Best Time to Post on YouTube in 2024 [+Best Times Calendar]

You’re reading about the best posting times on YouTube, which indicates one of many things. Either you’re keen to start your YouTube marketing on a strong footing or you’ve hit a dead end despite posting superior content on the platform. Perhaps you plan to venture into a completely different geography and garner engagement right from the get-go by posting on the best days and times for that audience.  

Strategic thinking can save you from scenarios like this one: You spend hours perfecting your YouTube video. The thumbnail is eye-catching, the title is snappy and your content is, dare we say, Oscar-worthy. You hit "publish," sit back and wait for the views to roll in. But...crickets. What gives? 

You may have the content, but if you’re posting at 3 a.m. when your audience is fast asleep, even the most viral-worthy video can get lost in the abyss of the YouTube world.  

Believe it or not, nailing the best times to post on YouTube influences your reach and engagement on the overcrowded platform. While what you post is always important, when you post it can largely determine how many people see it, engage with it and subscribe to your channel. 

So, when’s the best time to post on YouTube? Let’s answer this million-dollar question in detail in this article. We’re not just covering the basics — you’ll learn when your audience is most active, how to beat the algorithm and tips that top creators use to increase their visibility 

Why posting on certain days and times matter on YouTube 

YouTube and every other social media platform thrive on traffic – the more, the merrier. By posting at peak times, your videos have a higher chance of gaining organic growth through extra views and likes, compared to posting during off-hours when activity is low. 

It’s a no-brainer, right? But there’s more to it than meets the eye.  

Posting at an optimal time increases the odds of your video appearing in your audience’s feed or being recommended to them. And with the right caption and thumbnail, your video will most likely get clicked on. 

That said, let’s look at all the benefits you derive by posting on optimal days and times on YouTube: 

• Increased visibility: Uploading your videos when your audience is most active increases the chances of them showing up in their feeds and in YouTube's recommended section. 
• Enhanced engagement: Posting during peak hours naturally leads to more likes, comments and shares, helping build your channel’s presence and grow your community. 
• Improved watch time: According to Backlinko, watch time is a key factor in how YouTube ranks videos. When you post at optimal times, your viewers are more likely to watch for longer, which can help improve your video’s ranking. 
• Better ROI on promotions: Whether you’re running ads or relying on organic growth, posting your videos at the right time can maximize your promotional efforts and lead to better results. 
• Algorithm boost: By posting when your viewers are online, you increase the likelihood of immediate interaction, which helps push your video into recommended lists. Let’s dig into this a little deeper in the next section... 

How YouTube’s algorithm influences post visibility 

The YouTube algorithm prioritizes two main factors: fresh content and high engagement. New videos that quickly attract views and interactions are more likely to appear at the top of viewers’ feeds and in the “Up Next” section. Even if an older video gets significant engagement, it generally won’t rank as high as a new, relevant upload. This reiterates the importance of timing your posts to align with when your audience is online and ready to engage. 

However, this doesn’t mean you should overwhelm your subscribers with constant uploads to trick the algorithm. Instead, focus on posting during peak activity times to ensure your video stands out amidst the influx of new content. By hitting the right timing, your video is more likely to receive that crucial initial engagement boost, signaling to YouTube that your content is valuable and deserves to be shown to a wider audience. 

Conversely, if you upload when your viewers are offline, your video might get buried under newer uploads by the time your audience logs in. This can result in lower initial engagement, making it harder for your video to gain traction and be recommended to others. 

6 Scenarios where the timing of your YouTube post matters the most

Determining the best days to post on YouTube can be crucial in some situations more than others. Here are a couple of instance where you should pay close attention to timing as a YouTube creator and marketer. 

1. Live streams and premiers 

With live streaming, you are trying to create a unique experience that viewers can't get from a pre-recorded video. However, to maximize your live stream's impact and engagement, you need to consider the days and times your audience is most likely to be online and ready to join in. 

For instance, if you're a cooking channel based in New York, and you decide to go live at 3 a.m - sure, some night owls might tune in, but you're probably missing out on the majority of your audience. The sweet spot for going live is usually during peak hours when your viewers are most active. For many channels, this could be during the early evening or lunchtime, depending on the audience demographics and time zones. 

2. Long-form videos 

When it comes to long-form videos — those explainer videos, tutorials or mini-documentaries — timing can also play a major role. 

These videos require a bigger time commitment from viewers, so you want to ensure they have the time to watch. Posting a 45-minute tutorial on a Monday morning might not get the same attention as it would if it were posted on a Saturday afternoon when viewers have more leisure time. 

You might as well factor in your audience’s lifestyle and schedule. Are they professionals who might watch videos during lunch breaks or after work? Are they students who have more free time in the evenings or on weekends? Knowing when your audience is most likely to watch longer content can help you strategically upload your videos to match their schedules. 

3. Product launches and announcements 

When launching a new product or making a significant announcement, timing can influence the reach and impact of your message. Launching your product during peak viewing times ensures that your audience is receptive and more likely to engage with your content.  

For example, if you're introducing a new tech gadget, releasing the announcement on a weekday morning might capture the attention of professionals who are eager to stay updated with the latest innovations.  

4. Weekly/regular series 

A weekly or regular series demands consistency. Scheduling your videos to go live on the same day and time each week helps viewers know exactly when to tune in.  

For instance, if you run a fitness channel with a “Workout Wednesday” series, releasing new content every Wednesday evening can become a staple in your audience’s weekly schedule. 

5. Holiday or seasonal content 

While holiday and seasonal content can lead to a significant spike in viewership, timing plays a big role. Releasing themed videos ahead of or during the relevant season aligns your content with what viewers are searching for and interested in at that time.  

For example, a DIY channel might post tutorials on Christmas decor in early December, so that viewers have ample time to plan and execute. Similarly, a travel channel could release summer destination guides in late spring. 

6. Collaborations and cross-promotions 

Collaborations and cross-promotions with other creators at the right time can help expand your reach. Aligning your release schedules ensures that both audiences are active and can engage with the collaborative content simultaneously.  

For instance, if you’re teaming up with a fellow YouTuber for a joint project, plan to launch the video when both of your channels experience high traffic. 

What is the best time to post on YouTube? 

While the best times to post on YouTube vary with factors like target audience, content length and time zones, there are certain golden posting windows that work for almost all kinds of YouTube videos. Let’s have a look. 

Generally, the optimal time to post on YouTube, regardless of the day, is between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. (ET). 

While this time window is a great starting point, you can gradually experiment with different days and times to determine what works for you.

Best days and times to post on YouTube - Weekly calendar

Whether you post on weekends or every day of the week, you can tip the odds in your favor by posting at the best times. 

Best time to post on YouTube on Monday 

3-5 p.m. (ET) 

People typically start settling into their work week by mid-morning. By the early afternoon, they're more likely to take short breaks, during which they might browse YouTube. Posting around this time ensures your video is fresh in the feed as viewers look for a distraction from their Monday blues. 

Best time to post on YouTube on Tuesday 

3-5 p.m. (ET) 

Similar to Monday, by early to mid-afternoon, people are taking breaks and looking for entertainment or information. This time slot also aligns with when viewers are likely to search for videos to watch later in the evening, giving you broader exposure. 

Best time to post on YouTube on Wednesday 

3-5 p.m. (EST) 

Midweek fatigue sets in, and people start looking for quick escapes during their breaks. Posting in the early afternoon on Wednesdays can tap into this need for a midweek pick-me-up. 

Best time to post on YouTube on Thursday 

3-5 p.m. (ET) 

By Thursday, the anticipation for the weekend starts building up. People may start looking for videos to watch during their downtime, especially during lunch breaks or just after. Posting around noon to early afternoon can catch the viewers who are already planning for some leisure time. 

Best time to post on YouTube on Friday 

3-5 p.m. (ET) 

As the work week winds down, people tend to be in a more relaxed mood, looking forward to the weekend. Posting around mid-day to early afternoon can capture those looking to wrap up their workweek or plan their weekend entertainment. 

Best time to post on YouTube on Saturday 

10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (ET) 

On weekends, people typically start their day later. Posting in the late morning allows you to catch those who check YouTube after having a slow start to their day. By this time, viewers are more leisurely browsing and looking for longer-form content to enjoy over the weekend. 

Best time to post on YouTube on Sunday 

10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (ET) 

Similar to Saturday, Sunday mornings are when many people relax and prepare for the upcoming week. Posting in the late morning allows your video to gain traction throughout the day, as people have more free time to watch videos. This also helps your video gain momentum for the start of the next week. 

Best time to post on YouTube for top industries 

Since every sector has its unique viewer habits and peak activity periods, your best times to post on YouTube will be defined to a great degree by your industry. Of course, there are other considerations too, like your country and your video format, so try to find an overlapping ideal posting window for yourself. Here are the best posting times for the top 10 industries on YouTube: 

Automate Your Posting Schedule with Sprinklr Social 

Maximize your YouTube impact by scheduling your videos to go live during peak engagement times specific to your industry. With Sprinklr Social’s AI-powered scheduling, your content reaches your audience when they're most active. 

Sprinklr's intelligent algorithms analyze numerous factors, including industry trends and viewer habits, to recommend the optimal posting times. Plus, its automated scheduling feature allows you to line up your videos in advance, so they publish during those golden periods without any manual intervention. 

Ready to streamline your posting schedule on YouTube? 

Start Your Free Trial Today

Best time to post on YouTube for different countries 

Posting times on YouTube are also influenced by local time zones and cultural habits. Some countries show higher engagement on weekdays, while others have peaks during weekends when audiences have more free time. 

Tailoring posting times to fit the local lifestyle and routines can improve audience engagement and viewership on YouTube. Here are some country-specific insights to give you a general idea of when to post your YouTube videos. 

Factors that influence the best time to post on YouTube 

While the posting guidelines above are a great starting point, they aren’t set in stone. Every YouTube channel grows at its own pace, so it makes sense to explore a few more variables that tend to influence the optimal timing for your YouTube uploads. 

1. Audience demographics 

Your target audience could differ from the next creator reading this article. What works for them might backfire for you. So, consider the following data points to determine the optimal times to post on YouTube: 

• Age group 
  If your audience consists mainly of teenagers or college students, they are likely to be active online during the evenings and late nights after classes and homework. 
  Optimal time slot: 7 p.m. - 10 p.m ET. 
  
• Cultural norms 
  In cultures where weekends are primarily family time, posting during weekday afternoons tend to capture more viewers who are taking breaks at work or school. 
  Optimal time slot: 1 p.m. -  3 p.m. ET on weekdays. 
  
• Daily habits 
  For professionals, uploading videos during lunch breaks or early mornings can increase engagement as they check their devices before work or during midday breaks. 
  Optimal time slot: 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. ET / 6 a.m. - 8 a.m. ET. 
  
• Preferences & interests 
  If your audience is interested in fitness, they might prefer watching workout videos early in the morning to start their day or in the evening after work. 
  Optimal time slot: Post between 6 a.m. - 8 a.m. ET / 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. ET. 

These demographic factors can help you tailor your posting schedule to your audience's specific behaviors and preferences.  

But do you really know your target audience demographics?  

Let Sprinklr’s Audience Insights do the heavy lifting and help you build a 360-degree view of your target audience by centralizing first and third-party data across the web, social, email, e-commerce and CRM. With clear audience demographics, you can create relevant videos at the right time for the right people.  

Take a Demo of Sprinklr

How News Movement reached a new generation of consumers on YouTube Button Text: Read the Story

Read the Story

2. Video format 

Not all videos are created equally, and different types of social media content might perform better at different times. Understanding the unique characteristics of each video format can help you optimize your posting schedule for better reach. 

Best posting time for YouTube Shorts 

YouTube Shorts are designed for quick consumption, often viewed on mobile devices during short breaks or leisure time. Posting during midday captures viewers during lunch breaks, while evening slots align with after-work relaxation. Weekend mornings and evenings also cater to users who have more free time to browse short-form content. 

Video examples: Quick tutorials, trending challenges, bite-sized entertainment, behind-the-scenes clips. 

Optimal time slot: 

• Weekdays: 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. ET and 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. ET 
• Weekends: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. ET and 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. ET 

Best posting time for YouTube Live 

Live streams require real-time viewer participation, so scheduling them when your audience is most likely to be available is critical. Evening slots on weekdays accommodate professionals and students after their daily routines. Weekend afternoons and early evenings cater to a broader audience with more flexible schedules.  

Video examples: Live Q&A sessions, webinars, live gaming, real-time events, live tutorials. 

Optimal time slot: 

• Weekdays: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET 
• Weekends: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET 

3. Time zones 

If your audience is scattered across different parts of the world, you’ll need to consider this when scheduling your uploads. A video posted at 4 p.m. in New York City will be seen at 1 p.m. in Los Angeles and 9 p.m. in London. 

However, it's not as straightforward as posting according to each audience segment's local time zone. Time-sensitive content like product launches and news need to be released in a synchronized manner to ensure all segments receive the information simultaneously.  

To manage this challenge, consider the following actionable strategies and tools: 

• Identify key time zones: Use YouTube Analytics to determine where the majority of your viewers are located, such as ET, PT and GMT. 
• Choose a primary time zone: Prioritize the largest audience segment by selecting a primary time zone that covers the most viewers. If most viewers are in ET, schedule your upload based on ET peak times. 

How to find the best posting times for your YouTube channel 

We know that your YouTube channel is unique and so is your target audience, which means general posting guidelines might not work as expected for you. But we are not leaving you high and dry. Here’s a personalized, data-driven approach to determining the best posting times that should work for your YouTube channel and audience. 

1. Use YouTube Analytics 

YouTube's built-in Analytics can help you understand who your viewers are, what they’re interested in and at what time they tune in. Based on these insights, you can refine your content strategy to reach your target audience better and grow your channel.  

Here’s how to use YouTube Analytics to identify your target audience’s peak times: 

1. Log in to your YouTube account and go to YouTube Studio.  
2. From the left-hand menu, click on Analytics. This will take you to the main dashboard where you can see an overview of your channel's performance.   
3. Click on the Audience tab in the Analytics dashboard. This is where you can see when your viewers are on YouTube. The heatmap displays your viewers' activity, which can help you determine the optimal time to post. 

2. Use Sprinklr’s Smart Scheduler 

Sprinklr's Social Media Scheduler and Publisher can help you maximize your reach on YouTube. It looks into your channel’s data from the past 30 days to pinpoint the best times to upload videos based on your audience's habits, the day of the week and their time zones. 

How it works 

The Smart Scheduler uses AI to find the perfect times to post by calculating engagement scores for every hour of the day. It analyzes key social media metrics like views, likes, comments, shares and the number of subscribers active online. And if you’re just starting out or don’t have adequate data yet, no worries! The system learns as you go, predicting the best upload times as you build your channel. 

How to use Smart Scheduling 

Sprinklr’s Smart Scheduling is an easy-to-use tool that makes posting on YouTube a breeze. Follow these steps:   

1. Open create post window: Click on "Publishing Options" and select "Create Post" to begin.  
2. Select account and upload video: Choose the desired YouTube account and upload a video from the Media Uploader or your device.  
3. Add video details: Enter a title, description, tags and select a category. Customize the thumbnail and set privacy settings if needed. 
4. Optional settings: Add the video to a playlist, notify subscribers, add a first comment and associate the video with a campaign if applicable. 
5. Preview and approve: Review the post details, apply any tags or properties and set the approval type. 
6. Publish or schedule: Click "Post" to publish immediately, or use "Schedule Post" to select a future date and time or save as a draft. 

Wrapping up 

Finding the best time to post on YouTube isn’t an exact science, but with these tips and a little AB testing, you can significantly increase your chances of getting your content in front of the right people at the right time. And most importantly, keep creating content that you're passionate about.  

To truly maximize your impact, don’t just rely on generalized advice about the best times to post. Instead, focus on understanding your unique audience, their viewing habits and how these align with your content type and global reach. Also, with tools like Sprinklr, you can refine your posting schedule and turn those YouTube dreams into a reality!