When Is the Best Time to Post Reels on Instagram Today?
You already know Reels are one of the fastest ways to grow on Instagram. But even the best content can flop if it’s posted at the wrong time.
So…when is the best time to post Reels on Instagram?
Let’s get into it.
Why Timing Matters for Instagram Reels
Knowing the best time to post Reels on Instagram (and how often you should be posting) can be the difference between a Reel that gets buried and one that quickly picks up momentum.
When you post while your social media community is online, it increases the chances that they’ll actually see and interact with your content, which leads to more likes, shares, comments and saves.
And that early engagement matters. Instagram’s algorithm pays close attention to what happens in those first 60 minutes after posting. If your Reel gets good engagement right away, the platform takes that as a green light to push your video in front of more people.
The Best Day to Upload Reels on Instagram
The truth? Some days are better for social media engagement than others. Not because of some mysterious algorithm (OK maybe a little), but because of human behavior.
Think about it…
Mondays feel productive. People are back at their desks, opening emails, drinking coffee and trying to start the week off strong instead of doom-scrolling during work hours.
By Tuesday and Wednesday, the Monday motivation has fizzled out a little, routines are flowing and people are more likely to be online engaging with your content.
Thursdays are usually strong days for engagement. Everyone’s over the week but still pretending to care, so they’re definitely on their phones.
Friday through Sunday is hit or miss, largely depending on your specific audience. A lot of people are busy getting ready for their weekend plans and aren’t spending as much time on their phones.
What Is the Best Time to Post Reels on Instagram Today?
Most studies (and thousands of tested Reels) show that the best time to upload Reels on Instagram tends to fall during weekday mornings and early afternoons.
The earlier time slots work because they catch users during their first scroll of the day or their midday work break. This is when engagement tends to spike, making it the best time to share Reels and build early momentum.
Of course, this varies by audience, which is why your analytics are your best friend (more on that in a sec).
Best Time to Post Reels on Monday
The best time to post Reels on Monday is between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. You may also see good engagement around 5 or 6 p.m.
Best Time to Post Reels on Tuesday
The best time to post Reels on Tuesday is 9 a.m., 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Best Time to Post Reels on Wednesday
The best time to post Reels on Wednesday is 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Best Time to Post Reels on Thursday
The best time to post Reels on Thursday is 9 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m,. and 6 p.m.
Best Time to Post Reels on Friday
Engagement starts to drop in the afternoon, so aim for an earlier time, such as 8 a.m. or 11 a.m. Most people mentally check out by 3 p.m. or are already headed to Happy Hour.
Best Time to Post Reels on Saturday
Weekends are hit or miss when it comes to social media engagement. Most people suggest 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. when people are waking up and getting the day going. Avoid nights when people are out on the town.
Best Time to Post Reels on Sunday
Morning is great for catching people during their Sunday reset. You might also have some luck around early evenings when people are winding down and preparing for their week.
How to Choose the Best Time to Upload Reels on Instagram
The best time to post Reels on Instagram ultimately comes down to your audience. Start by digging into your Instagram analytics. Some things to pay attention to are your post and profile interactions, audience insights, profile activity and top-performing content.
Once you’ve identified some patterns with your audience, start mapping those time slots into a content calendar so you can post consistently each week. You can also A/B test different times by posting similar content at different points in the week to see what generates the strongest engagement. The more you test and track, the clearer your ideal posting window will become.
Need Help Determining the Best Time to Share Reels on Instagram?
Does the idea of planning, testing and analyzing sound like a lot? We’ve got your back. At Do Epic Shit Media, we offer full-service social media management designed to scale the f*ck out of your brand (and make sure you don’t burn out).
Book your free strategy call now and let’s take your Reels to the next level.