Social media tips
Reach, rhythm, timing and hashtags: what really works in 2026 – with sources.
- Instagram algorithm 2026: how to get reachAccording to Adam Mosseri, Instagram ranks mainly by three signals: average watch time, plus likes and sends (shares by direct message), the last two relative to reach (Mosseri, January 2025). For small businesses that means posting your own content that people watch to the end and send on.
- How often should a business post?For Instagram, 3–5 feed posts per week is a commonly cited guideline (correlation): in a Buffer analysis of 2.1 million posts (August 13, 2025), accounts in that range had more than twice the follower growth of accounts with 1–2 posts. For LinkedIn and TikTok, Buffer cites 2–5 posts per week.
- Best time to post in 2026: by platform and dayThere is no universal best time of day: the big studies clearly contradict each other. For Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn they come closest on Tuesday through Thursday, and the weekend is mostly considered weaker there. Four weeks of testing will show you your own times.
- How many hashtags in 2026? Instagram’s 5-hashtag limitSince December 2025, Instagram allows 5 hashtags at most per post (Instagram Help). Many guides still say 30. More wouldn’t help anyway: according to Instagram head Adam Mosseri, hashtags don’t increase reach, and a few relevant ones are enough.
- Instagram reach dropped? The diagnosisBefore you doubt your content, check whether only the measurement changed. Instagram replaced impressions and plays with “views” in April 2025, and Facebook replaced its impressions with views in November 2025.
- Which social media platform fits my business?In Germany, 40% of people aged 14 and over use Instagram weekly, 31% Facebook and 20% TikTok (ARD/ZDF Media Study 2025). Start with two platforms at most where your audience is, and stick with them for three months.
- Social media without time: the 60-minute systemBy our planning estimate (not a study), about 60 minutes per week is enough for two to three posts, if you have a fixed weekly slot, a bank of photos and recurring formats. Once a month, another 30 minutes are added for new photos.
- Social media glossary: terms explained simplyThe glossary explains 48 social media terms, from ad labeling to watch time, in a few sentences each, with a focus on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube. That way you speak the same language as your team, agency and clients.