Make no mistake about it: your Instagram photo needs to get a certain number of likes for you to prove yourself as worthwhile human being.

Sorry buddy, we don't make the rules.

Which might be why Hopper HQ's research into the best time to post a photo on Instagram in order to get the most engagement is so interesting.

Over 1.2million posts have been scheduled using the site, and from that data, researchers found that the best time to post on Instagram on average is in the evening between 6pm and 7.30pm in the week and 11am at the weekend (BST).

Why? Because this is simply when the most people are using the app, which means more people are likely to see your photo on their timeline and engage with it.

While this probably isn't groundbreaking news to some of you, it's worth noting that it entirely depends on who the people who follow you are: if they're in different time zones, work long hours, etc.

The research also went on to outline which filters and the type of content are most likely to get the most engagement - finding that not only is Gingham the most popular filter, but it also attracts the most likes and comments, with Claredon coming in second.

As for the best performing topics? Photos based on personal experience - like a weight loss journey or travelling trip - receive on average 22% more likes than other images posted on the same account, with data showing photos of animals are the second most engaging.

From: Cosmopolitan UK