What time should I upload Shorts on YouTube?

O

Oliver Robey

Moderator
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?
 
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.
 
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.
 
I have 3 specific windows:
  • Best: 6 - 9 PM UK time
  • Sweet spot: Around 7 - 8 PM
  • Weekends: 10 AM - 12 PM
Try posting around the same time for 2 - 3 weeks and compare your Shorts’ performance in YouTube Studio. Your own audience data will eventually beat any generic “best time” advice.
 
I personally post Shorts around 5 - 8 PM. That’s when most people are done with work or school and scrolling. If you want to experiment, try 12 - 2 PM as well, especially on weekdays. Give each time slot a few uploads and see which one gets better views.
 
My initial attempt to post was at nighttime, and it was about as successful as one could imagine crickets coming!

After spending a few moments looking at my analytics, I saw that the best time to show up on the weekdays was between the hours of

2 PM – 4 PM, just before people go to work or school.

YouTube's algorithm needs a few hours to index your video, try posting it one hour or two hours roughly before late in the day.
 
Best approach:

YouTube Studio

1: Confirm YouTube Studio Analytics > Audience to understand the best times for your viewers to be up on YouTube.
2. Regular windows of contents: 12 PM – 3 PM and 5 PM – 8 PM in your main timezone for the viewer.
3. Post 1-2 hours ahead: Allow the algorithm ample time to do its work before the high traffic times.
 
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