NYC: See Yourself on a Times Square Billboard for 24 Hours

Trying to picture yourself lighting up Times Square? This experience offers a chance to have your photo or video shown on a massive billboard in the heart of the city that never sleeps. While it’s not an all-day event—your image appears for just 15 seconds each hour—it’s a unique way to feel like a star in one of the world’s most iconic spots.

What we really like about this experience is how straightforward it is to participate and how flexible it feels. You can customize your message or frame, making it perfect for celebrating a special occasion or just making your trip to NYC a little more memorable. Plus, the ability to watch your moment live online adds a fun touch of connection, especially if you’re traveling with friends or family from afar.

Of course, there are some things to keep in mind. The process hinges on submitting your photo or video in a timely manner—your slot isn’t reserved until you do so—and navigating Times Square’s crowds can be a bit tricky if you’re trying to find the exact billboard. It’s also a premium experience at $150 per person, but for many, the novelty and potential for a great story make it worthwhile.

This tour suits visitors who want a quick, memorable highlight that’s easy to organize. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or just a fun surprise, it’s ideal for travelers who like the idea of a personalized moment on the big screen while exploring NYC.

Key Points

• Iconic Location: The billboard is positioned above the Pele store, across from the TKTS red steps—prime Times Square real estate.
• Flexible Customization: Choose between a group photo or individual uploads, with options for frames and messages like “Happy Birthday” or “Will you marry me?”
• Online Access: Watch your display via a live stream, making it easy for friends and family anywhere to share your moment.
• Timing & Confirmations: You’ll get your assigned time slot within 24 hours, but your spot isn’t reserved until you upload your photo/video.
• Duration & Frequency: Your image appears for 15 seconds every hour, totaling 24 showings across a day, with a guarantee of 22 showtimes.
• Cost & Value: At $150 per person, it’s a pricier way to get a personal spotlight, but reviews suggest it’s a fun, memorable experience worth the cost for many.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Imagine standing in the bustling heart of Times Square, surrounded by bright lights, giant screens, and the buzz of visitors from all over the world. Now, imagine your face or a video you love lighting up one of those colossal billboards for everyone to see. That’s exactly what this experience offers. It’s a simple concept—upload your image, get a time slot, and then enjoy your turn in the spotlight.

The billboard itself is located right above the Pele store, directly across from the well-known TKTS red steps, making it easy to find once you’re in the area. The visibility is fantastic, meaning your moment on the screen is guaranteed to be seen by the thousands of visitors who pass through Times Square daily. You’re not just getting a quick glance; your photo or video will be displayed for 15 seconds every hour, which adds up to 24 opportunities for people to see it in a single day.

One of the best parts? You can choose whether to upload a single photo or video for your group or multiple individual ones if you’re traveling with friends or family. Want to surprise someone? Send them a link so they can watch their moment live. Many reviews highlight how seamless the process was, with some travelers noting how simple it was to upload their images, confirm their time slot, and then enjoy the show.

Custom Frames and Messages

Another thoughtful touch is the option to include a message or custom frame around your image. Whether you want to shout out a birthday, celebrate an achievement, or pop the question, there’s room to add a line of text or a special frame. Several reviews mention how clear and large the screen is, making their messages easy to read from a distance. For example, one reviewer said their collage of six pictures was “very clear and big enough to see all the details,” which is pretty impressive considering the size of Times Square’s billboards.

The Booking and Confirmation Process

Booking is straightforward—choose your date, upload your photo/video, and receive your assigned time slot within 24 hours. Several travelers appreciated how precise the process was; one person noted, “The whole process was very simple and I got the exact times for my picture.” However, it’s important to remember that your slot isn’t truly confirmed until your upload is received, so don’t delay after purchasing your ticket.

If your plans change, you can swap out your photo or video up to 24 hours before your scheduled display, provided you haven’t already been shown on the billboard. This flexibility helps if you want to add a little more polish or change your message last minute.

Viewing the Live Stream

One of the most fun features is the live online stream of the billboard. This means friends and family from around the world can watch your moment in real time, which adds a layer of excitement, especially if loved ones are far away. Several reviews reflect how special this makes the experience—many people shared that their loved ones were thrilled to see their face lighting up Times Square.

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What to Expect on the Day

On the day of your display, timing is important. You’ll want to arrive early, find the billboard, and be ready to spot your image lighting up the screen. Since the billboard is in a busy area, it might take a little patience and careful navigation, especially during peak hours. Still, the reviews suggest that once you find the spot, it’s a quick and easy process to take photos or videos in front of the billboard to capture the moment.

Once your time arrives, your photo or video will display for 15 seconds. Many reviewers noted how quick it was—“don’t blink or you’ll miss it,” as one review mentioned. Afterward, you’re free to enjoy the rest of your day exploring more of Times Square or other NYC sights.

Additional Details

The ticket includes a custom frame, your message, and the online streaming access, making it a well-rounded package. Accessibility is also considered, with the billboard fully accessible and the process designed to cater to different needs.

Cost and Value

At $150 per person, this experience is not cheap, but reviews reveal that many find it worth the expense. For many, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime kind of thing—seeing their face on a billboard in Times Square is a story they’ll share forever. Several users mentioned how easy the process was and how surprised they were by the clarity and professionalism of the display.

However, it’s a premium service, so if you’re on a tight budget or prefer free experiences, this might not be your first choice. But if a memorable, personalized NYC moment is what you’re after, many say it’s entirely worth it.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This experience is perfect for travelers celebrating special occasions—birthdays, proposals, anniversaries—or those who want a fun, personalized souvenir of their trip. It’s also ideal for anyone who enjoys a bit of showbiz or wants their moment of fame in a high-energy, iconic setting. It’s not necessarily geared toward families with young children, but older kids or teenagers who enjoy photos, videos, and surprises will get a kick out of it.

If you’re someone who appreciates a quick but meaningful highlight in your trip and doesn’t mind paying a bit for a memorable experience, this is a solid choice. It’s also great if you want to involve friends and family in your fun, thanks to the live stream.

The Sum Up

For anyone visiting New York City and looking for a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity, this billboard experience offers a blend of simplicity and spectacle. It’s a chance to see yourself in lights, literally, in one of the world’s most famous locations. The process is straightforward, the options for customization are fun, and the online streaming adds a modern touch that keeps friends and family involved.

While the cost might seem high for just 15 seconds of fame each hour, many reviewers feel it’s a small price for such an unforgettable moment. It’s especially suited for those celebrating something special or wanting a unique story to tell. The reviews echo that the staff and organization are efficient, with many travelers praising how easy it was to participate and how much they loved being in the middle of Times Square’s buzz.

If you crave a bit of show-stopping fun and have a message or image to share, this experience is a mini-glam moment you won’t forget. Be prepared for crowds, plan ahead, and enjoy your time in the spotlight—you’ll have a fantastic story to tell long after the trip ends.

FAQ

How long does my photo or video stay on the billboard?
Your image will be displayed for 15 seconds every hour for a total of 24 hours, giving plenty of chances for others to see it.

Do I need to confirm my slot immediately?
No, your slot isn’t reserved until you upload your photo or video. Once you do, your time slot is assigned within 24 hours.

Can I change my photo or video after booking?
Yes, as long as it’s requested at least 24 hours before your scheduled display and your original has not yet been shown.

Where is the billboard located?
It’s above the Pele store, across from the TKTS red steps in Times Square—an easily recognizable spot in the heart of the action.

Will I be able to see my billboard in person?
Absolutely. You can watch it live in Times Square and also view a live stream online, so friends and family can join in from anywhere.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Most reviews don’t specify age restrictions, but given the focus on photos and videos, it’s likely suitable for older children and teens who enjoy photo surprises.

What is included in the ticket price?
Your ticket covers the display of your photo or video for 15 seconds every hour for 24 hours, a custom frame, a line of text if desired, and access to the live stream.

This experience offers a simple but memorable way to be part of the Times Square scene. Perfect for those wanting a fun, personalized NYC story—just remember to prepare your upload early, and keep an eye out when your moment lights up the big screen.

You can check availability for your dates here: