“Timing is everything. If it’s too soon, no one understands. If it’s too late, everyone’s forgotten.”

When it comes to YouTube, this couldn’t be truer. Timing is everything, especially in 2024, when the competition is fiercer than ever. But how do you figure out the best time to post videos on YouTube? It’s like trying to catch the perfect wave—you need to know when to paddle out.

With over 2.5 billion monthly active users on YouTube, you want to ensure that your video hits peak hours, where more eyeballs are scrolling, watching, and engaging.

Did you know that over 500 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube every minute? That's right—every single minute! With so much content flooding the platform, finding the best time to post videos on YouTube can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack.

Let me walk you through the best time to post on YouTube, how to create YouTube videos, how often to post, and how this affects your video performance, so you can start seeing better engagement metrics and watch times on your channel.

Best Time to Post on YouTube in 2025

When exactly should you hit that publish button? Based on data compiled from several industry sources, here are the optimal times to post in 2024:

The Best Time to Post YouTube Videos: Maximize Your Reach in 2024

Understanding YouTube’s Algorithm and Posting Time

How YouTube’s Algorithm Affects Posting Time

• YouTube’s algorithm prioritizes relevance and viewer experience over all else.
• Posting at the right time can help start a snowball effect of viewership, but it’s not the most important factor.
• The algorithm takes into account engagement metrics like watch time and favors content with high engagement metrics.

Does Posting Time Matter on YouTube?

• Posting time matters on YouTube, as it can affect the number of views and engagement.
• Prime days and times to post on YouTube include the evening throughout the week or on weekends.
• Posting at these times can help you reach more people who are available to watch videos.

Best Time to Post YouTube Videos

Best Time to Post on YouTube by Day of the Week

• The best time to post on YouTube is between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on weekends.
• Monday: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Tuesday: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Thursday: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Friday: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Sunday: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Best Time to Post YouTube Shorts

• The best time to post YouTube Shorts is during peak hours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Friday is the best day to post YouTube Shorts, with Thursday and Tuesday being close seconds.

Optimizing Your Posting Strategy

Post YouTube Videos at the Right Time

• Posting at the right time can help you reach a large pool of potential customers.
• Use YouTube Analytics to find the best time to post for your target audience.
• Experiment with different posting times to find what works best for your channel.

Post on YouTube When Engagement is High

• Posting when engagement is high can help increase views and engagement.
• Use YouTube Analytics to find the times when your audience is most engaged.
• Post content that resonates with your audience and encourages engagement.

Post Videos that Resonate with Your Audience

• Posting videos that resonate with your audience can help increase engagement and views.
• Use YouTube Analytics to find the types of content that perform well with your audience.
• Create content that is relevant and engaging to your target audience.

Using YouTube Analytics to Find the Best Time to Post

Accessing YouTube Analytics

• Access YouTube Analytics by going to the YouTube Studio and clicking on the “Analytics” tab.
• Use the “When your viewers are on YouTube” graph to find the best time to post.
• Use the “Realtime” graph to see how many viewers you’ve had per hour for any set timeframe over the last 48 hours.

Measuring Success and Adjusting Your Strategy

• Use metrics like views, traffic sources, and user demographics to gauge success.
• Adjust your posting strategy based on the data from YouTube Analytics.
• Experiment with different posting times and content types to find what works best for your channel.

Best Practices for Publishing Videos on YouTube

Working with YouTube’s Algorithm

• YouTube’s algorithm favors content with high engagement metrics.
• Posting at the right time can help increase video visibility.
• Use YouTube Studio to optimize your video content and increase engagement.

Scheduling Posts in Advance

• Use a scheduling tool to post content at the best times for your audience.
• Schedule posts in advance to ensure consistency and save time.
• Use YouTube Analytics to find the best times to post for your target audience.

Why Timing Matters?

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of the best time to post videos on YouTube, let's talk about why timing is such a big deal. Here are a few reasons why posting time matter?

• First Hour Performance: YouTube's algorithm pays close attention to how your video performs in its first hour. The more views and engagement you get right off the bat, the more likely YouTube is to recommend your video to others.
• Audience Availability: Posting when your audience is most likely to be online increases the chances of them seeing and engaging with your content.
• Competition: By posting at less crowded times, you might have a better chance of standing out in the sea of content.
• Consistency: Regular posting helps build viewer expectations and can lead to more loyal subscribers.
• Time Zones: If you have a global audience, the best time to post videos on YouTube might vary depending on where your viewers are located.

The general rule is to aim for afternoon hours during weekdays, with morning uploads performing better on weekends. Posting your videos during these windows can increase visibility, engagement, and watch time.

Optimal Time to Post on YouTube: Our Expert Analysis

Our analysis shows that the best time to post videos on YouTube heavily depends on your audience demographics and niche. However, based on user behavior trends, here are some optimal posting tips:

• For Education or Tutorial Channels: Posting in the late afternoon when people finish work or school is ideal.
• For Entertainment Channels: Weekends and late evenings perform best, as users have more free time to watch longer content.
• For News or Timely Content: Early morning or midweek uploads perform best to keep viewers up to date.

‍

Considerations for Timing Your YouTube Posts

Here’s what you need to consider when planning your YouTube posting schedule:

• Time Zones: If your audience is global, consider their primary time zones. For example, if most of your viewers are from the U.S., it’s best to upload according to Eastern Standard Time (EST) or Pacific Standard Time (PST)
• Audience Demographics: Younger audiences tend to be more active late at night, while professionals might browse during lunch breaks.
• YouTube Algorithm: Consistency matters. The YouTube algorithm rewards regular, predictable uploads, so stick to a posting schedule once you find the best time to post.
• Content Type: The optimal posting time might differ for educational content versus entertainment videos. For example, how-to videos might perform better during weekends when people have time for projects.
• Seasonal Changes: Viewing habits can change with the seasons. Summer might see more evening viewers, while winter could favor earlier posting times.

YouTube Analytics to Find the Best Time to Post on YouTube in 2025

If you want to take the guesswork out of finding the best time to post, the answer lies in YouTube Analytics. You can optimize your upload schedule for maximum engagement by analyzing your audience's viewing habits.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Log into YouTube Studio.
2. Navigate to Analytics, and then click on the Audience tab.
3. Look for the graph showing "When your viewers are on YouTube."
4. Identify peak hours and note down the most active days.

Pro Tip: Adjust for New Content

You can also use YouTube Analytics to check how your new videos are performing. If you notice a spike in views on a particular day or time, experiment with posting similar content at that time again.

Harnessing YouTube Analytics for Perfect Timing

YouTube Analytics is your secret weapon in finding the best time to post on YouTube. Here's how to use it effectively:

1. Real-Time Report: This shows you how your most recent videos posted are performing, which can help you quickly gauge if you've hit the sweet spot for posting times.
2. Audience Retention: This metric shows you how long viewers are sticking around for your YouTube video. If you notice higher retention rates at certain posting times, you might be onto a winner!
3. Traffic Sources: Understanding where your views are coming from can help you time your posts to coincide with peak activity on those platforms.
4. Audience Demographics: This gives you insights into who's watching your videos, which can help you tailor your YouTube content and posting times.

According to YouTube's official Creator Academy, regularly checking your analytics can lead to a 10% increase in views over time.

Best Practices for Publishing Videos on YouTube

Now that you know the best time to post on YouTube, let's talk about some best practices for maximizing your YouTube video reach:

• Consistency: Upload at the same time every week to build audience expectations.
• Engaging Thumbnails: Use attention-grabbing thumbnails that encourage clicks.
• Eye-Catching Titles: Incorporate keywords like “best time to post videos on YouTube” into your title for better discoverability.
• Use Scheduling Tools: YouTube allows you to schedule your uploads in advance. This is particularly helpful for hitting peak times without having to post manually.
• Promote Across Platforms: Share your video on other social media platforms to drive traffic, especially in the crucial first 24 hours after posting.
• Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments quickly after posting. This boosts engagement and can help your video perform better in the algorithm.
• Monitor and Adjust: Regularly review your performance and be willing to adjust your posting strategy based on the data.
• Consider YouTube Shorts: If you're creating short-form content, you can post more frequently. Some creators post Shorts daily with success.

Remember, finding the best time to upload YouTube videos is an ongoing process. What works today might not work next month, so keep experimenting and analyzing your results.

Upgrade your Content Creation with Rizzle AI

If you’re managing a lot of video content and looking for ways to optimize your workflow, Rizzle AI can be your go-to tool. Here’s how Rizzle makes your life easier for you to learn how to create YouTube videos:

• Video Creation: Rizzle AI allows you to create videos with just a line of your idea or script text
• Simple Process: Customize the video further with templates, voiceovers, and music​
• AI-Powered Visuals: Rizzle automatically selects the most engaging visuals, sourcing from unlimited Getty Images and stock videos.
• Instant Visuals and Audio: Let Rizzle’s AI pick the perfect background music and voiceovers to elevate your video content.
• Flexible Editing: Review and edit your video in real time, with the option to add or remove scenes, replace visuals, and tweak the video performance before finalizing.
• One-Click Upload: Post directly to YouTube in just one click, ensuring your video hits the right time for the YouTube algorithm.

Wrapping It All Up

Finding the best time to post on YouTube in 2025 is essential for boosting your YouTube channel's growth. Understanding your audience's behavior through YouTube Studio analytics will help you figure out when your target audience is most likely to engage with your video content. Keep testing and tweaking your posting schedule to optimize your watch time and reach.

Whether you post YouTube shorts, long-form YouTube videos, or consistently post across your channel, always remember to prioritize your audience's behavior and peak viewing times.