Understanding the best time to post on LinkedIn.
LinkedIn has come a long way since its launch in 2002. What started as a platform for job seekers has grown into a powerful space for professionals and businesses to build brands, network, and share expertise.
With 91% of executives turning to LinkedIn for professionally relevant content and over 300 million monthly visitors, the platform is a goldmine for engagement – if you know how to use it effectively.
However, on a platform bustling with activity, getting your content noticed isn’t always easy. But one simple, often overlooked factor can give you an edge is finding the best time to post on LinkedIn.
Timing is everything. Post at the right time, and your content can soar to new levels of visibility and engagement. Post at the wrong time, and even the most compelling message might go unnoticed.
Luckily, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. After analyzing over 50,000 LinkedIn accounts, we’ve identified the best times to post, along with actionable tips to help you maximize your content’s impact.
So, keep reading to uncover the secrets to LinkedIn posting success!
Table of Contents
- 1 Does Timing Really Matter When Posting on LinkedIn?
- 2 When Is the Best Time to Post on LinkedIn?
- 3 Best Time to Post on LinkedIn by Day of the Week
- 4 When Is the Best Time to Post on LinkedIn by Industry?
- 5 Important Factors to Consider When Posting on LinkedIn
- 6 How to Know Your Best Times to Post on LinkedIn
- 7 Final Note
- 8 FAQs
Does Timing Really Matter When Posting on LinkedIn?
Absolutely, timing matters – a lot.
For your audience to engage with your content, they first need to see it. And posting at the wrong time could mean your well-crafted message gets buried before it has a chance to shine.
Here’s the thing: LinkedIn’s algorithm prioritizes content based on user activity.
If your audience isn’t online when you post, the algorithm might not push your content to the top of their feeds. Even worse, it might get overshadowed by other updates before they even log in.
But there’s more. In early 2024, LinkedIn introduced a game-changing feature called “suggested posts.” This keeps noteworthy content visible in feeds far longer than before, sometimes for weeks or even months.
It’s part of LinkedIn’s push to focus on valuable knowledge and advice over fleeting trends. Imagine your post gaining traction not just hours after posting but well into the future.
Here’s why timing is still crucial, even with suggested posts:
- More Visibility: Posting when your audience is active boosts the chances of your content appearing in their feeds.
- Increased Engagement: Quick interactions shortly after posting signal to LinkedIn’s algorithm that your content is worth promoting.
- Algorithm Boost: Timely posts that resonate early are more likely to get the coveted boost as a suggested post.
In short, posting at the right time isn’t just about riding the algorithm wave – it’s about maximizing the impact of your message in a busy professional space.
Timing your posts wisely can be the difference between being seen and being overlooked. So, there is a best time to post on LinkedIn… and you should know it.
When Is the Best Time to Post on LinkedIn?
If you’re wondering when to hit that “Post” button on LinkedIn for maximum engagement, the answer lies in knowing when your audience is most active.
Based on extensive research, the golden window to post on LinkedIn is between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
These time slots align perfectly with the start of a workday, capturing people as they check their feeds during morning coffee or while settling into their tasks.
Now, let’s talk about the rest of the week. Weekends? Not so much.
LinkedIn sees a significant drop in activity on Saturdays and Sundays. Why? Most users associate LinkedIn with their professional life, leaving it behind as they focus on relaxation or personal activities over the weekend.
If you’re planning to post multiple times a week, here’s a handy breakdown of the best posting times, depending on the day:
- Monday: 11:00 AM PST
- Tuesday: 6:00-8:00 AM PST
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM PST
- Thursday: 2:00 PM PST
- Friday: 8:00 PM PST
- Saturday: 4:00-5:00 AM
- Sunday: 6:00 AM PST
By aligning your content schedule with these times, you can boost visibility and engagement. Remember, LinkedIn is all about timing – and now you’re equipped to make every post count.
Best Time to Post on LinkedIn by Day of the Week
Timing your posts on LinkedIn can make or break your engagement. Let’s dive into the best times for each day of the week and why those slots are golden opportunities to capture your audience’s attention.
Monday
Mondays are all about tackling the week ahead, and most professionals dive straight into their tasks. By mid-morning, they’re likely to take a breather and check LinkedIn.
That’s why 11:00 AM is the prime time – right before lunch and while energy levels are still high. Imagine your audience scrolling LinkedIn while sipping their second coffee of the day—they’re alert and ready to engage!
⏰ Best time to post on LinkedIn on Monday: 11:00 AM
Tuesday
Tuesdays are LinkedIn’s sweet spot. With the workweek in full swing, professionals are actively networking and consuming content.
The early morning hours between 6:00–8:00 AM are ideal. It’s when users are easing into the day and looking for inspiration or insights to kick things off.
⏰ Best time to post on LinkedIn on Tuesday: 6:00–8:00 AM
Wednesday
Midweek energy peaks on Wednesday. By 9:00 AM, most professionals have settled into their week, making it the perfect time for LinkedIn updates. Engagement is high as people seek relevant content that aligns with their midweek momentum.
⏰ Best time to post on LinkedIn on Wednesday: 9:00 AM
Thursday
Thursdays break the mold, with engagement peaking in the afternoon. 2:00 PM is the magic hour –perfect for reaching users as they take a break to scroll through their feeds or brainstorm end-of-week plans.
⏰ Best time to post on LinkedIn on Thursday: 2:00 PM
Friday
Here’s a surprise – 8:00 PM is the best time to post on Fridays. While it might seem unusual, this slot works because people are winding down their workweek, checking in on LinkedIn during their evening relaxation.
⏰ Best time to post on LinkedIn on Friday: 8:00 PM
Saturday
Weekends on LinkedIn are slower, but early birds still catch the worm. Between 4:00-5:00 AM, you can reach users who browse LinkedIn before diving into their weekend routines.
⏰ Best time to post on LinkedIn on Saturday: 4:00–5:00 AM
Sunday
Sundays are quiet, but 6:00 AM offers a small window of opportunity. Professionals might sneak a quick look at LinkedIn before brunch or while prepping for the week ahead.
⏰ Best time to post on LinkedIn on Sunday: 6:00 AM
When Is the Best Time to Post on LinkedIn by Industry?
Your audience’s habits on LinkedIn are largely influenced by their industry. What works for one sector might not work for another.
So, as we have identified and showed you the best time to post on LinkedIn on the days of the week, we should also show you how this can vary based on individual industries..
Here’s a breakdown of the best times to post on LinkedIn across eight major industries based on the data we collected in the last quarter of 2024.
Consumer Goods and Retail
Engagement in the consumer goods and retail industry stays steady during weekdays. However, these times bring the best results:
- 9 AM on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays
- 6 PM – 9 PM from Monday to Friday
- 1 PM – 3 PM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Tip: Early mornings and evenings are golden – perfect for reaching retail professionals outside their busiest hours.
Financial Services
The financial services industry thrives on precision, and so does their LinkedIn audience. Post at these times for optimal engagement:
- 9 AM on Sundays
- 6 PM – 9 PM on Thursdays
- 5 PM – 7 PM on Tuesdays
Tip: Sunday mornings are surprisingly active. Plan your posts for those quiet weekend moments when professionals are preparing for the week.
Education
Educators and education professionals flock to LinkedIn midweek. The ideal time to post is:
- 9 AM from Tuesday to Friday
Tip: Early mornings on weekdays work best as educators engage before their daily schedules ramp up.
Government
Government agencies and officials maintain consistent LinkedIn activity from Monday to Friday. However, the prime time is:
- 9 AM on Wednesdays
Tip: Midweek mornings ensure your posts catch the attention of policymakers and public sector workers.
Media and Entertainment
Creativity peaks midweek for this sector. Post during these times for the best visibility:
- 7 PM on Wednesdays and Fridays
- 11 AM – 1 PM on Wednesdays
- 6 PM on Mondays
Tip: Leverage these times to share breaking news, campaign launches, or trending topics for maximum engagement.
Marketing Agencies
Marketing professionals are early risers when it comes to LinkedIn. Hit these times to stand out:
- 8 AM on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
- 9 AM on Tuesdays
- 9 PM on Thursdays
Tip: Weekday mornings are perfect for catching marketers before their busy schedules kick in.
Technology
The tech industry operates on a slightly different clock. Optimize your LinkedIn strategy with these posting times:
- 5 AM – 8 AM on Tuesdays and Fridays
- 7 PM – 9 PM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Tip: Early morning slots work well for global tech audiences, while evening posts tap into after-work tech browsing.
Important Factors to Consider When Posting on LinkedIn
Crafting a LinkedIn post is more than just hitting “publish” at a specific time. It requires strategic consideration of various factors that influence your post’s visibility and engagement.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
Your Unique Audience
Your audience is the heart of your LinkedIn strategy. Understanding their habits, preferences, and online behavior is key to determining when and how to post.
Are they early risers checking LinkedIn before work? Or professionals scrolling during their lunch breaks?
So, dive into your LinkedIn analytics to see when your audience engages the most. If you cater to a niche, knowing their specific habits is even more crucial.
Your Industry
Different industries operate on different schedules. A tech-savvy startup founder may browse LinkedIn during early morning hours, while a retail professional might engage later in the day.
Refer back to the best posting times for your industry (as covered earlier) and adjust them based on your unique observations.
The LinkedIn Algorithm
LinkedIn’s algorithm prioritizes content that encourages engagement, especially within the first few hours of posting.
If your audience is active and interacting with your content during this time, it’s more likely to appear in others’ feeds.
A tip for you is to Optimize your posts for engagement by asking thoughtful questions, including relevant hashtags, and tagging professionals or brands when appropriate.
Time Zones
If your audience spans multiple regions or countries, time zones play a significant role in deciding when to post.
A perfectly timed post for your local audience might miss the mark for international followers.
Use scheduling tools like OnlySocial to stagger your posts at optimal times for different time zones, ensuring maximum reach across regions.
Current Events and Trends
Timing your post around relevant events or trends can amplify its impact. For example, sharing insights during industry conferences or commenting on trending hashtags can draw attention to your content.
However, be mindful of sensitive topics or events that may affect your audience’s engagement. Stay updated on your industry’s calendar and LinkedIn’s trending topics.
A timely post that resonates with ongoing conversations is more likely to gain traction.
How to Know Your Best Times to Post on LinkedIn
Finding the best times to post on LinkedIn involves understanding your audience, analyzing trends, and tracking performance. Here’s how you can identify those golden hours:
1. Leverage LinkedIn Analytics
LinkedIn Analytics is a powerful tool for gaining insights into your audience’s behavior. You can access it from the “Analytics” button at the top of your profile.
The analytics section provides detailed metrics about your followers, content, and overall page performance.
Key areas to focus on:
- Follower Activity: See when your followers engage with your content most often.
- Content Performance: Identify which posts generate the highest engagement and note the times they were published.
- Audience Demographics: Understand your followers’ professional backgrounds, such as job roles, seniority, and industries.
Use this data to identify patterns in audience activity and schedule your LinkedIn posts during these peak periods.
2. Observe Competitors and Influencers
Keeping track of when industry influencers and competitors post can offer valuable insights. Observe the times they post and the engagement their content receives.
If you notice consistent trends in their posting schedule, it could indicate times when your shared audience is most active.
This strategy not only helps refine your posting schedule but also keeps you informed about industry trends and popular content types.
3. Track Engagement Using a Spreadsheet
A simple way to determine your best posting times is by tracking your LinkedIn activity manually.
Here’s how:
- Select three different times to post each day for a week.
- Create and publish posts at those times, ensuring you vary the timing throughout the week.
- Record the engagement metrics – likes, shares, and comments – for each post in a spreadsheet.
- After a few weeks, analyze the data to identify the times that consistently generate the most engagement.
This method allows you to tailor your schedule specifically to your audience’s habits, ensuring your content gets noticed.
Final Note
Yes, there really is such a thing as the best time to post on LinkedIn.
Identifying those key moments when your audience is most active can make all the difference in how your content performs.
Timing matters – it ensures your posts reach the right people at the right time, increasing visibility, engagement, and impact.
We’ve shared valuable insights and strategies to help you pinpoint the best times to post. Use the data, tools, and tips we’ve provided to optimize your LinkedIn strategy.
By leveraging this information and staying consistent, you’ll be well on your way to building a stronger presence and driving meaningful engagement on the platform.
It’s time to take your LinkedIn game to the next level.
FAQs
When is the best time to post on LinkedIn?
The best time to post on LinkedIn is generally between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. These are prime moments when professionals are starting their day and catching up on updates. However, the optimal time may vary based on your industry and audience.
What is the worst time to post on LinkedIn?
The worst time to post on LinkedIn is during weekends and late-night hours, particularly between 1:00 AM and 6:00 AM. Engagement tends to drop significantly during these periods as LinkedIn is seen as a work-related platform, and most users are offline.
What is the best time to post ads on LinkedIn?
The best time to post ads on LinkedIn aligns with peak activity hours, such as mid-mornings (9:00 AM) or early afternoons (2:00 PM) on weekdays. These times ensure your ads reach the most active audience and gain better visibility.
How many times a week should I post on LinkedIn?
Posting two to five times per week is ideal for LinkedIn. This frequency strikes a balance between staying visible and avoiding oversaturation in your audience’s feed. Quality and relevance of content are more critical than quantity.
What time is LinkedIn most active?
LinkedIn is most active during mid-morning hours, typically between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. These are times when professionals take short breaks or start engaging online after handling their initial tasks of the day.
How can I make my LinkedIn posts more engaging?
To make your LinkedIn posts more engaging:
- Start with a compelling hook or headline.
- Add visuals like images, videos, or infographics.
- Share valuable, relevant insights tailored to your audience.
- Ask questions to spark conversations.
- Use LinkedIn’s poll feature or share industry-specific updates.
- Always engage with comments and feedback promptly.
By crafting thoughtful content and interacting with your audience, you’ll create more impactful LinkedIn posts.