The Perfect Posting Schedule: How Often and When Restaurants Should Post on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok

Introduction

Social media is a powerhouse for restaurants—when it’s done right. But if you’re just posting food pics at random times, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity. Timing and consistency are everything. When you post at the right moments, you’re not just showing up—you’re showing up when your audience is ready to engage.

In this guide, I’m going to break down the ideal posting schedule for Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, so you’re maximizing every post and turning casual scrollers into paying customers.

1. Why Timing and Frequency Matter for Restaurants

🔍 The Power of Consistency

If you’re only posting sporadically, it’s like throwing darts blindfolded—you might hit the target, but it’s mostly luck. Social media platforms reward consistency. The more frequently you post, the more you show up in your followers' feeds, building familiarity and trust.

📈 More Visibility, More Engagement

Timing matters. Posting during peak engagement hours maximizes your reach because platforms like Instagram and Facebook boost posts that get early interaction. That means more eyes on your food, events, and special promotions.

🛠 Pro Tip: Regular posting builds brand awareness. Diners might not visit right away, but when they’re ready to eat, your restaurant will be top of mind.

2. Best Times and Frequency to Post on Instagram

📸 Why Instagram?

Instagram is built for beautiful food shots, behind-the-scenes moments, and vibrant storytelling. For many diners, it’s the first place they’ll check before making a reservation.

🕒 Optimal Posting Times:

• Weekdays: 11 AM – 1 PM (lunch break scrolling) and 5 PM – 7 PM (dinner planning).
• Weekends: 10 AM – 12 PM (brunch hours) and 6 PM – 8 PM (dinner peak).

📈 Ideal Posting Frequency:

• Feed Posts: 3–5 times per week.
• Stories: Daily for specials, events, and behind-the-scenes content.
• Reels: 1–2 times per week to tap into Instagram's viral potential.

🛠 Pro Tips:

• Use Instagram Stories to showcase daily specials and kitchen prep.
• Share Reels to capitalize on trending audio and quick recipe breakdowns.
• Engage with comments and DMs within the first hour of posting to boost visibility.

3. Best Times and Frequency to Post on Facebook

📌 Why Facebook?

Facebook is perfect for community engagement, event promotion, and building local connections. Its local event features and community groups are goldmines for getting bums in seats.

🕒 Optimal Posting Times:

• Wednesday and Thursday: 1 PM – 3 PM (midweek engagement peak).
• Friday: 5 PM – 8 PM (weekend planning).
• Sunday: 9 AM – 11 AM (brunch planning).

📈 Ideal Posting Frequency:

• Feed Posts: 2–3 times per week.
• Events and Promotions: Weekly, leading up to special events.
• Stories: 3–4 times per week for quick updates.

🛠 Pro Tips:

• Create Facebook Events for special nights, happy hours, or holiday brunches.
• Share user-generated content and local community features.
• Post polls or Q&As to spark interaction and gather feedback.

4. Best Times and Frequency to Post on TikTok

📱 Why TikTok?

TikTok is where viral magic happens. Its short-form video format is perfect for showing off dishes, chef tricks, and behind-the-scenes action in a quick, engaging way.

🕒 Optimal Posting Times:

• Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 12 PM – 3 PM (lunch breaks) and 6 PM – 9 PM (evening scroll).
• Weekends: 10 AM – 1 PM (leisure browsing).

📈 Ideal Posting Frequency:

• Feed Posts: 3–5 times per week for consistent exposure.
• Live Streams: 1–2 times per month for deeper engagement.

🛠 Pro Tips:

• Jump on trending challenges and use popular sounds for increased discoverability.
• Showcase menu items in quick, engaging clips (think: chef plating, signature dishes).
• Use trending hashtags like #FoodTok and #RestaurantLife for more reach.

5. Actionable Strategies to Maximize Social Media Impact

✅ Create a Content Calendar:

• Map out Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok posts for the month.
• Sync your calendar with holidays, local events, and restaurant specials.

🔄 Leverage Scheduling Tools:

• Tools like Later, Buffer, and Hootsuite make it easy to stay consistent.
• Scheduling posts in advance lets you focus on running your restaurant without missing social opportunities.

📊 Analyze and Adjust:

• Use platform analytics to track which posts get the most engagement.
• Test different times and adjust your strategy based on what works best.

🤝 Cross-Promote and Repurpose:

• Share TikTok videos on Instagram Reels and vice versa.
• Repost Instagram Stories on Facebook to maximize reach.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Overposting or Underposting:

• Posting too much overwhelms your audience.
• Posting too little makes you forgettable.

❌ Ignoring Analytics:

• Data helps you understand what works and what doesn’t.

❌ Inconsistent Branding:

• Your visuals and voice should be consistent across all platforms.

🛠 Pro Tip: Conduct a monthly audit to check for consistency and engagement.

7. Action Plan: 5 Steps to Optimize Your Social Media Schedule

🛠️ Start This Week:

1. Audit your current posting schedule—identify gaps and opportunities.
2. Create a 30-day content calendar with optimal posting times.
3. Schedule your posts with tools like Buffer or Later.
4. Block 15 minutes daily to engage with comments and DMs.
5. Review analytics at the end of the month and adjust.

Conclusion: Right Time + Right Frequency = Maximum Impact

When you post at the right times on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, you’re not just showing up—you’re showing up when your audience is paying attention. Consistency, strategic timing, and engaging content are the keys to turning followers into regulars.

Ready to Supercharge Your Social Media?

👉 Brand to Table helps restaurants create scroll-stopping content that drives real results.

📩 Book your strategy session today—and let’s turn your social media into a revenue-driving machine. 🚀