Best Times to Post on Social Media for Maximum Reach

When it comes to social media, timing is everything. Whether you’re a small business or influencer or just want to share updates with friends and family, posting at the right time can make a huge difference. The goal is to reach as many people as possible, and finding the ideal time to post helps get your content in front of more eyes. Here’s a guide on the best times to post on different platforms, broken down into easy sections.

Why Timing Matters on Social Media

You may have noticed that sometimes you post, and it’s like no one saw it. Other times, a post seems to get tons of reactions and comments. This isn’t a coincidence—it’s the power of timing. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter each have their own peak times when users are more active. Posting during these hours can increase your chances of reaching more people and getting more likes, comments, and even new followers.

General Best Times to Post (If You’re Short on Time)

Each platform has its own best times, but here’s a quick summary to get you started. Remember, these are just guidelines—experiment with your own schedule to find what works best for you!

Instagram: Late mornings (9–11 a.m.) and early evenings (7–9 p.m.)
Facebook: Mid-mornings to early afternoons (10 a.m.–2 p.m.)
Twitter: Late mornings (10–11 a.m.)
LinkedIn: Midweek mornings (8–10 a.m.)
TikTok: Evenings (7–11 p.m.)
Pinterest: Evenings (7–10 p.m.) and weekends

Now, let’s dive a bit deeper into each platform to get a better sense of the ideal times to post and why they work.

Best Time to Post on Instagram

Instagram is all about visuals and short videos, so people often scroll through it during breaks or downtime. While this might make it seem like any time could work, there are actually sweet spots for engagement.

Weekdays vs. Weekends: Weekday posts tend to do better, especially from Tuesday to Friday. People are usually more active on weekdays, catching up on their feeds before or after work.
Ideal Hours: Late morning from 9 to 11 a.m. is prime Instagram time, as well as early evenings around 7 to 9 p.m.

Tip: Try posting on your story too, not just the feed. Stories tend to stay at the top of followers’ screens, so they might get more visibility throughout the day.

Best Time to Post on Facebook

Facebook, being one of the oldest social media platforms, still holds a huge audience, from young adults to seniors. Its best times vary a bit, but here’s a good rule of thumb.

Weekdays Are Strongest: Similar to Instagram, Facebook sees the most activity during the week, especially Tuesday through Thursday.
Optimal Posting Times: Aim for mid-mornings to early afternoons, roughly between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. This is when people are often checking in on Facebook during lunch breaks or taking a mid-morning scroll.

Tip: Facebook lets you schedule posts. If you have an ideal time for your audience, consider planning ahead so you don’t have to be online at the exact moment.

Best Time to Post on Twitter

Twitter is a fast-paced platform where posts move quickly. Timing here can be a bit trickier because tweets have a shorter lifespan than posts on other platforms.

Midweek Magic: Tuesday to Thursday generally works well on Twitter. Avoid weekends if you’re hoping to reach a broad audience.
Best Posting Hours: Late mornings, between 10 and 11 a.m., are great for Twitter. People often scroll through Twitter while they’re at work or just before lunch.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to tweet more than once a day. Twitter’s fast pace means you can post frequently without annoying your followers.

Best Time to Post on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a bit different from the other platforms since it’s mainly focused on professionals and networking. Naturally, the best times to post here align more with typical work hours.

Weekday Focus: LinkedIn performs best during the week, especially from Tuesday to Thursday. Monday is often a catch-up day for many, so engagement tends to be lower.
Prime Hours: Morning times from 8 to 10 a.m. seem to hit well, as people check LinkedIn before diving into their workday. Mid-afternoon around 1–3 p.m. can also work as a second wind after lunch.

Tip: Keep your posts professional yet personable. LinkedIn is a place for networking, so avoid coming across too casually, but don’t be overly formal, either.

Best Time to Post on TikTok

TikTok’s user base skews younger, and its short-form video format means users can scroll endlessly. TikTok’s algorithm favors engaging content, but timing still plays a big role.

Evenings Work Wonders: Evenings from 7 to 11 p.m. seem to be peak times on TikTok. People usually check TikTok in their free time, which is often at night.
Weekend Posting: While weekday evenings are solid, weekends are also effective on TikTok. Users are active both during the day and evening on Saturdays and Sundays.

Tip: Experiment with trends and hashtags. TikTok is big on trendy sounds and challenges, which can help your content reach a larger audience no matter when you post.

Best Time to Post on Pinterest

Pinterest is a unique platform, often used for inspiration and planning rather than real-time updates. It’s heavily used for browsing ideas, which makes evenings a popular time to post.

Weekends Win: Unlike most platforms, Pinterest sees high engagement on weekends. People have more time to browse ideas for projects, recipes, and hobbies.
Evening is Prime Time: Posting between 7 and 10 p.m. works well, as people tend to unwind and browse for inspiration.

Tip: Pinterest posts last longer than other social media posts. Focus on quality over quantity and pin regularly for consistent engagement.

Key Takeaways and Tips for Finding Your Own Best Posting Times

Here’s the thing: while these times work as general guidelines, every account has its own audience with unique habits. What works for one page might not work for another. Finding your ideal posting time involves a bit of trial and error.

Use Insights and Analytics: Most social media platforms offer insights or analytics on when your followers are most active. Instagram and Facebook, for instance, show you the days and times your followers are online the most.
Experiment with Different Times: Try posting at different times and see when you get the best engagement. You might find that your audience is active at an unusual hour.
Stick to a Posting Schedule: Consistency is important. Posting regularly at similar times can help build a routine for your audience, who may come to expect your content at specific times.
Take Time Zones Into Account: If you have a global audience, remember that they’re spread across different time zones. Try to choose a time that captures the largest portion of your audience or consider posting at different times.
Observe Engagement Patterns: If certain types of content get more engagement at specific times, use that to your advantage. For instance, Instagram Stories might perform better in the mornings, while feed posts do well at night.

Wrapping It Up

Mastering the art of timing your social media posts can make a big difference in how many people you reach and how they engage with your content. Start with the general guidelines, then adjust based on your own experience and analytics. Remember, consistency and a little trial and error will go a long way in helping you find the best times to post for your unique audience.