Best Time to Post on YouTube
Find the best times to upload on YouTube in 2026. Optimize your Shorts and video uploads for maximum views.
Best Day
Thursday
Peak Time
3:00 PM
Recommended Frequency
1–2x per week
Best times to post on YouTube by industry
Select your industry to see the optimal posting schedule for YouTube.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Best dayFriday
Saturday
Sunday
Based on aggregated engagement data across millions of posts. Your audience may vary — use these as a starting point and test.
YouTube posting tips
Upload 2-3 hours before peak time
YouTube needs time to process and index your video. Upload 2-3 hours before peak viewing time so it's ready when viewers are active.
Weekends are your best friend
Unlike other platforms, YouTube sees higher engagement on weekends. Saturday and Sunday are among the best days to publish.
Shorts have different peak times
YouTube Shorts are consumed more on mobile during commute hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM) while long-form videos peak in the evening.
Consistency builds subscribers
Pick a regular upload schedule (e.g., every Thursday at 3 PM) and stick to it. Subscribers learn when to expect your content.
Skip the guesswork. ScheduleWave's Smart Scheduling finds the best times for your specific YouTube audience.
Free YouTube tools
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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