There isn't a universal "best time" to post on Instagram that applies to all users and types of content, as it can vary widely depending on your audience, their time zone, and their habits. However, multiple studies have attempted to find general trends that can serve as a starting point for optimizing post times.

Generally, the best time to post on Instagram is considered to be when your audience is most active on the platform, which often aligns with lunch hours (around 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM) and evenings after work (around 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM) in your audience's local time zone. The days of the week can also affect engagement, with some studies suggesting that Wednesdays and Thursdays tend to have slightly higher engagement rates compared to other weekdays.

To find the best posting time for your specific audience:

1. Test different times and days to see when you receive the most engagement.
2. Use Instagram Insights (available to Business and Creator accounts) to determine when your followers are most active.
3. Consider the time zones where the majority of your audience lives.

Remember, these are general guidelines, and it's crucial to tailor your strategy to your specific audience for the best results. Keep in mind that the Instagram algorithm might also affect the visibility of your posts, so consistent quality content and engagement with your audience can be just as important as the timing of your posts.