Best Times to Post on Instagram for More Likes, Followers, and Views
Timing can make or break your success on Instagram. You could post the most amazing photo or video, but if your audience isn’t online to see it, your content may never get the attention it deserves. That’s because Instagram’s algorithm favors content that gets quick engagement—likes, comments, shares, and saves—right after it’s published.
That’s where timing comes in. Knowing the best times to post on Instagram can help your content reach more people, get more likes, attract new followers, and boost views—especially for videos and Reels. Whether you’re a business, creator, or just trying to grow your personal brand, choosing the right time to post is one of the simplest and most powerful growth strategies.
In this article, you’ll learn how Instagram’s timing works, what the latest data says about the best posting times, and how to find the perfect schedule for your audience.
Why Posting Time Matters on Instagram
Instagram’s algorithm is built to show users content they’re most likely to engage with. That means when you post something, it doesn’t automatically show up in everyone’s feed. Instead, Instagram looks at how quickly your followers interact with your post after it goes live. The faster it gets likes, comments, and shares, the more likely it is to be shown to even more people.
This is why posting when your audience is most active is so important. If you publish your post while your followers are asleep or busy, they might miss it entirely. But if you post when they’re scrolling through Instagram—like during lunch breaks or evenings—you have a much better chance of getting noticed.
Posting at the right time can:
- Increase your Instagram engagement rates
- Expand your reach beyond your current followers
- Help you boost Instagram followers faster
- Drive more views to your Reels and videos
Global Best Times to Post on Instagram (Based on Data)
Many social media studies have analyzed when users are most active on Instagram, and while results can vary slightly, the trends are surprisingly consistent across different regions and industries.
Here are some global best times to post on Instagram, based on recent data from tools like Later, Sprout Social, and Hootsuite:
Top Instagram Posting Times (All Days Combined):
- Monday to Friday:
- 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM (morning scroll during work/school)
- 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (lunch break)
- 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (after-work relaxation time)
- Weekends:
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (mid-morning engagement)
- 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (leisure time on social media)
These time slots often show higher engagement levels because users are more likely to be online, actively scrolling, and ready to interact with content.
Using Instagram peak posting times like these increases your chance of getting more likes and shares right after posting, which tells the algorithm your content is worth promoting.
Remember: These are general guidelines. For the best results, you’ll also want to adjust based on your specific audience, niche, and location.
Best Times to Post Based on Goals
Not all Instagram goals are the same. Some users want more likes, while others focus on gaining followers or increasing video views. The best times to post on Instagram can vary depending on what result you’re aiming for. Here’s how to post strategically for different goals:
Best Time to Post on Instagram for Likes
If your goal is to get more likes, aim for times when your audience is active but not overwhelmed with content.
- Best time slots:
- 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM (weekday mornings)
- 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (weekday evenings)
During these windows, people often take breaks and scroll through Instagram, making them more likely to engage with your post. Keep your visuals eye-catching and your captions short to encourage quick engagement.
Best Time to Post on Instagram for Followers
To gain new followers, you want your content to appear when users are actively exploring new accounts or using hashtags.
- Best time slots:
- 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (lunchtime scrolls)
- 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (evening downtime)
Posts shared during these periods tend to get better visibility on Explore pages and hashtag feeds. That increased exposure makes it easier for new users to discover and follow your account.
Best Time to Post on Instagram for Views (Reels, Videos)
Instagram pushes video content more aggressively than photos, especially during high-traffic hours.
- Best time slots:
- 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM (morning commutes)
- 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM (late-night browsing)
These times often deliver more video views on Instagram because users are looking for short, entertaining content while starting or winding down their day. Using Reels during peak times also helps you take advantage of the Instagram algorithm’s push for video.
Best Times to Post on Instagram by Day
| Day | Best Time to Post | Reason |
| Monday | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | People check Instagram during lunch after the weekend. |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Early activity boost, great for brands and business content. |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Midweek is a high-engagement period across most niches. |
| Thursday | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Still strong engagement, users start weekend planning. |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Users are active early before the weekend kicks in. |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Engagement peaks earlier in the day; slows by afternoon. |
| Sunday | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Evening scroll time as users prepare for the upcoming week. |
How to Find Your Own Best Time to Post on Instagram
While general posting times are helpful, your audience may behave differently. That’s why it’s smart to discover the best time to post on Instagram for your specific account. Here’s how you can do that:
Use Instagram Insights (For Business or Creator Accounts)
If you’re using a business or creator account, you have access to Instagram Insights—a powerful tool that gives you real data about your audience. Simply go to your profile, tap Insights, and then navigate to the Your Audience section. There, you can see when your followers are most active by day of the week and hour of the day.
It also shows where your followers are located, which helps you align your posting times with their time zones. This data is crucial for building a schedule that matches your followers’ behavior.
Track Engagement Patterns
Another great way to determine the right time to post is by looking at your past performance. Scroll through your older posts and make a note of the times when engagement—likes, comments, saves, shares—was at its highest. Try to spot patterns.
For example, do your posts perform better in the evening or during weekday mornings? This kind of manual review helps you build a clearer picture of what works for your specific audience.
Experiment and Analyze
Don’t be afraid to test different posting times. Over a few weeks, experiment by publishing similar types of content at various times and on different days. Keep track of how each post performs.
By comparing results, you’ll notice which time slots consistently bring more views and engagement. This trial-and-error method is one of the most effective ways to fine-tune your Instagram strategy.
Use Scheduling Tools with Analytics
Social media scheduling tools like Later, Buffer, Hootsuite, and Sprout Social not only let you schedule posts in advance but also offer built-in analytics. Many of these tools will even suggest your best times to post based on your followers’ activity and past performance. Using these tools saves time and helps you stay consistent while optimizing for engagement.
Posting Frequency and Timing: How They Work Together
The best time to post on Instagram is important, but it works best when combined with a consistent posting schedule. Posting great content only once in a while won’t grow your audience. On the other hand, posting every day at random times can confuse followers and reduce engagement.
For most accounts, posting 3 to 5 times per week during peak hours strikes the right balance. This keeps your audience interested without overwhelming them. Videos and Reels especially benefit from regular posting during high-traffic times.
Also, Instagram Stories can be shared throughout the day, while Reels perform better when posted during morning and evening peaks. Mixing formats and timing your posts helps you reach more people and get more followers on Instagram.
Conclusion:
Knowing the best times to post on Instagram can boost your likes, followers, and views. While general tips are useful, the real secret is understanding your own audience. Use Instagram Insights, track your post engagement, and try different posting times to find what works best for you.
Timing matters, but so does consistency. Combine regular posting with a mix of photos, videos, Reels, and Stories to keep your followers interested and growing your reach.
Start using these strategies today to improve your Instagram engagement and build a stronger presence.
