Turning heads in Times Square takes one thing.

This is a simple, high-impact NYC moment: you submit a photo or video, then your image plays for 15 seconds every hour for 24 hours on a major Times Square billboard above the Pele store, directly across from the TKTS red steps. It is built for celebrations, and it is the kind of gift that makes everyone back home stop and look.

Two things I really like about it. First, the 24-hour run means you are not betting everything on one perfect timing window. Second, you can add a custom frame and a line of text, so it feels more like a real birthday or anniversary message than just a random selfie on a screen. One possible drawback to plan for is that your booking depends on submitting your media and getting it approved, so you should not treat it like a guaranteed “upload any file and it will instantly run” situation.

Key highlights before you commit

• Hour-by-hour display for 24 hours: your content runs for 15 seconds every hour through the full 24-hour period.
• Prime Times Square placement: above the Pele store, opposite the TKTS red steps, right by 1560 Broadway.
• Personalization options: add a custom frame and include a line of text on your photo or video.
• One ticket, one submission: one ticket lets you submit 1 photo or video with one or more people in the image.
• Approval comes after you submit: your photo or video must be approved before it appears.
• Small group cap: the activity has a maximum of 240 travelers, which keeps things from feeling chaotic.

A Times Square billboard birthday is different, and that is the point

A lot of NYC experiences are about seeing something impressive. This one is about being the thing people see.

Here, your content is designed to get noticed in the loudest, most famous public theater in the U.S. That matters because the best part is not just the billboard itself. It is the moment when you and your people realize your image is actually up there, in real time, while you are walking around Times Square.

And it is not limited to one narrow “catch it once” window. Since your image shows 15 seconds every hour, you get multiple chances to spot it while you are out and about, and you are giving friends and family repeated moments to see it from afar too.

Who is this for? If you are celebrating a birthday, engagement, job promotion, anniversary, graduation, or just wanting a funny “we made it to NYC” memory, this works. It also works for quieter emotional occasions, too, because the format supports a clear message. One heartfelt example from real use: people have used it to honor someone they love on a significant date.

Timing in real life: the “every hour” schedule

Let us talk timing, because this is what makes or breaks the vibe.

Your image appears for 15 seconds every hour for 24 hours. The hours shown run during the operating window listed for the activity, 12:00 AM to 11:30 PM daily (for the date range shown on the schedule). In practice, that means the billboard is active across the day and night, and you have several chances to see your content during your NYC time.

Here is the practical part: you will likely want to plan to be in or near the meeting area for at least a couple hours on the day your content goes live. Several people emphasize that the best effect happens when you catch it yourself, not only through later memories.

Also, do not assume you will see it the instant you arrive. Even when the billboard runs every hour, your content may play at a specific minute past the hour. That is why it helps to show up early enough to catch at least one cycle, then hang around for another if you want the “wait and watch” payoff.

Where it happens: 1560 Broadway, above Pele, by TKTS

This is one of those rare NYC attractions where location is not just a detail, it is the whole product.

The meeting point is 1560 Broadway, New York, NY 10036. The billboard is positioned above the Pele store and directly across from the iconic TKTS red steps. That means you are not hunting in a maze. Times Square is busy, but the landmarks are obvious once you are there.

Why I think this location is a big value: it lets you turn the billboard moment into part of a normal Times Square day. You can walk out with your group, take photos near the steps, do a quick loop around the area, then check the billboard again later without needing extra transportation.

It also helps that Times Square is built for walking. If you are using public transit, you should find this area convenient, and the activity notes it is near public transportation.

What you can submit: photo, video, and the text and frame add-on

At its core, this is a content submission experience. You get to decide how your message looks on a giant display.

Here is what the ticket allows:

• One ticket lets you submit 1 photo or video
• That submission can include one or more people
• You can buy multiple tickets if you want separate messages or multiple groups

You can also customize the presentation:

• Add a custom frame
• Add a line of text on your image or video

That customization is more than decoration. It is what makes the difference between “we were on a billboard” and “we made a real celebration message.” A clear text line helps the moment land fast, even for people passing by without context.

If you are choosing between a photo and a video, consider how you want it to read from the street. A still photo often feels easiest to recognize quickly. A video can feel fun and modern, but you will want your clip to look good at billboard scale. The good news is you are only submitting one piece of media per ticket, so it is not an overwhelming editing task.

Price and value: is $150 per person reasonable?

Let us be honest. $150 per person is not a cheap add-on. You are paying for a premium real estate moment in Times Square, plus production and scheduling to get your image on the screen.

So when does it feel like good value?

• When this is a true once-in-a-while celebration. A 9th birthday, 21st birthday, anniversary, or a major trip milestone can justify the spend because the memory has a clear emotional payoff.
• When you have enough people involved to make the surprise worthwhile. Since one submission can include multiple people, you can often make one ticket work for a group photo moment rather than needing separate tickets for everyone in the image.
• When you care about the shareability. The content is designed to be seen, discussed, and replayed. Even if you do not stay near the screen the entire day, your message still runs.

On the flip side, it might feel overpriced if you are just looking for a quick novelty and you do not plan to spend time near the billboard. This works best when you treat it like a real plan, not a last-minute “maybe we will catch it.”

Also, the activity notes it is often booked about 23 days in advance on average. That does not guarantee availability for your date, but it is a hint that this is not the kind of thing you want to wait until the last minute to organize.

The “day of” experience: what to do when you arrive

Your start and end location is the same area, around 1560 Broadway. The schedule is listed as about 1 day for the activity.

In real-world terms, the day is less about a long guided itinerary and more about timing your visit to the billboard area. Here is a simple way to think about it:

1. Arrive near the meeting point and get your bearings around Times Square.
2. Find the exact billboard spot above the Pele store, across from the TKTS red steps.
3. Stay nearby for a couple of hourly cycles so you can actually see your content run.

Then, even after you leave, your content continues to play for the full 24-hour period. That is the big “time advantage” you are buying. You are not locked into one short viewing window.

A practical bonus: if you are on an NYC day tour or walking route, the billboard is in a part of Times Square where lots of other sightseeing happens. People have described getting the surprise on a nearby bus route, which suggests the area naturally supports repeated passing-by moments.

Potential snags, and how to avoid the common ones

The billboard format is fun, but it is also precise. A couple things can trip people up.

1) Approval depends on your submission

One key consideration is that your booking will not be fully confirmed until after you submit your photo or video and it gets approved. That means you should complete your submission promptly and follow the instructions you receive. If you leave it too close to your chosen timeframe, you risk delays that can affect whether it runs as planned.

2) Livestream expectations

Do not assume there is a livestream or webcam feed you can watch all day. One issue reported was disappointment after expecting the content to show via an online feed. The provider response states the billboard option selected did not offer a livestream option, so plan your viewing with the assumption that being in the area at the right time is the main way to see it.

3) More than one billboard screen

A separate note from real use indicates your media might be assigned to a second billboard screen on Times Square, and that a live stream may not display that secondary screen. The takeaway is simple: if you are watching a feed, it may not match the exact physical screen you are viewing in person. When it matters, be there.

4) Instruction confusion about exact timing

Some people found the instructions confusing before they paid, especially about how and when the content appears within each hour. Once you receive the confirmation details, the timing should become clearer. Still, if you want the best surprise effect, keep your schedule flexible enough to hang around for a bit.

Is this worth it for a group or a big celebration?

If you are celebrating with family or friends, this can be a standout memory because your message can include multiple people in one submission.

One ticket supports a photo or video with one or more people, so you can do:

• a family group photo moment
• a couple’s anniversary portrait
• a friend group snapshot for a milestone
• a solo tribute if you are focusing on one person’s story

Also, since you can buy as many tickets as you want, it is possible to create multiple messages for different people or different scenes during the same overall Times Square visit. That flexibility is great if two friends have birthdays close together or if you want one message and one spare version.

Just remember: the “quality” of the surprise is tied to timing. If you are using it as a planned moment, give yourself enough time to stand near the billboard for at least one or two showings.

Who should book the Times Square billboard moment

Book it if you want:

• A visible, emotional surprise that people can point to immediately
• A birthday or anniversary memory you can replay for a day
• A fun way to add a special layer to a Times Square day that is already on your schedule
• A keepsake that feels like real NYC bragging rights, without needing fancy camera skills

Consider skipping it if:

• You cannot be near Times Square during at least part of the display window
• You are worried about livestream access
• You are looking for a guided tour or deep itinerary. This is primarily a billboard content experience, centered on location and timing

Should you book this 15 seconds of fame?

Here is my straight answer: yes, if this is a meaningful date and you can plan to be nearby.

This experience shines when you treat it like a deliberate event. The price is high, but the payoff is also high because it gives you something tangible and shareable in the most famous setting in the city.

If your goal is a casual souvenir, you can probably find cheaper NYC photo spots. But if your goal is a real surprise moment that turns your group into the headline for a day, this is one of the most focused ways to do it. Just submit your media early, read your instructions, and plan for in-person viewing since livestream is not guaranteed for every billboard option.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the Times Square billboard experience?

The meeting point is 1560 Broadway, New York, NY 10036, USA. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What does one $150 ticket include?

One ticket lets you submit 1 photo or video that can include one or more people. You can also add a custom frame and a line of text to your image or video.

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

Your photo or video appears for 15 seconds every hour for 24 hours.

Is there a livestream so friends can watch online?

A livestream option is not available for at least one billboard selection, so you should not plan on a guaranteed livestream for your content. If you want to be sure, plan to see it in person near the billboard.

Where exactly in Times Square is the billboard located?

The billboard is positioned above the Pele store and directly across from the TKTS red steps.

When will my booking be confirmed?

Your booking will be confirmed until you submit your photo or video and it has been approved. In other words, approval after submission matters for your content to run.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.