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when to post on instagram
when to post on instagram
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Culture > Digital

Here’s The Best Time To Post On Instagram For Peak Likes

Eliana Jacobs

Instagram has become a growing platform for aspiring content creators. With Gen Z finding inventive ways to brand themselves, many use Instagram to promote their business and connect with individuals across the globe. However, when you’re working to maximize your IG reach, it’s normal to wonder if timing plays a role. Whether you’re trying to gain more likes or followers, knowing how to navigate Instagram — and the best time to post on the app — can aid you in becoming the best content creator. 

As a content creator, I learned over time that maximizing your Instagram experience is crucial to building your brand. Similar to the sentiment, “Timing in life is everything,” knowing when to post on Instagram is a key component to building your online presence. Below are some tips and tricks — including the best time to post on Instagram — that may help expand your Instagram content creation experience.

Engagement Equals Expansion

person looking at phone for best time to post on instagram
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With Instagram, content creators are provided many opportunities to share their stories and connect with their audience. The key is knowing your audience. Analyzing your audience is arguably one of the best ways to determine when to post on Instagram. The best time to post is when your audience is most active. You can see your overall engagement and trends through the Instagram algorithm. 

An additional way to engage with your audience is by engaging in their content. Sharing is caring. During your free time, take the time to like, comment, and share your followers’ posts. Interacting with your audience will help bring more awareness to your brand, and build relationships with other content creators. Lastly, using hashtags can allow further engagement among your audience. Hashtags allow your content to be discoverable by similar content creators and Instagram users who may be interested in your feed. Ultimately, engaging with your audience can lead to future collaborations.

Best Days & Times To Post On Instagram

According to Influencer Marketing Hub, you’re more likely to see more likes and engagement on your IGs if you post between 5 a.m. and 11 a.m. EST on Tuesdays, 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. EST on Wednesdays, and around 3 p.m. EST on Fridays. Although these are general guidelines you can follow, keep in mind your page and followers are unique. There is no definitive answer, and ultimately, you know your followers the best. During your journey as an Instagram content creator, discover what days work best for you and your audience.As far as data goes, analyzing your insights also can aid you in determining how to move forward with your page. Luckily, Instagram provides analytics on which of your posts performed well. By reviewing your insights, you can learn from your shortcomings and improve your strategy.

Timing & Time Zones

person looking at phone to post on instagram
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

Similar to knowing what days and times is best to post on Instagram, knowing your audience’s time zone is also important. With over 2 billion Instagram users across the globe, as you build your page, you will gain engagement globally. Earth has a total of 24 different time zones. When evaluating when to post, keep in mind the time zones your audience resides in. For example, if the majority of your audience lives in the eastern parts of the United States, then it is probably best to post during the Instagram peak hours of Eastern Standard Time. Another recommendation regarding time zones and posting is to see when people are more likely to be on their mobile devices. According to Paste Magazine, most people are on their phones during lunch breaks, which provides a perfect opportunity to gain additional engagement. By understanding your audience and location, you can create and post content that is accessible internationally.

Instagram is arguably one of the best ways to promote your brand and content. Despite there being numerous studies on the best time to post, there’s not a one-size-fit-all solution. There are, however, numerous tools you can use to help maximize your social media experience. Whether you’re just starting your content creator journey or you’re an old pro, it’s never too late to implement these ideas. Although intimidating at first, I learned one of the best ways to grow your brand is to be authentic. 

Eliana Jacobs is a National Contributing Writer for Her Campus. Born and raised in Southwest Florida, Eliana writes articles about lifestyle, Her 20s, and career-related goals/activities. Before becoming a national writer, Eliana wrote under the UCF Her Campus Chapter,where she wrote about health and wellness. Additionally, she has a passion for social justice, advocacy, and race-related news. Beyond Her Campus, Eliana also writes flash fiction and poetry for the nation’s largest student-run organization, Strike Magazine. Some of her most recent publications include Life In Plastic: It’s “Fantastic”. Eliana also was awarded multiple honorable mentions for her writing during her undergraduate career in her school’s Tutors’ Choice Flash Fiction Contest. Lastly, she recently graduated from the University of Central Florida, earning a dual degree in Sociology and Interdisciplinary Studies on a Pre-Medical Track. Ultimately, Eliana aspires to pursue an MD/MPH to specialize in Pediatric Endocrinology while intersecting her passion for public health through medical research, poetry, and journalism. In her free time, Eliana enjoys shopping, working out, and traveling. Lastly, Eliana loves exploring local cuisines and documenting restaurants she tried (Orlando and beyond) on her food Instagram.