Let’s demystify social media strategy with handy tips on scheduling your posts to boost engagement. Hold onto your hashtags. It’s time for some online magic!
The best time to post on social media
In the world of social media, timing, as the old saying goes, is everything. For businesses trying to reach a larger audience, knowing when your followers are scrolling their feeds can make a world of difference. Let’s crunch the numbers and break it down.
On average, the best time to post on most social media platforms is during the week, specifically on Mondays and Tuesdays. It turns out that early in the week is when people hit the virtual “refresh” button on life (after shaking off the weekend’s cobwebs, of course), so this is when they are most likely to catch up on news and updates.
Now, let’s talk time.
The prime scrolling hours are between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. PST. We know, right? A bit surprising that 9 a.m. works. Well, it turns out that for many users, starting the day with a dose of social media is as important as a morning cup of coffee. After 9 a.m., engagement remains relatively high until 1 p.m., when the lunch break routine of social scrolling starts to fade.
So, as a rule of thumb, posting on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. is your sweet spot. But remember, this is a general guideline. Each platform has its perfect formula, which we’ll unravel as we dive deeper. Stay tuned!
Facebook: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
With more than 2.085 billion users daily, Facebook is a social media powerhouse. Our data tells us that posts get the most traction on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Why? Maybe it’s the Monday blues fading away or the thrill of an approaching weekend. Who can say for sure? But the numbers don’t lie: these are the days you’ll want to post.
Between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. is the sweet spot that guarantees to pull your post from the social media depths and bring it right under the spotlight!
Instagram: Weekdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
With four in 10 Americans using Instagram, we’ve noticed that the optimal times for Instagram posts are between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays. Why? It could be all those lunchtime food snaps. Fridays help supercharge your Instagram. This day brings the weekend party vibes and a wave of social media engagement.
Twitter: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
With 23% of Americans using “X,” you’ve got 280 characters to make an impact, and you must get your timing right.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are the best days to post your character-limited masterpieces. Aim for around 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for maximum engagement and retweets.
LinkedIn: Weekdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
With over 1 billion users, LinkedIn is the go-to for professionals, B2B, and job seekers alike. The best times to post are Monday through Wednesday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Pinterest: Fridays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Sure, Pinterest may appear to be all about aesthetics and DIY, but this platform has muscles in marketing, with 482 million active users. What is your best chance to flex your content on Pinterest? Fridays between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. is your time to shine.
TikTok: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Ranked as the 2022 most downloaded app in the market, TikTok bursts with dancing, singing, and much fun. But don’t let its casual vibe distract from the importance of timing.
The optimal posting times are between 12 p.m. and 9 p.m., with Friday being the best day to post for maximum engagement. Because, let’s face it, who doesn’t want a dose of TikTok goodness to kick off the weekend?
YouTube: Thursday and Friday, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
We’re talking about YouTube, the home of cat videos, how-tos, 500 hours of video posted every minute, and a universe of things you never knew you needed to see. As it turns out, YouTube isn’t just about posting any old-time you fancy. There’s a method to video success.
Aim to publish your videos on Thursdays and Fridays for peak viewer engagement. Why these days? The anticipation of the weekend may lead individuals to indulge a little more in video content.
As for the best hours to reveal your new video to the world, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. takes the prize. It could be the lunch break or the afternoon slump. Whatever it is, these hours are when viewers are most likely to hit play.
The worst time to post on social media: Early mornings and late nights
We’ve all been there, reaching for the phone half-awake only to realize we can’t focus. Or trying to cram in one last status update before bed. Keep clear of these times for your posts unless you enjoy the sound of digital crickets.
We understand the urge to share that night-out snap or the inability to sleep leading to a random midnight post. But if you want more engagement, try to avoid these hours.
Remember, these are general guidelines. Time zone differences, the specific nature of your audience, and the type of content you share can all influence your optimal and worst posting times. Always use these suggestions with your data and insights for the best results!
How to craft social media posts that hit the jackpot! Our best tips
Post according to platform-specific guidelines: Each social media platform dances to its beat. To groove along successfully, remember that Instagram might twirl during different hours than Twitter, and weekday waltzing on LinkedIn will be different from weekend salsa on Pinterest. Be sure to check each platform’s rhythm!
Experiment with different content types: Don’t get stuck in a rut! Mix things up with your post content, too! Try blending images, videos, link posts, and plain old text. See what resonates best with your audience and leave them coming back for more.
Engage in conversations with your audience: When your audience comments or reacts to your posts, don’t leave them hanging – engage! Think of it as a town hall where ideas are exchanged, insights are harvested, and relationships are forged.
Examine historical data: Give a nod to your “oldies but goldies.” Look back at your past posts and see which ones perform the best. Did your audience love your inspiring Monday quotes? Or were they all about that #FridayFeeling post that sent the engagement through the roof? Seek patterns, and you’ll find your golden formula.
Key takeaway: It’s the little things that matter on social media. GRIN helps you capture them and supercharge your strategy.
Having traversed the ever-changing terrain of social media, you’ve kept your finger on the pulse of trends, maintained unwavering consistency, yet stayed flexible enough to adapt. Ready to supercharge your social media prowess and influencer marketing skills? No need to settle for grinning and bearing mediocre results. With GRIN, you can redefine your marketing strategy and make a significant game plan. Let’s not just keep up with the trends but set new ones.
