The Best Time to Post on Social Media in 2026: Times for Every Major Platform
We pored over millions of posts on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn to pinpoint when the best-performing content was published.
Buffer for small businesses
A simpler way to manage your small business’ social media
Buffer helps you plan, publish, and understand your social media — all in one calm, reliable place. So you can show up consistently without it taking over your day.
Benefits
Easy to get started
You can set up Buffer quickly and start posting right away. No long onboarding. No complicated workflows.
Built-in AI support
Our AI Assistant helps you brainstorm ideas, rewrite content, and craft platform-specific posts so you can share engaging content without the stress.
Clear, useful analytics
See what’s working and when to post, without digging through confusing charts. Just the insights you need to make better decisions next time.
One place for replies
View and respond to comments from all your social channels in one inbox, so you don’t miss important conversations. You can also reply to Google reviews.
Schedule
Post across platforms, on your schedule
Plan and publish posts across platforms in advance, so social media fits around your business, not the other way around.
Get started for free
Create
Make content creation feel lighter
Capture ideas, draft posts, and refine your content in one place. Use AI to speed things up — or write everything yourself.
Get started for free
Works with the tools you already use
Social media is a powerful digital marketing tool — it allows you to meet your target customers where they are and build meaningful relationships with them.
Integrations
- Dropbox
- Google Drive
- Unsplash
- Google Photos
- Canva
- OneDrive
Analyze
Understand what your audience loves
Understand which posts resonate with your audience and use that insight to guide what you share next.
Get started for free
Community
Stay on top of conversations
Reply to comments from all your social media platforms in Buffer, including Google Business reviews. Use saved replies and smart suggestions to respond faster, while still sounding like you.
Get started for free
What people are saying about Buffer
With Buffer I can build social content out as far as I want into the future but also tailor campaigns if we see certain trends within the industry.
Built to support small businesses, not squeeze them.
We believe small businesses deserve tools that are affordable, honest, and built for the long term.
Values-led
We’re independent, transparent, and profitable. We don’t answer to investors — we answer to the people who use Buffer.
No hidden fees
What you see is what you pay. No surprise upgrades or locked features.
Real human support
Our Customer Advocacy team is spread across time zones, so help is always close when you need it.
Resources
Social media marketing tips for small businesses
7 Tips for Managing Multiple Social Media Accounts Like a Pro
This article shares seven strategies you can use — with software recommendations — to manage multiple social media accounts effectively.
Your Everything Guide to Social Media Marketing: From Strategy to Growth
Social media is a powerful digital marketing tool — it allows you to meet your target customers where they are and build meaningful relationships with them.
Grow your social presence with confidence
No credit card needed. Free forever.
FAQs
Do I need a marketing team to use Buffer?
Do I need a marketing team to use Buffer?
Not at all. Buffer is built for busy owners and small teams who want a simple way to plan, schedule, and stay consistent without adding more tools or process.
Which social platforms can I publish to?
Which social platforms can I publish to?
With Buffer you can plan, schedule, and share your content to Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X (Twitter), Pinterest, LinkedIn, YouTube Shorts, Google Business Profiles, Bluesky, Mastodon, Threads, and Start Page all from one simple dashboard. Learn more in our Help Center.
Will Buffer tell me what to post and when?
Will Buffer tell me what to post and when?
Buffer helps you stay consistent with planning tools, post ideas, and analytics that show what’s working. Our best time to post feature will also recommend times based on general engagement patterns and, on some plans, recent performance. You’ll still bring the voice and direction, Buffer helps you keep momentum.
Can I see what’s working without building reports?
Can I see what’s working without building reports?
Yes. Analytics are designed to be readable and actionable, so you can quickly spot what content is resonating and adjust your plan.
Is Buffer expensive if I’m only on one or two social channels?
Is Buffer expensive if I’m only on one or two social channels?
No, our free plan is perfect for businesses that are just getting started with social media. Buffer pricing is designed to scale with you. If you only need a couple channels today, you can start there and add more as your business grows.