SMM: When Is The Best Time To Post On Social Media?

Digital marketers around the globe understand the crucial role of a strong social media marketing (SMM) strategy, with one essential element being the best timing for posting content. Indeed, the saying “timing is everything” is particularly relevant in social media, where the success of a post can hinge on the exact moment it is published. Given the ever-expanding number of social platforms and billions of users, it has become increasingly difficult to cut through the noise and ensure your message is heard. So, to make sure you do not put your SMM efforts to waste, it is necessary that you properly schedule your posts on social media. To help you, read on as this article looks into the best time to post on social media that every marketer must keep in mind.

The Best Time to Post on Social Media in General

Figuring out the best time to post on social media is complicated because each platform has its own distinct users, features, and communities. When choosing which social media platforms to prioritise, it is important to consider your brand’s target audience and overall objectives. For instance, LinkedIn is ideal for connecting with professionals, while TikTok or Instagram might be better suited for engaging with Gen Z consumers. Although the best time to post on social media varies based on the platform, many SMM experts agree on the following:

• The optimal times to post on social media are 8:41 AM, 3:15 PM, and 7:00 PM in the time zone of your target audience.
• The best hourlong periods for posting on social media are 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 7:00 PM in the time zone of your target audience.
• The worst hourlong periods for posting on social media are 1:00 AM, 2:00 AM, and 3:00 AM in the time zone of your target audience.
• The optimal times the top .5% of companies post on social media are 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 6:00 PM in the time zones of their target audience.

When to Post on Facebook

Facebook continues to be the most widely used social media platform around the world, holding the largest share of the advertising market at 16%. Although its user demographics have shifted towards an older audience in recent years, its popularity is still on the rise, and its value as a marketing tool remains undeniable. When it comes to the best times to post on Facebook, sources like Sprout Social, Hootsuite, and CoSchedule all agree that weekdays are ideal, with Monday being particularly effective. Various other weekdays are also recommended. There is a general agreement that Sundays should be avoided. However, while the suggested optimal posting times differ, early to mid-morning is generally favoured.

When to Post on Instagram

Starting as a photo-sharing app, Instagram has grown into a leading social media network and a vital marketing tool. With billions of users, 90% of whom follow at least one business, Instagram is a major force in ecommerce, brand awareness, and community-building. As a top player in social media, Instagram regularly introduces new features like Reels, Stories, quizzes, and polls. When it comes to the best posting times on Instagram, experts agree that Wednesday is frequently highlighted as the best day to post on the social media app. Most sources favour weekdays for optimal engagement. For timing, mornings to midday, particularly from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, are generally recommended. However, some experts also believe the best posting times can vary based on your audience and content.

When to Post on TikTok

Although TikTok is relatively new, it has rapidly become one of the most popular social platforms globally, attracting a growing number of brands. With users spending an average of nearly 54 minutes daily on the app, TikTok’s influence is undeniable. Hence, optimising your presence on TikTok can yield significant marketing returns. Determining the best time to post on TikTok is still uncertain and may require some experimentation to find what works best for your audience. That said, Tuesday is frequently recommended by various sources, with Wednesdays and Thursdays also suggested. Midweek generally appears to be a good time to post, though the data varies.

When to Post on YouTube

As the second most visited website and social platform around the world, YouTube provides an unmatched opportunity for brands and individuals to engage with audiences through video content. With its ongoing growth, including features like YouTube Shorts, new monetisation options for creators, and its rising use as a search engine, YouTube’s influence continues to expand. No longer just a video-sharing site, YouTube is now a powerful marketing tool that helps businesses increase brand awareness and foster meaningful engagement.

When it comes to the best time to post on YouTube, recent data is less readily available compared to other platforms, so these suggestions should be considered cautiously. HubSpot recommends Friday and Saturday as the best days to post, while SocialPilot highlights Sunday as the most engaging day, making it worthwhile to test all three. Although SocialPilot does not specify the worst day, HubSpot advises avoiding Tuesday. Nonetheless, both sources agree that afternoons are effective for weekday posts, and SocialPilot suggests mornings (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM) on weekends.

When to Post on X (Twitter)

X (formerly Twitter) has long been a hub for marketers to connect with their audience, participate in trending conversations, and build communities. Its real-time nature sets X apart from other social platforms, enabling spontaneous and reactive marketing strategies. With CEO Elon Musk’s ambitious plans for the app, it is definitely a platform to keep an eye on.

According to many SMM experts, Wednesday and Friday are frequently recommended as the best days to post on this social media app, with Sprout Social also suggesting Tuesday through Thursday. Hootsuite highlights Monday and Wednesday as top days, indicating that weekdays are generally the best for engagement on X. Similar to other platforms, Sunday is often seen as the least effective day for posting. For the best times to post on X, late morning, from around 9:00 AM to noon, is commonly recommended, though this can vary depending on your audience and content type.

When to Post on LinkedIn

Although primarily a professional platform, LinkedIn has gained significant traction recently, becoming a leading social media network and a hub of engagement. It is a crucial tool for businesses aiming to connect with executives, decision-makers, and potential candidates. When executed well, LinkedIn content can greatly enhance your brand’s public perception and offer substantial value to your target audience. Data shows that weekdays, particularly Tuesdays through Thursdays, offer the best engagement opportunities on LinkedIn, with Mondays also recommended by Hootsuite and HubSpot. Meanwhile, all sources agree that weekends are less effective for LinkedIn posts. For optimal posting times, late morning to mid-afternoon is generally suggested, though the results may vary depending on your brand, niche, target audience, and content.

Conclusion

Overall, scheduling social media posts is crucial for an effective marketing strategy because it ensures your content reaches your audience at the most opportune times, maximising engagement and visibility. By strategically timing your posts, you can align with when your target audience is most active, increasing the likelihood of interactions, such as likes, shares, and comments. This not only boosts your content’s reach but also enhances your brand’s presence and credibility. Additionally, scheduling allows for consistent posting, which is key to maintaining audience interest and building a loyal following. Indeed, in a digital landscape crowded with information, a well-timed post can make the difference between being noticed and being overlooked. This ultimately makes scheduling an indispensable tool in any social media marketing arsenal.

References:
https://www.searchenginejournal.com/best-time-to-post-social-media/501609/
https://coschedule.com/social-media-marketing/best-times-to-post-on-social-media
https://www.brandwatch.com/blog/best-times-to-post-on-social-media/