Best Time to Post on TikTok in 2026
Data-backed posting schedule to maximize your reach and engagement
TikTok users now spend an average of 52 minutes per day scrolling through their feeds, but your content only gets a few seconds to grab their attention. With over 1 billion monthly active users competing for views, when you post matters just as much as what you post.
After analyzing over 2 million TikTok posts from multiple studies (Buffer, RecurPost, Shopify, and Hopper HQ), we've identified the exact time slots when engagement spikes up to 3x higher than average. This isn't guesswork. It's data from real creators seeing real results.
What You'll Learn:
- Best posting times for every day of the week (with specific hours)
- Industry-specific timing strategies (fashion, fitness, food, tech, etc.)
- How to use TikTok Analytics to find YOUR best posting times
- Common timing mistakes killing your engagement (and how to fix them)
- Regional posting strategies for USA, UK, Australia, and more
Whether you're a creator trying to hit your first 10K followers, a small business owner promoting products, or a brand manager running TikTok campaigns, this guide will show you exactly when to hit "post" for maximum impact.
Why Posting Time Matters on TikTok
Unlike chronological feeds, TikTok's algorithm decides which videos make it to the coveted For You Page (FYP), the main discovery engine where 90% of views come from. But here's the catch: your posting time directly influences how the algorithm tests your content. (Learn more about how TikTok's algorithm differs from Instagram and Facebook Reels.)
How TikTok's Algorithm Uses Timing
Initial Test Audience
When you post, TikTok shows your video to a small test group of your followers and similar users (typically 100-500 people). If you post when your audience is asleep or offline, this test phase gets weaker engagement.
The Critical First Hour
Your video's performance in the first 60 minutes determines if it gets promoted further. Videos with high watch time, likes, comments, and shares in this window get pushed to larger audiences. Post at the wrong time, and you miss this momentum.
Engagement Multiplier Effect
TikTok prioritizes fresh content during peak activity hours. If you post when millions of users are scrolling, even modest engagement signals can trigger algorithmic boosts that multiply your views 10x-100x within hours.
The Data Behind Peak Posting Times
Analysis of over 2 million TikTok posts reveals clear patterns:
Higher engagement during peak hours (4-8 PM) vs off-peak times
More views on Wednesday (best day) compared to Saturday (worst day)
Critical window for algorithmic evaluation after posting
Why "Best Times" Vary by Account
Think of the best posting times as your testing baseline. Start with these proven windows, track your results in TikTok Analytics, and refine your schedule based on when your followers are most active. We'll show you exactly how to do this in the "How to Find YOUR Best Times" section later.
Real Creator Example:
"I was posting at random times and getting 200-500 views per video. After switching to 6 PM on Wednesdays (my analytics peak), my average views jumped to 2,000-5,000. One video hit 87K views because it caught the evening scroll wave."
- Sarah M., Lifestyle Creator (45K followers)
Best Times to Post on TikTok (General Data)
Based on analysis from Buffer (1M posts), RecurPost (2M posts), and Shopify/Hopper studies, here are the optimal posting times for maximum engagement. All times are presented in your local timezone, so no conversion needed.
Daily Posting Schedule (Complete Breakdown)
MMonday
Early birds scrolling before work/school commute
Pre-lunch break, mid-morning productivity slump
Post-work/dinner relaxation, highest Monday engagement
Monday Strategy: Start the week strong with evening posts. Mondays see lower morning engagement as people ease into work mode, but evenings (6-10 PM) perform exceptionally well.
TTuesday
Night owls + international audiences (Australia, Asia)
Morning coffee scroll, settling into work
Afternoon slump, lunch break ending
Pre-dinner scroll, consistent 3x engagement spike
Tuesday Strategy: One of the best days overall. Multiple strong windows mean you can post 2-3 times if creating content daily. Evening (4 PM) outperforms all other slots.
WWednesday
Hump day motivation scroll, strong morning engagement
Midday peak, lunch break scrolling
Prime time window, highest weekly engagement
Bedtime scroll, late-night entertainment seekers
Wednesday Strategy: THE BEST DAY TO POST. Analysis shows Wednesday consistently outperforms all other days by 40-50%. Save your best content for Wednesday afternoon/evening.
TThursday
Morning commute, coffee break
Pre-lunch engagement spike
Post-lunch scrolling window
Evening relaxation, pre-Friday excitement
Thursday Strategy: Almost-Friday energy drives high engagement. Evening posts (5-10 PM) capitalize on weekend anticipation.
FFriday
Early risers, Friday morning motivation
Friday afternoon wind-down
Pre-weekend rush, highest Friday engagement
Friday Strategy: Morning and early afternoon work well, but engagement drops after 8 PM as people shift to weekend activities. Post BEFORE the Friday night social rush.
SSaturday
Lazy morning scroll, weekend starts
Afternoon activity break
Evening at-home scrolling
Saturday Strategy: Weekend viewing is 40% lower than weekdays. People are out doing activities. If you must post Saturday, aim for morning or late evening when people are home.
SSunday
Sunday morning relaxation, slow starts
Afternoon couch time, Sunday blues scrolling
Peak weekly engagement! Sunday night prep/relax mode
Sunday Strategy: Sunday 8 PM is THE SINGLE BEST TIME of the entire week across all studies. People wind down for the week ahead, creating massive engagement opportunity.
Quick Reference Table: Best Times by Day
| Day | Best Time | 2nd Best | 3rd Best | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 7 PM ⭐ | 10 AM | 6 AM | Good |
| Tuesday | 4 PM ⭐ | 8 PM | 2 PM | Excellent |
| Wednesday 🏆 | 5 PM ⭐ | 6 PM | 4 PM | BEST DAY |
| Thursday | 5 PM ⭐ | 1 PM | 3 PM | Excellent |
| Friday | 4 PM ⭐ | 2 PM | 6 PM | Very Good |
| Saturday ⚠️ | 5 PM | 4 PM | 7 PM | Poor |
| Sunday | 8 PM ⭐⭐⭐ | 5 PM | 4 PM | Peak Time! |
Best Times to Post on TikTok by Industry/Niche
Your industry dramatically affects when your audience is scrolling TikTok. A fitness creator's audience is active at 6 AM (pre-workout motivation), while a nightlife brand's followers are scrolling at 11 PM. Here are optimized posting times for 7 major industries, based on audience behavior patterns.
👗 Fashion & Beauty
Best Days:
Thursday-Friday (weekend prep mode)
Best Times:
3-6 PM, 7-9 PM
Why it works: Fashion audiences (predominantly 18-35 female) scroll TikTok during afternoon breaks and evening relaxation. Thursday/Friday posts capitalize on "getting ready for the weekend" mindset.
Content types that thrive: GRWM (Get Ready With Me), outfit transitions, haul videos, makeup tutorials, styling hacks
Avoid: Early mornings (6-9 AM) when your audience is rushing to get ready
💪 Fitness & Wellness
Best Days:
Monday-Friday (weekday routine)
Best Times:
5-8 AM, 6-9 PM
Why it works: Your audience checks TikTok BEFORE morning workouts (motivation) and AFTER evening gym sessions (cool-down scrolling). Weekdays see 60% more fitness content engagement than weekends.
Content types that thrive: Quick workouts, form checks, meal prep, transformation stories, fitness myths debunked
Avoid: Midday (12-3 PM) when your audience is at work or actually exercising
🍕 Food & Beverage
Best Days:
Daily (especially Sat-Sun)
Best Times:
11 AM-1 PM, 5-7 PM
Why it works: Food content performs during meal planning windows. Lunch scrolling (11 AM-1 PM) drives "what should I eat?" discovery. Dinner time (5-7 PM) is when people seek cooking inspiration.
Content types that thrive: Recipe tutorials, restaurant reviews, cooking hacks, food challenges, ASMR eating
Pro tip: Saturday 11 AM-1 PM is GOLD for brunch/breakfast content
📱 Tech & Gadgets
Best Days:
Monday-Friday (weekday focus)
Best Times:
9-11 AM, 7-9 PM (weeknights)
Why it works: Tech audiences (skews male, 25-40) scroll during morning coffee (9-11 AM) and evening downtime (7-9 PM). They're researching products before purchase decisions.
Content types that thrive: Product reviews, unboxings, tech comparisons, tips & tricks, app recommendations
Avoid: Weekends see 35% drop in tech content engagement
🎵 Entertainment & Music
Best Days:
Friday-Sunday (weekend mode)
Best Times:
Friday 8-10 PM, Saturday 2-4 PM
Why it works: Entertainment content thrives when people are in leisure mode. Friday evenings (pre-party) and Saturday afternoons (pre-going out) see massive engagement spikes.
Content types that thrive: Dance trends, comedy skits, music covers, celebrity news, behind-the-scenes
Pro tip: Drop music-related content on Friday 9 PM for weekend virality potential
📚 Education & EdTech
Best Days:
Tuesday-Thursday (learning mindset)
Best Times:
4-7 PM (after school/work)
Why it works: Students and lifelong learners engage after formal education hours. The 4-7 PM window catches high schoolers (after school), college students (between classes), and working professionals (after work).
Content types that thrive: Study tips, career advice, how-to tutorials, language learning, life hacks
Avoid: Early mornings and late nights when your audience is studying or sleeping
✈️ Travel & Hospitality
Best Days:
Friday-Sunday (wanderlust peaks)
Best Times:
9-11 AM, 7-9 PM
Why it works: Travel content performs best when people are planning trips or daydreaming about escapes. Friday mornings (planning weekend getaways) and evenings (browsing vacation ideas) drive highest engagement.
Content types that thrive: Destination guides, travel hacks, hotel tours, packing tips, budget travel
Pro tip: Monday mornings (9-10 AM) also work well for "escape the work week" motivation content
Industry Comparison Table
| Industry | Best Days | Peak Times | Engagement Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fashion & Beauty | Thu-Fri | 3-6 PM, 7-9 PM | High |
| Fitness & Wellness | Mon-Fri | 5-8 AM, 6-9 PM | High |
| Food & Beverage | Daily | 11 AM-1 PM, 5-7 PM | High |
| Tech & Gadgets | Mon-Fri | 9-11 AM, 7-9 PM | Moderate |
| Entertainment & Music | Fri-Sun | Fri 8-10 PM, Sat 2-4 PM | High |
| Education & EdTech | Tue-Thu | 4-7 PM | Moderate |
| Travel & Hospitality | Fri-Sun | 9-11 AM, 7-9 PM | High |
How to Find YOUR Best Posting Times
General best times are a great starting point, but your unique audience might behave differently. A creator with followers in Australia will have different peak times than someone with a US-based audience. Here's how to discover your personalized posting schedule using TikTok's built-in analytics.
Step 1: Switch to a TikTok Business Account
You need a Business or Creator account to access TikTok Analytics. It's free and takes 2 minutes to set up.
How to Switch:
- Open TikTok and tap your Profile icon (bottom right)
- Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines, top right)
- Go to Settings and Privacy → Account
- Tap Switch to Business Account
- Choose your category (e.g., Creator, Entertainment, Education)
Note: You can switch back and forth between Personal and Business accounts anytime without losing followers or content.
Step 2: Access Your TikTok Analytics Dashboard
Once you're a Business account, TikTok Analytics becomes available. This is where the magic happens.
Accessing Analytics:
- On your Profile, tap the menu icon (top right)
- Select Business Suite
- Tap Analytics
- You'll see three tabs: Overview, Content, and Followers
Step 3: Check Your Follower Activity
This is the most important metric for timing. It shows when your followers are actually on TikTok.
Finding Follower Activity:
- In Analytics, tap the Followers tab
- Scroll down to "Most active times"
- Toggle between "By Day" and "By Hour"
- Look for the purple/pink bars. These are your peak activity times.
⚠️ Important: TikTok shows follower activity in UTC (Coordinated Universal Time), not your local timezone. You'll need to convert:
- EST = UTC - 5 hours
- PST = UTC - 8 hours
- GMT = UTC + 0 hours
- AEST = UTC + 10 hours
Example: If the graph shows 8 PM UTC and you're in EST, your audience is active at 3 PM EST.
Step 4: Analyze Individual Post Performance
See which of your past videos performed best and when they were posted.
Reviewing Content Performance:
- In Analytics, tap the Content tab
- You'll see your recent videos (past 7 days) with metrics:
- Views - Total video views
- Likes - Total likes received
- Comments - Engagement level
- Shares - Virality indicator
- Avg Watch Time - Content quality signal
- Tap any video to see detailed breakdown: reach, traffic sources (FYP vs Following), audience territories
- Note the posting time of your top-performing videos
Step 5: Create Your Testing Schedule
Now combine general best times + your follower activity data + your past performance to create a testing schedule.
The 2-Week Testing Method:
Week 1: Test General Best Times
Post at the recommended times for your industry (from earlier section). Track views, engagement rate, and watch time for each post.
Week 2: Test Your Audience's Peak Times
Post during your specific follower activity peaks (from Analytics). Compare results to Week 1.
Week 3+: Optimize and Repeat
Double down on times that gave you 2x+ better results. Re-test monthly as your audience grows and behavior shifts.
Step 6: Use a Tracking Spreadsheet
Create a simple spreadsheet to track your posting experiments. This removes guesswork and shows clear patterns.
What to Track:
| Date | Day | Time | Views | Likes | Comments | Shares | Watch Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 6 | Mon | 7 PM | 2,340 | 187 | 23 | 12 | 45% |
| Jan 8 | Wed | 5 PM | 5,890 | 421 | 67 | 34 | 62% |
| Jan 10 | Fri | 4 PM | 8,120 | 643 | 89 | 51 | 71% |
After 2-3 weeks, you'll see clear patterns. In this example, Friday 4 PM is the winner with 3.5x more views than Monday 7 PM.
Quick Wins While Testing:
- Post slightly BEFORE your peak activity times (15-30 min early) so your video is fresh when users log in
- Avoid dead zones (1-5 AM for most audiences) unless you have international followers
- Check analytics weekly. Audience behavior shifts as you gain followers from different demographics. (For more growth strategies, check out our guide on proven tactics to grow your social media following.)
- Consider timezones if your audience spans multiple regions (post multiple times if needed)
Common Posting Time Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
Even with data-backed best times, creators make critical timing errors that kill their engagement. Here are the 5 biggest mistakes I see constantly and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Posting When YOU'RE Available (Not When Your Audience Is)
"I post whenever I finish editing my video" is the fastest way to sabotage your growth. Your personal schedule has nothing to do with your audience's scrolling habits.
❌ What happens: You post at 11 AM because that's when you wake up, but your audience (college students) is in class. Your video gets 100 views instead of 5,000.
✅ The fix: Use TikTok's scheduling feature or set phone reminders for optimal posting times. Batch-create content in advance so you can post at peak times, not whenever you're "ready."
Mistake #2: Ignoring Time Zone Differences
You're in Los Angeles posting at 9 PM PST (your prime time), but 60% of your followers are in New York where it's midnight. They're asleep.
❌ What happens: Your East Coast audience never sees your content because you're posting 3 hours behind their timezone. You're missing a huge chunk of potential engagement.
✅ The fix: Check TikTok Analytics → Followers → Top Territories. If your audience spans multiple timezones, either: (1) Post during overlap hours (e.g., 5 PM PST = 8 PM EST), or (2) Post multiple times targeting different regions.
Mistake #3: Posting at the Same "Best Time" Every Day
You read "5 PM is the best time" and now post at 5 PM Monday through Sunday like clockwork. But best times vary by day.
❌ What happens: Wednesday 5 PM might crush it (3K views), but Saturday 5 PM flops (200 views) because your audience is out doing weekend activities. You're wasting your Saturday content.
✅ The fix: Customize posting times by day. Use Wednesday-Friday for your best content at peak evening times (4-8 PM). On weekends, shift to morning (9-11 AM) or late evening (8-10 PM) when people are home.
Mistake #4: Never Testing or Adjusting Your Schedule
You found a "good enough" posting time 6 months ago and never changed it, even though your audience has grown and evolved.
❌ What happens: Your follower demographics shift (you gain international followers, your age demographic changes), but you're still posting for your OLD audience. Engagement slowly declines.
✅ The fix: Re-test your posting times every 4-6 weeks. As you gain followers, your audience composition changes. Set a calendar reminder to review Analytics monthly and adjust your schedule based on new data.
Mistake #5: Obsessing Over Perfect Timing While Ignoring Content Quality
You spend hours analyzing the perfect posting time but your videos have poor hooks, bad audio, or don't provide value.
❌ What happens: Even if you post at the perfect time, a boring video won't perform. TikTok's algorithm cares about watch time, rewatches, and shares, not just timing. Bad content + perfect timing = still bad results.
✅ The fix: Follow the 80/20 rule: Spend 80% of effort on creating engaging content (strong hook in first 3 seconds, clear value, trending sounds) and 20% on timing optimization. Great content posted at "okay" times will outperform mediocre content posted at "perfect" times.
Mistake #6: Posting and Immediately Logging Off
You hit "post" at 5 PM (perfect time!) then immediately close the app and go about your day.
❌ What happens: The first 60 minutes after posting are CRITICAL. If you're not there to respond to early comments, you miss engagement signals that boost algorithmic performance. Early engagement predicts future reach.
✅ The fix: Plan to be active for 30-60 minutes after posting. Reply to comments quickly, engage with similar content, and stay online. This signals to TikTok that your content is conversation-worthy, triggering broader distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your 7-Day Action Plan
You now have the data, strategies, and tools to optimize your TikTok posting schedule. Here's exactly what to do this week to see immediate results:
Week 1 Implementation Checklist:
Today: Switch to Business Account & Review Analytics
Takes 5 minutes. Check your follower activity times and top territories.
Day 1-3: Test General Best Times
Post at Wednesday 5 PM, Sunday 8 PM, and Tuesday 4 PM. Track results in a spreadsheet.
Day 4-7: Test Your Industry-Specific Times
Use the industry timing guide above. Compare performance to Days 1-3.
End of Week: Analyze & Adjust
Identify your top 2-3 performing time slots. These become your default posting schedule.
Remember This:
The best time to post on TikTok is when your specific audience is most active, not when a blog post (even this one) tells you to post. Use these recommendations as your starting point, but let your Analytics guide your final decisions.
Consistency beats perfection. It's better to post regularly at "good" times than to obsess over finding the "perfect" time and post irregularly. Your audience rewards reliability.
Ready to boost your TikTok views? Start posting at optimal times today.
Have questions or want to share your results? Drop a comment below. I'd love to hear which times work best for your audience!