LinkedIn, as the leading platform for professionals, is the ideal place to position yourself as a thought leader in your industry. With over 60 million company profiles, it’s essential to identify the best time to post on LinkedIn to engage your followers, whether they are clients, customers, employees, prospects, or all of these groups.
When is the best time to post on LinkedIn? In this post, System SocialZ offers a comprehensive guide to help you enhance engagement on LinkedIn in 2024.
Why does timing matter when posting on LinkedIn?
Timing is crucial when posting on LinkedIn, as your audience needs to see your content to engage with it. Posting at a time when they are less likely to be online means LinkedIn’s algorithm, which considers member activity for ranking, may not prioritize your content in their feeds. This could result in your posts getting buried before your audience has a chance to interact.
In early 2024, LinkedIn introduced “suggested posts,” a feature aimed at keeping relevant content visible in users’ feeds long after it was originally posted. This marks a major shift from the traditional newsfeed, as LinkedIn aims to match content with users’ interests, rather than simply showing the latest updates.
What does this mean for you? If your posts are promoted as suggested content, they could have an extended lifespan and gain more visibility, even weeks or months after being posted. Tim Jurka, LinkedIn’s Senior Director of Engineering, shared in Entrepreneur magazine, “It’s the latest step in our ongoing efforts to emphasize knowledge and advice over mere virality.”
So, how does this impact the best time to post on LinkedIn? While the suggested posts feature helps extend content visibility, posting at the right time is still essential for several reasons:
- Visibility: Posting when your audience is active increases the likelihood your content will appear in their feeds and be engaged with.
- Engagement: High engagement soon after posting signals to LinkedIn’s algorithm that your content is valuable, improving the chances of it becoming a suggested post.
- Algorithm favorability: Timely posts that receive quick engagement are more likely to be boosted by LinkedIn’s algorithm, extending their reach further.
Is there a best time to post on LinkedIn?
After analyzing over 1 million LinkedIn posts, analysts identified key time windows when engagement tends to be significantly higher. This allows us to suggest that posting during these optimal times can increase engagement, whether you’re managing a LinkedIn Page for a brand or building your personal profile.
However, it’s important to remember that every target audience is unique, and what works for one group may not work for another.
We’ll explain how to tailor your timing below. But first, let’s dive into data on the best time to publish your LinkedIn content.
What is the best time to post on LinkedIn?
Given that LinkedIn is a professional-focused social platform, it’s not surprising that engagement times align with general business hours. Peak engagement occurs mainly around midday and remains within traditional work hours, with minimal activity on weekends.
This pattern reflects LinkedIn’s role in fostering professional thought-leadership and career development, which naturally leads to higher engagement during working hours. Specifically, the best time to post on LinkedIn is typically on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and noon, and on Thursdays at 10 a.m.
LinkedIn is more than just a job board or networking site; it serves as a platform for professional storytelling and advocacy, enabling users at all levels to share expertise, spark discussions, and amplify professional voices globally. Businesses are leveraging LinkedIn to generate leads, seek co-marketing opportunities, showcase company culture, and attract talent. Given these diverse business uses, it’s logical that posting and engagement trends align with traditional business hours.
While we’ve established the general best times, understanding the optimal posting schedule for each day of the week can further enhance your LinkedIn strategy. For a detailed analysis of the best days and times to post on LinkedIn, continue reading below.
Best time to post on LinkedIn on Monday
The optimal time to post on LinkedIn on Mondays is between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Generally, engagement on LinkedIn is higher during weekdays, aligning with the typical business workday.
Best time to post on LinkedIn on Tuesday
The best time to post on LinkedIn on Tuesdays is between 10 a.m. and noon. Tuesdays are among the highest engagement days on LinkedIn compared to the rest of the week.
Best time to post on LinkedIn on Wednesday
On Wednesdays, engagement is highest between 10 a.m. and noon, typically during the late morning and lunch hours.
Best time to post on LinkedIn on Thursday
The optimal time to post on Thursdays is around 10 a.m., with strong engagement also seen between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., which is similar to the peak engagement times on Wednesdays.
Best time to post on LinkedIn on Friday
On Fridays, the highest engagement is typically between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., closely mirroring Monday’s optimal posting hours.
Best time to post on LinkedIn on Saturday
For Saturdays, the best window is between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m., although engagement tends to be lighter due to the professional focus of LinkedIn, leading to lower interactions over the weekend.
Best time to post on LinkedIn on Sunday
On Sundays, posting between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. generally yields the most engagement. Engagement on Saturdays tends to be lower throughout the day across most, if not all, social platforms.
What affects the best time to post on LinkedIn?
Even if you’ve pinpointed the best time of day to post on LinkedIn, there are additional factors that can impact your post’s performance. Here’s a breakdown of these considerations.
Your unique audience
Just as every business has its own unique identity and objectives, each LinkedIn audience is also distinct. Online habits, shaped by profession, interests, and availability, influence when they are most active. For example, technology professionals might engage more during weekdays, while those in creative fields might be more active in the evenings.
Since no two audiences are identical, it’s essential to research the best time to post on LinkedIn for your specific audience. While Tuesdays and Wednesdays are generally considered the best times to post on LinkedIn, the optimal timing can vary depending on your particular audience’s habits.
Your industry
Different industries have distinct patterns when it comes to social media engagement. Strategies that work for a tech startup might not be effective for a healthcare provider or a fashion brand. To grasp these nuances, you need to monitor industry-specific trends and consumer behaviors.
Not sure how to begin? Conducting a social competitive analysis can be highly informative. By examining your competitors’ LinkedIn profiles, you can discover their posting schedules and engagement strategies. If your offerings are similar, your audiences may overlap, allowing you to benefit from their insights and avoid unnecessary trial and error.
Pro tip: Many brands schedule their posts to go live right on the hour. To stand out from the competition, consider posting a few minutes before or after the hour mark.
The LinkedIn algorithm
LinkedIn’s algorithm prioritizes posts that generate immediate engagement, such as likes, comments, and shares, shortly after they are published. This initial response is critical for boosting your post’s visibility and reach across the platform.
To optimize your content for LinkedIn’s algorithm, focus on crafting posts that prompt quick interactions from your audience. Timely and relevant content that aligns with current industry discussions and trends tends to perform better. By posting when your audience is most active and likely to engage, you enhance the likelihood of your content being prioritized by LinkedIn’s algorithm and reaching a wider audience.
Time zone considerations
LinkedIn’s global user base means that posting at times suitable for various time zones can broaden your reach. For instance, posting early in the morning from a GMT time zone (such as 7 a.m. GMT) can effectively engage audiences across both Europe and the Eastern United States as they begin their day.
If you’re managing an international brand, it’s crucial to post according to your target audience’s time zone. This is essential because your audience won’t see or engage with your content if it’s published while they’re asleep.
Pro tip: Utilizing a social media management tool to schedule your posts in advance can help ensure your LinkedIn content goes live at the optimal times, regardless of your location. This will help you identify the best time to post on LinkedIn for reaching your diverse audience effectively.
What is the worst time to post on LinkedIn?
Although peak engagement times may vary across different studies, one consistent finding is that weekends generally experience the lowest engagement rates across all industries. This trend is likely due to people being occupied with personal plans and avoiding work-related social media during their time off.
Even on weekdays, businesses may experience lower engagement if they post outside standard business hours. Additionally, Mondays often see less engagement compared to other weekdays.
When is the best time to post on LinkedIn in the UK?
In the UK, the optimal times to post on LinkedIn are Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon, and Thursday at 10 a.m. Data shows that engagement rates decline in the afternoon and evening.
Marketers familiar with LinkedIn’s professional focus will find that peak engagement aligns with the working week. UK businesses may experience reduced engagement with posts scheduled over the weekend.
When is the best time to post on LinkedIn in the US?
The optimal times to post on LinkedIn in the US can vary by audience and industry, but general trends indicate:
- Midweek Days: Posting on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday usually yields better results.
- Morning Hours: Aim to post between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., as many professionals check LinkedIn early in the day.
- Lunch Break: Posting around noon to 1 p.m. can also be effective, as people often browse LinkedIn during their lunch break.
When is the best time to post on LinkedIn in Europe?
In Europe, the best times to post on LinkedIn are generally midweek, with Tuesday through Thursday being the most effective days. For optimal engagement, aim to post in the morning between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., as many professionals check LinkedIn before starting their workday.
Another effective time is around lunchtime, between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., when people often browse LinkedIn during their breaks. By aligning your posts with these times, you can increase the likelihood of reaching a broader audience and boosting engagement.
What is the best time to post on LinkedIn by industry?
Industry plays a crucial role in the success of your social posts, along with factors such as your target audience, business goals, and the content itself. Use industry-level data to inform your publishing schedule, and carry out your own social experiments to identify the most effective posting times for your specific situation. Testing and refining your approach will help you find the optimal times to engage your audience and achieve your social media objectives.
Hospitals and healthcare
For hospitals and healthcare providers, the best time to post on LinkedIn generally falls on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., with peak engagement seen on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and Thursdays from 2 to 4 p.m. Social media for hospitals and clinics is used not only for managing healthcare crises but also for educating the public, making patients feel comfortable, promoting programs for future physicians, and reinforcing their community presence.
Engagement patterns for healthcare organizations reflect traditional work hours, with higher interaction rates during the workday. Therefore, posting on LinkedIn during these times should lead to positive engagement. However, Wednesdays and Thursdays remain the optimal times for maximum impact.
Restaurants and businesses in the food and beverage industry
For restaurants and businesses in the food and beverage industry, the best time to post on LinkedIn is typically on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. and from noon to 3 p.m., and on Thursdays between 9 and 11 a.m. Engagement is generally highest on Tuesdays through Thursdays, while weekends are less effective for reaching audiences.
Over recent years, the rise in online orders and delivery apps has transformed how businesses in the food and beverage industry connect with their customers, leading to a significant increase in engagement on LinkedIn compared to previous analyses.
Restaurants and businesses in the food and beverage industry use LinkedIn not only to promote their services but also to highlight job fairs, employment opportunities, and industry panels. This professional platform is valuable for connecting with potential employees and showcasing their role in the industry. Engagement for the businesses in the food and beverage industry is concentrated during business hours on weekdays, reflecting the time when users are most active and receptive to LinkedIn content.
By posting during these optimal times, businesses can maximize their visibility and interaction on LinkedIn, effectively reaching their target audience and achieving their platform goals. This strategy ensures that their posts gain the attention they deserve, leveraging peak engagement periods for the best results.
Schools & Education
According to data from System Socialz, the best time to post on LinkedIn for schools and educational institutions is Tuesdays at 11 a.m. Engagement is notably higher on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, while Sundays generally see the lowest interaction.
Universities, higher education institutions, and schools have experienced increased engagement on LinkedIn compared to last year. With over 100,000 schools listed on the platform, many manage multiple social profiles to effectively reach different audiences.
Engagement opportunities are strongest during traditional business hours on weekdays, with minimal activity over the weekends. Most weekdays see above-average engagement between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., but Tuesdays at 11 a.m. stands out as the optimal time to post. Schools should leverage LinkedIn to highlight student life, share updates, and maintain engagement with current, past, and prospective students.
Travel and hospitality
For the travel and hospitality industries, the optimal times to post on LinkedIn are Tuesdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and again at 3 p.m., Wednesdays from noon to 4 p.m., and Thursdays between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Optimal engagement occurs on Tuesdays through Thursdays, while Saturdays and Sundays generally see the lowest interaction.
This shift toward traditional business hours on LinkedIn mirrors a broader trend observed across different industries. For travel and hospitality, aligning posts with these times can enhance visibility and engagement, making it crucial to target these peak periods effectively.
Fashion
For the fashion industry, the best time to post on LinkedIn is generally Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon. Engagement in the fashion sector aligns with mid-morning to early afternoon, as professionals are most active and engaged during these hours. To maximize visibility and interaction with fashion-related content, focus on these optimal times to post on LinkedIn.
Real estate
For real estate professionals, identifying the best time to post on LinkedIn can significantly enhance engagement and reach. Generally, weekdays are the most effective times to post, with Tuesday through Thursday being particularly optimal.
The best time to post is typically between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. These mid-morning hours are when LinkedIn users are most active and likely to engage with content.
Posting during these times allows you to capture the attention of professionals who are checking LinkedIn during their morning routines or mid-day breaks. This is especially valuable in the real estate industry, where timely updates, market insights, and property listings can attract potential clients and foster connections.
By aligning your posting schedule with these peak times, you can increase visibility, drive engagement, and effectively leverage LinkedIn to grow your real estate network and business.
The best content format to post on LinkedIn
Even the professional networking site LinkedIn can’t escape the popularity of video content. Our analysis shows that video posts generate the highest engagement on the platform, followed closely by photos and LinkedIn document carousels (typically PDFs).
Here are the specific engagement rates to highlight their proximity:
- Video posts: 4.9%
- Photo posts: 4.8%
- PDF carousel posts: 4.2%
- Text-only posts: 3.6%
- Link posts: 2.7%
How to find your own best times to post on LinkedIn with Analytics?
While leveraging peak engagement times can improve your LinkedIn strategy, it’s essential to combine this data with insights from your own LinkedIn analytics. The best time to post on LinkedIn for your specific audience might differ from general trends, potentially occurring earlier than the peak periods discussed. Utilizing LinkedIn’s analytics tools can offer detailed, tailored insights to refine your posting schedule and identify the best time to post on LinkedIn for your unique audience.
To determine the optimal times for posting using LinkedIn’s native analytics for your business page, follow these steps:
- Log In: Access your LinkedIn account and navigate to the admin view of your LinkedIn business page.
- Access Analytics: Click on the “Analytics” tab. This section offers various metrics to help you assess performance.
- Select Metrics: In the Analytics tab, choose the metrics that are most relevant to your goals. Options include:
- Content: Insights on how your posts are performing.
- Visitors: Information about who is visiting your page.
- Followers: Data on your follower growth and demographics.
- Leads: Metrics related to lead generation.
- Competitors: Benchmarking against competitors.
- Employee Advocacy: Engagement driven by your employees.
Note: Only individuals with Admin or Analyst roles assigned to them can access these analytics features.
4 factors to consider when scheduling LinkedIn content
Several factors influence the best time to post on LinkedIn, given its focus on professionals, businesses, and industry-related topics. When determining the best time to post on LinkedIn, consider these aspects:
Breaks in the workday
LinkedIn usage typically peaks during standard business hours, with engagement significantly declining after 5 p.m. and over the weekends. However, there are natural breaks during the workday that can lead to increased activity on the platform.
For example, lunchtime around 12 p.m. often sees a slight uptick in engagement. Additionally, activity tends to rise again towards the end of the workday when professionals are taking an afternoon break.
Content mix
Mixing content on LinkedIn is crucial for maintaining engagement and appealing to a diverse professional audience. Incorporate a variety of content types, such as industry insights, company updates, thought leadership articles, and interactive posts like polls or Q&As.
Sharing a mix of educational, informative, and entertaining content can capture the interest of different segments of your audience. Additionally, blending formats such as articles, videos, infographics, and carousel posts, can keep your feed dynamic and engaging.
Varying audience time zones
Consider the time zones where your largest audience segment is most active on LinkedIn. For example, if your target audience is based in North America, scheduling posts according to Eastern Standard Time (EST) would be advantageous, as it aligns with the time zone where the majority of your audience is active.
Leveraging a social media analytics tool can help you pinpoint where your audience is located and tailor your posting schedule to those time zones.
Posting frequency
Aim to post two to five times per week, totaling up to 20 times per month, for optimal engagement.
However, the best strategy can vary depending on your account and audience. Experiment with different posting frequencies and formats, such as incorporating LinkedIn’s carousel post feature, as these factors can influence your engagement rates. Understanding the LinkedIn algorithm, the platform’s nuances, and your audience’s preferences is crucial, in addition to timing your posts effectively.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to post on LinkedIn for maximum exposure?
The best times to post on LinkedIn for maximum engagement are typically between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. These periods during mid-morning on the latter part of the workweek tend to align with peak professional activity and higher interaction rates.
What time do people use LinkedIn most?
By midday, LinkedIn experiences increased activity, with the optimal times for posting being Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and noon, and Thursdays at 10 a.m. Although LinkedIn is primarily a business and employment-focused platform, it offers more than just job postings and networking opportunities.
What is the golden hour for LinkedIn posts?
The “golden hour” refers to the 60-minute window after your LinkedIn post goes live, during which the algorithm assesses its performance based on the initial level of engagement. This period is crucial for determining how well your post will perform overall.
How many LinkedIn posts per day is good?
To maximize engagement on LinkedIn, it’s advisable to post once daily. If you choose to post twice a day, make sure to space your posts at least 7 hours apart to avoid diminishing the reach of your earlier post.
Is it good to post on LinkedIn in the evening?
Posting on LinkedIn in the evening is generally less effective compared to posting during typical business hours. LinkedIn is a professional platform where users are most active during work hours, especially mid-morning to early afternoon.
However, if your target audience includes global professionals across different time zones, or if you’re aiming to reach users who check LinkedIn outside regular hours, evening posts might still be beneficial.
Do long posts do well on LinkedIn?
For optimal impact and audience engagement on LinkedIn, aim for your posts to be between 1,200 and 2,000 characters. This length strikes a balance, allowing you to include meaningful content, foster discussions, share common experiences, and pose thought-provoking questions without overwhelming your audience. This range helps ensure your posts are engaging and substantive, maximizing their effectiveness on the platform.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the best time to post on LinkedIn in 2024 involves considering your specific industry and audience needs. Experiment with various posting times and carefully track your engagement metrics to refine your strategy. By focusing on the best times to post on LinkedIn and adapting based on these insights, you can enhance your LinkedIn presence and build stronger connections with your professional network.
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