What time should I upload Shorts on YouTube?

[Oliver Robey]

I’ve recently started posting YouTube Shorts, but I’m not getting as many views as I expected. I’m wondering if I’m uploading at the wrong time. What time is best to post Shorts for more reach?

 

[Arden]

Honestly, I wouldn’t worry too much about finding a “magic” posting time. YouTube says upload time does not affect long-term performance. For Shorts, viewer response matters much more. So, posting when your audience is active can help with early views. Go to YouTube Analytics and check “When your viewers are on YouTube” from the “Audience” section and use that as your starting point. If your channel is brand new and you don't have much data yet, just pick a consistent time and test it for a few weeks. It’s always hard for the first few months; you’ll get there eventually.

 

[Lawanda]

Timing can help sometimes, but there isn’t one perfect posting time for Shorts.
As a starting point, try:
Weekdays: 6 - 9 PM
Weekends: 10 AM - 12 PM or 6 - 9 PM
But honestly, your Audience data is more useful. Post when your viewers are most active, then test different times for 2-3 weeks. Also, retention matters way more than timing. If people swipe away in the first second or two, changing upload time probably won’t fix the reach.