As marketers seek wider exposure, the question remains: When is the ideal Facebook posting time? The answer hinges on multiple factors: industry, target audience, goals, and content. Our Data Science team examined 2 billion social media engagements across 400,000 profiles on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok. We now present an analysis of the optimal times to post on Facebook.
As the preferred platform for marketers globally, with nearly 3 billion monthly active users, Facebook’s influence is undeniable. Capitalizing on its immense engagement potential requires understanding the strategic timing of posts, which can greatly enhance your social media content strategy.
When is the best time to post on Facebook?
- Mondays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Tuesdays, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Wednesdays, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The following are the best days to post on Facebook: Monday – Thursday
Sundays are the worst days for posting on Facebook.
Rest assured, Facebook remains the dominant choice for marketers worldwide, with a staggering 90% market share. Furthermore, an intriguing shift has occurred in engagement times, aligning with standard business hours rather than the early morning. What implications does this hold for marketers?
For optimal results, the best times to post on Facebook are weekdays from 8 a.m. to early afternoon, typically until 1 p.m. The least favorable posting hours fall during the early mornings from Fridays to Mondays, roughly spanning midnight to 4 a.m.
By devising a robust Facebook marketing strategy, businesses can effectively target their desired audiences with timely content. Remember, engagement is influenced by both posting frequency and content relevance. Different social media platforms require tailored content to maximize impact.
Best Facebook Posting Times by Industry
Please keep in mind that although we would like to provide a definitive answer regarding the best times to post on Facebook, we can only offer insights based on the available data. The industry you are in is just one of the many factors that contribute to the success of your social media posts.
Utilize industry-level data to guide your publishing calendar and conduct social experiments to determine the optimal times to send your posts.
For Consumer Goods
Best Times to Post on Facebook for Consumer Goods:
- Mondays at 7 p.m.
- Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m.
- Fridays from 6 to 8 p.m.
Best Days to Post on Facebook for Consumer Goods: Mondays Worst Days to Post on Facebook for Consumer Goods: None, generally speaking
In the consumer goods industry, where products range from food and beverages to clothing and accessories, there has been a significant increase in consumer spending. Engagements on Facebook are consistently strong after 7 a.m. every day, including weekdays and weekends. To maximize reach and engagement, the recommended posting times are Mondays at 7 p.m., as well as Tuesdays and Fridays from 6 to 8 p.m.
For Hospitals & Healthcare
Best Times to Post on Facebook for Hospitals & Healthcare:
- Mondays: 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 8 p.m.
- Tuesdays: 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 8 p.m.
- Wednesdays: 9 a.m. to noon and 6 to 8 p.m.
- Thursdays: 9 a.m. to noon and 4 to 7 p.m.
- Fridays: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Best Days to Post on Facebook for Hospitals & Healthcare: Mondays and Tuesdays Worst Days to Post on Facebook for Hospitals & Healthcare: Weekends, relatively
Hospitals and healthcare providers have increasingly embraced social media, not only during times of crisis but also for education, patient comfort, promoting programs, and community engagement. To maximize engagement, post during weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon (1 p.m. on Fridays) and afternoons from 1 to 8 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays. Evening hours on Wednesdays through Fridays are also effective.
For Nonprofit
Best Times to Post on Facebook for Nonprofit:
- Mondays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Best Days to Post on Facebook for Nonprofit: Mondays through Wednesdays, with a particular emphasis on Tuesdays Worst Day to Post on Facebook for Nonprofit: Sundays
Compared to the data from the previous year, there has been a significant increase in Facebook activity within the nonprofit sector. Our findings indicate solid engagement throughout the week on Facebook, primarily during general business hours and midday on weekends. For nonprofits, the optimal times to post on Facebook are Mondays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., as well as Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Despite the consistent audience engagement depicted in the heatmap above, it is important for all organizations to conduct their own testing to determine their individual best times to post on Facebook.
For Media
Best Times to Post on Facebook for Media:
- Mondays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Tuesdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Wednesdays from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Thursdays at 11 a.m.
Best Days to Post on Facebook for Media: Tuesdays and Wednesdays Worst Days to Post on Facebook for Media: Weekends, relatively
Engagement within the media and entertainment industry has experienced a notable resurgence on Facebook in the past year. Audiences have been observed spending longer periods on the app, engaging in extended sessions rather than quick visits throughout the day. It is also possible that multiple brief check-ins and algorithmic newsfeed updates contribute to increased engagement. Major global events, political upheavals, and business news have had a significant impact on media impressions across all social networks.
Given the fast-paced nature of news dissemination, the best times to post on Facebook for the media and entertainment industry are during the following periods: Mondays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesdays from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Thursdays at 11 a.m. However, solid engagement can still be observed during the early evenings throughout the first half of the week.
For Restaurants
Best Times to Post on Facebook for Restaurants:
- Mondays: 10 a.m. to noon
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays: 11 a.m.
Best Days to Post on Facebook for Restaurants: Mondays and Wednesdays Worst Days to Post on Facebook for Restaurants: Weekends, relatively
In 2022, restaurants saw a surge in Facebook engagement, with nearly double the interactions compared to the previous year. For optimal results, restaurants should aim to post just before or around lunchtime. Specifically, the recommended posting times are Mondays from 10 a.m. to noon and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11 a.m.
To effectively connect with customers, it’s important to consider platform preferences and offer tailored promotions and updates. By doing so, your restaurant can stay in the minds of potential customers and drive engagement.
For Travel & Tourism
Best Times to Post on Facebook for Travel & Tourism:
- Mondays: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Tuesdays: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Wednesdays: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Thursdays: 10 a.m. to noon
Best Days to Post on Facebook for Travel & Tourism: Mondays and Tuesdays Worst Days to Post on Facebook for Travel & Tourism: Sundays
Travel and tourism businesses are capitalizing on the strong engagement on Facebook, thanks to lifted travel restrictions and people’s desire to explore. To maximize engagement, post during midweek hours: Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 2 or 3 p.m., Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon. These times align with people’s preparations for weekend getaways.
For Schools & Education
Best Times to Post on Facebook for Schools & Education:
- Mondays: 9 a.m. to noon
- Tuesdays: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Wednesdays: 9 a.m. to noon
- Thursdays: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Fridays: 10 a.m.
Best Days to Post on Facebook for Schools & Education: Mondays through Wednesdays Worst Days to Post on Facebook for Schools & Education: Weekends
Schools & education thrive on Facebook, with engagement opportunities throughout the day. The prime posting times for education are weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with Mondays and Wednesdays being particularly effective. Additionally, Fridays at 10 a.m. yield positive results.
Craft a social media strategy that encompasses student engagement, brand monitoring, and outreach to both current and prospective students. Stay connected and maintain a pulse on sentiment and brand health.
Conclusion
Social marketers can plan content more effectively when armed with data. As platforms and consumer behavior evolve, staying aware of new trends help reach audiences in unexpected ways. Pairing peak engagement times with your own analysis ensures relevance to your target audience. Social media management tools offer tailored insights and competitive advantages for better engagement opportunities.