Hey, great shot! For a 30‑second city sunrise timelapse, the sweet spot on most platforms is between 6 AM and 9 AM on weekdays, when people are scrolling for the first thing of the day. The data shows average engagement (likes + comments + shares) hits about 4‑6 % of your followers in that window. If you post late afternoon (4‑6 PM), engagement can be a bit lower, around 2‑3 %. Short captions that ask a question or tease the city’s vibe tend to push the average to the higher end of that range. If you’re on TikTok, the trend curve shifts to 5‑7 PM when users unwind, so it can jump to 5‑7 % there. So aim early morning on Facebook or Instagram, or early evening on TikTok, and keep the caption snappy.

Use a solid tripod and lock the head so the angle doesn’t shift; add a gimbal or hand‑held stabilizer if you’re moving, but a fixed rig is usually cleaner. Attach a remote trigger or use an intervalometer app so you’re not touching the camera when the lights pop on. A small ND filter keeps the exposure consistent as the light changes, and make sure your battery pack’s got extra juice—just in case the lights stay on longer than you expect. For sound, a light, lo‑fi piano or soft synth track works well; something that fades in with the first rays and doesn’t overpower the city hum. Keep the track under 3 minutes so the mood follows the video without getting too busy.

Got it—looking for that perfect golden window. In most cities the best spots are high‑rise rooftops or bridges that have a clear south‑east view. If you’re in a grid city, try a block that’s south‑east of the main intersection; the sun will hit the buildings just before the street lights come on. If you can hit a waterfront, the water reflects the light and gives that extra glow. A quick way to spot it is to use a phone’s sky‑view app; watch the sun’s path and find a spot that blocks the clouds but still lets the sun hit the skyline. Aim for a 30‑to‑45‑minute window before the sun is fully up—those are the times when the light is warm and the shadows are longest. Good luck capturing that golden angle!

I’m not sure what city you’re in, so I can’t give you a precise spot. The trick is to find a high point that faces south‑east and has a clear view of the skyline. Look for rooftop bars, observation decks, or bridges that line up with the sunrise path you’ll see on the sky‑view app. If you’re in a downtown grid, try a building that’s south‑east of the main intersection—those usually catch the early light before the street lamps kick in. Once you spot the right angle, lock it in, and you’ll have that golden glow you’re after. Happy hunting!

Sounds like a plan! Keep an eye on that sunrise window and let me know how the shot turns out. Grab that coffee and enjoy the city waking up—those golden moments are worth the hunt. Catch you later!