Want your Instagram Reels to go viral and stay on top of the audience’s feed? Whether you’re chasing global recognition or just want your audience to see you first when they open Instagram, it’s time to reconsider your posting schedule.
According to the latest research, the best time to post Reels on Instagram is during the early morning hours! No matter the type of content you post, it’s always smarter to publish when your audience is just starting their day, also it helps boost your views quickly by reaching them at the right time with the right content.
No second thoughts, no doubts, this strategy works equally well for brands, businesses and creators. After reviewing thousands of performance analytical data from top Instagram accounts, one thing became clear, considering the best time for uploading on Instagram drive the highest engagement, visibility and interaction, regardless of different time zone.
So, if you want to stay ahead of the algorithm and dominate your audience’s feed, it’s time to set your alarm! Try posting your Instagram Reels between 7 a.m. and 12 noon to give your content the best chance to rise to the top.
What are the Best Times to Post a Reel on Instagram?
If you’re planning to connect with your audience all seven days of the week, you need to pay attention to the timeline that works as a best time to post reels on instagram. Here’s one of the most tried and tested posting schedules that may work for you even for the first time.
| Days | When is the Best Time to Post on Instagram | Engagement Level |
| Monday | 3 am, 7 am, 11 am & 12 pm | ⭐ ⭐ |
| Tuesday | 7 am, 9 am & 10 am | ⭐ ⭐⭐ |
| Wednesday | 7 am, 9 am, 11 am &1 pm | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Thursday | 6 am, 11 am & 12 pm | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Friday | 7 am 11 am, 2 pm & 4 pm | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Saturday | 8 am, 9 am, 10 am & 5 pm | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Sunday | 5 am, 7 am, 1 pm & 2 pm | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Things to Keep in Mind Before Scheduling Posts on Instagram
Here are a few things to keep in mind before choosing a time slot for your Instagram posting schedule.
- The above-listed times are mostly based on global engagement trends, irrespective of any specific time zone.
- It’s a good idea to conduct A/B testing to analyze what works best for you.
- If you’re keen on posting during weekends, be aware that post reach is usually lower during this period.
- Early mornings and midday time slots are generally ideal for posting Reels to achieve better reach and engagement.
- You don’t always need to stick strictly to the 7 a.m. timing, you can be flexible and schedule your posts around 6:53 a.m, 6:59 a.m or similar.
Best Days to Post Reels on Instagram
Finding the right Instagram Reel posting times is one thing, but knowing the best days that can take your Instagram promotional strategy to the next level is truly impactful. Here’s a brief overview of how you can plan your weekly posting schedule based on engagement and virality rates.
Best Time to Share Reels on Instagram on Monday
People are usually super busy on Mondays. Rather than scrolling through their Instagram feeds, they prefer to plan and schedule their work calendars. So, how do you get their attention? Create engaging, curiosity-evoking and informative posts or simply share fresh ideas that leave a lingering impression and help build connections. Focusing on lunch hours can be more effective, as people often check their profiles during break hours to escape the Monday blues.
Beat the Monday blues 😰! schedule your Instagram reels at: 3am , 7am, 11am or 12pm and let the views roll in before the week even starts. |
Best Time to Share Reels on Instagram on Tuesday
Tuesdays are usually a bit slower compared to Monday and people finally have time to atleast enjoy their morning coffee, so hit the feed right when your audience are more active. So make maximum use of the best time to post reels on instagram Tuesday with the apt content instead of making your audience feel guilty for spending their precious time on irrelevant posts.
| Tuesday’s breathing space + morning coffee ☕ = Perfect ig reel posting times like 7 am, 8am, 9 am & 10 am |
Best Time to Share Reels on Instagram on Wednesday
Well, it’s midweek and your audience has likely already tackled most of their important tasks and Wednesdays are said to have higher engagement. This is when they have a bit more time to plan for the rest of the week and even start thinking about their weekend. So, make use of this perfect window to share engaging Reels, informative reels, weekend-focused, product demos or fun content that grabs their attention instantly.
| Midweek is when engagement peaks 📈! The best times to post your Reels on Wednesday : 9 AM, 11 AM & 1 PM |
Best Time to Share Reels on Instagram on Thursday
Thursdays are usually a mix of both relaxation and crucial work, so you should plan your Instagram Reels timing carefully. Schedule posts in the earliest time slots so your audience can engage during their morning coffee, lunch break or mid-evening snack time. Focus on these time slots to optimize engagement and get your Instagram ready.
| Thursdays are prime time!🏆 Best time to post reels on Instagram on Thursday :6 AM, 11 AM or 12 PM |
Best Time to Share Reels on Instagram on Friday
The weekend vibe starts just here! Fridays are usually more about recreation, weekend parties, fun and movie time. This means your content is likely to get higher engagement on Fridays. Therefore, you can promote content that resonates with weekend plans, weekday planning or content aimed at conversions and lead generation.
Friday vibes = higher engagement! 🍹 Best time to post reel : 1 AM, 2 PM,or 4 PM |
Best Time to Share Reels on Instagram on Saturday
Saturdays are usually meant for relaxation. For some, it’s the beginning of the weekend, while others like to stay cozy or plan a short trip to a friend’s house or a party. As a result, engagement rates are usually low. So, simply say hi to your audience, but avoid planning any extraordinary content promotions, as it might negatively affect engagement.
| Weekend mode ON 😎! Best time to upload reels on instagram :5am, 9am or 10 PM |
Best Time to Share Reels on Instagram on Sunday
Audiences enjoy engaging with Instagram Reels that can be watched leisurely, pure fun while lying on the couch during a typical Sunday routine. Sundays can be a highly impactful time to maintain audience engagement and even encourage decision-making. Choose Sunday if you’re confident about satisfying your audience’s thirst for interaction and engagement.
| Lazy Sundays are real!😴 Best time to post instagram reels for engagement 5 AM, 7 am, 1 PM or 2 PM |
Best Time for Uploading Instagram Reels by Industry
Every industry follows a unique approach with its own target audience, strategy and campaign objectives. Considering these factors, we’ve identified the best times to post on Instagram for each industry.
1. Restaurants
Consider your audience’s mealtime, when they’re likely thinking about food or restaurants. You can cover all five weekdays, from Monday to Friday. The best times to share reels on Instagram are 12 PM, 3 PM & 5 PM, as it would reach an audience who are hungry and craving for some hearty meals.
2. Tourism
Weekend evenings, Friday nights or even midweek can work best for travel- and tour-related Reels. Share engaging Reels that highlight tour packages, attractive offers and upcoming events between 7 PM and 10 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, when users are relaxed and planning their weekend itineraries.
3. Finance
To share finance-related content, early mornings and mid-afternoons are the key for maximum visibility. The best Instagram Reels posting times are between 7 AM & 11:30 AM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays optimally, especially when users are ready to engage with informative content that empowers them.
4. Education
Educational content performs best during late mornings to early afternoons, as that’s when the learning community is most active. Post between 11 AM and 1 PM on Saturdays and Sundays as those are the ideal times to engage with learners who scroll through their free time, looking to explore courses or plan their careers.
5. Retail & eCommerce
This industry relies on both in-store and online shopping. To ensure maximum engagement online, focus on posting during your audience’s active shopping hours. Post at 11 AM and 12 PM on Saturdays and 6 PM on Fridays to align with the weekend shopping mood. You can also try promoting special offers on salary days or during events like Black Friday for better results.
6. Healthcare / Medical
Health is wealth for your audience and promoting such content can be a definite hit. Even if you’re catching them during their break or lunch hours, they won’t regret it. Try focusing your posting hours between 12 PM and 1 PM on weekdays, when your audience is most likely to engage during breaks.
7. Technology
Everyone loves exploring tech content that delivers the best ideas from AI trends to tech-savvy posts, hacks and more. Try engaging your audience right at the start of the day by sharing your social media reels at 9 AM on Sundays and Mondays, capturing early risers and tech enthusiasts who like to stay updated.
Best Time to Post Instagram Reels for Engagement by Country
Here are the top countries with suggested igReels posting times to help you go viral with audiences worldwide, regardless of varying time zones.
| Country | Best Time to Post Instagram Reels |
| USA (Eastern & Western) | 4 AM – 9 AM & 12 AM – 6 AM |
| India | 7 AM, 10 AM, 12 PM |
UK | 4 AM – 6 AM |
Australia | 6PM – 8PM |
| Canada (Eastern & Western) | 4 AM – 9 AM & 12 AM – 6 AM |
Europe (Eastern & Western) | 5 AM – 7 AM & 6 PM – 8 PM |
| Middle East & South Asia | 3 AM |
Key Factors to Consider When Posting Instagram Reels for Maximum Likes & Impressions
Listed below are key factors of the crucial factors that one should consider before you follow the best time to post instagram reels
- Audience Activity & Routine
Identify when your target audience is most active on Instagram by tracking their routines and engagement using analytics provided by top social media management tools.
- Content Type & Purpose
Choose your content type wisely and see which formats like Stories, Reels or posts resonate most with your Instagram audience.
- Days of the Week
Track and monitor which days of the week achieve the highest Instagram engagement. Conduct A/B testing and measure performance and engagement metrics for more effective promotions.
- Time Zones
Schedule Instagram Reels based on your audience’s local time, not just your own. Use Instagram analytics or analytics from social media management tools to determine follower locations and plan your Reels accordingly.
- Consistency & Frequency
Keep a consistent posting schedule to please the Instagram algorithm so that it recognizes your visibility, increases your content’s reach and drives higher engagement.
Tips to Find Your Ideal Instagram Posting Time and Boost Visibility
Here are the most common tips usually followed by brands and businesses that have successfully adhered to a strict Instagram Reel posting schedule
- Hit your audience feed when they’re scrolling the most!
- Always make sure to match your content type with the perfect time for maximum impact and engagement.
- Consider your target audience’s time zones to reach based on their demographics and location.
- Never miss to do A/B testing, to figure out the best time to post instagram reels in order to tweak for peak engagement.
- Keep a consistent Instagram posting schedule and packed social media content calendar to stay favored by the algorithm.
Final Takeaways on the Best Times to Post Reels on Instagram!
That’s a lot of information on one page, right? Don’t panic and don’t hustle, just follow the timeline, do A/B testing and see which type of content and time zone resonates best with your audience.
Managing your Instagram Reels becomes a breeze if you’re disciplined in following a posting schedule that works for you.
Trust the process, inhale confidence & exhale success. Wishing you a grand success!
Recommended Reading
Haripriya is a Digital Marketer skilled in video editing tools and social media strategy, focused on boosting social media engagement and driving meaningful brand interactions online.
