Despite the surge in short-form video popularity, it’s fascinating that YouTube still leads the pack among video marketers, outshining TikTok and Instagram. This trend highlights the platform’s enduring relevance and potential for businesses looking to leverage video marketing. Meaning it is more important than ever to find the best time to post on YouTube 2025.
Research shows that YouTube was the most successful social media platform in 2023, with a remarkable 79% year-over-year growth. An impressive 95% of marketers reported an average or high ROI from YouTube, and many plan to increase their investment in the platform.
Given this significant emphasis on YouTube, understanding the best times and days to post can help optimise your video uploads. Let’s delve into the insights we’ve gathered.
When is the Best Time to Post on YouTube?
Creating a YouTube video involves ideation, scripting, filming, and editing. After all this effort, it’s crucial to ensure your video gets the traction it deserves. For those starting, it’s common to struggle with gaining views. However, if you’ve been posting for a while with little success, your upload timing might be the issue.
We surveyed over 1,500 marketers to find out the best times to post on YouTube. Here’s what we discovered:
- 24% of respondents said 6 PM to 9 PM.
- 22% of respondents said 12 PM to 3 PM.
- 20% of respondents said 3 PM to 6 PM.
Respondents answered based on their current time zone, making these insights universally applicable. The data also indicates that Saturday is the most popular day for posting, followed by Friday and Sunday. This trend suggests that during weekends, consumers have more time to explore and engage with content.
Unlike TikTok and Instagram, which thrive on short-form content, YouTube often requires a more significant time commitment from viewers, especially for longer videos. However, YouTube is also prioritising its short-form content, YouTube Shorts, which are rapidly gaining popularity.
When is the Worst Time to Post on YouTube?
Now, let’s talk about when you shouldn’t post on YouTube. Our research shows that Mondays and Tuesdays are the least popular days among marketers. Only 9% of marketers believe these days are the best for posting.
As for the worst times, here’s the breakdown:
- 6 AM to 9 AM
- 9 PM to 12 AM (midnight)
- 9 AM to 12 PM
Only 22% of respondents found early morning posts (between 6 AM and noon) to be effective. This suggests that early morning and late-night uploads might not be ideal for maximising engagement.
Does it Matter What Time You Post on YouTube?
The timing of your YouTube posts does matter, especially in the short term. Posting at optimal times can significantly impact the number of views your video gets within the first few hours. This initial boost can help generate more traffic and aid your channel’s growth.
In the long term, however, the posting time has less impact. A video posted at 3 AM, for instance, can still accumulate views over months or years if it remains relevant. YouTube prioritises relevance over novelty, so even if a video doesn’t perform well initially, it can gain traction if it’s the most relevant to a user’s query.
Another trend to consider is the use of AI in content creation. In 2023, 71% of marketers used generative AI for content creation, and it performed better than content made without it. A significant 87% plan to use AI tools for content creation in 2024, with many believing YouTube will offer the most promising generative AI features.
To leverage AI for your videos, consider using tools that enhance and accelerate your video production.
How to Find Your Channel’s Best Time to Post
Your Analytics dashboard is your best resource for finding accurate data on your channel, including the best times to post. If your channel generates enough traffic, you’ll access an advanced report showing when your viewers are most active on the platform.
This personalised information is invaluable, as it allows you to post videos when your audience is online, which might not align with general trends. To access this data, follow these steps:
- Open YouTube Studio.
- Click on Analytics.
- Open the Audience tab and view your report.
With this data, you’ll be able to find the best time to upload YouTube videos tailored to your audience’s habits.
Posting Videos on YouTube
Understanding the best times and days to post on YouTube is not about following strict rules but using the data as a guide to optimise your channel for success. The most crucial aspect of leveraging YouTube for your brand is creating high-quality, relevant content that resonates with your audience.
With YouTube’s growing popularity and potential for revenue, investing in the right strategies is essential. For more insights and tips on digital marketing, visit our blog, or contact us via email at info@07hm.co.uk or telephone at 01702 410663.
