Your photo hits Times Square. For 24 hours, it shows up in the heart of Manhattan with a 15-second run every hour, turning your NYC trip into something people actually talk about later. I like that it’s not a one-and-done moment, and it’s easy to experience right where all the lights are, above the Pelé store and across from the TKTS red steps.

I also like that you get a live stream link so friends and family can watch from anywhere. The one drawback to plan for: the billboard is in the busiest spot in New York, so you’ll want a quick way to find the exact screen and then be ready when your hour rolls around.

Key things to know before you go

• 24 hours of hourly repeats: your photo or video plays for 15 seconds every hour
• Times Square location is very specific: 1560 Broadway, above the Pelé store, across from TKTS
• Make it personal: choose a custom frame and add a short line of text
• One ticket vs group setup: use one ticket for a group photo, or multiple tickets for separate images per person
• You control changes (with limits): you can switch your photo or video up to 24 hours before it displays, as long as it hasn’t already shown
• Technical backup promise: you’re guaranteed 22 showtimes within the 24-hour window if anything glitches

Times Square Billboard: Above Pelé, Across from TKTS

This experience is built around one landmark address: 1560 Broadway, between 46th and 47th Street. The billboard sits above the Pelé store, and it’s directly across from the TKTS red steps—a super helpful anchor when you’re standing in Times Square’s chaos and trying to figure out where to look.

The practical win here is that you don’t need complicated directions or multiple stops. You’re going to one spot, you stand in the right place, and you watch for your hourly showing. It’s a rare “pay for one moment” activity that still gives you time to experience Times Square around it.

And yes, the whole thing is wheelchair accessible, which matters in a place where crowds can get tight fast. Even if you’re not using a chair, it’s a good reminder to plan your route and give yourself a little extra space at your viewing point.

How the 24-Hour Display Works (and Why 15 Seconds Still Feels Big)

Here’s the core mechanic: once your photo or video is approved and scheduled, it will display for 15 seconds every hour for 24 hours on your selected date. That means your moment is spread across the day and night, not trapped in a single time you might miss.

You’ll get confirmation of your assigned time slot within 24 hours. Important detail: your slot isn’t reserved until you submit your file, so don’t buy and then wait days to upload. If you’re planning a surprise, build in time for the upload so you don’t end up scrambling.

There’s also a built-in safety net: you’re guaranteed 22 showtimes within the 24-hour period in case of technical issues. So while the system isn’t magic, it is designed to keep your display going.

Now, about those 15 seconds. It sounds short, but that’s exactly why it works. Times Square is busy. Attention spans here are already quick. A short burst every hour gives you that “blink and it’s gone” feeling, but it also means you’ll likely catch it multiple times in a single day because you can be back at the screen during your time window.

Uploading Your Photo or Video: Frames, Text, and What Gets Rejected

This is a digital-first experience, so the quality of your display comes down to two things: your file and your design choices.

You can upload either a photo or a video, and you can add one custom frame per photo. The framing options include themed styles like Happy Birthday, Congratulations, and Will you marry me. There’s also room for a short line of text within your image or video so you can add something personal that doesn’t fit in a photo alone.

A few file rules are worth taking seriously because they can affect whether your submission gets approved:

• No watermarks, brands, or logos
• No nudity, smoking, or vulgarity
• Avoid anything that looks like advertising, including QR codes, links, or anything that resembles a promo
• Social media links from independent professionals or freelancers get declined

So for best results, treat it like making a clean keepsake for the biggest billboard in the country. If your photo includes a logo from a shirt, a school banner, or a brand watermark, you might want to edit those out before uploading.

If you’re doing a group moment, here’s a key flexibility: there’s no cap on how many people can appear in a single photo. That means you can crowd everyone you care about into one image and still keep it simple with one upload.

Day-Of Game Plan: Find the Spot Fast and Catch Your Hour

On the ground, you’re dealing with two realities: Times Square is crowded, and the billboard is one screen among dozens of screens and signs. So I’d go in with a plan.

1) Choose your target hour(s)

Your display runs every hour, but you’ll likely want to catch at least one showing in person. Pick the hour you’ll realistically be there, and plan to arrive 15 to 20 minutes early. That buffer helps if your group gets separated or you need a minute to orient.

2) Use TKTS and Pelé as your navigation anchors

The quickest way to not waste time is to keep your visual landmarks simple: TKTS red steps across the street, Pelé store right below the billboard area. From Broadway, the billboard is fully accessible, and the live stream is available if you’d rather spot-check from your phone.

3) Don’t blink during your 15 seconds

This part is funny until it happens: the screen changes quickly. If you’re looking away, someone takes a photo of the wrong direction, or you’re talking, your window is gone. The fix is to pick a clear viewing direction, stand still for a minute, and treat your hourly showing like a short theater moment.

One more in-person tip: glare can be a factor under bright Times Square lighting. If you find it hard to see at first from where you’re standing, step a few feet sideways. That small shift can make a big difference between seeing your image clearly and only seeing a bright wash.

Watching the Live Stream: Share the Moment Without Being There

A major value of this experience is that your “audience” isn’t limited to whoever is standing next to you in Times Square. You’ll be able to watch the billboard through a live stream online, and you can share your time slot with friends and family around the world.

This is especially powerful for surprises. Picture this: someone is at the hotel getting dressed, and you’re outside counting down. They don’t have to hear about it later—you can send updates and let people watching at home react in real time. It’s also a nice option if weather hits or if your group needs a break.

Just keep expectations realistic. A live feed may not always show the billboard perfectly from every angle or lighting condition, so if you want the clearest view, the in-person look still tends to win.

Price and Value: Is $150 Worth One 15-Second Moment?

At $150 per person for a 1-day experience, you’re paying for something very specific: a guaranteed spot on a Times Square billboard with repeated visibility for 24 hours. It’s not a museum visit. It’s not a guided tour with multiple stops. It’s a once-in-a-trip “make it real” moment.

So the value comes down to your purpose:

• If you’re celebrating a birthday, engagement, graduation, or anniversary, this can feel like the most direct way to say it in a city that runs on symbolism.
• If you have family spread across time zones, the live stream adds real emotional payoff, not just bragging rights.
• If you’re traveling as a couple and you want one clean, iconic photo moment in NYC, the price is easier to swallow because the outcome is very clear.

Where you might hesitate is if you’re someone who hates planning around specific times. The display is 15 seconds per hour, so you’ll still need to be around when your hour comes. And it can be hard to locate quickly the first time in a packed area.

There’s also a choice that affects how you buy: you can either purchase one ticket for a single group photo, or buy separate tickets so each person can upload their own photo/video. If you’re traveling as a group and want everyone shown separately, costs rise, but the effect can be way funnier and more personal.

Common Snags I’d Plan For Before You Go

This experience is usually smooth, but you can avoid the few friction points with smart timing and simple checks.

• Your viewing hour may land at an odd time

One person noted their slot started at 1 a.m. on the first day. The schedule repeats hourly for 24 hours, but if you care about catching the earliest showing in person, you’ll want to confirm your assigned time slot and align your plans.

• Finding the exact screen can take longer than you expect

Times Square crowds are no joke. Even with a meeting point, you may need a couple extra minutes to spot the screen area above the Pelé store. I recommend building in buffer time, especially if you’re arriving with kids or a larger group.

• Glare and visibility can vary

If you’re watching from a distance or on a phone, bright conditions can make the image harder to read. In-person viewing often works better for clarity.

• Upload timing matters

Some folks found that submitting late can push the display to the next day. If your date matters for a surprise, upload your file as early as you can after purchase. Also remember time zones if you’re coordinating with people back home.

• Double-check dates tied to your booking

On at least one occasion, there was confusion between dates shown in voucher vs email, which led to the image not being displayed on the expected day. If this is a surprise, verify your selected display date early so there are no last-minute surprises of the wrong kind.

Should You Book This Times Square Photo Billboard Moment?

I’d book it if you want a simple, highly visible NYC memory that feels personal. It’s a strong choice for birthdays, milestones, proposals, and family tributes—especially when you want people far away to share the moment through the live stream.

I wouldn’t book it if you hate planning around exact timing, or if you’re mainly looking for a “hands-off” activity where you wander and it happens to you. Here, you’re creating the moment and showing up for it. That’s the deal.

If you do book, your best strategy is straightforward: upload early, keep your file clean and logo-free, and arrive a bit before your target hour so you can stand still and catch your 15 seconds of fame.

FAQ

How long will my photo or video show on the billboard?

Your photo or video displays for 15 seconds every hour for 24 hours on your selected date.

Where exactly is the billboard located in Times Square?

It’s at 1560 Broadway between 46th and 47th St, above the Pelé store, and directly across the street from the TKTS red steps.

Can I see the billboard online, or do I need to be there in person?

You can view the billboard through a live stream online, and you can also see it in person at the location above.

Do I get multiple showings during the 24 hours?

Yes. It repeats every hour for 24 hours, and you’re guaranteed 22 showtimes within that window if there are technical difficulties.

What’s included with my ticket?

You get one photo or video display, a custom frame, and a line of text for display.

Can I buy tickets so each person shows a different photo?

Yes. You can buy one ticket for a group photo, or buy separate tickets per person if you want different uploads.

How do I choose the framing and text for the display?

You’ll select a custom frame for your photo, and you can include a short line of text that appears with your submission.

Are there restrictions on what my photo or video can contain?

Yes. Files can’t include watermarks, brands, or logos, and they can’t include nudity, smoking, or vulgarity. Submissions may also be declined if they resemble advertising (like QR codes or links).

When do I get my assigned time slot, and when is it reserved?

You receive your assigned time slot within 24 hours after purchase. Your slot isn’t reserved until you submit your photo or video, so don’t wait too long to upload.

Can I change my photo or video after buying?

You can change it, as long as your update is requested 24 hours in advance of your display date and your photo or video has not already been shown.