Listen up, folks. I’m about to drop some truth bombs on you regarding the so-called “best times to post” on TikTok. Spoiler alert: there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. But I’ll break down what the data shows and give you some tips to figure out your own sweet spot. Grab a drink and buckle up because the class is in session.
Before we dive in, let’s get real for a second. Obsessing over finding the statistically best nano-second to post your content is basically pointless. TikTok’s algorithm is complex AF and always changing. What works today could flop tomorrow.
You can drive yourself crazy trying to hack the algorithm. But you know what’s better for your mental health? Creating kick-ass content that your audience loves. That’s what will get you the views, likes, and follows.
Not scheduling your posts at 2:13 pm on a Tuesday because some “data” says that’s optimal.
So, rather than stressing about finding the perfect time, put your energy into upping your content game. Study trends polish your videos, and, most importantly, keep them real. Authenticity always wins in the end.
That said, looking at engagement data can provide some useful insights. I’m all about analyzing the facts objectively. Just don’t get your panties in a twist trying to determine the universally best nano-second. Use the data as a general guide, not a rigid rule.
Here’s a quick overview of what the research shows for the highest engagement rates on TikTok:
So, according to this data, early mornings and evenings tend to perform well in terms of engagement. Makes sense, as those are times when people are chilling at home scrolling on their phones.
Again, don’t take this as gospel. The best-performing days and times can vary widely depending on your audience, niche, and content style. But it provides a rough benchmark to start experimenting with.
Okay, enough with the disclaimers. Let’s get into some actionable tips for determining your optimal posting times. Here are five steps:
Your first move is to check your audience analytics to see your followers’ locations. It will give you insight into time zones. If most of your audience is in New York, you’ll likely want to aim for East Coast evening hours.
But if you have a global audience all over the map, you may need to mix up your posting times to reach different time zones. There’s no universal best time, so go where your people are.
Next, think about your niche and what times of day your content is most relevant. A makeup artist might find mornings do really well when people are getting ready for work. At the same time, a sports account may see higher engagement in the evenings when games are on.
Figure out when your followers are most likely to be engaged with your type of content, and that can provide a good starting point for when to post.
Once you know your audience’s time zones and when your content may resonate most, start testing out different posting times. Pay close attention to how your videos perform at each time.
You don’t need a huge sample size to spot meaningful differences. Post 5-10 videos at each time slot and track views, likes, comments, etc. Look for at least a 15-20% difference to determine better-performing times.
After a couple of weeks of testing at different times, you should see some clear winners emerge. Make sure to use those optimal times consistently in your schedule.
Posting sporadically won’t allow you to take full advantage of those engagement sweet spots. Get your videos out when your audience is most likely to be active and responsive.
As your audience grows, your best times to post may shift, too. So, keep testing new times every few months to see if you can improve. There’s no set-it-and-forget-it solution.
Also, try mixing up your content formats and styles. Certain types of videos do better at certain times. Keep evolving your approach to stay ahead of the curve.
Posting 1-3 times per day is ideal for most accounts. This gives your audience new content regularly without overwhelming them. More than 3 posts per day can lead to lower engagement.
Well-written captions can significantly boost watch time, clicks, and engagement. Use keywords, but keep the language natural. Captions help content be discovered.
A mix of both is best. Use trending sounds to increase discoverability. But original sound lets you stand out. Try a 50/50 blend.
So, in summary, stop sweating the details about finding the statistically best times to post. Put your energy into upping your content game and getting to know your audience.
Use engagement data as a helpful starting point, but don’t follow it blindly. Experiment to find what works for your audience and niche. Then, be consistent with posting at those times.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Build trust and relationships with your followers. Keep evolving your content and strategy. And remember to have fun while you’re at it!
Up until working with Casey, we had only had poor to mediocre experiences outsourcing work to agencies. Casey & the team at CJ&CO are the exception to the rule.
Communication was beyond great, his understanding of our vision was phenomenal, and instead of needing babysitting like the other agencies we worked with, he was not only completely dependable but also gave us sound suggestions on how to get better results, at the risk of us not needing him for the initial job we requested (absolute gem).
This has truly been the first time we worked with someone outside of our business that quickly grasped our vision, and that I could completely forget about and would still deliver above expectations.
I honestly can’t wait to work in many more projects together!
Disclaimer
*The information this blog provides is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as financial or professional advice. The information may not reflect current developments and may be changed or updated without notice. Any opinions expressed on this blog are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author’s employer or any other organization. You should not act or rely on any information contained in this blog without first seeking the advice of a professional. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this blog. The author and affiliated parties assume no liability for any errors or omissions.
