Are you tired of posting on Instagram with no engagement?
Do you want to increase the visibility of your posts and get more followers?
Well, listen up, because in this article we're going to tell you everything you need to know about the best time to post on Instagram for likes in 2023. Let's dive in!
Understanding Instagram's Algorithm in 2023
Before we get to the good stuff, it's important to understand how the Instagram algorithm works in 2023.
In a nutshell, the algorithm determines which posts appear first in your followers' feeds based on their level of engagement.
This means that if a post gets a lot of likes, comments, and shares, it's more likely to show up at the top of your followers' feeds.
However, timing also plays a crucial role in the algorithm, so you need to make sure you're posting at the right time.
How the Algorithm Affects Post Visibility
Let's say you post a photo at 3 a.m. when most of your followers are asleep.
If you're lucky, a few early birds might see it at the top of their feeds when they wake up, but the vast majority of your audience won't see it until much later.
ALSO READ: How to Post on Instagram from a PC
By that time, the post will have lost momentum, and it's unlikely to get much engagement, which means it won't rank highly in the algorithm.
This is why the timing of your posts is so important.
It's worth noting that the algorithm also takes into account the relevance of the content to the user.
This means that if a user frequently engages with posts related to fashion, for example, they are more likely to see posts related to fashion at the top of their feed, even if those posts don't have as much engagement as other posts.
The Role of User Engagement in the Algorithm
As we mentioned earlier, the Instagram algorithm prioritizes posts with high levels of engagement.
This means that if you get a lot of likes, comments, and shares in the first hour after you post, your post is more likely to be seen by more people.
So, if you want to maximize your reach, you need to encourage your followers to engage with your posts as soon as you publish them.
One way to do this is by using Instagram's new "Engagement Boost" feature, which allows you to pay to have your post shown to more people in the first hour after you publish it.
ALSO READ: How to Use Instagram Collab Posts to Drive User Engagement
This can help you get more engagement on your posts, which will in turn help them rank higher in the algorithm.
Another way to encourage engagement is by using Instagram's new "Polls" feature, which allows you to ask your followers a question and get instant feedback.
This can help you start a conversation with your followers and get them more engaged with your content.
Finally, it's important to remember that the quality of your content is still the most important factor in determining engagement.
If your content is high-quality, your followers are more likely to engage with it and share it with their own followers, which will help it rank higher in the algorithm.
Analyzing Your Target Audience
Now that you understand how the Instagram algorithm works, it's time to start thinking about your target audience.
Who are they, and when are they most likely to be online?
This is where Instagram Insights comes in.
With Insights, you can see when your followers are most active on the app, as well as other key metrics like gender, age range, and location.
But understanding your target audience goes beyond just looking at numbers.
You need to have a deep understanding of who your ideal followers are and what motivates them.
What are their interests and hobbies?
What are their pain points and challenges?
By answering these questions, you can create content that resonates with your audience and drives engagement.
Identifying Your Ideal Followers
Before you can analyze your target audience, you need to know who your ideal followers are.
ALSO READ: Get More Real Instagram Followers in 4 Steps
Who are the people that are most likely to engage with your content?
Are they male or female?
What age range do they fall into? Where do they live?
But beyond these basic demographics, you also need to understand your ideal followers' psychographics.
What are their values and beliefs?
What are their fears and aspirations?
By understanding these deeper motivations, you can create content that speaks directly to their needs and desires.
Catering to Different Time Zones
If you have followers all over the world, it can be tricky to figure out the best time to post.
This is where catering to different time zones comes in.
By analyzing your Insights data, you can see when your followers in different time zones are most active on Instagram.
This means you can schedule your posts to go live when your followers are most likely to see them.
ALSO READ: How to Make a Social Media Posting Schedule
But keep in mind that it's not just about posting at the right time.
You also need to consider the content itself.
Is it relevant to your audience in different time zones?
Are you using language and cultural references that will resonate with them?
By tailoring your content to different regions, you can increase engagement and build a more diverse following.
Analyzing Audience Activity Patterns
Another useful feature of Instagram Insights is the ability to see when your audience is most active on the app.
ALSO READ: How to Repost on Instagram: Two Easy Ways To Reshare
For example, if you see that most of your followers are active between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., it's a good idea to schedule your posts for that time period.
This increases the chances that your posts will appear at the top of their feeds.
But don't forget to experiment with different posting times and days.
You may find that your audience is more active at unexpected times, or on certain days of the week.
By testing different posting schedules, you can optimize your content strategy and drive even more engagement.
Optimal Posting Times for Different Industries
Now that you have a better understanding of your target audience and their activity patterns, it's time to talk about the best times to post for different industries.
Posting at the right time can make a huge difference in engagement rates and ultimately, the success of your social media marketing strategy.
Fashion and Beauty
For the fashion and beauty industry, the best time to post is typically between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on weekdays.
This is when most people are getting ready for the day and scrolling through Instagram for inspiration.
YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED: Learn How to Create Good Social Media Content
It's important to note that visuals are key in this industry, so make sure your posts are visually appealing and showcase your products in the best possible way.
You could also consider posting during the evening hours, between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
This is when people are winding down for the day and have more time to browse social media.
This is especially true for the younger demographic, who tend to stay up later and spend more time on their phones.
Food and Beverage
For the food and beverage industry, the best time to post is typically between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. on weekdays.
This is when people are taking their lunch breaks and searching for places to eat.
However, it's important to note that this may vary depending on your target audience.
For example, if you're targeting college students, you may want to post later in the day when they're out of class and looking for a snack.
When it comes to food and beverage, high-quality images and videos are crucial.
ALSO READ: 2023 Image Size Guidelines for All Social Media Platforms
People want to see what they're going to be eating before they make a decision, so make sure your posts are visually appealing and showcase your products in the best possible way.
Travel and Tourism
For the travel and tourism industry, the best time to post is typically on weekends between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
This is when people are planning their weekend getaways and looking for travel inspiration.
However, it's important to note that this may vary depending on the type of travel you're promoting.
For example, if you're promoting luxury travel, you may want to post during the evening hours when people are more likely to be dreaming about their next vacation.
When it comes to travel and tourism, stunning visuals are key.
People want to see the beautiful destinations they could be visiting, so make sure your posts are visually appealing and showcase the best aspects of your destination.
Fitness and Health
For the fitness and health industry, the best time to post is typically between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays.
This is when people are finishing up work and heading to the gym.
ALSO READ: Feedbird Social Media Management To Boost Your Revenue
However, it's important to note that this may vary depending on your target audience.
For example, if you're targeting stay-at-home parents, you may want to post earlier in the day when they have more free time.
When it comes to fitness and health, inspiring and motivational content is key.
People want to feel motivated to work out and live a healthy lifestyle, so make sure your posts are inspiring and offer value to your audience.
Technology and Gadgets
For the technology and gadgets industry, the best time to post is typically between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. on weekdays.
This is when people are relaxing at home and browsing social media.
However, it's important to note that this may vary depending on your target audience.
For example, if you're targeting business professionals, you may want to post earlier in the day when they're at work and more likely to be interested in technology and gadgets.
When it comes to technology and gadgets, informative content is key.
People want to learn about the latest and greatest technology, so make sure your posts are informative and offer value to your audience.
Remember, these are just general guidelines and may vary depending on your specific target audience and industry.
It's important to experiment with different posting times and analyze your engagement rates to determine what works best for your brand.
Utilizing Instagram Insights for Data-Driven Decisions
Now that you know the best times to post for your industry, it's time to put that knowledge into action.
But how do you know if your posts are actually performing well?
This is where Instagram Insights comes in handy.
How to Access Instagram Insights
First, make sure you have an Instagram business account.
This will give you access to Insights.
To access Insights, go to your profile and tap the three horizontal lines in the top right corner. From there, select Insights.
Interpreting Key Metrics
Once you're in Insights, you'll see a variety of metrics to track, including reach, impressions, engagement, and more.
These metrics can help you understand how your posts are performing and make data-driven decisions about your content strategy.
Adjusting Your Posting Strategy Based on Insights
If you see that your posts are performing well at certain times of the day or on certain days of the week, make sure you adjust your posting strategy accordingly.
ALSO READ: Does Instagram Notify Screenshots of Stories or Posts?
Keep track of which posts perform well and which ones don't, and use that data to optimize your content strategy over time.
FAQs- Here’s More For You!
Q. What is the best time to post on Instagram for likes?
The best time to post on Instagram for likes between 11 am and 1 pm (local time) on weekdays tends to result in high engagement.
Q. Is there a good time to post on Instagram that applies to all businesses?
No, the best time to post on Instagram can vary depending on industry, target audience and location.
Q. What is the best day of week to post on Instagram?
The best day of week to post on Instagram on Wednesdays tends to yield the highest levels of engagement.
Q. How can you find the best time to post on Instagram for your business?
Analyze your engagement rates, experiment with different posting schedules and use third-party analytics tools like Sprout Social or Hootsuite.
Q. Is it better to post on Instagram during the week or on weekends?
Posting on weekdays tends to be more effective than on weekends since most users are active during the weekdays.
Q. What is the best time to post by grouping?
Grouping your target audience by time zones and posting at the appropriate times for each group can help maximize your engagement rates.
YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED: The Complete Guide to Podcasting for Beginners
Q. Can the best time to post on Instagram change over time?
Yes, the best time to post on Instagram can change based on various factors like changes in algorithm updates.
Q. What are some general guidelines for finding the best time to post on Instagram?
Analyzing audience behavior, experimenting with posting schedules and using third-party analytics tools to gain insights into engagement rates can help find the best time to post on Instagram.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best time to post on Instagram for likes in 2023 depends on your target audience and industry.
Utilize Instagram Insights to analyze your audience's activity patterns and discover the optimal posting times for your brand.
Continuously monitor your metrics and adapt your strategy to maintain success on the platform. Happy posting!