Best Time to Post on YouTube: How to Maximize Your Video Performance

Welcome to the world of YouTube content creation! Deciding when to post your videos can significantly influence their initial performance and reach, which is particularly important for new channels trying to connect with your target audience of crafters, handmade business owners, and professional home organizers. While there's no single perfect answer, understanding some key concepts and utilizing YouTube's tools will help you find what works best for you.

General Recommended Posting Times

On weekdays, generally, posting in the afternoon and evening tends to be more effective, as people are finishing work or school and looking for entertainment or information. Specifically, some research suggests that 2 PM to 4 PM EST or even 6 PM to 9 PM can be desirable. Some sources even point to Friday as potentially the best weekday to post.

For weekends, earlier in the day, typically between 9 AM and 1 PM EST, is often recommended. This is because people are generally more relaxed and browsing online during their leisure time. Some suggest that Sunday between 2 PM and 9 PM could also be impactful.

Why Timing Matters, Especially for New Channels

While YouTube states that upload time might not drastically change a video's long-term performance, posting at an optimal time can lead to more early views, likes, and comments. This initial traction can signal to the YouTube algorithm that your content is engaging, potentially leading to wider reach in search results and recommendations. For new channels aiming to build an audience, maximizing this initial engagement is crucial.

The Power of YouTube Analytics

The most crucial factor in determining the best time to post for your specific channel and audience is understanding their viewing habits. YouTube Analytics provides invaluable data on when your viewers (and viewers who watch similar content) are most active on the platform.

To access this information, go to your YouTube Creator Studio, click on the ‘Analytics’ tab, and then select ‘Audience’. Here, you'll find a module labeled ‘When Your Viewers are on YouTube’. This visual representation shows you the days and times when your audience is online; deeper color shades indicate higher viewer activity. Focus on these peak times when scheduling your uploads.

Considering Time Zones

If your audience spans different geographical locations, you'll need to consider time zones. For a predominantly US audience, posting around 2-4 PM Eastern time can work well as it can reach both East and West Coast viewers during their active hours. For a more global audience, regularly check your YouTube Analytics to see where your viewers are concentrated and consider using the scheduled upload tool to target different time zones more effectively. Avoid posting too late in one time zone, as you might miss viewers in earlier ones.

The Influence of Seasonality

Keep in mind that people's viewing habits can change throughout the year due to seasonal variations like summer, winter, school breaks, and holidays. For example, viewership might shift later in the evening during summer. Additionally, there's topic-level seasonality; for crafters, interest in certain projects might peak around specific holidays (e.g., DIY Christmas ornaments in December). Regularly review your monthly data in YouTube Analytics for these shifts and adjust your content and posting schedule accordingly.

Best Practices for Uploading

Avoid uploading right at the start or half-hour marks, as these can be busy times with more competition for viewer attention. Instead, try posting slightly before or after these periods.

Remember that preparing your video (titles, tags, thumbnails) and YouTube's processing take time, especially for high-quality videos. Plan to upload early enough to ensure everything is polished and ready for your audience.

For time-sensitive content (like a new product launch for your handmade business or an immediate organizing tip related to a current event), immediate timing is more critical.

A/B Testing for Refinement

As you get more comfortable, consider A/B testing your upload times. This involves posting similar videos at different times over several weeks and comparing key metrics like first-day views, click-through rates, and watch time to see which schedule performs better.

Times to Generally Avoid

Generally, it's best to avoid posting during the typical workday or school day, roughly between 9 AM and 2 PM on weekdays, as most people are likely to be busy.

Key Takeaway for New Creators

While general advice can be a starting point, prioritize understanding when your specific target audience is active on YouTube by regularly checking your YouTube Analytics. As you upload more content and gather data, you'll gain clearer insights into your optimal posting schedule. Experimentation and a data-driven approach will be your best guides in the long run.