If you’re an Instagram user, you’re probably familiar with Reels. This feature allows you to create and share short videos with your followers. However, if you want to maximize your reach and engagement, you need to know the best time to post your Reels.
In this article, we’ll explore the best time to post Reels on Instagram in 2024. We’ll look at the latest research and data to help you make informed decisions about your posting schedule.
Understanding Instagram’s Algorithm
To effectively determine the best time to post reels on Instagram, it’s important to understand how Instagram’s algorithm works. The algorithm is designed to show users content that they are most likely to engage with and enjoy.
The algorithm uses a variety of factors to determine what content to show to users. These factors include the user’s past behavior on the app, the content’s relevance to the user, and the timeliness of the post.
One of the most important factors in the algorithm is engagement. The more engagement a post receives, the more likely it is to be shown to other users. Engagement includes likes, comments, shares, and saves.
Another important factor is the time of the post. Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes posts that are timely and relevant to users. This means that the best time to post reels on Instagram is when your target audience is most active on the app.
Best Days to Post Reels on Instagram
When it comes to posting reels on Instagram, timing is everything. Posting at the right time can help you reach a wider audience and get more engagement.
But what are the best days to post reels on Instagram?
The best days to post reels are Monday to Thursday. Specifically, the best times to post reels on these days are between 9 AM and 12 PM.
- On Mondays, the best times to post reels are at 3 AM and 7 PM.
- On Tuesdays, the best times to post reels are at 12 AM, 1 AM, and 6 AM. On
- On Wednesdays, the best times to post reels are at 4 AM, 6 AM, and 9 PM.
- On Thursdays, the best times to post reels are at 6 AM and 4 PM.
It’s worth noting that the best times to post reels on Instagram may vary depending on your specific audience and niche. It’s important to use Instagram Insights to track your engagement and adjust your posting schedule accordingly.
Best Time to Post Reels on Instagram: Different Time Zones
If you are looking to maximize your reach and engagement on Instagram Reels, it is essential to consider the time zones of your target audience.
Timing your posts to coincide with the most active times of your followers can increase your chances of reaching a wider audience.
Here are some of the optimal times for different time zones based on research and analysis:
Eastern Time Zone (ET)
The Eastern Time Zone covers the eastern part of North America, including New York, Toronto, and Miami. The best time to post reels on Instagram in this time zone is between 9 AM and 12 PM on weekdays, with Wednesday being the most optimal day.
Central Time Zone (CT)
The Central Time Zone covers the central part of North America, including Chicago, Dallas, and Mexico City. The best time to post reels on Instagram in this time zone is between 10 AM and 1 PM on weekdays, with Wednesday being the most optimal day. Posting around 5 PM on weekdays can also yield good results.
Mountain Time Zone (MT)
The Mountain Time Zone covers the western part of North America, including Denver, Phoenix, and Calgary. The best time to post reels on Instagram in this time zone is between 11 AM and 2 PM on weekdays, with Wednesday being the most optimal day.
Pacific Time Zone (PT)
The Pacific Time Zone covers the western part of North America, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Vancouver. The best time to post reels on Instagram in this time zone is between 12 PM and 3 PM on weekdays, with Wednesday being the most optimal day.
International Time Zones
If you have an international audience, it is important to consider their time zones as well. For example, if you have a significant following in Europe, posting between 2 PM and 5 PM CET (Central European Time) on weekdays can be optimal. Similarly, if you have a following in Asia, posting between 12 PM and 3 PM JST (Japan Standard Time) on weekdays can be effective.
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Industry-Specific Timing to Post Reels on Instagram
Here are some industry-specific timing guidelines to consider:
Fashion and Beauty
If you’re in the fashion or beauty industry, the best time to post reels on Instagram is during the weekdays, between 9 AM and 11 AM. This is when most people are getting ready for work or school and checking their social media feeds.
Food and Beverage
For the food and beverage industry, the best time to post reels on Instagram is during the weekdays, between 11 AM and 2 PM. People starting to think about lunch and look for food inspiration around this time during weekdays.
Fitness and Wellness
If you’re in the fitness or wellness industry, the best time to post reels on Instagram is early in the morning, between 6 AM and 8 AM. This is when people are waking up and looking for motivation to start their day.
Moreover, posting reels during the evening, between 6 PM and 8 PM, can also be effective since people are finishing up their workday and looking to unwind with a workout.
Travel and Tourism
For the travel and tourism industry, the best time to post reels on Instagram is during the weekends, between 9 AM and 11 AM. People plan their weekend activities and look for travel inspiration around this time.
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Conclusion
Determining the best time to post reels on Instagram requires a dynamic approach that involves continuous monitoring and adaptation. While the search results provide some general guidelines, it is important to keep in mind that the optimal posting time may vary depending on your audience, niche, and location.
To increase your chances of reaching a larger audience and boosting engagement, consider experimenting with different posting times and analyzing the results. Use Instagram Insights to track your performance and identify the times when your audience is most active.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I maximize engagement by posting Reels at optimal times?
The best time to post Reels on Instagram is between 9am and 12pm EST. However, every account is different, so it’s important to experiment with different posting times to find what works best for you.
What are peak engagement hours for Instagram Reels on weekdays?
Based on analyzing over 100,000 short-form video content posts, the best engagement hours for Instagram Reels on weekdays are:
- Monday: 6am, 10am, 10pm EST
- Tuesday: 2am, 4am, 9am EST
- Wednesday: 7am, 8am, 11pm EST
What strategies can I use to increase the likelihood of my Reels going viral?
Going viral on Instagram Reels takes a combination of luck and strategy. However, there are some things you can do to increase the likelihood of your Reels being seen and shared by a wider audience. Some strategies include:
- Using trending hashtags and sounds
- Creating high-quality, engaging content
- Collaborating with other creators
- Posting at optimal times
Are there specific days that are better for posting Reels to get more likes?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. However, they suggest that Thursdays and Fridays are generally good days to post Reels for maximum engagement. Again, it’s important to experiment with different posting times and track your engagement to see what works best for your account.
What are the best practices for scheduling Instagram Reels to boost visibility?
Scheduling your Instagram Reels can help you stay consistent and reach your audience at optimal times. Some best practices for scheduling Reels include:
- Using a social media scheduling tool like Hootsuite or Later
- Posting at optimal times for your account
- Experimenting with different posting times to find what works best
- Tracking your engagement and adjusting your strategy accordingly.
