Best times to post on social media in 2024

Did you know that over the past four years, social media engagement has dropped by more than 50%?

As algorithms from platforms like Facebook continually limit the organic reach of posts, choosing the best time to post on social media has become essential for maintaining visibility for brands or influencers.

Today, people use each social media platform for distinct purposes.

With a plethora of platforms to pick from, making a choice is increasingly challenging.

These varied usages lead to different user behaviors. Therefore, each platform has a unique way people consume or share information.

These distinctions manifest in the time of the first login, frequency, and average duration of social media use.

This article dives into the preferred days and hours users are most active

Canadians are spending an average of 2 hours and 5 minutes per day on social media.

So, when during the day do these minutes typically occur?

When should you post on social media to capture attention in 2024? Our social media agency in Montreal is here to shed some light💡.

What’s on the agenda?

• The best time to post on Facebook
• The best time to post on Twitter (now X)
• The best time to post on LinkedIn
• The best time to post on Instagram
• The best time to post on TikTok
• The peak time to post a video on YouTube
• The best time to pin on Pinterest
• The best time to snap on Snapchat
• The best moment to post on BeReal
• The best time to start a Twitch live stream
• The best time to post on Threads

What is the “Best Time” to post on social media? 🤔

The best time to post on social media is when your audience is most active and likely to engage with your content.

Platform-specific insights

Each social media platform has its quirks. For instance, the habits of daily Facebook users differ from those of YouTube aficionados. That’s why your audience engages differently across platforms, and the best posting times should be tailored to your target demographics.

Why is timing so crucial on social media? 🚀

The answer boils down to two words: maximum engagement. Posting at the best times on social media can:

• Amplify the reach of your posts
• Spark more interactions
• Elevate conversion rates for brands

Enhanced engagement rates

The engagement rate is a key performance indicator on social media. Timing your posts right ensures higher interaction because the users are present!

It’s like hosting an office event when no one is working remotely: your chances of success are high!

Impact on conversion rates

The more eyeballs on your content, the higher your conversion opportunities. Posts timed well not only capture but also retain the attention of potential customers👀.

When do brands post on social media?

Before diving into the nuances of each social media platform, let’s take a look at general posting trends among businesses.

According to a study by Hootsuite, brands post nearly 80% of their social media content between Monday and Friday—when their marketing teams are actually at work 🙃.

The following graph illustrates the distribution of posts from Monday (on the left) to Sunday (on the right) for Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Yet, numerous tools are at your disposal for scheduling posts in advance for the weekend:

• Hootsuite
• Buffer
• Agora Pulse
• And even directly via Meta Business Suite for Instagram and Facebook

Why let your social media accounts snooze on the weekend? With these tools, your brand can remain agile and engaging, seven days a week.

When is the best time to post on Facebook in 2024?

Research conducted by We Are Social and Hootsuite has shown that Facebook remains the most frequently used social media platform. In fact, 74% of Facebook users log in daily, more than on any other social network (Instagram 60%, Twitter 46%, LinkedIn not included in the research).

To pinpoint the best time to post on Facebook, your first port of call should be your page’s analytics, found under the “Posts” or “Publications” tab. Here, you can study audience activity peaks throughout the day, as well as general audience statistics.

You can also analyze which of your posts have garnered the most engagement to determine when they were published. This strategy will help you identify trends in your level of engagement and adjust your posting schedule accordingly.

However, if we’re interested in averages, here are the results:

Best Time to Post on Facebook in 2024:

• From 6 AM to 9 AM and from 12 PM to 3 PM on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
• Between 12 PM and 1 PM on Saturday and Sunday

During weekdays, the 12 PM – 3 PM window remains the most effective for accumulating likes, comments, and shares. Tuesdays and Sundays record lower engagement compared to other days.

Weekends still show a one-hour spike around midday.

Changing landscape with the new algorithm

Yet, with Facebook’s ever-evolving algorithm reducing the organic reach of business posts, posting at the optimal times is no longer enough. Social media users might not even see it because the post may be filtered by the algorithm. You might consider collaborating with a social media agency to craft more engaging content for your networks.

When is the best time to post on X in 2024?

this feels like the barbie house turning into the mojo dojo casa house https://t.co/qGdTi3nJed

— jo (@sixofsongbirds) July 24, 2023

Twitter (now X) serves as a digital journal for many users. Its instantaneous nature ensures that you find the freshest information, often before mainstream media catches on.

Here are the results of a study conducted by Sprout Social on over 70,000 posts to determine the best time to post on X.

Have you thought about
⏰BEST TIME TO POST ON X⏰?

You got it! It's not only about WHAT you post, but it's also about WHEN you post!

With the recent update in the X algorithms, the chronological feed is back in the game again, making your posts’ timing more crucial than ever.… pic.twitter.com/ulis5ZyHkx

— 𝕏 Academy (@XAcademy101) October 12, 2023

Best times to post on X for B2B in 2023:

If you’re looking to reach a B2B audience:

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. from Tuesday to Thursday

⚠️ Sunday is the day with the lowest engagement rate.

Best time to post on X for B2C:

If you want to reach individuals outside of their work:

Before 9 a.m. from Monday to Friday At noon and at 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday

Customize your strategy

Again, the most effective approach is to analyze your audience’s statistics, test various times, measure the outcomes, and optimize your strategy.

The power of timing

Note that on X, being the first to break news can significantly impact the reach of your tweet (or X). If you’re the first to discuss a major update in your sector, regardless of the time, it’s a powerful way to engage Xs users and encourage them to retweet.

Exclusive news at 7:02 AM might not remain so by 9 AM if others have already shared it. Hence, speed is of the essence.

When is the best time to post on LinkedIn in 2024?

LinkedIn reigns supreme as the go-to platform for professionals. Thus, it makes sense to post during traditional business hours.

Early post to be on time

Hootsuite’s research reveals that many companies schedule their posts precisely on the hour, like at 7:00 AM or 9:00 AM. To stand out from this crowd and avoid getting lost in a synchronized stream of posts, the best practice is to post 15 minutes before the hour.

If you don’t know what to post on LinkedIn: we have 26 ideas for you!

Best times to post on LinkedIn

The most effective times to post on LinkedIn are:

• 7:45 AM from Monday to Thursday
• 10:45 AM from Monday to Thursday
• 12:45 PM from Monday to Thursday
• 5:45 PM from Monday to Thursday

Custom Strategy

As always, the gold standard is to test each of these times to see which aligns best with your LinkedIn audience’s content consumption habits.

Worst time to post on LinkedIn

Avoid posting late afternoons on Friday at all costs. Engagement rates are at their lowest during these times. 🚫 You too are on week-end right? 🙃

When is the best time to post on Instagram in 2024?

While Instagram’s news feed doesn’t strictly follow chronological order, timing still plays a crucial role. With over 2 billion active users globally, discerning the best times to post can save your content from drowning in the sea of posts.

User behaviour on Instagram

Predominantly a mobile platform, Instagram enjoys high traffic outside of work hours and is especially popular during morning commutes 🚎.

Best times to post on Instagram

So, when should you post on Instagram? According to a study made by HubSpot, the best days are Saturday and Sunday. High engagement rates occur on Saturdays at 11 AM, 7 PM, and 10 PM, and on Sundays between 7–8 AM and 4 PM. According to a 2023 Hubspot study, Mondays have the lowest engagement rates.

Pro tip: schedule your posts during week-ends so you can relax without having to make posts ☀️

Here’s a daily breakdown:

• Monday: 6 AM, 10 AM, 10 PM
• Tuesday: 2 AM, 4 AM, 9 AM
• Wednesday: 7 AM, 8 AM, 11 PM
• Thursday: 9 AM, 12 PM, 7 PM
• Friday: 5 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM
• Saturday: 11 AM, 7 PM, 10 PM
• Sunday: 7 AM, 8 AM, 4 PM

Unique insights

Research by Later indicates that the highest engagement rates occur between 3 AM and 6 AM on weekends. While your audience may be less active at these times, reduced competition can help your content stand out, boosting engagement.

💡 If you want to know how to get verified on Instagram, we have a complete guide!

When is the best time to post on TikTok in 2024?

In the ever-changing landscape of social media, TikTok has steadily climbed the ranks, becoming a go-to platform for content creators around the globe. But if you’re aiming to skyrocket your reach, especially among Gen Z and young adults, timing is everything.

Weekdays: a goldmine of engagement

Weekdays offer a fertile ground for sharing your videos. Specifically, the time frame between 6 PM and 8 PM is golden. Why? Because that’s when users typically wind down after school or work and start scrolling through TikTok.

Weekends: don’t overlook the gold rush

Hold on! Weekends are not to be ignored. This is when TikTokers have the luxury of time and are most active on the platform.

Hootsuite’s cheat sheet for TikTok timing

Want to zero in on the best times? Here’s a Hootsuite-endorsed breakdown for B2C:

• Monday: 9 PM – 11 PM
• Tuesday: 8 AM – 10 AM
• Wednesday: 6 AM – 8 AM
• Thursday: 7 PM – 9 PM
• Friday: 2 PM – 4 PM
• Saturday: 10 AM – 12 PM (And yes, a Hootsuite study also suggests the unconventional 10 PM – 3 AM!)
• Sunday: 7 AM – 8 AM and 4 PM

Mark this in your calendar: In the B2C realm, 7 PM on Thursdays is THE time to hit publish on TikTok! 🚀

B2B TikTok timing: an untapped potential

When it comes to B2B brands, TikTok isn’t traditionally the first platform that comes to mind. However, if you’re a business aiming to reach other businesses, don’t underestimate this social giant. It turns out there are prime slots even in this market all depends on your industry:

• Thursdays: 6 PM – 8 PM
• Saturdays: 11 AM – 11 PM

Now, you might be thinking, “Why Saturday?” Well, in the B2B sphere, Saturdays allow for a more extended window of engagement. Professionals are winding down for the weekend, but they’re still open to consuming valuable, business-oriented content.

The power of TikTok analytics

Crucial to any TikTok strategy is the platform’s native analytics. These tools help you dive deep into specific insights tailored to your account. Leverage this data to pinpoint when your audience is most engaged, right down to the day and hour.

When is the best time to post on YouTube in 2024?

Let’s get one thing straight—YouTube is more than just a video platform; it’s a titan in the social media space. With users spending an astonishing average of 23 hours and 9 minutes per month, it towers above other platforms in terms of time spent. One reason? Its content is often more extensive than quick snippets you’ll find on other platforms.

The golden hours to post on YouTube

The YouTube community is most active around noon and in the evenings. That makes the latter part of the day an opportune time to drop your latest masterpiece. Here are some golden time slots to consider:

• Week (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday): Between 12 PM – 3 PM and 6 PM – 9 PM
• Weekends (Saturday & Sunday): Between 12 PM – 3 PM
• Friday Frenzy: Fridays, interestingly enough, show the highest levels of user activity

To find the exact best timing, here is a little secret from @TwoChaptersAhread

Best Time to Post on YouTube? Here's a Secret!! #YouTube pic.twitter.com/ZhJuwe5heA

— Two Chapters Ahead – Samer Itani (@2ChaptersAhead) September 19, 2023

The power of consistency ✅

What’s better than posting a great video? Posting great videos consistently. Consider establishing a “YouTube appointment” with your viewers, such as every Tuesday at 6 PM. It conditions your subscribers to anticipate and tune into your fresh content like clockwork .

Leverage your social channels ✅

Don’t overlook the influence of your other social networks. Use them as megaphones to broadcast when your latest YouTube video goes live. This multi-platform approach not only informs but also excites your community about what’s coming up next.

When is the best time to post on Pinterest in 2024?

Maximize your visual impact

We need to talk about Pinterest. With a staggering 442 million monthly active users recorded in 2022, it’s a force to reckon with in the social media cosmos. While Pinterest doesn’t rely on a time-based news feed, timing your pins can still be a game-changer in reaching an expansive audience.

The prime windows

Let’s dive into the peak hours when your pins are most likely to shine:

• Week (Monday – Friday): Optimal posting times are between 6 PM and 9 PM.
• Weekends (Saturday & Sunday): Your best bet is between 3 PM and 6 PM.

Weekday evenings are when Pinterest users commonly engage with the platform, often after the workday winds down. Seizing this window of opportunity can notably increase the visibility and sharing potential of your pins.

Weekends: the engagement utopia

Want to know the best time to post on Pinterest? https://t.co/9faEawymHb #digitalmarketing #marketingonline #sanjosecalifornia #bayarea pic.twitter.com/bDufAQemR5

— Don Roberts (@DonRoberts) September 8, 2023

If a recent infographic by Sales Odyssey is to be believed, your engagement metrics will skyrocket during weekends. So, consider saving some of your best visual content for this period to make the most out of elevated user engagement.

When is the Best Time to Post on Snapchat in 2024?

Reach young users

Snapchat is great for talking to young people. In fact, a study from 2023 says that nearly 39% of Snapchat users are between 18 and 24 years old. So, when should you post to get their attention?

Best times to post on Snapchat

Here’s a simple guide:

• During the week (Monday to Thursday): Post between 5 PM and 10 PM
• Weekends (Friday to Sunday): Post from 9 PM to 1 AM

Why week-ends matter?

Young people use Snapchat late at night, mostly on weekends. So, if you want more people to see and engage with your posts, make sure to post during these late weekend hours.

So there you go! Now you know the best times to post on Snapchat in 2024 to get in front of young users. Happy posting!

When is the best time to post on BeReal?

Wondering when to post on Be Real, the fresh social network launched in 2020? Brace yourself for a twist! Unlike traditional platforms, Be Real wants you to post a selfie and a snapshot of your surroundings once a day—but at a different hour each time! So early in the morning or at 11PM: it all depends on one notification!

Time-sensitive action: don’t Miss the Be Real Alert! 🚨

You’ve got just 2 minutes to snap that pic when the Be Real notification hits your phone. Talk about urgency!

Brands are joining the fun and what to BE REAL

Major players like Chipotle and yogurt brand Vrai are already using Be Real to showcase their day-to-day happenings. From behind-the-scenes snapshots to today’s special dish, the platform is getting real with content.

Best times to post: expect the unexpected 😂

Guess what? The ideal posting time on Be Real changes every day. Yep, you read that right!

You could opt for a “Late Be Real,” but let’s be honest: staying on schedule lets you snag two more Be Real posts in a single day. So why not be timely?

When is the best time to start a live on Twitch?

So you’re diving into Twitch, the gaming livestream powerhouse with 30 million daily users. The platform isn’t just about gaming anymore; it’s a hub for all kinds of live content. But when is the perfect time to go live?

Typically, Twitch is buzzing between 7:00 PM and 11:00 PM. But be warned: this is when most streamers are active, making it a battlefield of competition.

Best times for Twitch streaming ⏰

• Mondays and Tuesdays: 8:00-9:00 AM and 1:00-2:00 PM

The weekend conundrum: think twice! 🤔

Going live on a weekend? High-risk move. Saturdays and Sundays are jam-packed with streamers vying for attention. You can try in the morning, but not sure that your community will be already up.

The evening dilemma: high traffic, high competition 🌆

Lots of Twitch users are online between 5:00 PM and 10:00 PM. But guess what? That’s also when the platform is saturated with streamers. You’ll need something extra to stand out!

What is the best time to post on Threads?

Currently, there are no studies on this topic. Two news feeds are available on the social network: one displaying content published by your contacts on the app, and another featuring recommendations of relevant Threads based on your industry.

Regardless of the time you post on Threads, the chances that your friends will see your content in the “For You” tab are very high.

However, the classification criteria for the “Followed” tab are quite vague at the moment. The similarities of Threads to the old Twitter suggest that the most recent contents with a high engagement rate are more likely to attract attention 👀.

What’s left for you is to do A/B testing and post Threads at different times to determine the best moment to post on Threads.

We will keep you updated on our upcoming studies on this topic 💡.

Summary table of the best times to post on social media

Wondering when is the best time to post on social media to get the most engagement? Your search ends here. Check out this go-to table that nails down the best and worst times to post across various platforms.

The ball is in your court: craft your ideal method

The best time to post on social media hinges mainly on your unique business metrics: your target audience, your industry, and your chosen platforms. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution!

Here’s how you can tailor your social media posting schedule to yield the best results for cultivating an ever-engaged community.

1) Understand industry averages

The best time to post isn’t just about platform choice but also your industry landscape. For instance, SproutSocial and NukeSuite have conducted studies on average optimal posting times for Facebook and Instagram across various sectors.

These averages can be a good starting point but are by no means set in stone! The next three steps will fine-tune your social media management to better align with your specific business needs.

2) Study your audience

Getting a detailed grasp of your audience is pivotal in choosing when to post. Identify the following metrics:

• Average age
• Geographical location (and time zone!)
• Work patterns
• Commuting habits
• Preferred social networks
• Devices of choice (smartphone, tablet, computer, etc.)

Use tools to analyze user behavior

No secrets here—social media analytics tools are your best allies. Think of them as your GPS for pinpointing the ideal posting times. Whether it’s Google Analytics, Sprout Social, or Hootsuite, options abound. 🛠️

3) Test the same content multiple times

The best way to find your perfect posting time is by testing the same (or slightly tweaked) content at different intervals. Experimentation is key to identifying your golden opportunities.

Social listening and competitor analysis can also yield valuable insights. Spot your competitors’ most popular posts and note if certain times recur among the most effective publications.

“Only through trial can one understand what’s best.”

4) Continuously analyze and optimize your strategy

Audience behaviors and social media algorithms evolve.

Regularly measure the results of your varied tests, evaluate what worked and what didn’t. Even after you’ve nailed down an optimal posting schedule, maintain a proactive approach and keep testing to stay in sync with your audience’s ever-changing behavior.

Key factors to find the best time to post on social media

Here is a summary table with the best practices to time your social media posts to perfection.

By following these best practices and avoiding these common mistakes, you can

Post at the best time to leverage your social media publications

Unlocking the ideal times for social media posting gives your engagement a significant boost, elevates your visibility, and turbocharges your conversion rate.

Remember, adaptability holds the key to success: Grasping your audience’s nuances and each platform’s unique attributes is vital for social media mastery.

So experiment with different posting times, gauge the outcomes, fine-tune your strategy, and seize all the opportunities social media platforms offer 📱.

Need expert guidance for your social media management?

If you’re keen on deploying a high-impact, profitable social media strategy, our social media managers are ready to assist. They’ll help you set your growth objectives and plan the necessary steps to reach them.

Customized social media pricing will be tailored to meet your business needs.