The easy answer is to post on social media when there is the most traffic. Easy, right? Not so much. There are many variables to consider. Your posts times may vary depending on the social media platform you are using and what the demographics are like. For instance, Facebook may be a broader, more social environment where LinkedIn may be more business and professional. Twitter is all about having a voice. Instagram is sharing images and stories while YouTube/Tiktok is video content with entertainment as well as informational.
Let’s start by answering the simple question of what are the best times to post to social media, and then explore and help you think a little about which social media platforms suit you best and why you are posting to social media.
Best Times to Post to Social Media
There is a lot of extensive research available across multiple platforms. However, the consensus is pretty much the same.
- Facebook – 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Tuesdays – Fridays.
- Instagram – 11:00 AM on Monday – Friday or 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM on Tuesdays.
- YouTube – 2:00 – 4:00 PM Monday-Wednesday, 12:00noon – 3:00 PM Thursday & Friday or 9:00 – 11:00 AM Saturday & Sunday.
- TikTok – 10:00 PM Monday, 9:00 AM Tuesday, 7:00 AM Wednesday, 7:00 PM Thursday, 3:00 PM Friday, 11:00 AM Saturday or 4:00 PM Sunday.
- Twitter – 8:00 AM on Mondays and Thursdays.
- LinkedIn – 9:00 AM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
These times shouldn’t really surprise you. Social media is meant to be interactive. When you look at each platform and the demographics they serve, you might understand why the best times to post are configured accordingly. Some are Monday-Friday and some are best on the weekends. It’s interesting that many are in the afternoon.
Remember, the reason you are posting to social media is for people to see the value in your content and want more information or be able to make a purchase. There might be an advantage in NOT competing with everyone else. Some times there is so much traffic and so many ads on a social media feed that people will scroll past great content simply because there is too much information available all at one time. Think through what might work best for your content to be seen and to encourage engagement. Even though these are the best times to post, there might be reasons for you to engage with viewers other than these best times as well.
I think a better question might be:
Which Social Media Platforms Should I Post To?
Which social media platforms you choose to participate on will determine your content. It is a good study to know the reach of each social media environment and choose to be active on a few that suit your needs the best. Then, broaden your reach as you have time.
Here is what each platform is generally used for and who uses it the most:
- Facebook – Family & Friend and Group interaction. Men/Women-about 10% more women, all age groups with the older crowd (50+) gaining ground all the time.
- Instagram – Personal interaction, images, video content. Men/Women-about 10% more women, mostly 18-30 year of age.
- YouTube – Entertainment, Informational, video content, Men/Women–equal, 25-50 years of age.
- TikTok – Mostly Entertainment, Some Informational, video content, 60% women, mostly 18-25 years of age, but gaining popularity in other ages.
- Twitter – Everyone has a voice! Easy conversations. Men/Women-equal, mostly 18-30 year of age, although 30-50 is gaining.
- LinkedIn – Business Professional, Entrepreneur, College grad, higher income earners, Men/Women-equal, 18-50 years of age.
Facebook is still by far the most popular with about 80% of online users having a Facebook presence and then there is the rest mentioned above. These other social media platforms have about 25% to 30% of online users. So, plan your marketing accordingly.
Video content is a fast growing audience as it continues to gain in popularity. Make sure to include video content in your social media postings!
The real question isn’t should I be on social media as a business owner? The question is which ones and how often! Facts, figures, research, and analytics are all an important part of any business decision, but nothing tells you more about your business than what YOU already know. Do your research and find out the information you need to make an informed decision about posting in social media. Choose which social media platforms suits your business needs the best, and then give it a try! Find YOUR audience!
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