Cut Through the Noise: The Best Time To Post on YouTube

YouTube's algorithm can seem tricky, and it tends to change every few months. But at the end of the day, it all boils down to timing and what your viewers like. 

When you post videos at the right time, people are more likely to see them. 

YouTube's algorithm shows videos to viewers when they are most often online, and using YouTube Analytics is key. With YouTube Analytics, you can see when your viewers are watching and if YouTube is ranking your content as high-quality. High-quality YouTube content will gain larger viewership numbers.

YouTube Analytics also shows engagement metrics and the times when your fans are active. You can see what videos they like and when they watch them, which helps you decide the best time to post new videos for your specific audience.

The main goal is to make sure more eyes see your videos as soon as you post them. When you understand the algorithm, you can make smarter choices about when to share your content. This can lead to more views, likes, and shares. The goal is to match your posting schedule with when your viewers want to watch.

Most people watch videos during peak hours, like early evenings on weekdays. Weekends can be great times to post, too, especially in the morning when people are likely to be relaxing at home.

That said, time zones matter — a lot. If your viewers are worldwide, consider who you want to reach and when they might be online. For example, posting in the late afternoon might work best if most of your audience is in the EST time zone.

Also, consider which age groups are watching your videos. Young people might be more likely to watch more in the afternoon or evening, while older adults might watch at night or during lunch breaks. 

Testing different times and days of the week is a great way to get familiar with your audience and their patterns. Try posting at different hours and days to see what gets the most views. 

The key is keeping track of how your videos perform after posting them, as this will tell you when your audience likes to watch your videos.

Knowing who watches your YouTube videos is super important. 

YouTube Analytics is a tool that helps you see who your viewers are and when they like to watch your videos. This tool shows you plenty of useful data, such as your viewers’ age, location, and the times they watch your videos the most.

Understanding your audience's behavior is key. For example, if most of your target audience watches videos in the evening, it’s a good idea to post new content in the evening and at night. This way, more people are likely to see your videos right away. 

Depending on your goals, knowing the best time to post means more money in your pockets. Once you figure out when your viewers are most active, post videos during those times — and post often. 

Keep an eye on how well your videos do after you post them. If many people watch them immediately, you're on the right track. If not, try posting at a different time.

Different types of YouTube videos work best at different times. Here’s how to pick the best posting times for different types of videos:

• Tutorials: Tutorial videos are great for people who are learning something new. It's generally a good idea to post them on weekdays, especially in the afternoon, as this is when people tend to be looking for a little help after school or work.

• Vlogs: Vlogs are more casual and fun. The best time to post vlogs is typically during the weekend, when people have more free time to relax and catch up on their favorite channels.

• YouTube Shorts:YouTube shorts can be compared to TikTok videos. They’re quick videos that people can enjoy anytime, but posting them at lunch breaks or early evenings can catch people who are scrolling around for a quick watch.

Each type of video can attract different viewers at different times. Check your video stats to see what contributes to the best video performance — this way, you can always be sure your videos have the best chance to be seen by many people.

Knowing the worst times to post on YouTube is as important as knowing the best times. This can help you avoid times when viewers are less likely to watch your videos.

• Early Mornings: Posting too early in the morning, especially before 8 a.m., can cause you to miss viewers, as most people aren't checking YouTube right after they wake up.

• Late Nights: It can also be helpful to avoid posting late at night, especially past 11 p.m. People are likely going to bed, and may not see your new video until the next day.

• Weekdays During Work Hours: Posting during the usual work hours, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, might not work well. This is when most people are busy with work or school and have less free time to watch videos.

• Conflict With Big Events: Avoid posting during significant public events, like the Super Bowl. People will probably be watching these instead of scrolling through YouTube or other socials.

Posting at the wrong times can mean fewer views and less engagement right when your video goes live. Your video can still get views later, but catching people when they’re most likely to watch helps boost your video right from the start. 

Planning when to post your YouTube videos is super important. Here's how to do it right to make your channel grow faster.

Using specific tools is key — YouTube Studio is a great tool that helps you schedule your videos. You can set them to go live at the best time for your viewers, even if you're not online. 

Apps like SocialPilot and HubSpot are also helpful, because they let you manage many different videos at once, which means less work for you each day.

Why schedule? Scheduling your content helps your videos come out consistently and frequently, at the exact times you want them to go live. This is beneficial because your viewers will know when to look for new videos from you — it’s like how your favorite TV show is always on at the same time each week. This element of reliability can make people more likely to watch your videos and leave likes and comments.

When you plan your videos right, you can spend more time making valuable content and less time worrying about when to post them. This helps a lot because you can work on your videos to improve them and still know they will go up at the best time.

A good schedule keeps your channel active and keeps viewers coming back for more. 

Choosing the right time to post on YouTube can greatly impact your success — it's key to getting more eyes on your videos.

Try different times and days to see what works best, and use what you learn to make even better choices in the future. Each type of video might need its own special timing. Keep checking your YouTube Analytics to stay on top of what your viewers like.

Want to get more from your YouTube channel? Get started with Founder OS — our program can help you better manage your social media platforms and grow your online business. Apply for a specialized action plan with Founder OS today, and subscribe to the Founder OS newsletter so you never miss a beat.