You’ve spent hours creating the perfect YouTube video, pouring your heart and soul into every detail. So, when should you hit ‘Publish’ to ensure the maximum number of views and engagement?
Fear not, fellow YouTuber, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll dive into the factors that affect the ideal publishing time, such as audience, geographic impact, seasonality, and more.
However, generally, it’s recommended to upload videos during peak viewing hours to maximize engagement. Based on research and trends, weekdays, particularly Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, between 2 PM and 4 PM (Eastern Standard Time) are considered optimal times for publishing videos.
We’ll also provide examples and stats to help illustrate our points. Let’s dive in!
Know Your Audience
Understanding who your target audience is and when they’re most likely to be online can significantly impact your video’s performance. Consider the demographics of your audience, such as their age, interests, and routines.
For instance, if your target audience is young adults, posting in the late afternoon or evening might yield better results, as they’re more likely to be online after school or work.
Suggested publishing times based on audience type
| Audience Type | Suggested Publishing Time |
|---|---|
| Teens | 3 PM – 7 PM |
| Young Adults | 5 PM – 11 PM |
| Professionals | 6 PM – 9 PM |
| Retirees | 10 AM – 2 PM |
Geographic Impact
Your viewers’ location can significantly impact when you should publish your videos. If your primary audience is located in a different time zone, take that into consideration when scheduling your uploads.
For example, if you’re in the United States and have a significant European following, you might want to post in the late morning or early afternoon (EST) to catch the European audience in the evening.
Seasonality
Keep in mind that people’s routines change throughout the year, and your publishing schedule should adapt accordingly. For example, you might see more viewership during the summer months when people have more leisure time.
Conversely, the holiday season might result in fewer views, as people are busy with celebrations and other activities.
Weekdays vs. Weekends
In general, weekdays tend to see higher engagement on YouTube, as people are more likely to be online during work breaks or after office hours.
Weekends can still be an excellent time to post, but engagement might be more unpredictable. Some studies have found that the best days to post are Wednesday and Thursday.
- Weekdays: 2 PM – 4 PM
- Weekends: 9 AM – 11 AM
Suggested publishing days
| Day of the Week | Engagement Level |
|---|---|
| Monday | Moderate |
| Tuesday | Moderate |
| Wednesday | High |
| Thursday | High |
| Friday | Moderate |
| Saturday | Low |
| Sunday | Low |
Consistency and Frequency
Being consistent with your posting schedule helps viewers know when to expect new content, which can lead to increased engagement. If you publish videos regularly, your audience is more likely to subscribe and return for future videos.
Optimal Posting Times by Time Zone
| Time Zone | Weekdays | Weekends |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern (EST) | 2 PM – 4 PM | 9 AM – 11 AM |
| Central (CST) | 1 PM – 3 PM | 8 AM – 10 AM |
| Mountain (MST) | 12 PM – 2 PM | 7 AM – 9 AM |
| Pacific (PST) | 11 AM – 1 PM | 6 AM – 8 AM |
The best time to upload and publish videos on YouTube depends on factors such as your target audience, time zones, and your content’s nature.
However, generally, it’s recommended to upload videos during peak viewing hours to maximize engagement. Based on research and trends, weekdays, particularly Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, between 2 PM and 4 PM (Eastern Standard Time) are considered optimal times for publishing videos.
This allows your content to gain traction as viewership increases during the evening hours, both in the US and internationally.
Keep in mind that these are guidelines, and experimenting with different posting times may help you find the best schedule for your specific audience.