Best Time to Post on TikTok: The Definitive Guide

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.

Why Trying to Game the Algorithm is Pointless

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.

Best Time to Post on TikTok:

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:

• Monday: 6am, 10am, 10pm
• Tuesday: 2am, 4am, 9am
• Wednesday: 7am, 8am, 11pm
• Thursday: 9 am, 12 pm, 7 pm
• Friday: 5 am, 1 pm, 3 pm
• Saturday: 11 am, 7 pm, 8 pm
• Sunday: 7am, 8am, 4pm

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.

How to Figure Out Your Best Time

Okay, enough with the disclaimers. Let’s get into some actionable tips for determining your optimal posting times. Here are five steps:

Analyze Your Followers

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.

Pay Attention to Your Niche

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.

Experiment with Different Times

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.

Use Your Best Performing Times Consistently

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.

Keep Testing and Optimizing

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.

Other Key Tips for TikTok Success

• Figuring out your optimal posting times is just one piece of the puzzle. Here are some other key tips:
• Leverage Trends – Jump on trending sounds, hashtags, effects, etc. It helps your content be discovered. But put your unique spin on trends.
• Engage With Your Audience – Reply to comments, do collab videos and build a community. Don’t just broadcast one way.
• Post Consistently – Posting 1-3 times daily keeps your content circulating regularly. But don’t overwhelm your audience.
• Use Captions – Well-written captions improve watch time and clicks. Use keywords, but keep it natural.
• Analyze Your Analytics – Check what content resonates and what doesn’t. Let data guide your content strategy.
• Improve Video Quality – Invest in good lighting, audio, editing software, etc. Production value matters.
• Have Fun – Lean into what makes you unique. Success comes from authenticity.

Frequently Asked Questions:

The Takeaway on Best Times to Post on TikTok

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!