The Best Times to Post on Social Media in 2024

Timing is critical when it comes to social media marketing. Posting your content at the right times can significantly impact its reach, engagement, and overall effectiveness. But what are the best times to post on social media in 2024?

After analyzing over 37 million social media posts from 30,000+ brands across 107 countries, our research has uncovered the optimal posting times for maximum impact.4 Let's dive in.

The Overall Best Times to Post on Social Media

According to our data, the absolute best times to post on social media overall are:

  1. 7:00 PM
  2. 3:15 PM
  3. 8:41 AM

The best days to post are Fridays, Wednesdays, and Mondays.4 This slightly contradicts earlier studies that found the optimal posting times to be in the 9-10 AM range.12 It appears social media engagement has shifted more towards the evenings in recent years.

Best Times to Post on Specific Platforms

While the overall best times provide a helpful starting point, the optimal posting schedule can vary quite a bit between different social media platforms. Let's take a closer look:

Instagram

  • Best times: 7 AM to 8 AM on weekdays, with Friday being the best day2
  • Worst times: 11 PM to 12 AM and 1 AM to 2 AM2

Facebook

  • Best times: 10 AM on Mondays and Tuesdays
  • Worst times: Sundays

X (Twitter)

  • Best times: 11 AM on Mondays and Fridays
  • Best days: Thursdays and Fridays

LinkedIn

  • Best times: 12 PM, 10 AM, 1 AM
  • Best days: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Wednesdays
  • Worst days: Sundays, Saturdays, Mondays

The data shows that the optimal posting times can vary quite a bit depending on the platform. For example, the best time to post on Instagram is early in the morning, while the sweet spot for LinkedIn is around lunchtime.23

Factors That Influence Posting Times

There are a few key factors that can impact the best times to post on social media:

  1. Audience Behavior: Understanding when your target audience is most active online is crucial. For example, posting during work hours may be best for reaching professionals, while evenings and weekends may be better for consumer-focused brands.1
  2. Content Type: The type of content you're sharing can also affect optimal posting times. Shorter, "snackable" content may perform better during busy periods like commutes, while longer-form pieces could see more engagement during downtime.1
  3. Platform Algorithms: Social media algorithms often prioritize recency, meaning fresher content is more likely to be shown to users. Posting when your audience is most active can help your content get that initial boost.2
  4. Consistency: Maintaining a consistent posting schedule is key. Your audience will begin to anticipate and engage with your content at specific times.1

FAQs About the Best Times to Post on Social Media

Q: What are the worst times to post on social media?
A: According to the research, the worst times to post are generally in the late evening and early morning hours when people are less active online.4 Specific worst times include 4 AM to 5 AM and 11 PM to 12 AM on Facebook, and 11 PM to 12 AM and 1 AM to 2 AM on Instagram.

Q: Does the best time to post vary by industry or audience?
A: Yes, the optimal posting times can differ quite a bit depending on your specific audience and industry. It's important to analyze your own audience data and experiment to find the sweet spots for your brand.1

Q: How can I determine the best times to post for my business?
A: Start by reviewing the general industry benchmarks, then dig into your own social media analytics to identify patterns in when your content performs best. You can also experiment with posting at different times to see what works for your unique audience.1

In summary, the research shows that the overall best times to post on social media in 2024 are in the afternoon and evening hours, with Fridays, Wednesdays, and Mondays being the top days. However, the optimal posting schedule can vary significantly by platform and audience. Analyzing your own data and experimenting with different times is key to finding what works best for your business.