YouTube's Creator Liaison Rene Ritchie said in a video that delaying publication by 24 to 48 hours does not improve recommendations. Recommendation signals start only after a video is public. The remarks were posted on the YouTube Creator Liaison channel.
YouTube debunks 24-48 hour upload delay recommendation
Ritchie said the recommendation system relies on audience behavior that begins only once a video is public. Keeping a video private or unlisted does not generate the signals YouTube uses. Waiting hours, days, or months before publishing does not change recommendation performance.
Key Details
- Speaker: Rene Ritchie, YouTube's Creator Liaison.
- Format: Official video on the YouTube Creator Liaison channel.
- Statement: Audience behavior informs recommendations only after public release.
- Clarification: Private or unlisted status does not create relevant viewer signals.
- Operational note: Uploading early can allow copyright and monetization checks to complete.
- Conclusion: Waiting 24 to 48 hours before publishing provides no recommendation advantage.
Background Context
YouTube states that recommendations are designed to match viewers with content they are likely to watch. Public documentation on How YouTube Works highlights signals based on viewer behavior and satisfaction, which are generated after a video becomes publicly available.
YouTube Studio includes automated checks for copyright and ad suitability during upload. Ritchie said creators may upload early to let these checks finish before setting a video to public. Scheduling and Premiere features can manage timing and visibility.
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