Posting at the right time can lead to more views, likes, comments, and shares, ultimately boosting your content's visibility. ♡

Timing is everything, and the same sentiment applies when posting Instagram reels.

When it comes to short-form video content, including Instagram reels, choosing the right time to post can significantly affect your content's visibility and engagement. 

According to Hootsuite, Instagram reels have the power to increase engagement up to 300% more than regular Instagram videos.

However, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to the age-old “when to post” question.

Ideal posting time largely depends on a brand’s specific audience and goals. Here are a few of our best tips on figuring out when to post Instagram Reels to get your brand the most love.

Why Does Timing Matter?

The answer is simple: people are more active on social media at certain times of the day than others. If you want to maximize engagement and reach on your Reels, posting when your target audience is most active is crucial. 

Posting at the right time can lead to more views, likes, comments, and shares, ultimately boosting your content's visibility.

How to Choose the Best Reel Posting Time

1. What’s the purpose? 

Why are you about to post what you’re about to post? Are you looking for more engagement? More reach? To educate? To entertain? All of the above can directly impact when you choose to post Reels.

2. What day of the week is it?

Each of the seven days has its purpose in a content plan, and you’re likely to see different results based on the day. For instance, weekdays may be better for reaching professionals, while weekends may be ideal for a broader audience.

3. Who is your target audience?

Every brand plays to a different demographic, and they will all have other habits or preferences when consuming content. For example, if your brand targets a younger audience, they may be more active after school hours. 

4. When are your competitors posting?

Take a peek at the reels of your competitors and see how they are performing in terms of engagement. If you’re looking to harness more attention on your reels, and theirs seem to get great engagement at that time, try posting at the times they post.

5. What time zone are you in?

Are you operating in a different time zone than your ideal audience? If so, you may need to adjust your posting times to appeal to them. 

6. How often are you posting reels?

The algorithm prioritizes new content, so how often you post new reels will directly impact how well they reach when they are posted.

7. What industry are you in?

The industry you’re targeting with your reels comes into play when considering your posting times. For example- if you’re targeting nurses or healthcare professionals, they may be more active later if they’re working late shifts. If you’re targeting teachers, they’re more likely to be active before and after school hours. 

A/B Test Your Reels

A/B testing refers to taking two versions of the same reel and posting them at two different times to see which performs better. This approach allows you to experiment with different posting times and measure the engagement levels of your reels. Over time, you'll start to see patterns and pinpoint the most effective times for your brand to post their reels.

This would work best for brands just starting to develop online presence.

Analyze Past Reports

Instagram insights are your new best friend. Lucky for you, they will tell you (according to them, which may or may not be reliable) exactly when your audience is most active. Review these insights to identify when to post Instagram reels and step up your posting schedule.

Afraid of the Trial and Error? Let the Experts Handle it.

At Scott Social, we specialize in helping e-commerce brands navigate the intricacies of social media marketing, including optimizing posting times for Instagram Reels. 

If you want to take the guesswork out of your social media strategy and ensure your Reels get the views they deserve, our social media experts are ready to help. Not only can we help you level up the quality of your content, but we’ll also ensure you see scroll-stopping results.

Contact us today or message us on Instagram if you’re ready to elevate your brand’s marketing with an elite team by your side.