YouTube has long ago become a space where creators and businesses reach vast audiences, boosting growth and engagement like never before. With more than 2.7 billion users actively tuning in each month, the platform offers endless opportunities to capture attention, strengthen brand presence, and connect with viewers.

If you want your YouTube Shorts to get as many views as possible, timing plays a bigger role than you might think. Shorts rely heavily on YouTube’s recommendation system, which pushes them to users based on engagement, watch time, and other factors. Posting at the right time can help your video land in front of an active audience, thus increasing the chances of it getting picked up by the algorithm.

Besides, unlike long-form YouTube videos, which often depend on subscribers and search traffic, Shorts thrive on immediate interaction. So posting when your target audience is online means more likes, comments, and shares in the first few hours which are key signals that tell YouTube your video is worth showing to more people.

How YouTube Promotes Shorts: YouTube Algorithms Short Overview 

Before diving into the main topic of the article, let’s figure out how the YouTube algorithm works. The YouTube Shorts algorithm is designed to surface short-form videos that keep users watching. Once a Short is uploaded, YouTube starts testing it with a small group of viewers. If the video gets strong engagement, such as high watch time, likes, and interactions, it gets pushed to a wider audience.

However, if your video goes live when most of your audience is asleep or inactive, it may not get enough early engagement to trigger further recommendations. That’s why choosing the right posting time matters.

How YouTube Recommends Content

YouTube’s content distribution isn’t random, it relies on a variety of factors to surface videos that align with user preferences. Instead of simply pushing out the newest uploads, the platform prioritizes content based on engagement, relevance, and individual viewing habits.

Key factors influencing YouTube’s recommendations include:

• The types of videos a user regularly watches or ignores
• The overall performance of a video, including its view count, watch history, and search history
• Direct viewer interactions, such as likes, dislikes, and "not interested" selections
• Data collected from satisfaction surveys
• Total watch time per video
• How well a video aligns with a search query (when applicable)

Why Your Video Might Not Appear Instantly

Unlike instant posts on social media, YouTube requires time to process and index videos before they show up in search results. This process typically takes between two to three hours. Creators relying on search visibility, should upload videos earlier than their intended release time. 

Why YouTube Doesn’t Follow a Chronological Feed

Unlike platforms that prioritize real-time updates, YouTube does not display content in the order it was uploaded. By design, YouTube organizes videos on a channel's "Videos" tab based on various filters, such as "Most Popular" or "Newest," but not automatically in strict chronological order from oldest to newest. Users can manually sort videos by upload date (oldest or newest) using the filter options on a channel's page. 

While timing still plays a role in visibility, simply being the most recent upload at any given moment doesn’t guarantee increased exposure. Instead, YouTube’s algorithm prioritizes content based on user engagement, watch history, and relevance, making quality and audience interest far more critical than just posting at the right moment. 

The Best Times to Post YouTube Shorts

Note that while there’s no universal “perfect” time to post, research suggests some time slots tend to work better than others. These are based on general YouTube traffic patterns:

• Morning (9 AM - 11 AM, local time) – People often check their phones before starting work or school.
• Lunchtime (12 PM - 1 PM, local time) – A prime window when many take a break to browse social media.
• Evening (6 PM - 9 PM, local time) – One of the busiest periods on YouTube, when people relax and consume more content.
• Weekend mornings (10 AM - 12 PM, local time) – A strong time for engagement, as users have more leisure time to scroll.

Best Days to Post: Studies also indicate that Shorts often perform better mid-week (Tuesday to Thursday) and over the weekend, with Sunday being especially strong for engagement. Monday tends to be slower, as people focus on starting their week.

• Monday: 12 p.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m.
• Tuesday: 12 p.m., 4 p.m., 8 p.m.
• Wednesday: 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 6 p.m.
• Thursday: 12 p.m., 3 p.m., 8 p.m.
• Friday: 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 9 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 7 p.m.
• Sunday: 9 a.m., 12 p.m., 7 p.m.

The Best Time to Post on YouTube on Monday

The optimal times to post on YouTube on Mondays are 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m.

At midday, around 12 p.m., many people take a break from their busy schedules, using YouTube as a way to relax during lunch. By 3 p.m., viewers often look for a quick distraction as they push through the final stretch of their workday. Later in the evening, 7 p.m. becomes a prime slot, as audiences unwind after work and settle into their evening routines, making it a great time for engagement.

The Best Time to Post on YouTube on Tuesday

The best times to upload videos on YouTube on Tuesdays are 12 p.m., 4 p.m., and 8 p.m.

As with Mondays, the lunch hour at 12 p.m. remains a prime window, as people take a break and scroll through YouTube. By 4 p.m., many are winding down from work or school, making it another opportunity to capture their attention. The evening peak at 8 p.m. is particularly effective, as viewers are more likely to engage with longer videos while relaxing at home.

The Best Time to Post on YouTube on Wednesday

Similar to earlier in the week, the lunch hour at 12 p.m. is when many users take a moment to browse videos. By 2 p.m., a mid-afternoon lull sets in, prompting short breaks where people turn to YouTube for quick entertainment. The 6 p.m. slot is another strong opportunity, as viewers wrap up their workday and look for content to help them unwind.

The Best Time to Post on YouTube on Thursday

The best times to post on YouTube on Thursdays are 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and 8 p.m.

As the week goes on, the lunchtime slot at 12 p.m. remains a reliable window, with many viewers taking a break to browse videos. By 3 p.m., people begin to mentally shift away from work, creating an opportunity to capture their attention. The 8 p.m. slot is particularly effective, as audiences settle in for the evening and are more likely to engage with content while unwinding.

The Best Time to Post on YouTube on Friday

The best times to post on YouTube on Fridays are 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 9 p.m.

Fridays are one of the strongest days for engagement, as many people start shifting into weekend mode. By 10 a.m., viewers are already looking for entertainment and relaxation. The 1 p.m. slot aligns with lunchtime, when users take a break and browse videos. In the evening, 9 p.m. is a prime time, as the workweek comes to an end and people unwind with casual YouTube content.

The Best Time to Post on YouTube on Saturday

The best times to post on YouTube on Saturdays are 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 7 p.m.

Mornings, particularly around 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., see high engagement as viewers start their day and check out new content. These slots work well for capturing an active audience looking for entertainment or information. By 7 p.m., people are winding down at home, making it an ideal moment to grab their attention and maximize visibility for your video.

The Best Time to Post on YouTube on Sunday

The best times to post on YouTube on Sundays are 9 a.m., 12 p.m., and 7 p.m.

As with Saturdays, the morning slots at 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. capture viewers who are easing into their Sunday routines. By 7 p.m., people start winding down, preparing for the upcoming week, and often scroll through their YouTube feeds for one last round of content before ending their day. This makes it a great time to post and engage your audience.

Best Times to Post on YouTube by Location

Have you ever considered how your location affects the best times to post on YouTube?

It certainly does! The timing of your posts, based on your audience’s time zone, plays a crucial role in the success of your video. A post at 3 p.m. in New York might be perfect for that time zone, but it’s already dinner time in London.

Best Time to Post on YouTube in Australia

• Monday: 7 a.m., 12 p.m., 5 p.m., and 8 p.m.
• Tuesday: 8 a.m., 1 p.m., and 8 p.m.
• Wednesday: 7 a.m., 11 a.m., 5 p.m., and 8 p.m.
• Thursday: 9 a.m., 5 p.m., and 10 p.m.
• Friday: 9 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 6 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 6 p.m.
• Sunday: 10 a.m., 4 p.m., and 9 p.m.

Note: The times are expressed in AEST

Best Time to Post on YouTube in the USA

• Monday: 2 p.m., 5 p.m., and 9 p.m.
• Tuesday: 2 p.m., 5 p.m., and 8 p.m.
• Wednesday: 2 p.m., 5 p.m., and 8 p.m.
• Thursday: 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and 6 p.m.
• Friday: 3 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 4 p.m.
• Sunday: 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 5 p.m.

Note: The times are expressed in EST.

Best Time to Post on YouTube in India

• Monday: 6 p.m., 8 p.m., and 10 p.m.
• Tuesday: 6 p.m., 8 p.m., and 10 p.m.
• Wednesday: 6 p.m., 8 p.m., and 10 p.m.
• Thursday: 11 a.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m., and 10 p.m.
• Friday: 11 a.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m., and 10 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m.
• Sunday: 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m.

Note: The times are expressed in IST.

Best Time to Post on YouTube in Canada

• Monday: 2 p.m., 5 p.m., and 9 p.m.
• Tuesday: 2 p.m., 5 p.m., and 8 p.m.
• Wednesday: 2 p.m., 5 p.m., and 8 p.m.
• Thursday: 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and 6 p.m.
• Friday: 3 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 4 p.m.
• Sunday: 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 5 p.m.

Note: The times are expressed in EST.

Best Time to Post on YouTube in Europe

• Monday: 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m.
• Tuesday: 10 a.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m.
• Wednesday: 11 a.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m.
• Thursday: 9 a.m., 1 p.m., and 6 p.m.
• Friday: 2 p.m., 5 p.m., and 8 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m.
• Sunday: 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m.

Note: The times are expressed in CET.

How to Be 100% Sure You Found Best Time to Post YouTube Shorts Based on Your Audience 

Now that you're familiar with the general best times to post on YouTube, it's time to personalize your posting schedule for your own channel. How do you find the ideal time?

The simplest way is by using YouTube's ‘When your viewers are on YouTube’ report, a feature designed to help you identify the optimal times for posting based on your specific audience.

Let’s walk through the process step-by-step to help you determine the best time frames to maximize your YouTube video performance.

Step 1: Access the Analytics Section

Start by heading to YouTube Studio. On your channel’s dashboard, navigate to the Analytics section in the left-hand menu and click on it. This is where you'll find detailed data about your channel’s performance.

Look for the Audience tab within the Analytics section, as this is where you'll find the most relevant information. Once you're there, you'll spot a purple bar graph. This is the key to identifying when your audience is most active on YouTube.

If you don't see this graph, it means your channel hasn't yet accumulated enough viewer data over the past 28 days. No worries—later in this article, we’ll cover alternative methods for determining the best time to post.

Step 2: Identify the Best Day and Time to Post

The purple bar graph under the Audience tab shows data from the last 28 days, adjusted to your time zone.

• The dark purple bars represent the times of day when most of your audience is active on YouTube.
• The lighter purple bars indicate periods of low activity.

These visuals are crucial because they tell you when your audience is most likely to be on the platform. Posting your video when more viewers are online increases the chances of your video showing up on their YouTube homepage and driving engagement.

YouTube’s algorithm prioritizes videos based on how quickly they gain traction, so aligning your post time with peak activity ensures your video has the best shot at getting noticed.

Since YouTube videos take more time to produce than posts on other platforms, it’s essential to choose a day that suits your content creation schedule. If you’re unsure which day works best, look for multiple dark bars throughout the week.

If you see several peak periods, try posting on a day that has a lighter shade of purple near your primary day. YouTube videos tend to accumulate most views within the first two days after posting, so timing your post with the peaks of two consecutive days can help you reach a broader audience.

More Than Just Timing: Other Ways to Boost Engagement

Even if you post at the ideal time, your Short still needs to capture attention. Here are some ways to increase its impact:

• Make the first three seconds count. If viewers don’t stay past the first few moments, the algorithm won’t push your video further. Use movement, text overlays, or a strong hook to draw them in.
• Use hashtags and keywords wisely. Including relevant hashtags like #Shorts, #trending, or topic-specific tags can help YouTube categorize and recommend your video.
• Leverage trends and seasonal content. Shorts that align with current trends, holidays, or viral challenges have a better chance of getting picked up.
• Keep experimenting. If one posting time doesn’t work, try another. Test different schedules for a few weeks and analyze what gets the best results.

Finding the best time to post YouTube Shorts isn’t an exact science, but it’s worth paying attention to. Posting when your audience is most active gives your video a better shot at gaining traction early on. Use YouTube Analytics to track viewer behavior, experiment with different times, and focus on making engaging content.

If you have long-form videos, repurposing them into Shorts can help maximize their reach. AI Video Cut makes this process easy by automatically identifying key moments and turning them into bite-sized content perfect for Shorts. Try different posting times, analyze the results, and fine-tune your strategy for the best engagement.

How long can a YouTube Short be?

The maximum length for a YouTube Short is 3 minutes, a change that went into effect in October 2024. The minimum length for a YouTube Short is 15 seconds. YouTube increased the limit, which was previously 60 seconds, to give creators more freedom when creating content.

While a YouTube Short can be up to 3 minutes long, the ideal length is around 15 to 30 seconds because shorter videos are more likely to maintain viewer attention. 

What time does YouTube Shorts go viral?

The timing of when YouTube Shorts go viral is influenced by when your audience is most active and engaged. Shorts are designed for quick consumption, so posting during peak hours, such as lunch breaks or evening hours when viewers are winding down, increases the likelihood of getting noticed. Global time zones also play a role, as your audience might be spread across different regions, meaning posting when viewers from various areas are active could maximize exposure.

Additionally, considering the time it takes for your content to get indexed on YouTube can also affect how quickly your Shorts are discovered by new viewers. Ultimately, experimentation with timing based on your specific audience will help you refine the optimal window for virality.

What is a good watch time for YouTube Shorts?

It depends on how engaging your content is, but generally, YouTube looks for high engagement rates, such as a substantial percentage of the video being watched. Since Shorts are typically under a minute, a good benchmark is having viewers watch at least 50-60% of the video.

If your Shorts consistently receive a high watch time relative to their length, it signals to the algorithm that your content is engaging and worth recommending to a wider audience. The longer viewers stay engaged, the higher the chances of your Shorts being pushed out to more viewers. Watch time can vary based on your content’s niche, so monitoring analytics can help you adjust and optimize for better results.

How do I get more views on YouTube Shorts?

To get more views on YouTube Shorts, focus on creating engaging, visually appealing content that captures attention within the first few seconds. Consistent posting helps build momentum, and aligning your content with trending topics or challenges can increase its discoverability. Make sure to use effective keywords and hashtags in your video titles and descriptions, as these can help categorize your content and attract the right audience.

Engaging with your audience through comments or calls to action in your Shorts can also drive interaction and visibility. Additionally, leveraging cross-promotion on your other social media channels can help bring more viewers to your Shorts, amplifying their reach.

Besides, don’t forget to repurpose your longer videos, if you have any, as Shorts! You can easily do that with AI Video Cut. It quickly cuts long videos into Shorts, Reels and TikToks based on your own prompt or ready-made tailored prompts that smartly indicate which parts of the video should remain in the video for the most viral effect. As such, from a longer video, you can create short videos up to 120 seconds long and can differ in format—how-to videos, teasers, trailers, product reviews, and others! 

How often should I post YouTube Shorts?

Ideally, posting 3-5 times a week allows you to maintain visibility and engagement with your audience. Posting more frequently can increase your chances of being discovered, but quality should always come before quantity. However, it's important not to overwhelm yourself or your viewers with repetitive content; variety in your Shorts helps keep things fresh and interesting. Testing different posting schedules and tracking the performance of your videos can help you find the ideal frequency for your audience.