When is the Best time to post on Instagram in Each Country?

When is the best time to post on Instagram? Well, Maximizing your Instagram engagement isn’t just about what you post—it’s also about when you post. 

Timing your content perfectly can make all the difference in reaching your audience and sparking meaningful interactions. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the best times to share on Instagram, provide strategic tips to optimize your posting schedule, and highlight why top-notch content is key to standing out in the crowded social media landscape.

How does the Instagram Algorithm Work?

Curious about how to make your Instagram posts shine? Cracking the Instagram algorithm is your ticket to boosting visibility and engagement. 

Instagram’s algorithms work differently across various sections like Feed, Stories, Explore, and Reels, each tailored to enhance user experience based on usage patterns. 

a picture showing how Instagram algorithm works

For example, Stories favor close friends, while Explore is designed for discovering new content. 

Engagement plays a pivotal role; more likes, comments, and shares mean higher visibility. 

Timing is also essential—posting when your audience is most active can significantly increase your reach. Let’s delve into the intricacies of Instagram’s algorithm and learn how to leverage it to your advantage.

When is the Best Time to Post on IG?

Research indicates that posting during mid-day (11 AM to 1 PM) and evening hours (7 PM to 9 PM) on weekdays generally sees higher engagement. However, the best times can vary based on geographic location.

DayBest Times to Post on Instagram
Monday5 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, 1 PM
Tuesday7 AM, 8 AM, 9 AM, 10 AM
Wednesday5 AM, 6 AM, 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM
Thursday6 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, 1 PM
Friday7 AM, 2 PM, 3 PM, 4 PM
Saturday6 AM, 8 AM, 9 AM, 10 AM
Sunday1 AM, 6 PM, 7 PM, 8 PM

Here’s a breakdown of the optimal posting times for different regions:

Best Time to Post on Instagram in the US

In the United States, the best times to post are typically during mid-day from 11 AM to 1 PM and in the evening from 7 PM to 9 PM. 

Engagement tends to peak on weekdays, with Wednesday and Thursday being particularly effective. Posting during these windows can help you capture the attention of users during lunch breaks and after work hours.

Best Time to Post on Instagram in Canada

For Canada, similar patterns apply. Aim for mid-day posts between 11 AM and 1 PM and evening posts from 7 PM to 9 PM. 

Weekdays are generally the best, with Wednesday and Thursday standing out as the prime days for engagement. This timing aligns well with users’ lunch and post-work routines.

Best Time to Post on Instagram in Europe

In Europe, optimal posting times are slightly different due to varying time zones and work habits. 

The best engagement often occurs from 12 PM to 2 PM and later in the evening from 8 PM to 10 PM. 

Monday and Thursday are particularly strong days for posting, capturing users during their lunch break and evening downtime.

Best Time to Post on Instagram in Australia

For Australian users, the best times to post are usually mid-day from 12 PM to 2 PM and evening from 7 PM to 9 PM. 

Tuesdays and Thursdays tend to be the most effective days, as users are more likely to engage with content during their lunch breaks and after work.

By tailoring your posting strategy to these peak times, you can enhance your reach and engagement across different regions. 

Remember, these are general guidelines—analyzing your own audience’s behavior and adjusting accordingly will yield the best results.

a buffer heatmap showing the best times to post on Instagram

Image Credit: Buffer

Best Times to Post on Instagram According to Your Industry

To determine the best times to post on Instagram, we also focus on the type of business of the accounts we analyzed.

Here are some of the optimal times to post on Instagram based on your industry, according to research from SocialPilot:

  • Restaurants: Monday to Thursday, from 2 PM to 5 PM.
  • Photographers: After lunch, from 2 PM to 3 PM.
  • Nonprofits: Early in the week, from 10 AM to 2 PM.
  • Schools: Tuesday to Thursday, from 11 AM to 3 PM.
  • Lawyers: Tuesday to Thursday, from 3 PM to 9 PM.
  • Real Estate Agents: Tuesday to Thursday at 10 AM.
  • Musicians: Saturday at 9 AM and Sunday at 1 PM.
  • Dentists: Thursday to Saturday, from 9 AM to 10 AM or from 4 PM to 5 PM.
  • Doctors: Monday to Friday, from 12 PM to 1 PM.
  • Artists: During lunch hours from 1 PM to 2:30 PM and in the evening from 7 PM to 9 PM.
  • Churches: Weekdays from 12 PM to 3 PM and Sundays from 9 AM to 11 AM.
  • Fashion: Saturday and Sunday from 10 PM to 7 AM.
  • Insurance Agents: Monday to Friday between 9 AM and 12 PM.
  • Gamers: From 10 AM to 12 PM

How to Optimize Your Instagram Posting Schedule?

Optimizing your Instagram posting schedule is key to boosting engagement. Here are some practical tips to help you get started:

1. Understand Your Audience:
Use Instagram Insights to determine when your followers are most active. For example, peak activity in the US is around 9 AM and 6 PM EST. 

2. Test Different Times:
Experiment with various posting times and track metrics like likes, comments, and shares. This will help you identify the optimal posting times for your audience.

3. Consistency is Key:
Stick to a consistent posting schedule to keep your audience engaged. For example, posting daily at 8 AM for a month can help build anticipation and trust. Later found that consistent posting can increase engagement by up to 20%.

4. Leverage Scheduling Tools:
Use tools like Buffer, Hootsuite, or Later to schedule posts in advance, ensuring you post when your audience is most active.

5. Analyze Competitors:
Observe when competitors post and how their audience responds. This can help you find effective time slots for your content.

6. Use Instagram Stories Wisely:
Post stories at different times than your regular posts to reach different audience segments. Stories tend to have higher engagement rates during off-peak hours.

7. Adjust for Time Zones:
Consider the time zones of your international followers. For example, posting at 1 PM EST (6 PM GMT) can cater to both New York and London audiences.

By integrating these strategies, you’re not just throwing content into the void. You’re strategically placing it where it has the best chance to shine, grow your presence, and yes, get more Instagram followers.

Read More: How to Use Chat GPT to Get Followers Fast?

How Does Instagram Rank Your Explore Page?

Ever wondered how Instagram’s Explore page seems to know exactly what you like? It’s all thanks to Instagram’s smart algorithm, designed to bring fresh content from accounts you don’t yet follow directly to your Explore grid. The magic begins by examining your past interactions—likes, saves, and comments—to find content that might catch your eye.

Instagram aims to keep Explore a place of discovery while safeguarding against offensive content. Leveraging both Community and Recommendations Guidelines, Instagram ensures the content it suggests meets a standard of safety and appropriateness.

How to Get More Views & Engagement on Instagram

Looking to boost your views and engagement on Instagram? Leveraging Instagram’s Reels and story feature is one of the most effective strategies.

new Instagram stickers for stories to grow the engagement, Frames, Cutouts, add your music, reveal

Reels are curated to captivate and entertain, focusing predominantly on content from accounts users haven’t followed yet. This approach mirrors the Explore page, aiming to introduce users to new content creators they might enjoy.

Reels have proven to be a hit on Instagram, averaging 243 likes per Reel and outperforming standard posts in engagement, with more saves and nearly as many comments. This highlights their growing popularity and effectiveness for creators. 

The ranking process for Reels involves selecting videos that users are likely to find entertaining based on their previous interactions on the platform.

Despite the effectiveness of Reels, achieving higher engagement can still be challenging. Here are some tips to maximize your impact:

  1. Create High-Quality Content: Focus on making visually appealing and engaging Reels that capture attention quickly.
  2. Use Trending Music and Effects: Incorporate popular music and effects to increase your chances of being featured.
  3. Post Consistently: Regularly update your content to keep your audience engaged and attract new followers.
  4. Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, ask questions, and interact with your followers to build a community.

Read More: How to Get Ad Revenue on Instagram?

However, even with these strategies, you might find that growth can sometimes be slower than expected. Despite creating high-quality content and engaging with your audience, breaking through the noise and gaining significant traction can be challenging. This is where many creators feel stuck—putting in the effort but not seeing the desired results in terms of followers and engagement.

For those looking to overcome this hurdle and accelerate their growth, Instagram growth services like buyfollowers.com can be the perfect solution. 

Buyfollowers.com provides customized solutions, such as targeted comments, views, likes, and IG followers, which help enhance your visibility and engagement much faster.

By leveraging our services, you can give your content the initial boost it needs to reach a wider audience. This not only increases your chances of being discovered by new followers but also helps in building a more engaged community. 

Investing in growth services can make a significant difference, transforming your Instagram presence and helping you achieve your goals more efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

frequently asked questions

What Is the Best Time to Post on Instagram

The best time varies based on your audience’s habits, but generally, mid-morning and early evening during weekdays can increase engagement. Analyze your Instagram Insights for tailored timing.

How Does Instagram’s Algorithm Affect My Posts?

Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes engagement (likes, comments, shares), relevance, and recency. The more engaging your content, the more likely it is to appear in followers’ feeds and on the Explore page.

Can Posting at Specific Times Increase My Reel Views?

Yes, posting Reels when your audience is most active, typically early morning and late afternoon, can significantly boost views and engagement.

How Can I Get More Likes and Comments on My Posts?

Beyond optimal timing, creating high-quality, engaging content that resonates with your audience and using relevant hashtags can increase likes and comments.

How to Quickly Improve My Instagram Engagement?

Consistently posting content tailored to your audience’s preferences, interacting with followers, and utilizing Instagram’s features like Stories and Reels can swiftly enhance engagement.