Instagram Reels is a feature that allows users to create and share short multi-clip videos on Instagram. When it comes to uploading Reels, many users wonder when is the best time to post them, especially on weekends like Sunday. The ideal Reel upload time on Sundays ultimately depends on your target audience and goals. But generally, Sunday afternoons and evenings tend to see higher engagement.
Why Upload Time Matters for Instagram Reels
Like regular Instagram posts, the time you upload your Reels can impact their performance. Posting at peak times when more of your target audience is actively scrolling on Instagram means more potential views, likes, comments and shares for your Reels.
Additionally, the Instagram algorithm factors in engagement and interactions in real time when ranking Reels. Uploading when users are most active improves your chances of getting onto the “Top Reels” section and Explore page.
When Instagram Usage Peaks on Sundays
Instagram usage and traffic tends to follow weekly patterns. For most users, Sundays are more relaxing with leisure time for browsing social media.
On Sundays, usage is typically higher in the afternoons through late evenings when people are winding down their weekends. Morning and midday engagement is usually lower.
According to Sprout Social, Sunday posts see peak engagement from 1-3 PM. But activity remains relatively high throughout the rest of the day before dropping off around 10 PM.
Best Times to Post Instagram Reels on Sundays
Here are the recommended Reels upload times for Sundays to maximize views and engagement:
- 1-5 PM: Early afternoon on Sundays tends to see increased Instagram scrolling. Uploading Reels in this window captures users as weekends wind down.
- 5-7 PM: Engagement starts ramping up again in the late afternoon and early evenings on Sundays. Queuing Reels for this time slot capitalizes on rising activity.
- 7-9 PM: Sunday nights are a peak Instagram usage period before bedtime. Aim to post Reels by 8 PM to garner the most views.
That said, your audience makeup and habits also impact when your followers are most active. The above times serve as general recommendations, but analyzing your own Instagram Insights provides more personalized best times.
Optimizing Your Reels for Sundays
Beyond just timing, you can optimize Reels content itself for Sundays:
- Use relaxing music or ambient sounds fitting for Sundays.
- Incorporate “weekend vibes” themes and visuals.
- Mix in inspirational or motivational messaging for the week ahead.
- Show behind-the-scenes clips preparing for the next week.
Hook viewers by aligning Reels creative direction with Sunday mentalities and interests.
Should You Avoid Uploading at Certain Times?
It’s best to avoid early morning hours before 9 AM on Sundays when engagement is lower. Additionally, late at night past 11 PM sees declining traffic.
Midday around 12 PM tends to be relatively quiet as well. So aim for the prime afternoon and evening hours between 1-9 PM instead.
Consistency Matters More Than Anything
Posting consistently at your chosen times amplifies results over the long run. Sporadic uploads confuse the algorithm and followers.
Set a Sunday Reels schedule for yourself and stick to it. Whether that’s every Sunday at 5 PM or alternating between 2 and 7 PM, consistency is key.
Analyze Performance to Find Your Best Times
While these general recommendations provide a starting point, analyzing your Instagram Insights reveals your audience’s habits.
Look at when your top-performing Reels were posted and schedule future uploads in those time slots.
You can also experiment with different Sunday times and see which posts get the most traction. Then refine your schedule around the optimal times.
Optimize for Multiple Time Zones
If you have an international audience across time zones, you’ll want Reels visible at peak times for all your main locations.
Schedule Reels for early mornings, afternoons and evenings based on the key regions your followers are in.
Use Scheduling Tools to Queue Reels Ahead of Time
Scheduling Reels in advance takes the pressure off needing to post at specific times. Social media management platforms let you easily plan and queue Reels.
Later, Hootsuite, Buffer and Sprout Social all enable scheduling Reels to automatically publish at your chosen times on Sundays.
Test Out Different Sunday Strategies
Continue fine-tuning your approach over time. Try posting at different intervals or on alternating Sundays. Experiment with creative content too.
Analyze what resonates best with your audience and double down on the tactics that boost KPIs.
Key Takeaways
- Aim to upload Instagram Reels on Sundays between 1-9 PM when engagement peaks.
- Bookend the day by posting early afternoon starting at 1 PM and evenings by 8 PM.
- Tailor creative direction to “weekend vibes” and winding down the weekend.
- Remain consistent with timing every Sunday to build engagement over time.
- Use Instagram Insights and experiments to determine your audience’s best Sunday times.