Best Times to Post on TikTok and Instagram in 2024

Unlock Maximum Engagement with Perfect Timing

In the world of social media, timing is crucial. Posting at optimal times can significantly boost your engagement rates, sometimes by up to 80%. As we approach the end of 2024, knowing when your audience is most active on platforms like TikTok and Instagram is more important than ever. 

This guide breaks down the best times to post, what you can do to optimise your content schedule, and tips to stay ahead in the social media game.

Why Timing Matters on Social Media

Posting when your audience is most active ensures your content doesn’t get lost in the vast sea of social media posts. TikTok and Instagram algorithms favor content that receives immediate engagement—likes, comments, and shares shortly after posting can amplify your content’s reach exponentially.

With the immense volume of content uploaded every second, timing your posts can make the difference between being noticed and being overlooked. By aligning your posting schedule with your followers’ active hours, you increase the likelihood of higher visibility and interaction.

Key Takeaway: Optimal posting times lead to immediate engagement, signalling algorithms to promote your content to a wider audience.

Best Times to Post on TikTok in 2024

TikTok’s user engagement varies throughout the week. Understanding these patterns can enhance your content’s performance significantly. Based on industry insights and current trends, here are the recommended times to post on TikTok:

Daily Breakdown

• Monday:
  • 9 AM: Capture the morning audience starting their week.
  • 8 PM: Reach users unwinding after a busy day.
• Tuesday:
  • 5 PM & 7 PM: Ideal for post-work browsing sessions.
• Wednesday:
  • 4 PM & 7 PM: Mid-week engagement peaks in the late afternoon.
• Thursday:
  • 10 AM, 11 AM & 4 PM: Users are more flexible as the weekend approaches.
• Friday:
  • 8 AM, 4 PM & 5 PM: Early birds and those gearing up for the weekend are active.
• Saturday:
  • 11 AM – 1 PM: Late mornings when users have leisure time.
• Sunday:
  • 2 PM & 4 PM: Afternoon engagement as the weekend wraps up.

Pro Tip: Use these times as a starting point and analyze your specific audience data for the best results.

Finding Your Optimal TikTok Posting Times

Tailoring your posting schedule to your audience yields the best results:

1. Upgrade to a Pro Account:
   • Access detailed analytics about your content and followers.
2. Utilize TikTok Analytics:
   • Monitor when your videos receive the most engagement.
3. Analyze Follower Activity:
   • Identify peak activity hours and understand audience demographics.
4. Track and Adjust:
   • Keep a content calendar to log posting times and engagement metrics.
   • Experiment with different times and refine your schedule based on data.

Remember: Consistency is key. Regular posting keeps your audience engaged and signals to the algorithm that you’re an active creator.

Best Times to Post on Instagram in 2024

Instagram’s user base is vast, but certain times consistently yield higher interaction rates. With features like Reels, Stories, and IGTV, knowing when to post each type of content can maximize your reach.

Daily Breakdown

• Monday:
  • 5 AM, 11 AM & 12 PM: Target early risers and lunchtime scrollers.
• Tuesday:
  • 7 AM – 9 AM: Capture morning routines.
• Wednesday:
  • 5 AM, 6 AM & 9 AM: Consistent morning engagement.
• Thursday:
  • 6 AM, 11 AM & 12 PM: Peak times for mid-week content.
• Friday:
  • 7 AM, 2 PM & 3 PM: Users are more active as the weekend nears.
• Saturday:
  • 6 AM, 8 AM & 9 AM: Early weekend browsing.
• Sunday:
  • 1 AM, 6 PM & 7 PM: Evening engagement spikes as the week concludes.

Note: These times are general guidelines. Use Instagram Insights to find data specific to your audience.

Factors Influencing Optimal Posting Times

Several variables can affect the best times to post:

• Time Zones:
  • Adjust your schedule to align with your audience’s location.
  • For global audiences, consider multiple posts targeting different time zones.
• Audience Demographics:
  • Consider age, occupation, and habits.
  • Younger audiences may be active late at night; professionals might engage during commutes or lunch breaks.
• Content Type:
  • Educational content may perform better on weekdays.
  • Entertainment content often sees higher engagement during evenings and weekends.
• Trends and Events:
  • Stay updated on holidays or viral trends that can affect user activity.
• Platform Algorithm Changes:
  • Keep abreast of updates that may impact optimal posting times.

Insight: Regularly review analytics to stay ahead of shifts in your audience’s behavior.

Maximizing Engagement: Best Practices

Timing is crucial, but it’s one part of the equation. To maximize engagement:

1. Use Scheduling Tools:
   • Platforms like Buffer and Iconosquare help automate posting and maintain consistency.
2. Leverage Analytics:
   • Regularly check TikTok Analytics and Instagram Insights.
   • Consider third-party tools for deeper analytics.
3. Test Different Times:
   • A/B test similar content at different times to see what works best.
   • Adjust your strategy based on performance.
4. Engage with Your Audience:
   • Respond promptly to comments and messages.
   • Use calls-to-action to encourage interaction.
5. Cross-Platform Promotion:
   • Repurpose content between TikTok and Instagram Reels.
   • Tailor captions, hashtags, and formatting for each platform.
6. Optimize with Tools:
   • Utilize services like Shortimize to enhance reach and engagement.
   • Research and use relevant hashtags.
7. Consistency is Key:
   • Maintain a regular posting schedule.
   • Ensure every post provides value to your audience.

The Impact of Content Format

Different formats resonate differently:

• Videos (Reels/TikToks):
  • Late afternoons and evenings, especially on Fridays, see higher engagement.
• Stories and Carousels:
  • Morning posts capture users during quick scroll sessions.
  • Use interactive features like polls and quizzes.
• Live Streams:
  • Schedule during peak activity times.
  • Announce in advance to maximize attendance.
• Static Posts:
  • High-quality images can capture attention any time.
  • Evergreen content can be shared at various times.

Actionable Tip: Align your content format with the time of day and your audience’s preferences.

If you want to read more on how to find viral trends, read our full guide here.

Conclusion

Mastering the best times to post on TikTok and Instagram in 2024 involves data analysis, understanding your audience, and adaptability. While general guidelines provide a foundation, continuous testing and refinement lead to success.

Final Thoughts:

• Stay Agile: Social media trends evolve rapidly; keep experimenting.
• Be Data-Driven: Let analytics guide your strategy.
• Engage Authentically: Build genuine connections for sustained growth.
• Educate and Entertain: Ensure your content resonates and provides value.
• Monitor Competitors: Learn from successful accounts in your niche.

By optimizing your posting times and following these best practices, you’ll amplify engagement and foster a loyal community around your brand. Remember, success on social media isn’t just about when you post, but also the quality and relevance of your content.