We know YouTube can be a bit of a mystery sometimes, but we’re here to break down the best practices and tips to help you get the most out of your videos. In today’s Tech News Tuesday episode, we’re talking about the best times to post on YouTube and how the algorithm works.
When Is the Best Time to Post on YouTube?
YouTube has provided some guidance on this, and it really depends on the type of content you’re creating. If you’re making news, trends, or content with a shorter lifespan, you should try to post as soon as possible. Get that content out there while it’s still fresh!
When to post depends on what content you’re posting — trending or evergreen content.
But if you’re creating evergreen content — content that doesn’t have a specific timeframe or expiration date — you can post whenever it’s most convenient for you. The algorithm will work to serve your audience’s interests, so it doesn’t really matter if you post at 3 a.m. or 7 p.m.
Off-Hour Posting
Posting during less active times can result in a slower initial boost in views. So, you may not see the immediate surge you might get during peak hours. But, it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Over time, your views should even out regardless of when you post. Just be aware that you might not get that immediate bump.
What About Live YouTube Streaming?
If you’re doing live videos, you might want to consider your audience’s availability. Check your analytics to see when your viewers are usually online and schedule your live streams accordingly.
The Algorithm is All About What Your Audience Wants
What about the YouTube algorithm? It’s all about focusing on what your audience wants. The algorithm is designed to match your content to what viewers are likely to enjoy. You want to focus on understanding your audience and their preferences. Create content that satisfies their interests and answers their questions, and the algorithm will work in your favor.
How Can You Improve Your Visibility?
Let’s talk about some practical tips that can improve your chances of gaining visibility. First, your video’s title, description, and tags should include relevant keywords. That’ll help with search visibility. Second, engagement is crucial — watch time, shares, likes, and comments all play a role.
Engaging with comments is important too. It helps build a community around your channel and gives you insight into what your audience likes.
Another overlooked tip is to use thumbnails to your advantage. Create consistent, eye-catching thumbnails to engage viewers and make your videos more recognizable. The most popular creators spend a crazy amount of time on thumbnail optimization and testing.
Get your content found with eye-catching thumbnails, engaging comments, and Shorts!
And let’s not forget about YouTube Shorts. These shorter videos are highly prioritized on the platform and can attract a lot of views. Short-form videos are the name of the game in 2024.
For your short-form content, think about the key messages you want to share that will let people get to know you and your brand, as well as the behind the scenes snapshots and stories that help build relationships.
The bottom line is this: video is here to stay. Not only do consumers prefer to learn about brands via video content, but they use it as a necessary tool in the information-gathering phase of the buyer’s journey.
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Links in this episode:
YouTube issues guidance on when to post content for maximum reach
How the YouTube algorithm works: What marketers need to know
