Worried about losing views on your YouTube videos? You’re not alone. For a social media manager or digital marketer, it can be frustrating to put in the effort to create great content, only to see it underperform. One factor that can make a surprising difference is the timing of when you hit that “publish” button.
The big question on everyone’s mind is: Does scheduling a YouTube video really affect its views? The answer might surprise you. While scheduling itself doesn’t automatically boost your view count, it can indirectly influence various factors that contribute to the success of your video.
In this article, we’ll understand the science of strategic scheduling and uncover the best practices to help you maximize the impact of your YouTube content.
Does Scheduling a YouTube Video REALLY Matter?
Let’s be honest, there’s a lot of conflicting information about the “best” time to post on YouTube. Some NewTubers swear by scheduling, while others think it makes no difference. To find the truth, we need to bust some common myths and understand how the YouTube algorithm really works.
Common Misconceptions
- “Scheduling a YouTube video guarantees nothing.” Unfortunately, scheduling alone is not a magic bullet. It won’t suddenly make uninteresting content go viral.
- “Direct posting a video generates more views.” While scheduling has its benefits, you can still get views without it. Sometimes, posting immediately makes sense (like for breaking news).
The Algorithm Factor
YouTube’s algorithm is like a complex machine that aims to show viewers the videos they’ll most enjoy. Here’s what scheduling can influence:
- Freshness: YouTube likes new content, so a well-timed release can give you an early boost.
- Consistency: Scheduling helps you release videos on a predictable timetable, which the algorithm favors.
- Engagement: If your scheduled video lands during peak viewing hours for your audience, it’s more likely to get those crucial early views, likes, and comments that signal popularity to the algorithm.
Direct vs. Indirect Impact
It’s important to understand that scheduling a video in itself won’t automatically increase views. However, it allows you to coordinate better with other promotional activities.
For example, once you schedule a video for the future, you can start creating buzz on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Sharing teasers, countdowns, and snippets about the upcoming video can build anticipation and drive your audience to YouTube at the right moment. This strategic promotion amplifies the impact of scheduling by ensuring that more viewers are ready and waiting when the video goes live.
Global vs. Local
If you want to reach people worldwide, planning becomes even more important. You need to consider time zones when aiming for peak viewership in different regions.
How RecurPost Determined the Impact of Scheduling on YouTube Views
Our team at RecurPost conducted an in-depth analysis to uncover the optimal times for posting YouTube videos, focusing on the impact of scheduling versus direct posting. We evaluated over 500,000 YouTube posts from over 30,000 accounts using our platform. This research specifically looked at how the timing of video releases affects views and engagement rates.
Our findings confirm that scheduling YouTube videos, rather than posting them directly, significantly enhances viewer engagement. Scheduled posts benefit from strategic timing, aligning release with peak audience activity, which our data shows does not negatively impact views. This extensive study not only identifies the best times to post for various types of content on YouTube but also underscores the advantages of a well-planned content schedule.
The Science of Strategic YouTube Scheduling
It’s not about guessing the best time to post on YouTube– it’s about knowing your audience and the unique needs of your content. Let’s unlock strategic planning secrets.
Audience Analysis: Your Analytics Are Your Guide
YouTube’s built-in analytics are a treasure trove of data. Here’s how to find your audience’s sweet spots:
- Go to YouTube Studio.
- Click the ‘Analytics’ tab.
- Select the ‘Audience’ section.
Here you’ll see graphs showing when your viewers are most active on YouTube – by day of the week and specific times. Use this as your starting point to choose your publishing times.
Content Type Matters
The best time to post depends on what kind of videos you make:
- Live Streams: Obviously, schedule a live stream on YouTube for when your audience can tune in live. Consider announcing the stream in advance to build anticipation.
- Long-form Video Content: Deeper dives or tutorials might do well during weekend viewing hours when people have more time to watch.
- YouTube Shorts: These bite-sized videos can work well throughout the day, especially during commuting times or short breaks when people scroll their phones.
The Consistency Key
Posting consistently is vital! A regular schedule teaches the algorithm to expect your content. It also builds viewer loyalty – they know when to check for fresh videos.
Content Calendar: Plan ahead and map out your release dates and times. This ensures you stay organized and consistent.
Conclusion
So, does scheduling a YouTube video affect views? The answer is a yes – but indirectly. Scheduling won’t magically bring in views if the content itself isn’t great. However, strategic scheduling gives you the best shot at reaching your target audience when they’re online and engaged.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Analyze your YouTube analytics to find your audience’s peak viewing times.
- Tailor your scheduling strategy based on your content types.
- Consistency is key! Stick to a regular posting schedule.
Remember, it’s not just about posting at the right time but also about creating a predictable rhythm that your audience can look forward to. Use these strategies to transform your YouTube scheduling into a powerful tool for growing your channel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Scheduling doesn’t directly affect your video’s ranking. However, posting consistently can positively influence your channel’s engagement metrics, which are crucial for ranking. The key is to schedule at optimal times to maximize initial views and engagement.
Yes, scheduling can help you reach a wider audience by allowing you to post at times when your target audience is most active online, regardless of your own availability. This strategic timing increases the chances of higher engagement and sharing.
Scheduling videos during peak hours can be beneficial as it’s when most of your audience is likely to be online. However, it’s essential to analyze your specific audience’s behavior and adjust your scheduling strategy accordingly.
It’s generally recommended to schedule YouTube videos at least a week in advance. This gives you enough time to create anticipation among your audience with teasers and promotions across other platforms.
Uploading videos irregularly on YouTube can lead to decreased viewer engagement and slower audience growth, as consistent posting helps maintain audience interest and boosts visibility through the platform’s algorithm.
Yes, you can make changes to your scheduled YouTube video, including editing the title, description, and thumbnail, or adjusting the scheduled release time, even after it has been uploaded but before it goes live.
Saurabh Chaturvedi is a content writer at RecurPost. Specializing in social media management and marketing, Saurabh is dedicated to crafting engaging and informative articles. His passion for clear, exciting content keeps readers eager for more.