Short-form content is all the rage right now and YouTube shorts are quickly eating the ground up on TikTok. YouTube creators can really maximize their channel by diverting some of their attention towards shorts as well as their traditional videos.
But when it comes to shorts, optimization is the name of the game and so it’s important to know exactly when the best time to post YouTube shorts is.
Here’s what you need to know.
When Should Creators Post Their YouTube Shorts?
The first thing that needs to be made clear is that there is no magic bullet time to upload your shorts. The best time to upload YouTube shorts for your audience will depend heavily on who your audience is and where they are watching from.
Having said that, YouTube research has found that there are some key times when you should prioritize posting your shorts. According to HopperHQ, the best times to post your shorts are on weekdays, particularly on Mondays and Tuesdays around the peak times of 12 PM and 3 PM and again from 7 PM to 10 PM.
This follows from research done by The Leap, which surveyed 300 US-based marketers who said that 50% of respondents preferred either 12-3 PM or 6-9 PM. The lesson to take from these studies is that viewers seem to be most receptive to YouTube shorts either after their workday or during that post-lunchtime lull.
Though, your individual audience may have their own unique traits that mean these times aren’t perfect for you. Similarly, these studies are US based and so they may not be applicable to all other markets.
Factors to Consider Before Uploading Your Shorts
Here are some other factors that are worth considering before you decide when to upload your shorts.
1. Time Zones and Location of Your Audience
While the studies mentioned above highlight the best times to post for US-based creators, it’s essential to take into account your audience’s location. If your viewers are scattered across different time zones, you might need to adjust your posting schedule to cater to the majority or post multiple times a day to reach a wider audience.
A good example is Spain, which is a country that follows a very different workday than what is typical in the United States. With evening meals starting around 9 PM and many workplaces having an afternoon siesta, Spain would likely have very different peak times for watching YouTube shorts.
2. Demographics of Your Audience
Understanding your audience demographics is key to finding the best time to post. For example, if your target audience is primarily students, posting after school hours and on weekends may yield better engagement.
On the other hand, if your target audience is working professionals, the recommended post-lunchtime and evening hours mentioned in the studies may be more suitable.
3. Content-Type
The nature of your content also plays a role in determining the best time to post. If your shorts are entertaining or light-hearted, they may be more popular during lunch breaks or evenings when viewers are looking to unwind.
On the other hand, if your content is more educational or informative, mornings or weekends might be a better time for viewers to focus on learning.
4. Consistency and Experimentation
It’s essential to maintain a consistent posting schedule so that your viewers know when to expect new content from you. You can experiment by posting at different times or on different days of the week to identify the most optimal posting times for your audience. Monitor your analytics to see which time slots lead to higher engagement, views, and retention.
5. Seasonal and Cultural Factors
Take into consideration holidays, cultural events, or seasons that may affect your audience’s viewing habits. For instance, posting during major holidays might lead to lower engagement as viewers could be busy with festivities.
On the other hand, posting content related to an upcoming event, such as Halloween or the Super Bowl, could boost engagement if timed appropriately.
Does the Timing of Your YouTube Shorts Really Matter?
With a traditional YouTube video, you can expect people to find it consistently over time, with some videos being successful for months, if not years. But with shorts, virality is everything. You need to take off and take off quickly because, after a day or two, the views will likely plummet.
That’s why you want to give your content the best chance to be seen and that includes posting at the most optimal times for your audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Can YouTube Shorts Be?
A YouTube short is limited to 60 seconds or less.
Can you Monetize YouTube Shorts?
If you want to earn advertising revenue from YouTube Shorts, you must join the YouTube Partner Program. To qualify for the program, you must have at least 1,000 subscribers and either 10 million public Shorts views or 4,000 public watch hours on long-form videos. After joining the program, eligible Shorts will generate advertising revenue based on views and music usage. The revenue is shared between creators and music publishers, with creators receiving 45% of their revenue share from the creator pool.
Are there Limits on How Many YouTube Shorts you can Make?
There are no limits to how many YouTube Shorts you can make and upload, we just recommend spacing them out enough so they can each breathe individually.
Can I Schedule My YouTube Shorts in Advance?
Yes, you can schedule your YouTube shorts in advance, just like you would with regular videos. To do this, simply select the “Schedule” option when uploading your short and choose the date and time you want it to go live. This can help you maintain a consistent posting schedule and ensure that your shorts are published at optimal times for your audience.
Summary
YouTube shorts are a great way to give your channel a boost in views as they allow you to quickly get your content in front of a lot of eyeballs. But if you want to get the most out of your shorts, you need to know the best time to post YouTube shorts for your channel as this can make or break your shorts.
Hopefully, now you have a better understanding of exactly when to upload your shorts and make them go viral!
