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

Imagine standing in the middle of Times Square, the neon-lit heart of New York City, and seeing your face or message light up a giant billboard for an entire day. For $150 per person, this experience offers a chance to be part of the city’s vibrant energy in a way few get to enjoy—your photo or video flashes every hour for 15 seconds, visible to thousands of visitors and online viewers alike. The experience lasts just one day, but the memories last much longer.

What we love about this experience is how simple and accessible it is—there’s no complicated itinerary, just a straightforward way to create a lasting NYC moment. Plus, the ability to customize your display with messages, images, and even short texts makes it feel personal. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the need for timely submission of your photo or video to lock in your preferred time slot, which means planning ahead is key.

This experience is perfect for anyone celebrating a special occasion—birthdays, anniversaries, proposals—or travelers who want a unique souvenir of their trip. If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing your face on one of the most famous billboards in the world, this is a fun and memorable way to do so.

Key Points

• Iconic Location: The billboard is located in the very heart of Times Square at 1560 Broadway, right above the Pele Store and across from the TKTS Red Steps.
• Flexible Personalization: You can upload a photo or video, choose custom frames, and add a short message or phrase.
• Hourly Exposure: Your image will be displayed for 15 seconds every hour over a full 24-hour period, with guaranteed 22 showtimes even if there are technical issues.
• Online Viewing: Besides seeing your moment in person, friends and family worldwide can watch the live stream online.
• Ease of Booking: The process is simple—upload your content, get your assigned time, and enjoy the surprise factor.
• Ideal for Celebrations: Many reviews highlight how perfect this is for surprises, birthdays, or marking special moments with a big splash in NYC.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Location and Visibility

The billboard placement is unbeatable, sitting above the Pele Store and directly across from the well-known TKTS Red Steps. This prime spot guarantees high foot traffic and views, making your photo or video highly visible. The location is easy to find, right on Broadway between 46th and 47th Streets, and accessible from all directions. If you’re navigating in the chaos of Times Square, the consistent feedback from travelers is that it’s straightforward to find once you know where to look, but a detailed map or guide might help prevent some wandering.

How It Works

We loved the clarity of the process. After purchasing your ticket—costing $150 per person—you’ll upload your photo or video. The platform allows for customization, including frames with messages like “Happy Birthday” or “Will You Marry Me?” and a short line of text to share your message. Once uploaded, your slot isn’t booked until your content is submitted, so early preparation is recommended.

Your assigned time slot comes within 24 hours, and you’ll get a confirmation. The actual display lasts 15 seconds every hour over 24 hours, providing multiple chances for your face or message to shine on the big screen. Even if technical difficulties occur, you’re guaranteed at least 22 showtimes.

Personalization and Messages

What makes this experience special is the ability to personalize your display. Several reviews mention how seamless the upload process was, especially when creating collages or adding messages. For example, one family created a collage of six photos, which was clearly visible on the billboard—a delightful surprise for everyone involved.

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Watching in Real-Time and Online

While you’ll be in the crowd, eager to catch your moment, you can also watch the live stream online, allowing friends and family worldwide to be part of your NYC adventure. Several reviewers appreciated being able to share their moment in real-time, adding to the event’s excitement.

The Impact and Value

At $150, some might consider this a splurge, but many reviews confirm it’s worth every penny for the joy and surprise it provides. As one traveler from Australia noted, it was a “memorable moment”, perfect for surprising loved ones. Others appreciated how easy and stress-free the booking process was, with many describing the experience as “smooth” and “well-organized.”

Practical Considerations

A key tip from reviewers is to submit your content at least 24 hours in advance to ensure your preferred time slot. If you miss your window, you might need to wait a bit longer or adjust your plans. Also, the location can be tricky to pinpoint, especially in a crowded Times Square, so arriving early or using a map app can be helpful.

Who Will Love It?

This tour is best suited for celebrators—those marking birthdays, anniversaries, proposals—or anyone wanting a fun, attention-grabbing souvenir of their trip. It’s also perfect for travelers who love sharing moments online and enjoy a bit of spectacle. From families to couples, the reviews show wide appeal, especially for those who want an authentic and memorable NYC experience without a lengthy tour or complex itinerary.

A Thorough Breakdown of the Experience

Itinerary and Timing

The entire process begins with booking online, choosing your date, and uploading your photo or video. Once confirmed, you’ll receive your time slot within 24 hours. On the day of your display, you simply arrive in Times Square and await your moment.

The display itself lasts only 15 seconds per hour—but that adds up to 24 chances to see your face lit up in the city that never sleeps. The guaranteed 22 showings provide peace of mind, even if minor technical issues arise.

Location Details

The billboard’s central position makes it easy to find, but be prepared for the crowds and bright lights. The billboard is directly above the Pele Store, across from the TKTS Red Steps—famous landmarks that help you orient yourself.

Experience on the Day

Once your slot arrives, you watch the big screen as your photo or video flashes. Many reviewers mention how excited and surprised friends and family are when they see their moment on the billboard. Some have even managed to get photos and videos of their own, which adds to the fun.

Customization Options

The platform offers a variety of frames and messages, allowing you to tailor your display to the occasion. Whether it’s a simple photo, a collage, or a message like “Happy Birthday,” the options are flexible and easy to use.

Watching the Live Stream

Your friends who can’t be in NYC can watch online, adding a virtual element to the shared experience. This feature is especially popular among those celebrating special milestones or surprises, as noted in many reviews.

Cost and Value

For $150, you get 24 hours of exposure—a remarkable value considering the iconic location and the fun of being part of Times Square’s hustle and bustle. Several reviewers pointed out that the experience is well worth the price, especially when celebrating a special event.

Accessibility and Flexibility

The experience is wheelchair accessible and flexible with rescheduling or changing your content as long as the request is made 24 hours in advance. This flexibility helps accommodate last-minute surprises or adjustments.

Final Thoughts

This experience offers a charming blend of personal expression and NYC iconography, making it an unforgettable addition to your trip. It’s a fun, straightforward way to create a lasting memory or surprise loved ones with a moment in the spotlight.

While it’s not a full-day tour or sightseeing excursion, it complements a day exploring Times Square and nearby attractions. The process is transparent, the location is unbeatable, and the customization options let you make your moment uniquely yours.

If you’re celebrating something special or just want a memorable story to tell, this is a light, joyful experience that won’t disappoint. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy sharing their adventures online and appreciate the thrill of seeing their face lit up in one of the world’s most famous locations.

FAQ

How long does my photo or video display last?
Your content will light up the billboard for 15 seconds every hour over a 24-hour period. You have at least 22 showtimes guaranteed, even if there are technical issues.

Where exactly is the billboard located?
It’s situated above the Pele Store and across from the TKTS Red Steps, in the heart of Times Square at 1560 Broadway between 46th and 47th Streets.

Can I customize my display?
Yes, you can choose one custom frame and add a short message or text. Many options include celebratory phrases like “Happy Birthday” or personal messages.

What’s the process for booking and confirming my slot?
After purchasing your ticket, you upload your photo or video. Your time slot is confirmed within 24 hours, and you’ll receive a notification. Remember, your slot isn’t reserved until you upload your content.

Is the experience accessible for everyone?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible and designed to be straightforward for all visitors.

Can I change my photo or video after booking?
Absolutely. You can update your content at any time—as long as it’s 24 hours before your scheduled display.

If you’re looking for a fun, personal connection to the heart of New York City, this billboard experience offers a lighthearted yet meaningful way to be part of Times Square. Whether for a special occasion or just to mark your trip in a truly unique way, it’s a small adventure that leaves a big impression.

You can check availability for your dates here: