Best Times for a Webinar [Expert Answer]

When should you host your webinar to get the most people to show up? Timing is key if you want to make sure your online event is a hit.

Here's the scoop on the best times to run a webinar. Experts say that 11 AM is the sweet spot. It's not too early, not too late, and it doesn't mess with lunch plans. Mid-morning to early afternoon, like 10 AM to 2 PM, is also a good bet. As for days, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are top picks. Thursdays take the cake for live webinars.

Morning Sessions: 10 AM to 12 PM

Hosting a webinar between 10 AM and 12 PM can be a great option for several reasons:

  • Many people have settled into their workday routine by this time and are more likely to attend.
  • It allows attendees to join before their lunch break, ensuring they don’t get distracted by hunger or the need to step away for a meal.
  • Attendees are generally more focused and alert in the morning, making it easier for them to engage with your content.

The Sweet Spot: 11 AM

If you want to maximize attendance, consider hosting your webinar at 11 AM. This time is often considered the best for webinars because:

  • It falls right between the morning rush and the typical lunch break.
  • Attendees are likely to be in their office or at their desk, ready to engage with your content.
  • It’s not too early for those in different time zones, making it easier for a wider audience to attend.

Midday Options: 11 AM to 2 PM

Hosting a webinar between 11 AM and 2 PM can also be effective, as it allows attendees to take a break from their daily tasks and engage with your content. Benefits of this time slot include:

  • Attendees are likely to be more focused and alert than they would be later in the day.
  • It’s less likely to conflict with morning or late afternoon meetings and tasks.
  • It provides a nice break in the middle of the day, which can help keep attendees engaged.

The Best Days for Webinars

When it comes to choosing the best day to host your webinar, consider the following:

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays

These three days are often considered the best for webinars because:

  • They tend to have fewer competing events and distractions compared to Mondays and Fridays.
  • Attendees are more likely to be available and focused during the middle of the week.
  • They provide enough lead time for attendees to plan their schedules around your event.

Thursdays: The Top Pick for Live Webinars

If you’re hosting a live webinar, Thursdays are often the best choice. Here’s why:

  • Thursdays typically have the highest attendance rates for live webinars.
  • They offer a good balance between the middle of the week and the upcoming weekend.
  • Attendees are likely to be in a positive mindset as they look forward to the end of the workweek.

Tips for Different Webinar Types

When planning your webinar, consider the following tips based on the type of event you’re hosting:

Live Webinars

  • Be mindful of time zones and try to choose a time that works well for the majority of your audience.
  • If you have an international audience, consider hosting multiple sessions to accommodate different time zones.
  • Promote your webinar well in advance to give attendees plenty of time to plan their schedules around your event.

On-Demand Webinars

  • Release your on-demand webinar during the middle of the week when working professionals are more likely to have time to engage with the content.
  • Consider promoting your on-demand webinar during times when your audience is most active on social media or email.
  • Make sure to highlight the key benefits of your webinar in your promotional materials to encourage people to watch.