The best time to post reels on Instagram in 2023 is in the evening between 5 PM and 11 PM. This timing allows your reels to be seen by the most people as user engagement peaks in the evening when people are winding down from their day. Posting during prime engagement hours gives your reels the greatest chance of going viral.
Why Evening is Best for Instagram Reels
Evening is the optimal time for Instagram reels for several reasons:
- More Users Online: Evening hours see a spike in users as people wrap up their workday and scroll through Instagram before bed. More potential viewers for your reels.
- Peak Engagement: User interaction with posts and stories is highest in the evening. Your reels have the best shot at getting likes, comments, shares, and going viral.
- After Work Creative Time: Many Instagram users are creating and posting their own reels in the evening. Yours can capitalize on this flurry of reel activity.
- Prime Relaxation Hours: Users are winding down and looking for entertaining content. Reels are perfect for these boredom-busting moments.
An evening post time allows your reel to be seen by the most engaged audience at the optimal moment when they are free and receptive to your content. Time it right for maximum impact.
Best Times for Posting Reels
While the broad evening window is best, you can narrow it down further based on when your audience is most active. Use Instagram Insights to identify your followers’ online habits and dial in your ideal reel posting time.
Some top times to consider:
- 5-7 PM – People are settling in after work and have time to browse Instagram. Catch them right at the start of this wind down period.
- 8-9 PM – Late evening prime time when the most users are scrolling through Instagram before bed.
- 10-11 PM – Last push to get content out and tap into those night owl users.
Test posting at different times like 7 PM on Monday, 8:30 PM on Wednesday, and 10 PM on Friday. Track views and engagement for each to see which time resonates best with your audience.
Other Best Practices for Reels
While timing is critical, there are other factors that contribute to reel success:
- Vertical Orientation – Reels are made for mobile viewing so shoot vertically.
- Tight Shot – Frame the subject tightly to look good on the small screen.
- Text & Effects – Use overlay text and AR effects to maximize visual interest.
- Music & Trends – Use popular music and tap into trending challenges.
Nailing the production quality and content will make your reel irresistible viewer bait. Pair it with optimal timing for the best performance.
When Not to Post Reels
While the evening is best for reels, there are certain times you’ll want to avoid:
- Overnight – Little audience and engagement during early morning hours.
- Morning – Most users checking Instagram quickly over breakfast or commute.
- Mid-Afternoon – Engagement dips as users are focused on work and school.
Unless you have strong evidence your audience is active at these times, hold off on posting reels when fewer users will see them in their feeds.
How Often to Post Reels
When it comes to reel frequency, once a day or every other day is ideal for most accounts. This balances staying top of mind without overwhelming followers. However, the specific cadence depends on your goals and resources:
- Influencers – Can post multiple reels per day to showcase content.
- Businesses – May stick to 1-2 reels daily to manage production demands.
- Small Accounts – Can build following with 1-2 weekly reels.
Test posting more or less frequently and monitor growth and engagement. Increase or pull back depending on what works best for your audience.
Using Instagram Insights
Optimizing your reel strategy relies heavily on using Instagram Insights to understand your followers. Tap into the data to see:
- Most active days and times
- Top performing post types
- Highest clicks and engagement
- Demographics like age, gender, and location
These insights dictate the exact best times to post that align with your audience habits and response patterns. Monitor the stats every month or so to spot new trends.
Additional Tips for Reels Success
Beyond just timing, apply these best practices:
- Use relevant hashtags in captions to increase discovery.
- Engage with followers by responding to comments.
- Check your analytics to refine your strategy.
- Promote top reels with Instagram Ads.
- Repurpose content into multiple reels.
- Save Instagram Stories as draft reels.
With the right preparation and tactics, your Instagram reels can connect with a huge audience. Optimize your timing and content for the best results.
The key is posting your engaging reels when the most users are ready to watch them. Use these tips to determine your best time to post reels on Instagram in 2023 for maximum views, shares, and growth.