Best Times to Post on Social Media

In the world of social media, the myth that any time is a good time to post is long overdue for debunking. As social media managers, you don’t want to leave your strategy to chance.

The right timing can make all the difference between a post going viral or falling flat. By understanding when your audience is most active and engaged, you can build a successful social media strategy that maximizes your reach and boosts engagement.

Best Times to Post on Social Media

Based on Sprout Social's analysis of nearly 2 billion interactions across various platforms—such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok—the most optimal posting times are clear:

• Mondays: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

• Tuesdays: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., 3 – 4 p.m.

• Wednesdays: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

• Thursdays: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

• Fridays: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

The best days for posting are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, while Sundays consistently underperform across platforms.

Facebook

Facebook is still a powerhouse in social media, with over 3.05 billion active users globally. As the most-used platform by marketers, it plays a crucial role in reaching wide audiences. Engagement on Facebook tends to peak during weekday mornings and early afternoons, which aligns with users’ routines, such as checking their feeds during work breaks or lunch hours. While Sundays are the worst days for posting, Monday to Thursday offers the most opportunities to capture attention.

Best times to post:

Mondays: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Tuesdays: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., and 5 p.m.
Wednesdays: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., and 5 p.m.
Thursdays: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., and 5 p.m.
Fridays: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Best days to post: Monday – Thursday

Worst day: Sunday

Why these times work: Facebook users typically log on during work breaks or moments of downtime. Posts made between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. tend to perform better as this window aligns with people’s short breaks during work, increasing the chances of engagement. Facebook is also highly used for B2B and B2C marketing, and its robust advertising system makes it essential for driving customer acquisition and retention.

Instagram

Instagram, boasting 2 billion monthly active users, has evolved from a photo-sharing platform to an eCommerce and influencer marketing hub. Its unique blend of photos, videos, and Reels offers multiple formats to engage audiences. Reels, in particular, outperform traditional posts in likes and saves, making them a key content format for businesses to embrace. While Facebook is more suited to text-heavy posts and links, Instagram thrives on visual storytelling.

Best times to post:

Mondays: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Tuesdays: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Wednesdays: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Thursdays: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., and 2 p.m.
Fridays: 11 a.m.

Best days to post: Tuesday – Thursday

Worst day: Sunday

Why these times work: Instagram users are most engaged during weekday mornings and afternoons, particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays when the window extends from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Since the platform focuses heavily on visual content, it’s crucial to post during times when users are likely scrolling for both entertainment and product discovery. Experimenting with short-form video content through Instagram Reels is a winning strategy, especially since the algorithm tends to favor this format for visibility.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn, as the leading platform for professional networking, naturally follows business hours for peak engagement. With over 1 billion users across 200+ countries, the platform is essential for thought-leadership, professional storytelling, and talent acquisition. It’s not just a job board anymore; it’s where companies can share insights, build brand authority, and foster collaboration.

Best times to post:

Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Thursdays: 10 a.m.

Best days to post: Tuesday – Thursday

Worst days: Weekends

Why these times work: Professionals engage most on LinkedIn during mid-morning to noon while actively working. Posts that feature industry insights, business trends, or professional achievements tend to gain traction during this time. By focusing on weekday mornings, companies can reach users when they are most receptive to career-related content and professional development ideas.

TikTok

As the youngest platform on this list, TikTok has quickly amassed over 1.5 billion active users, making it a major player in the social media landscape. The platform thrives on short-form videos and fast-paced trends, offering massive potential for organic reach and viral content. TikTok’s appeal is largely its entertainment value, with users spending an average of 23 hours per month on the app.

Best times to post:

Tuesdays and Fridays: 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Wednesdays and Thursdays: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m., and 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Best days to post: Wednesday and Thursday

Worst day: Sunday

Why these times work: TikTok’s user base is most active in the late afternoon, with peak engagement around 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. as users look for an entertainment break. Posting on Tuesdays and Fridays during this window is especially effective, as people wind down and seek content to unwind with. The platform’s trends change fast, so keeping an eye on the latest TikTok trends and acting quickly can boost your content’s visibility.

X (formerly Twitter)

X, known for its real-time conversations, is a platform where trends evolve rapidly, making it ideal for timely content like breaking news, product launches, and updates. With engagement now extending further into the afternoons, brands have more room to align their social strategies with audience behavior throughout the day.

Best times to post:

Mondays: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Tuesdays: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Wednesdays: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Thursdays: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Fridays: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Best days to post: Tuesday – Thursday

Worst day: Sunday

Why these times work: X has extended its peak hours compared to previous years, now seeing high engagement between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays. This platform’s strength lies in its ability to host conversations and news updates in real time, so posts during these peak hours are more likely to spark discussions and interactions. Brands can also utilize X for customer service, offering a direct line of communication with followers.

This breakdown provides insights tailored to each platform’s audience and usage patterns, helping you build a more effective social media posting strategy.