With more than 114 million active YouTube channels, it is becoming increasingly difficult to retain your audience and grow your following on the platform. This is why every little tool and optimization helps get you to the top.
One of the most powerful tools in a content creator’s arsenal is the ability to schedule YouTube videos. Scheduling your videos allows you to plan your content release strategically and ensures that your audience knows when to expect new content from you and the YouTube algorithm doesn’t forget about you.
The Importance of Scheduling YouTube Videos
Before diving into the “how-to,” let’s understand the “why.” Scheduling videos can significantly impact your channel’s success. It allows you to:
- Maintain consistency: By scheduling videos, you can maintain a regular posting schedule, which is crucial for retaining subscribers and improving your channel’s performance in YouTube’s algorithm.
- Plan ahead: Scheduling enables you to plan your content calendar effectively, giving you the freedom to produce content without the pressure of immediate deadlines.
- Target peak times: You can ensure that your videos go live at the most optimal times for your audience, regardless of your own availability to publish them manually. You can find out when the best time is for you to post using VidIQ.
Schedule Individual Videos Using Only YouTube
This step-by-step guide with pictures will take you through the process of scheduling a YouTube video using only the free tools provided by YouTube.
1: Create/Log into your YouTube Account
If you haven’t created a youtube account yet, check out our article on how to create a YouTube account & upload videos.
2: Click on the Upload Video Button
This button should look like a camera with a plus sign on it and be situated on the top right corner of your screen
3: Click on Upload Video and Continue as Instructed
First, select the video you would like to upload either by dragging and dropping it into your YouTube window or by selecting it from your files.
Fill in all the details related to your video.
4: Click on Visibility, then Schedule
After Clicking on Visibility -> Schedule and setting your desired time, just confirm it by clicking on schedule in the bottom right corner and you have now successfully scheduled your YouTube Video!
Schedule and Plan in Bulk Using Social Media Management Tools
If you’re managing multiple channels and social media platforms it is always recommended to use a social media management tool which allows you to manage and plan multiple accounts and platforms all from the same place. Each Social Media Management tool works a little bit differently, if you want to know more head over to our article on tools for planning and scheduling YouTube content.
FAQ
Q: What is a good schedule for YouTube?
While the exact ideal schedule for your content will vary depending on your audience and content type, it is generally advised to upload videos consistently and within at most 1 month from each other in order to stay relevant on the YouTube Algorithm. For more information on how to optimize your channel for the algorithm, check out our article on YouTube SEO.
Q: What is the right time to upload a video on YouTube?
A: The right time to upload on YouTube varies on who your audience is. Identify peak viewing times using analytics or tools like VidIQ for optimal posting times based on your data.
Q: Does uploading every day on YouTube help?
A: A decline in content quality will lead to a higher bounce rate, so while the added consistency might boost your content’s reach and standing in the algorithm, if the daily uploads worsen the quality of your content the higher bounce rate will decrease how much YouTube will recommend your video.
Q: Do you lose watch hours if you private a YouTube video?
A: Private videos don’t contribute to public watch hours. They’re only accessible by the creator. Thus, private videos won’t count towards public watch time.
