The Best Time to Post on Facebook – Best Times for 9 Industries
Wondering about the best time to post on Facebook to boost your likes, shares, and engagement?
Timing can be a game-changer for your social media strategy. Posting when your audience is most active is a simple but effective way to maximize your results.
While it’s not the only thing that matters, nailing the right time can make a big difference.
So, in this guide, we will be showing you the best days and times to post for different industries to help you get the most out of your Facebook content.
But before we dive in, if you are looking for more posting recommendations on Meta Platforms, you might want to check out our guide on the best times to post on Instagram.
Table of Contents
- 1 What is the Best Time to Post on Facebook?
- 2 The Best Time to Post on Facebook by Day of the Week
- 3 The Best Time to Post on Facebook by Industry
- 4 What Factors Could Affect the Best Time You Should Post on Facebook?
- 5 What is the Worst Time to Post on Facebook?
- 6 Pro tips for getting the most reach on Facebook
- 7 Final Note
What is the Best Time to Post on Facebook?
When it comes to finding the best time to post on Facebook, it’s all about strategic timing.
We’ve analyzed thousands of posts and looked into industry data, and here’s the scoop: the prime time to share on Facebook is 7:00 AM PST on Tuesdays.
Why? This time tends to capture early engagement as people start their day.
However, the best time for you might vary depending on where your audience is located.
So, consider your audience’s time zones when planning your posts.
For example, if your followers are spread across North America, you might choose times that suit both Eastern and Pacific time zones, such as 6:15 AM PST, 9:15 AM PST, or around 12-12:30 PM PST.
It may seem early for those on the West Coast, but it’s a perfect fit for catching Eastern time zone followers just as they’re getting into their workday.
Plus, it even aligns well with UK and European audiences, hitting them mid-afternoon.
Now, let’s take a look at the best times to do your posting throughout the week.
The Best Time to Post on Facebook by Day of the Week
Timing isn’t just about the when – it’s also about the which day.
Let’s break down the best time to post on Facebook for each day of the week so you can get those likes and comments rolling in!
Monday: 8 AM PST
Ah, Mondays. Everyone’s grabbing their morning coffee and getting ready for the week. Posting at 8 AM PST catches that early crowd as they scroll through Facebook one last time before diving into work. It’s the perfect way to start your week strong!
Tuesday: 7 AM PST
Tuesdays are prime time for Facebook engagement! Posting at 7 AM PST is a golden hour.
Why? People are back in the weekday groove, checking updates before work. It’s an ideal window to capture those eager eyes.
Wednesday: 7 AM PST
Halfway through the week! The best time to post on Facebook on Wednesday is in the morning at 7 AM PST. This continues to be a high-engagement time.
It’s that midweek scroll moment, where users are looking for a little distraction before they get going. Posting at this time keeps your content right where it needs to be – front and center.
Thursday: 8 AM PST
Thursdays are still strong, and 8 AM PST is the sweet spot.
The week’s winding down, but people are still sipping coffee and catching up on their feeds before tackling the day. This is your chance to grab their attention before they check out for the weekend!
Friday: 7 AM PST
Friday mornings are still in the running! Post at 7 AM PST to catch people as they check Facebook one last time before wrapping up their workweek.
While engagement tends to dip later in the day, mornings are still prime time to keep the momentum going.
Saturday: 10 AM PST
Weekends are trickier, but not impossible. Saturday at 10 AM PST is a good slot to experiment with. Even though fewer people tend to be online like it is with other social media platforms, there’s also less competition.
You might just find that your post shines when fewer brands are posting.
Sunday: 11 AM PST
Sundays are all about taking it slow. People are sleeping in and enjoying a lazy morning. The best time to post on Facebook on Sunday is 11 AM PST.
Posting around this time gives your audience time to wake up, settle in, and do their usual scroll before the day picks up.
The Best Time to Post on Facebook by Industry
Different industries have different audiences, and their active times vary. Based on our research, cutting across more than 100 coutries, here’s a breakdown of the best times to post on Facebook for eight key industries.
Make sure to align your strategy with these times for maximum impact.
Construction, Mining, and Manufacturing
The best times to reach your audience in this industry are:
- 11 PM on Mondays – 1 AM on Tuesdays
- 11 AM on Tuesdays
- 5 PM – 9 PM on Thursdays
Consumer Goods and Retail
For consumer goods and retail brands, here are the top posting windows:
- 7 AM on Wednesdays
- 11 PM on Wednesdays
- 1 PM – 7 PM on Mondays and Fridays
Dining, Hospitality, and Tourism
If you’re in the dining or tourism sector, these are the best times to post on Facebook:
- 7 PM – 9 PM on Sundays
- 6 AM to 9 AM on Fridays
- 9 PM on Wednesdays and Fridays
Healthcare, Pharma, and Biotech
For healthcare and biotech companies, the following times offer the highest engagement:
- 3 PM – 7 PM on Tuesdays and Fridays (with 5 PM being a peak hour)
- 10 AM to 1 PM on Thursdays and Fridays
Education
Educational institutions see the most activity during these hours:
- 7 PM – 11 PM on Mondays
- 10 PM on Thursdays
Financial Services
Financial institutions and services perform best when posting between 4 AM and 7 AM on Mondays.
Media and Entertainment
Early birds win in the media and entertainment world. If you are in this industry, you might want to schedule your Facebook posts from 5 AM to 7 AM on Saturdays.
Technology
Tech companies get the most traction during these windows:
- 8 AM on Fridays
- 9 AM – 10 AM on Saturdays
- 12 PM – 3 PM on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays
Nonprofit Organizations
For nonprofits, engagement peaks at these times:
- 6 PM – 9 PM on Saturdays
- 7 PM – 10 PM on Sundays
That’s it! Now, you know the best time to post on Facebook based on your specific industry.
Adjust your posting schedule based on your industry to hit those sweet spots when your audience is most active. A little timing tweak can make a huge difference in boosting engagement.
What Factors Could Affect the Best Time You Should Post on Facebook?
Like you must have picked from this guide so far, finding the perfect time to post on Facebook isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation.
Different businesses will see varying engagement patterns depending on several key factors. So, when thinking of what time will be best for you, you might want to consider the factors below:
Your unique audience
The behavior of your audience plays a huge role in determining the best posting times. Does your audience work 9-5 or are stay-at-home parents? Are they most active during the day or at night?
All these will determine the perfect time for you to post.
When planning your Facebook posts, consider the following:
- Work Schedules: If your audience follows a standard 9-to-5 schedule, they’re likely more active in the evenings or early mornings. On the other hand, stay-at-home parents or freelancers may check Facebook throughout the day.
- Age: Different age groups interact with Facebook differently. Millennials dominate Facebook’s audience, but younger teens from middle- or lower-income backgrounds are also frequent users.
- Location: If your audience is spread across various regions, timing your posts to align with their locations ensures you reach them when they’re online. For global audiences, consider scheduling posts at times that catch multiple time zones.
Your industry
Industries have their own peak times for engagement. A little competitor research can help you figure out when your audience is most active.
Consider:
- Identify competitors: Find businesses similar to yours with overlapping audiences.
- Track their posting schedule: Note the times and days they post most frequently.
- Measure their engagement: Observe the likes, shares, and comments they receive at different times.
- Look for patterns: Spot any trends in their posting habits. Do certain days or times consistently show higher engagement?
Geographical trends and events
Where your audience is located and what’s happening in their area can influence their Facebook activity.
- Local events: Events like football matches or music festivals can increase activity as people go online to share their experiences.
- Holidays: During the holiday season, people often look for gift ideas or deals, making them more active on social media. However, they might also spend time with family, leading to reduced social media usage.
- Weather conditions: On rainy or snowy days, people may be more likely to scroll through Facebook from the comfort of their homes.
By considering these factors, you can fine-tune your posting schedule to match your audience’s habits, ensuring your content reaches them when they’re most likely to engage.
What is the Worst Time to Post on Facebook?
Now that you know what the best time to post on Facebook is, why not have an idea of when to avoid posting too?
According to our research, the worst time to post on Facebook is typically late at night or during the early morning hours when most people are asleep, specifically between 10 PM and 4 AM.
During these hours, your audience is less likely to be online, meaning your post might get lost in the feed by the time they log in.
Additionally, posting during work hours, especially around midday when people are often focused on tasks or meetings, can also lead to lower engagement.
To maximize your reach, avoid these off-peak hours and focus on times when your audience is most active and likely to interact.
Pro tips for getting the most reach on Facebook
#1: Know your audience’s interests
Understanding what your audience loves to see is the first step to boosting your reach. Dig into what type of content they engage with the most – videos, stories, or posts with tips.
Once you are able to figure out their best interest, tailor your content to match their preferences, and you’ll see your reach grow!
#2: Focus on accurate and authentic content
People connect with genuine posts. Avoid clickbait and instead, focus on building trust with your audience by being authentic. So:
- Be transparent: Share stories, behind-the-scenes moments, or insights into your business.
- Use high-quality visuals: Make sure your images and videos are clear and professional.
- Add value: Offer tips, how-tos, or fun facts that are relevant to your audience.
- Write clear headlines: Don’t try to trick your audience. Make sure your headline clearly describes what they should expect in the post.
#3: Don’t manipulate the algorithm
Facebook’s algorithm is smart, so trying to trick it won’t work. Avoid spammy tactics like using clickbait headlines or engagement-bait.
Instead, focus on creating quality content that resonates with your followers. Authenticity is the key to staying in Facebook’s good books!
#4: Engage with your audience
Don’t just post and disappear! Respond to comments, answer questions, and react to your followers’ feedback.
The more you engage, the more likely they’ll be to interact with your posts in the future, signaling to Facebook that your content is worth showing.
#5: Encourage audience interaction
Create opportunities for your followers to engage with each other. Ask questions, start polls, or post topics that spark discussions.
When your audience interacts not just with your posts but with each other, it boosts your content’s visibility and reach.
#6: Post at the right time (schedule smartly!)
Posting at the optimal time is crucial. Of course, that is the essence of this post, which is about knowing the best time to post on Facebook.
Use scheduling tools like OnlySocial, one of the most reliable and trustworthy schedulers on the market, to ensure your posts go live when your audience is most active. This simple step maximizes your post’s visibility and engagement.
#7: Expand your reach by leveraging your network
Don’t hesitate to ask friends, employees, or partners to share your posts. It’s a simple yet effective way to reach more people without spending extra. The more shares, the broader your content’s reach!
#8: Collaborate with influencers
Partnering with influencers or other brands can introduce your content to a whole new audience. Collaborations help build credibility and expand your reach.
Find influencers who align with your brand and have a following that matches your target audience.
#9: Monitor your analytics
Keep an eye on your Facebook insights to track what works and what doesn’t. Monitoring metrics like engagement rates, reach, and post performance helps you fine-tune your strategy.
By analyzing these insights, you can adjust your content and posting schedule to get the most out of your efforts.
Final Note
Posting at the right time is golden when it comes to maximizing your reach and engagement on Facebook.
The timing of your posts can be the difference between getting lost in the feed or standing out to your audience.
We’ve highlighted the best times to post on Facebook based on the days of the week and various industries, so all you need to do is find your category and work with it.
By aligning your schedule with the most active times for your audience, you’re setting yourself up for success.
Remember, consistency and timing are key – plan wisely, and watch your engagement soar.