When I first started my journey in 2017, managing social media felt like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube while blindfolded. Fast forward to now, and it's still a puzzle – but one I've grown to love, especially with Instagram Reels in the mix! Instagram Reels can be an amazing asset for reaching new people if you're diving into the world of digital products or perhaps dipping your toes into social media marketing. But, as we've all learned (sometimes the hard way!), timing is everything. Let's break down the best times to post Instagram Reels to maximize your engagement and, ultimately, bring in more eyes to your business!
Why Timing Matters for Instagram Reels
Imagine you're throwing a party (one we can attend without a dress code!). You'd want to schedule it when everyone's available, right? The same goes for Instagram Reels. Posting at the right time ensures that as many people as possible see and interact with your content. Instagram's algorithm favors posts that immediately get engagement, so posting when your audience is most active can make a real difference.
I know what you're probably thinking: "I'll just post whenever I finish editing!" But wait! A little strategic timing could mean the difference between 50 views and 5,000 views.
When Are People on Instagram?
Let's start with the basics. People use Instagram at certain times of day, depending on their habits. General patterns suggest the following:
- Early mornings (7-9 a.m.) when people are waking up or commuting
- Lunch breaks (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) when they're taking a mental break
- Evenings (5-9 p.m.) after the workday when they're winding down
The timing does vary, though, based on a few things like region, age, and lifestyle. But if you're trying to reach the woman who's starting her side hustle or trying to quit her 9-to-5, these times can be a great place to start.
The Best Days to Post Reels
We've got timing down. Now, let's look at the days of the week. Studies have shown that certain days see more engagement than others:
- Monday: Engagement is often lower, with many people catching up on work.
- Tuesdays to Thursdays are strong days, with people more settled into their week and spending time on social media.
- Friday: Engagement is decent, but people often wind down in the afternoon.
- Saturday and Sunday: Weekends can be a hit or miss. Some people are more active on Instagram because they have more free time, while others are out and about.
In general, Tuesday to Thursday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. is a sweet spot for Reels. But remember this isn't a hard-and-fast rule – testing to find your unique "golden times" is key.
How to Find Your Best Time to Post
Here's the secret: The "perfect" time to post depends on your audience, not everyone else's. If you're just starting, you can follow the general guidelines above. But as you post more, pay attention to what works best. Here's a step-by-step approach to help you find your own best posting times:
- Use Instagram Insights: Once a few posts are up, head over to Instagram's analytics. Instagram Insights will show you when your followers are most active.
- Experiment with Posting Times: Try posting at different times and on different days, then compare how each post performs.
- Track Engagement Patterns: Keep a simple record – you could even use a spreadsheet! Note the times and days you post and the resulting engagement levels.
- Adjust as You Go: After a few weeks of testing, you should notice some trends. Adjust your posting schedule based on these trends.
If You're Busy During Peak Times, Don't Worry!
Now, I get it – if you're new to this and juggling a job, you might not always be able to post at those "ideal" times. But here's the thing: don't let that stop you! If evenings are when you're free, then evenings it is! Consistency is more important than hitting exact hours, especially in the beginning.
In fact, posting when you're available to engage – like in the evenings when you're more relaxed – is a great approach. You can actively reply to comments, interact with your audience, and build relationships. So don't let timing hold you back. Even if you can't post at those peak hours, showing up regularly when it works for you will still make a difference.
The Importance of Consistency (Hint: It's Not Just About Time)
When I first started posting Reels, I'd post randomly, thinking each one would go viral just by chance (spoiler: they didn't!). But here's what I learned: consistency counts. Posting regularly – ideally a few times a week – helps you stay on your audience's radar and keeps the algorithm happy. So, even if you find your magic hour, post consistently.
Think of your Reels as seeds you're planting. Not every seed will sprout right away, but with enough of them, you'll start seeing growth.
Creating Engaging Content That Resonates
We've talked a lot about timing, but one more thing will supercharge your Reels: engaging valuable content. If you're thinking, "But I'm new to this! How do I create something valuable?" don't worry – you already have everything you need. Think about your journey, lessons learned, and advice you wish you had when you started. Content that feels genuine and helpful will always win.
Here are some ideas to try:
- Share a Quick Tip or Tool: If you've discovered an amazing app or shortcut, share it! People love actionable tips.
- Tell Your Story: Share a little piece of your journey to resonate with your audience. Show them where you started and where you're going.
- Celebrate Wins: Whether it's your 50th sale on Etsy or finally figuring out a tricky tool, celebrating your wins reminds your audience they can achieve their dreams, too.
- Show Behind-the-Scenes: This is one of my favorites! Show the behind-the-scenes of running your digital business, from brainstorming ideas to shipping products.
I know Instagram and Reels can feel a little overwhelming for those of you just starting out. But remember: you're not alone. This community is here to support you and trust me; you'll get the hang of it in no time.
To recap:
- General Best Times: Try posting between 7-9 a.m., 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and 5-9 p.m.
- Best Days: Tuesdays to Thursdays generally have high engagement, with Saturdays being more unpredictable.
- Track Your Own Trends: Use Instagram Insights and experiment to find the times that work best for you.
- Post When You Can, Not Just When It's "Ideal": If evenings work for you, lean into that. The key is showing up regularly and engaging when you're free.
Remember, your journey isn't about overnight success – small steps that build up over time. You've already chosen to take charge of your life and build a business. With each Reel, each post, and each new follower, you're planting seeds for your future.
Ready to Level Up Your Reels? Grab Your Done-For-You Instagram Hooks & Reels Captions!
If you’re excited to get started with Instagram Reels but feel unsure about what to say or how to structure your captions, I’ve got you covered! Check out my Instagram Hooks & Reels Captions, Vol. 1 – a 40-page done-for-you guide packed with pre-written captions designed to boost your engagement and make posting a breeze.
