Social Media Optimal Post Times

Jun 5

If you are trying to build engagement on your posts, timing is everything on social media. With algorithms changing and when users are online fluctuating, knowing when to post can have an effect on if you get those likes, comments and shares.

Knowing the peak times when users are active helps in scheduling or completing posts to maximize visibility. When you maximize visibility you have a better chance of users engaging in your posts – which is our goal. Different demographics are active at different times. Just like we discussed in our last segment about generations and what platforms they are using, you want to understand where and when your audience is online so you can tailor your content to them. Ultimately understanding user engagements can help you plan better campaigns, allocate your resources – think if you are a social media team of one, being smart about when you have to post or when to schedule your posts will lead to a better return on investment.

A recent study by Sprout Social reported on the best times to post on each social media platform based on engagement treads – i.e.,, when users are online and active on each social media platform.

Facebook

9 a.m. and 12 p.m. on weekdays – this timeframe coincides when users are likely to take a break at work or during lunch

On weekends that time shifts slightly to 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Instagram

Users on Instagram vary more than Facebook

Weekdays generally see a higher engagement between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. but also 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. – likely during that “scroll time” we are all guilty of as we unwind our day

On weekends users tend to engage more from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

X (Twitter)

Again, no surprise here users tend to be most active during peak lunch hours on weekdays with another peak in the evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

While on weekends the higher engagement tends to lean toward later afternoon between 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

LinkedIn

This platform sees the most diverse set of user engagement times per the report.

Not surprisingly weekdays are the best time for posting as this platform is the most related to work and professional settings so particularly during 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and then 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. are the timeframes that see the biggest pickup

Avoid posting to LinkedIn on weeknights and weekends as engagement rates tend to be their lowest during these times

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Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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