The Best Time To Upload YouTube Shorts for 2024

Spoiler alert: There is no best time. Ok, maybe there is.

But I can help you find the best time for you with a few simple, easy-to-use ways.

First, the question of timing. Now, you might think there's a one-size-fits-all answer here, but it's a bit more complex. Generally speaking, though, Mondays and Tuesdays during the peak hours of 12 pm to 3 pm and 7 pm to 10 pm seem to be golden. But remember, there's a bit of a rub here - factors like time zone, industry, and who your target audience is can make a difference. Cutting to the chase, you can go to YouTube Studio to see more details.

Once there, click Analytics then Audience:

Here is where you can make some pretty good assumptions. What’s the rub here?

You need an audience. So start making videos, start uploading, and make that progress. Then YouTube’s Terminator-like AI will consult Skynet and tell you when your videos will get more eyeballs. As my Real Brave channel grows, I am seeing more validity to the times they are displaying here in purple. It’s not a perfect science, and it doesn’t mean that your content will be successful, it’s just a great way to understand your audience a little more. Believe me, this is a process. For me, 2 years in the making so keep at it I think it’s worth it.

Speaking of your audience, it's essential to consider their habits. We all have different routines and preferences, right? So, it stands to reason that a student might be more likely to engage with your content in the evenings or weekends, while a working professional might find some downtime during the day to check out your latest short. You can check some interesting data in the audience section by scrolling down.

Pay close attention to what they are watching too and what else they are watching. YouTube Studio’s iPhone (and I assume Android) app has slightly different features so check both out. You can see some valuable information on what people who liked your stuff are watching and can emulate that. That’s how I started.

Your content also plays a role in deciding when to post. It might be that educational content does better during workday hours, while something more entertainment-focused could score higher in the evenings or on weekends. 

The day of the week could also influence your engagement. There's something about Mondays and Tuesdays that seems to get people in a content-consuming mindset. Weekends, well, they can be a bit hit or miss, and this can depend on your specific target audience and what your content is about.

Another interesting consideration is country-specific variations. For example, if you're targeting viewers in Japan and South Korea, you might find early morning hours work best. On the other hand, targeting viewers in Spain and Italy? You might find late afternoons and evenings are your sweet spot.

And of course, it's all about keeping an eye on your performance and making adjustments as you need to. If you're noticing higher engagement on weekends, for instance, it might be worth focusing more of your efforts there.

Last, but certainly not least, it's all about strategy. Posting at optimal times isn't just about getting more views, it's about building a consistent audience, staying visible in YouTube's algorithm, and even potentially increasing your ROI through more brand deals and sponsorships. And how do you do this? By utilizing tools like YouTube Analytics, experimenting with different posting times, maintaining consistency, and always striving to understand your audience better.

Creating a successful YouTube Shorts strategy involves a combination of creative content development, audience engagement, and platform-specific optimization. Here's an extensive guide to help you make the most of YouTube Shorts:

Understanding YouTube Shorts

These are short-form, vertical videos, typically 15-60 seconds long, and are created using a smartphone, or for savvy users, a combination of a smartphone, editing software like Final Cut Pro & a music library. They are designed to entertain and drive engagement​​ in a short amount of time.

Content Creation and Upload Process

1. Download the YouTube app.
2. Tap the "+" icon to create a Short.
3. Record your video, using special effects and elements.
4. Edit your Short by adding music, text, and filters.
5. Upload your Short, making it public or private as desired​​. 

Best Practices for YouTube Shorts

1. Grab the audience’s attention in the first few seconds. Shock & awe is best.
2. Keep the content snappy with cuts and edits.
3. Add value to your audience and align the content with a goal.
4. Understand your audience's preferences and tailor the content accordingly.
5. Use YouTube Shorts to promote your main channel​​.

Other tips

• SEO Optimization- Optimize the text in your video for SEO by conducting keyword research, using relevant hashtags, crafting engaging captions, and using captions and transcripts​​. A site like Ahrefs.com is great!

• Storytelling Techniques- Engage viewers by starting with a hook, introducing a challenge, using compelling visuals and sounds, building towards a climax, and considering a ‘Circular Narrative’ approach​​.

• Engage with Your Audience- Respond to comments, host live sessions, and use the Community tab for updates and polls. Engagement helps in building a loyal community​​.

• Thumbnails- While not directly applicable to the Shorts tab, well-designed thumbnails in other sections of YouTube can increase clicks and views​​.

• Diversify Content Types- Mix various formats like quick tips, BTS, vlogs, interviews, trend-surfing, and audience requests to keep your channel engaging and fresh​​.

• Monetization Strategies- Explore monetization opportunities through ad revenue, channel memberships, collaborations, and crowdfunding platforms like Patreon​​.

• Leverage Analytics- Regularly check metrics like Average View Duration and engagement rates. Use this data to refine your content strategy, focusing on what resonates with your audience​​.

• Consistent Posting Schedule- Maintain a regular posting schedule and inform your audience about it. Batch content creation can help in maintaining consistency​​. Build a Personal BrandBe genuine and maintain a consistent visual theme across your Shorts. Share your journey and clearly articulate the value you provide​​.

• Experiment with Video Length- Try different video lengths to find what suits your audience best. Prioritize viewer retention over video length​​.

• Cross-Promotion- Share your Shorts on other platforms and use platform-specific features to provide additional context​​.

• Collaborate with Other Creators- Collaborate with creators whose content aligns with yours to expose your channel to a wider audience​​.

• Use Trending Music and Sounds- Incorporate trending music creatively into your content.