches the audience it’s meant for. But here’s the catch: there’s no universal “perfect time” because every platform, audience, and industry operates on unique rhythms.
Timing your posts based on your target audience’s habits and platform behaviors is key.
Here’s when to post depending on your social media platform.
Best Times To Post on Different Social Media Platforms
Different platforms = different purposes = different audiences. This is a broad guideline for the best posting times on different platforms. Let’s break it down:
Facebook is still a powerhouse, especially for businesses targeting broad audiences. The best times to post often fall on weekdays, with a peak around 10 a.m.–12 p.m. on Fridays. Think about it: people take short breaks during their workday to scroll, making mid-morning to lunchtime ideal.
Mondays: 9 AM — noon
Tuesdays: 9 AM — 2 PM and 5 PM
Wednesdays: 9 AM — 3 PM and 5PM
Thursdays: 8 AM — 2 PM and 5 PM
Fridays: 9 AM — 11 AM
Best days to post on Facebook: Mondays — Thursdays
Worst days to post on Facebook: Sundays
Instagram users are known for engaging early in the day or during breaks. Research shows the best posting times are 7 a.m.–9 a.m. on weekdays and around Friday afternoons.
Pro tip: Use Instagram Stories to supplement posts during off-peak hours. Stories stay visible for 24 hours, keeping your content in the spotlight longer.
Mondays: 11 AM — 2 PM
Tuesdays: 10 AM — 4 PM
Wednesdays: 9 AM — 4 PM
Thursdays: 9 AM — 1 PM and 2 PM
Fridays: around 11 AM
Best days to post on Instagram: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
Worst days to post on Instagram: Sundays
The professional network thrives during 9 a.m.–2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, coinciding with work hours. LinkedIn is all about making connections during the professional grind, so avoid evenings and weekends when your audience is likely offline.
Tuesdays + Wednesdays: 10 AM — noon
Thursdays: around 10 AM
Best days to post on LinkedIn: Tuesdays — Thursdays
Worst days to post on LinkedIn: Saturday + Sunday
TikTok
TikTok’s algorithm rewards consistency and engagement, making timing a bit more flexible. Still, trends indicate that mid-afternoon (2–5 p.m.) on weekdays is optimal, with Mondays and Wednesdays being particularly strong.
Tuesdays: 4 PM — 6 PM
Wednesdays: 9 AM — 11 AM and 2 PM — 6 PM
Thursdays: 9 AM — 11 AM and 2 PM — 6 PM
Fridays: 4 PM — 6 PM
Best days to post on TikTok: Wednesdays and Thursdays
Worst days to post on TikTok: Sundays
For brands in e-commerce, DIY, or lifestyle niches, Saturday mornings and weekday evenings around 8 p.m.–11 p.m. are golden hours when users plan and dream.
Tuesdays — Fridays: around 1 AM
Thursdays: around 3 AM
Best days to post on Pinterest: Weekdays
Worst days to post on Pinterest: Weekends
Each platform thrives on its unique user behavior. Experiment with posting schedules to find what resonates most with your audience.
Best Posting Practices by Industry
Your industry plays a huge role in determining the best time and day to post on social media. Here are some examples of when to post depending on your industry.
Ecommerce
The posting schedule we created for our ecommerce client was mostly focused on evenings and weekends — when people are in shopping mode. Posting promotions during these times can boost clicks and conversions.
Social Media Agency (B2B Services)
As a Social Media Agency we are aiming to reach other businesses — especially decision makers of businesses. The now not so secret posting schedule to follow as a B2B company is by sticking to weekdays, especially mornings (8 a.m.–10 a.m.) when professionals are most active.
Mortgage/Real Estate Professionals
In the real estate space developing a posting schedule — and even content itself, needed a little different approach. When homes hit the market, timeliness is of essence. While posting in the mornings or evenings is might be effective, sharing content such as market updates or listings shouldn’t have to wait for the “perfect time”.
Home Renovation/Design Industry
Scout Proper Designs — an Interior Design Studio in Georgia received best results from posting in the mornings. Think about how your audience is just waking up, ready to scroll and check social media. Instagram’s insights of the most active times really showcase when the audience is about to get active.
Understanding Your Audience’s Habits
Knowing your audience is essential for mastering when to post on social media. Here’s how to get started:
Check Analytics
Every platform offers insights. For example, Instagram Insights shows when your followers are most active, while Facebook’s Page Insights provides detailed engagement data.
Survey Your Audience
Sometimes, the best way to know is to ask. Use polls on Instagram or Facebook to get feedback directly from your followers.
Time Zone Considerations
If your audience is global, consider scheduling posts at times that align with multiple time zones. For example, posting at 9 a.m. EST can capture engagement from both North American and European audiences.
So when should I post on Social Media?
The best time to post on social media ultimately depends on your audience and platform. While general guidelines are helpful, nothing beats experimenting and analyzing your results. Remember: engagement isn’t just about when you post—it’s about providing value every time you show up online.
READY TO FOR YOUR NEXT POST?
Let SocialKind Studio help you create a tailored social media plan that drives results. From optimizing posting schedules to crafting scroll-stopping content, we’re here to elevate your brand. Contact us today.
