If you’re selling on Whatnot, timing is everything. Choosing the right time to host your auction can mean the difference between a packed room full of eager buyers and a quiet, slow event. Whether you’re reselling sneakers, vintage toys, trading cards, or apparel, knowing when your audience is most active is crucial for maximizing your sales. Here’s a detailed guide on when to go live on Whatnot and how to set yourself up for success every time you hit the “Start Show” button.
Why Timing Matters on Whatnot
Discoverability plays a massive role in driving traffic to your live shows on Whatnot. According to Whatnot’s seller academy and help articles, your visibility depends on factors like how engaging your stream is, the number of views you attract early, and how active your chat is. The faster you build momentum, the higher you rank on the live show page, and the more new buyers you’ll attract. Going live at the right time gives you a head start. More people browsing the app means more initial viewers, better engagement, and higher sales.
Best Days of the Week to Host a Whatnot Auction
Based on seller advice and active community discussions, the best days to host auctions on Whatnot are Thursday through Sunday.
- Thursday: Starts the weekend momentum, with buyers already thinking about weekend purchases.
- Friday and Saturday: Usually peak times, as people are off work, relaxing, and ready to spend.
- Sunday: Can also perform really well, as it’s the last day of the weekend.
Many top sellers avoid early weekdays (Monday through Wednesday) unless they already have an established following. Audience engagement tends to be lower at the start of the week, and you might find your auctions running a bit quieter than you’d like.
Best Times of the Day to go Live
1. Evenings
The most successful Whatnot auctions usually happen between 7 PM and 11 PM (in your target time zone)
- Shoppers are finished with dinner, winding down, and have their phones out.
- East Coast prime time (7-9 PM) overlaps nicely with Central and even a bit of West Coast audiences.
- If you’re targeting younger audiences, going live even later (like 9-11 PM) can catch night owls.
2. Lunch Breaks
Another underrated window is lunchtime (12 PM – 2 PM local time).
- Some sellers who cater to busy professionals or stay-at-home shoppers find that a casual midday auction does surprisingly well.
- The key is to keep lunchtime shows shorter and more high-energy to match people’s quick breaks.
3. Early Mornings
If you’re selling in inch markets, early morning shows (8-10 AM) can do well too, especially on weekends. Serious collectors often hunt early for the best deals.
Understanding Your Specific Audience
The best time also depends on your product category:
- Sneakers and Streetwear: These tend to perform best at night, especially late nights on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Toys, Funko Pops, and Vintage Items: Usually perform well on weekend afternoons.
- Luxury Goods and Designer Brands: May do better during weekday lunch breaks when professional buyers have downtime.
If you’re unsure, experiment! Try hosting a few auctions at different times and see which ones get the most views and sales.
Plan Around Competition
One common tip from veteran sellers: don’t schedule yourself against a massive show. Whatnot typically has major events like card breaks, comic cons, or influencer-led mega auctions. Check the app ahead of time. If a huge seller in your category is hosting a marathon live, shifting your show earlier or later might be better to avoid splitting your audience. You can also use the upcoming show tab on Whatnot to scout the competition and find less crowded windows.
Tips to Maximize Your Discoverability and Engagement
Timing is only part of the equation – you also have to make your show stand out. Here are a few tips to help you stand out:
- Pre-Promote Your Auction: Promote your auction on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook groups about 24 hours before you go live.
- Use the Scheduling Feature: Encourage people to bookmark your show.
- Use a Catchy Show Title: With keywords that buyers will search for.
- Create a Bright, Attractive Thumbnail Image: Clearly shows your best items to attract buyers.
- Fill Out Your Show Listing with Item Previews: Let potential buyers know what’s coming.
- Engage Viewers Early: The first 5-10 minutes are crucial to boost your show’s ranking on the app.
- Offer Giveaways: At the start or midpoint of your show, to keep people engaged longer.
- Stay Consistent: If buyers know you always go live Fridays at 8 PM, you’ll start building a loyal audience that shows up regularly.
Consistency combined with strategic timing is what transforms casual browsers into repeat buyers.
Timing Your Whatnot Auction for Maximum Success
If you’re looking to go live on Whatnot, the ideal times are usually between Thursday and Sunday, particularly in the evenings from around 7 to 11 PM local time. However, don’t hesitate to think outside the box! Depending on your niche and audience, you might discover that lunchtime shows or even weekend mornings bring in great results.
It’s all about timing your shows strategically and promoting your auctions in an engaging way. Don’t be afraid to experiment a bit—track your results and adjust your schedule based on when your community is most active. Once you find that perfect time, you’ll be well on your way to selling out every show!
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