If you have ever poured time into a TikTok video that flopped while someone else posted a basic dance clip and went viral, you’re not alone. Many Nigerian creators and small business owners face this frustration. But here is a not-so-secret secret: when you post on TikTok can be just as important as what you post.
The best time to post on TikTok in Nigeria include 12 pm on Mondays, 4 pm on Tuesdays, and 7 pm on Wednesdays. However, you can see similar results by posting at different times on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and even Sundays.
Ultimately, the best time depends on many factors (including your niche and content length), and we will explain things further in this article. But first, let’s answer the question: is there actually a “best time” to post on TikTok?
Is there actually a “best time” to post on TikTok?
Yes and No. TikTok does not have a one-size-fits-all schedule but recent data from Buffer shows that certain days and times consistently yield higher engagement on TikTok. These certain times often align with when users are most active on the app; lunch breaks, weekends, and evenings.
For example, some of the “general” best times to post include:
- Mondays between 12 pm to 1 pm (lunchtime scrolls)
- Tuesdays between 4 pm to 5 pm (post-work relaxation)
- Weekends between 12 pm to 9 pm (weekend downtime)
However, your best time will depend on your target audience, niche, and posting consistency.
What are the best peak posting hours for TikTok in Nigeria?
Drawing on reports from local influencers on TikTok and 2025 global data from buffer, the table below shows some of the best times to post on TikTok to boost engagement and visibility in Nigeria.
| Day | Best Time to Post |
| Monday | 12 pm |
| Tuesday | 4 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 pm |
| Thursday | 3 pm |
| Friday | 5 pm |
| Saturday | 11 am and 8 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm and 6 pm |
These trends are helpful, but if you are targeting Nigerian TikTok users, you will need to localize your strategy. For instance, people in Lagos may be online earlier due to work commutes, while student creators in Enugu or Ilorin may engage more at night.
To find your sweet spot, you will need to consider:
- When your audience typically scrolls TikTok
- Their time zone (West Africa Time)
- Cultural and lifestyle patterns (e.g., weekends have higher watch times in Nigeria)
Do not fret, we will guide you through how to find the best time for your specific audience, plus tips on testing and measuring success.
Why does timing matter on TikTok?
Think of TikTok as a digital street performance. The more people around when you’re performing, the more likely you are to get noticed. That’s exactly how it works with your videos.
When you post during peak activity periods:
- You increase your chance of early engagement, which TikTok sees as a signal to boost your content to more people.
- You get more real-time interaction, especially within the first 30 to 60 minutes, a critical window for TikTok’s algorithm.
- You ride trending waves faster, which is very important if your content is reactive (e.g., trending sounds or viral topics).
If you’re a Nigerian business owner, timing matters even more because your ideal customers may only be online during specific hours. You should be thinking after 5pm on weekdays or Saturday mornings. Posting at the wrong time might mean your content sinks before anyone even sees it.
So yes, timing can be the difference between 300 views and 30,000 views.
What do you need to understand about the TikTok algorithm?
To make sense of posting times, you need to understand how TikTok’s algorithm works.
The TikTok algorithm prioritizes content based on:
- User interaction: likes, shares, comments, watch time
- Video information: captions, hashtags, sounds, and keywords
- Device/account settings: location, language, and device type
What this means is that TikTok serves content to users based on what they’re likely to enjoy at the time they are online. If you post when your audience is offline, your video might not get picked up quickly. But when you post during their peak hours, it increases your chances of being pushed to the “For You” page.
This is where timing becomes a key part of visibility. A great post that lands at the wrong time might miss its window of virality. That’s why experimenting with different times and tracking results is crucial.
How to find the best time to post on TikTok
The most effective way to determine your best time is through TikTok Analytics (available in Creator or Business accounts).
Here’s how to find the best time to post on TikTok:
- Switch to a Business or Creator Account: Go to settings and toggle your account type to unlock analytics.
- Access Your Analytics Dashboard: Navigate to “Creator Tools” > “Analytics.”
- Review “Follower Activity”: Look for the days and hours your audience is most active.
- Test and Track: Post at different times and track which hours yield the best results.
- Narrow it Down: After a few weeks, identify your top 2 – 3 time slots and stick to them.
If you are just starting out or do not have much data yet, use the Nigeria-specific averages we have already mentioned and optimize from there.
Looking for a smarter way to track and grow your TikTok engagement over time? Use Owlet’s TikTok engagement tools! We designed it to help Nigerian creators grow organically — whether you’re a newbie TikToker or a big account.
Tips for measuring success and optimising for TikTok
Finding the right time is just the beginning. You also need to track how your content performs and refine it as you go.
Here’s what to look out for when measuring and optimising for TikTok:
- Engagement Rate: Track likes, comments, shares, and saves in relation to views.
- Watch Time: The longer people watch, the better TikTok ranks your content.
- Follower Growth: Are certain posting times bringing in more followers?
- Traffic Spikes: Notice any uptick in link clicks or conversions after posting?
You can also try out these optimization tips for better results:
- Stick to 1 – 2 content formats that perform well.
- Use location-relevant hashtags (e.g., #NigerianTikTok, #FYP).
- Add a strong hook within the first 3 seconds of your video.
- Repurpose your best-performing content by reposting it at different times.
Consistency is key, so once you find your ideal time, show up regularly!
Quick recap: What are the best times to post on TikTok?
There’s a “best time” to post, but it depends on your audience, niche, and content style.
To get your desired engagement on your content, start by testing 12 pm Mondays, 4 pm Tuesdays, or 7 pm Wednesdays. Then, use TikTok analytics to track what works best for your audience and content style.
Need help growing faster on TikTok? Check out our suite of products to learn how Owlet can help you stay consistent and reach your goals.
