Best time to post on TikTok to maximize your engagement

Are you looking to boost your TikTok engagement and reach a broader audience for your ecommerce store? Then you should know that timing is everything! 

This blog will explore data-driven insights and practical tips for finding the best times to post on TikTok. By strategically scheduling your content, you can maximize your visibility and capitalize on peak engagement.

Ready to supercharge your TikTok strategy? Let's get started!

• Posting times on TikTok vary by day and can significantly influence engagement levels.

• Understanding your target audience's behavior and average watch time is crucial for optimizing your posting schedule.

• Peak engagement times on TikTok posts differ by day and country, necessitating tailored strategies.

• Consistent posting on your TikTok business account during high-activity periods can boost your content's visibility and reach.

• Leveraging custom merchandise, like those available through Gelato's platform, can enhance engagement and sales.

Yes, there is a best time to post on TikTok, but it varies based on your audience's location and habits. Thursdays at 7 p.m. are generally found to be optimal for maximum engagement. However, consistent analysis and adjustments to your posting schedule on your normal user account are crucial to truly understanding what works best for your specific audience.

Understanding the best times to post on TikTok can significantly impact your reach and engagement. Here are some key reasons why identifying optimal posting times is crucial: 

• Maximize visibility: Posting when your audience is most active ensures your videos appear at the top of their feed, making them more likely to be watched and engaged.

• Boost engagement: Higher visibility typically leads to more interactions. Engaging content viewed at the right time can drive more comments, likes, and shares, amplifying your reach.

• Algorithm advantages: TikTok's algorithm favors recent and relevant content. Posting when your followers are most active can help your content get prioritized on their feeds.

• Improve follower insights: Regularly analyzing when your content performs best provides valuable insights into your audience's behavior, helping refine your strategy.

• Optimize ad performance: If you're running TikTok ads, knowing the best times to post can also help you schedule your ad placements for maximum impact.

Discover how timing can make all the difference in your TikTok engagement. We'll break down the best posting times for each day of the week so that you can maximize visibility and interaction with your content.

Best time to post on Monday

Monday is often seen as the start of a busy week, but it's also a golden opportunity to capture the attention of your target audience on TikTok. Here's a breakdown of when you should consider posting to maximize your reach and engagement on Mondays: 

• Early evening (3-6 p.m.): This window is particularly effective because many people take breaks or are just finishing up their work or school day. They tend to scroll through social media platforms to unwind, and your TikTok video could meet them at the perfect time.

• Late evening (7-10 p.m.): As the evening progresses, people are more relaxed and seeking entertainment. Posting during this time can increase the likelihood of viewing and engaging your video, as users are generally less distracted by other commitments.

• Night owls (10 p.m. onwards): If your target audience includes night owls or international users in different time zones, posting late at night can be beneficial. It captures those winding down their day, who are more likely to engage with longer content.

Best time to post on Tuesday

Tuesday is a key day for TikTok engagement, and getting your timing right can significantly impact your reach. TikTok users tend to be more active on Tuesdays at specific times. 

• Morning burst of activity (2 a.m. - 4 a.m.): Surprisingly, early morning hours between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. are when you can catch the night owls and early risers interacting with content. This window is especially effective if you target a global audience across multiple time zones.

• Mid-morning engagement (9 a.m.): Around 9 a.m., users often check TikTok during their breakfast or initial work breaks. Posting at this time can help catch viewers as they start their day, increasing the likelihood of engagement and shares.

• Afternoon peak (4 p.m. - 6 p.m.): This is a crucial time as many users take breaks or finish their work or school day. Posting during this period can maximize visibility as people are more relaxed and open to engaging with content.

Best time to post on Wednesday

Wednesdays can be a pivotal day for gaining traction on TikTok, as it’s midweek, and users often turn to social media for a quick break. Here are the best times to post on TikTok on Wednesday: 

• Early morning boost: Posting at 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. can catch early risers and morning commuters who are checking their feeds to kickstart their day. This early engagement can help build momentum for your post throughout the day.

• Mid-morning engagement: Another prime slot is at 11 a.m., when users may take a mid-morning break. Engagement is likely high during this period as people look for short distractions.

• Afternoon attention: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. is generally considered good for posting, but it's particularly around lunchtime (12 p.m. to 1 p.m.) when many users are active, scrolling through TikTok to take a break from work or school.

• Evening peak times: Posting later in the evening, around 9 p.m., can also capture a large audience. At this time, people are winding down and are likely to spend more leisurely moments on social media.

Best time to post on Thursday

Thursday is considered one of the most favorable days for posting content on TikTok. The platform sees a noticeable spike in user activity and engagement around this time. 

Let’s delve into the specific times on Thursday that can yield the highest engagement rates: 

• Early morning boost: Start your Thursday strong by posting around 9 a.m. Users are often active after they get to work or school, looking for a quick distraction before diving into their tasks.

• Midday engagement: Another prime time to capture your audience’s attention is just before lunch, around 12 p.m. People usually seek a break and entertainment as they gear up for the second half of their day.

• Evening peak: The most optimal time to post on Thursday is at 7 p.m. By this time, most people have wrapped up their day and are winding down, scrolling through TikTok for leisure. This is the golden hour to post content that will engage and captivate your audience.

• General window: If you prefer a broader time slot, anytime from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday is generally considered effective for posting. This window allows you to reach your audience throughout various times of their day.

• Industry-specific tips: The best times for niche audiences, such as educational or travel content, might vary slightly. For instance, schools and education-related posts perform well between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Meanwhile, travel and hospitality content improves engagement later in the afternoon and evening.

Best time to post on Friday

Friday is the gateway to the weekend and arguably one of the most optimal days to capture your audience's attention on TikTok. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best times to post on TikTok on Fridays: 

• Early morning (5 a.m.): Yes, you read that right! People often start their days by checking their phones. A post at this time can catch early risers and those who are diving into their morning stroll.

• Mid-morning (9 a.m.): Another sweet spot in the morning timeline. This is when people take coffee breaks and are more likely to engage with content as they have some free time.

• Early afternoon (1 p.m.): As lunchtime approaches, people tend to take a break from work and catch up on social media. Posting around this time can help you snag those seeking a mid-day distraction.

• Afternoon (3 p.m.): This is a critical time when most people are looking for a quick escape from their afternoon slump. A well-placed TikTok post can be the perfect pick-me-up they need.

• Late afternoon (4 to 6 p.m.): As the workday concludes, people start checking out for the weekend. This is an excellent window to post engaging content, as viewers are likely to relax and engage.

Best time to post on Saturday

Saturday can be tricky for TikTok posting, as many users shift their activities towards leisure and social outings. Here's a lowdown of Saturday post timings:

• Late morning advantage (11:00 a.m.): Late in the morning is one of the prime times to post your TikTok videos when users are starting their weekend activities but still spend some time scrolling through their social media feeds.

• Early evening opportunity (7:00 p.m.): As the day winds down, people tend to relax and check their phones, making early evening another sweet spot for posting.

• Late evening check-in (8:00 p.m.): Right before bedtime, many users have a final scroll through their favorite apps. This time can be especially effective for reaching an audience winding down on Saturday night.

• Weekend mindset: While Saturday posts can be less effective than weekday posts, your audience's weekend activities might offer specific niches to tap into. For example, DIY projects, travel content, or leisure activities could see higher engagement.

• Experiment and analyze: It's also important to track the performance of your Saturday posts over time. Utilize TikTok's analytics tools to monitor which times yield the best engagement and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Best time to post on Sunday

While Sundays can be unpredictable, they offer a unique opportunity to hook your audience during downtime. To maximize your reach on Sundays, consider these guidelines: 

• Early mornings: Posting at 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. can capture the attention of early risers who are just starting their day. This is a golden window for reaching users before they get caught up in their Sunday plans.

• Midday bliss: By 3 p.m., many users are taking a break from their activities or looking for entertainment. Posting during this time can significantly increase your content's visibility as people are more likely to scroll through their feeds around lunchtime.

• Afternoon engagement: 4 p.m. is another prime time to share your content. As the afternoon progresses, many users return from their outings or are preparing to wind down. This period sees a spike in activity, offering another chance to grab their attention.

Remember, these times are not set in stone but serve as guidelines. The key to success on TikTok is to monitor your own TikTok data using TikTok analytics and adjust your posting schedule based on what works best for your specific audience.

To truly maximize your engagement on TikTok, it's crucial to consider the varying peak times across different countries. Let’s break down the best times to post on TikTok by country to help you strategize effectively. 

United States

• 11 a.m.: Engage early risers and those on lunch breaks.

• 7 p.m.: Reach viewers winding down for the evening.

• 8 p.m.: Perfect for capturing the after-dinner crowd.

United Kingdom

• Tuesdays and Fridays 4 to 6 p.m.: Engage both after-school and after-work audiences.

• Wednesday and Thursday mornings, 9 to 11 a.m.: Capture attention during mid-morning breaks.

• Thursday evenings 2 to 6 p.m.: Ideal for a post-lunch engagement spike. 

Australia

• Monday to Friday, 7 to 9 p.m.: Best for reaching people during their evening relaxation time.

• Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Perfect for catching weekend activities and leisure time.

India

• Weekdays 6 to 8 a.m.: Tap into the early starters.

• Weekends 8 to 10 p.m.: Capture engagement during leisure hours.

Europe

• Weekdays 12 to 2 p.m.: Perfect for lunchtime engagement.

• Weekends 10 a.m. to 12  p.m.: Ideal for capturing the morning social media browse.

Middle East

• Weekdays 7 to 9 p.m.: Engage users during their evening relaxation.

• Friday 1 to 3 p.m.: Best for targeting post-prayer time when users are more likely to be free.   

Russia

• Monday to Friday, 6 to 8 p.m.: Capture viewers as they unwind after work.

• Weekends 12 to 2 p.m.: Best for mid-day browsing during leisure time.  

South East Asia

• Weekdays 5 to 7 p.m.: Best to engage users commuting from work or school.

• Weekends 9 to 11 a.m.: Capture their attention during morning leisure hours.

South America

• Weekdays 6 to 8 p.m.: Ideal for engaging users after work hours.

• Weekends 9 to 11 a.m.: Capture attention during weekend morning relaxation.

Canada

• Monday to Friday, 12 to 2 p.m.: Perfect for a lunchtime engagement boost.

• Saturday and Sunday, 3 to 5 p.m.: Ideal for early evening browsing during weekends.

Along with timing, it’s equally important to develop a strategy for consistently sharing your content. Here are some actionable tips to help you optimize your posting schedule: 

• Analyze your analytics: Use TikTok’s built-in analytics tool to understand when your followers are most active. This data can be crucial for determining your best posting times.

• Adjust based on feedback: Pay attention to the engagement you receive from your posts. Likes, comments, and shares are good indicators of whether your chosen posting times are effective.

• Stay consistent: Consistency is key in social media. Once you find the optimal times, stick to a regular posting schedule to keep your audience engaged and coming back for more.

• Use scheduling tools: Leverage any social media management tool to schedule your posts in advance. This ensures your content goes live at the optimal times, even if you’re busy or in a different time zone.

Engaging your TikTok audience at the right time makes all the difference. Paired with custom merchandise, you can create a lasting connection and boost your brand’s presence in no time. With the release of Gelato’s TikTok integration, we aim to educate store owners on how to launch a TikTok Shop in the US with Gelato. Here's how you can capitalize on your TikTok creativity with Gelato:

• Connect your TikTok shop: Link your TikTok Shop with Gelato effortlessly to streamline your merchandise operations.

• Create & publish non-personalized products: Design and sell a variety of non-personalized products, including apparel, wall art, and accessories, directly to your TikTok fan base worldwide.

• Automatic order management: Enjoy the convenience of automatic order import from TikTok Shops into Gelato, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow.

• Real-time fulfillment updates: Gelato automatically updates the fulfillment status and tracking codes, keeping you and your customers informed every step of the way.

Leverage Gelato's on-demand print services to transform your TikTok following into a profitable venture. Explore Gelato’s subscription plans and start your print on demand journey today. Sign up for Gelato.

Sign up for Gelato today and choose a subscription plan that suits your needs to transform your TikTok success into tangible results!