There’s no general ideal time window to post kids' content, but figuring out the best time to post on YouTube for your specific channel could be a game-changer.
We'll explore everything from the posting schedule to boosting views for your kids' content. Whether you’re aiming for YouTube viral videos or just want to build a loyal following, this guide’s for you.
Why Timing Matters: Cracking the YouTube Algorithm
You already know that the YouTube algorithm loves engagement. Getting lots of likes, comments, and views in the first 48 hours skyrockets your video’s reach.
And, yes, while YouTube is technically a search engine, timing still matters. YouTube upload time is part of what gets your video in front of the right eyeballs. The algorithm prioritizes fresh, active content that’s quickly getting a lot of engagement—so understanding when your audience is online can give your videos a nice boost.
The Basics of YouTube Kids Viewing Habits
Unlike adults, kids’ schedules tend to be a bit more, well, predictable. That’s a huge plus for creators in the kids' niche. But remember, understanding when kids and parents are most active on YouTube is key.
Based on general trends, a few prime times stand out:
- Early mornings and post-school afternoons during the weekdays.
- Weekends, especially mornings, when the family is at home.
- Early evenings, when families might be unwinding together.
These time slots can vary based on where your audience lives, so let’s dig deeper.
Step 1: Use YouTube Analytics
Think of YouTube Analytics as your personal assistant. This tool tells you when your viewers are most active, here’s how:
- Open YouTube Studio and navigate to Analytics.
- Click on the Audience tab.
- Scroll down for the module labeled “When your viewers are on YouTube.”
You’ll see a handy little graph showing when your audience is most active. Darker purple = higher activity. But here is a thing: You don’t actually want to post during these peak times. Instead, aim to post 2-3 hours before your peak time. Why? It gives YouTube’s algorithm time to index and serve your video when viewers are logging on.
Pro Tip: For smaller channels that don’t have enough data in Analytics, try experimenting with general times based on broader trends: around 8-11 AM on weekends and 12-3 PM on weekdays, Eastern Standard Time. Then, fine-tune as your channel grows.
Step 2: Tailor Posting Times to Your Channel’s Demographics
Understanding your audience’s geography and habits is a must. For example, if you’re based in the U.S. but most of your viewers are in the U.K., there’s no point in posting based on your local time. Here’s where Analytics makes an appearance again:
- Audience Location: Check out the top countries watching your videos. This tells you if you need to post with their time zones in mind.
- Adjust to Time Zones: If your main audience is across different regions, adjust your uploads based on those time zones or find a middle-ground time.
Your audience’s location can give you an extra edge in creating that ideal YouTube posting schedule.
Step 3: Consider Kids’ Content Format and Viewer Habits
The length and type of kids’ content you create will impact your posting strategy. Here’s how different formats play out with timing:
- Compilations: Kids and parents love a good long-form video for TV viewing. Try posting these around mid-morning or early evening (prime family viewing times). A 20-to-30-minute block of organized content works great on the big screen.
- Episodes & Series: If your content includes episodes, it’s a good idea to treat it like a mini TV show with a consistent schedule—say, every Saturday morning at 10 AM. Consistency builds routine, and kids (and their parents) love that.
- Specials & Movies: For longer content, like holiday specials or mini-movies, aim for Friday nights or Saturday afternoons. This fits well with family movie nights and gets parents to hit play without hesitation.
Step 4: Set Up a YouTube Posting Schedule
A solid YouTube posting schedule does wonders for engagement. For kids' content, weekly or bi-weekly uploads work best since the routine becomes part of the family’s activities. If possible, consider releasing content at the same time each week, and let your audience know when to expect new videos. Parents love predictability—it’s one less thing they have to think about.
Wrapping up all the information in this guide, your schedule may look like one of these or their combination:
- Early Morning Schedule (6 a.m. - 9 a.m.)
- Ideal For: Channels with audiences in school or family-centered content where parents might put on videos for kids early in the day.
- Example Schedule: Post Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 7 a.m.
- Why it works: Early morning uploads give time for the video to gain traction by the time kids are awake or during breakfast time, right when parents might let them watch a video or two.
- Afternoon Bump (2 p.m. - 4 p.m.)
- Ideal For: Content for younger kids, as many parents allow video time after school or during afternoon rest hours.
- Example Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 3 p.m.
- Why it works: Posting during these hours ensures your content reaches kids when they're home and have free time.
- Weekend Mornings (8 a.m. - 11 a.m.)
- Ideal For: Channels catering to weekend family viewers or long-form content kids can watch during relaxed, non-school mornings.
- Example Schedule: Saturday and Sunday mornings around 9 a.m.
- Why it works: Weekends are prime time for kids to explore new content and for parents to find new shows or videos for family viewing time.
- Early Evening (5 p.m. - 8 p.m.)
- Ideal For: Channels targeting family-friendly content that parents and kids can enjoy together in the early evening.
- Example Schedule: Tuesday and Thursday at 6 p.m., and Saturday at 5 p.m.
- Why it works: Evening releases fit well with dinner and evening routines.
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Bonus Tips to Boost Views: Keep the Quality High for Big-Screen Viewing
This format is getting more and more popular. When your video is up on a TV, every detail counts. Here’s what to focus on:
- 4K Resolution: Uploading in 4K is essential, especially for content that families will watch on TVs. High-quality visuals not only look better but also help your videos rank higher.
- Thumbnails Matter: Thumbnails are huge on TV screens, so keep them bold, simple, and easy to recognize from a distance.
- Clear Audio: Kids’ videos need clear, balanced audio. Background noise or quiet dialogue? That's not going to cut it! Good sound keeps kids engaged and parents happy.
Final Thoughts: Test, Adjust, and Experiment
There’s no universal magic time to post that guarantees your videos go viral every time. What works for another creator might not work for you. The best approach? Test different times, use YouTube analytics, and keep an eye on how your videos perform. If you’re wondering how to get more views on YouTube, focus on consistent timing, high-quality content, and engaging formats that will ultimately, help your kids' channel grow.
Creating kids' videos on YouTube can be a lot to manage, but AIR Media-Tech is here to help. We support creators in the kids’ space with personalized strategies, expert guidance, and over 30 tools to help your channel grow. Reach out for a plan that gets your content seen and loved. Let’s make it happen together!