7 Best Times to Run YouTube Ads

Do you need help to get the most out of your YouTube ads?

You’ve created great video ads, but they must reach the right people at the right times. This can be frustrating and can lead to wasted ad spend and poor results.

But what if you could know the best times to run your YouTube ads? These are times when your target audience is most likely to be online and engaging with content.

Knowing this information could help you maximise your ad spend, reach more potential customers, and drive better results for your business.

In this article, we’ll share the seven best times to run YouTube ads based on data and insights from successful ad campaigns.

You’ll also learn the most suitable type of video content to create during each of these times.

Now, let’s cut right to the chase.

Photo by Joshua Miranda via Pexels 

1. Weekday evenings (6 – 9 pm)

are among the best times to run YouTube ads.

Why? Many people are currently winding down from their workdays and looking for entertainment or information online.

They may watch videos about their interests or hobbies or the latest news and trends. Either way, they’re more likely to be receptive to your ads.

Consider creating entertaining, informative ads to maximise this time slot.

Use attention-grabbing visuals and a clear call to action to encourage viewers to take the next step.

2. On weekends (Saturday and Sunday),

Weekends are another prime time for YouTube ads.

Many people have more free time on weekends, which means they’re more likely to browse and watch videos on YouTube.

This is especially true for younger audiences, such as millennials and Gen Z. They may be looking for content related to their interests, such as gaming, beauty, or fashion.

To reach this audience, consider creating ads that are fun, engaging, and relevant to their interests. Use a casual, conversational tone and include references to popular culture or trends.

And remember to experiment with different ad formats, such as bumper ads or TrueView for reach, to see what works best for your brand.

3. During major events or holidays,

Major events and holidays are another great time when YouTube ads enjoy broad reach. That’s because we are often in a festive or celebratory mood during these times. And they are usually more open to trying new things or making purchases.

For example, during the Christmas season, many people are looking for gift ideas or planning their holiday celebrations.

Running ads related to your products or services could help you reach this audience at a time when they’re more likely to make a purchase.

Other major events to consider include sporting events (such as the World Cup or Olympics), cultural festivals (such as Diwali or Chinese New Year), and national holidays (such as Easter or Bank Holidays).

To make the most of these events, create timely and relevant ads. Use imagery and messaging that tie into the event or holiday theme.

Also, consider offering special promotions or discounts to encourage viewers to take action.

4. During lunchtime (12 pm – 2 pm),

Many people use their lunch break to catch up on news, entertainment, or personal interests. This makes lunchtime another surprisingly good time to run YouTube ads.

They may be watching videos while eating at their desk or on their mobile device while out and about. This means they’re in a more relaxed and receptive mindset for your ads.

To reach your audience now, consider creating ads that are quick and easy to digest. Use clear, concise messaging and visuals that can be understood at a glance.

You could also experiment with shorter ad formats, such as 6-second bumper ads, to avoid disrupting the viewer’s lunchtime routine.

5. Late at night (11 pm – 2 am)

Another good time to run YouTube ads is late at night. This may seem counterintuitive, but hear us out.

Many people use YouTube as a way to unwind before bed.

They may watch relaxing content, such as ASMR videos or bedtime stories. Or they may be catching up on their favourite creator’s latest uploads.

Running ads during this time could help you reach a highly engaged audience. They’re likely to be paying close attention to the content they’re watching and may be more open to discovering new brands or products.

Of course, you’ll want to be mindful of the type of ads you run during this time. Avoid anything too loud or jarring that could disrupt the viewer’s relaxation.

Instead, focus on creating calming, soothing, or quietly entertaining ads.

6. Early in the morning (6 am – 8 am)

Early mornings may be better to run ads, but they can be quite effective.

Many people start their day by checking their phones or watching videos while preparing for work or school.

This means they’re in a prime mindset to receive new information and ideas. They may be more receptive to ads that solve their problems or make their morning routine easier.

When creating video ads for this time of the day, be sure to make them upbeat, energetic, and motivating. Use bright colours and positive messaging to help viewers start their day on the right foot.

You could also experiment with ad formats that are easy to consume on the go, such as bumper ads or short TrueView ads.

7. During popular YouTube series or videos

Finally, consider running your ads during popular YouTube series or videos that are relevant to your target audience.

This could be anything from a weekly vlog series to a highly anticipated product launch video.

By aligning your ads with content that your audience is already interested in, you can increase the chances of them paying attention and engaging with your message.

To find the right opportunities, do some research on the most popular channels and videos in your niche. Look for content that has a high view count and engagement rate.

Then, use YouTube’s ad targeting options to place your ads on those specific videos or channels. This will help ensure that your ads are seen by the right people at the right time.

Wrap-up

And there you have it – the seven best times to run YouTube ads based on data and insights from successful ad campaigns.

By scheduling your ads during these times, you can reach your target audience when they will most likely be engaged and receptive to your message.

But don’t just take our word for it. Test out these time slots for yourself and see what works best for your brand and audience.

Also, monitor your ad performance metrics, such as view and conversion rates, to optimise your campaigns over time.

With some experimentation and fine-tuning, you can create YouTube ad campaigns that drive actual results for your business.

So what are you waiting for? Start scheduling your ads during these prime times and watch your engagement and ROI soar!