Introduction
Our review explores an unusual way to get a piece of the spotlight in New York City—by having your photo or video displayed on a Times Square billboard for an entire day. This experience isn’t just a selfie opportunity; it’s a chance to create a lasting memory in the “Crossroads of the World” that will wow friends and family alike. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, proposing, or just want to see yourself in the bright lights, this tour offers a blend of fun and authenticity that few other attractions can match.
What we love most about this experience is how simple and accessible it is—no complicated schedules or long lines, just a straightforward process to share your message with the world. Plus, the fact that your image will be featured every hour for 24 hours means you’re guaranteed plenty of chances to catch a glimpse of yourself on the big screen. One thing to keep in mind is that the location can be tricky to find amidst the bustling crowds and towering billboards, so arriving early and with clear directions helps.
This experience suits travelers who want a fun, personalized moment in NYC without the hassle of traditional tours. It’s perfect for those celebrating milestones or anyone eager to add a little Hollywood-style sparkle to their trip.
You can check availability for your dates here:
👉 Check out our guide to the 3 Best Craft Beer Tours And Tastings In New York City
Contents
- Introduction
- Key Points
- What the Experience Entails
- How Does the Display Work?
- Watching Your Moment
- The Allure of the Billboard and Location
- Authentic Experiences and Traveler Insights
- Practical Details and Tips
- Who Will Love This Experience?
- The Sum Up
- FAQ
- Our Top Picks in New York City
- More Tour Reviews in New York City
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in New York City we have recnetly reviewed
Key Points
- Unique NYC Highlight: Your photo or video displayed on a Times Square billboard for 24 hours.
- Flexible Options: Single or group tickets, with custom frames and messages.
- Guaranteed Showtimes: 22 showings in 24 hours, even if technical issues occur.
- Live Online Stream: Share your moment with friends and family worldwide.
- Simple Booking Process: Easy to reserve, change, and confirm your slot.
- Accessible Location: Positioned above the Pele Store, across from the TKTS red steps.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in New York City.
What the Experience Entails
This tour offers a chance to see yourself in lights, quite literally, in the heart of New York’s most famous square. It begins with selecting your preferred photo or video to upload. You can choose a simple shot, a collage, or even a quick message—think “Happy Birthday” or “Will you marry me?”—to add a personal touch. Once your image is submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation of your allocated time slot within 24 hours. This is crucial because your spot isn’t reserved until your file is uploaded, so don’t delay.
The billboard is located at 1560 Broadway, above the Pele Store and directly across from the TKTS red steps. It’s a busy spot, so expect some bustling crowds, but the view of the famous Times Square billboards is spectacular. You can watch the live stream online, so those back home or waiting in your hotel can share in the excitement.
How Does the Display Work?
Your photo or video will appear on the billboard for 15 seconds, once every hour, for a full 24 hours. That means a total of 22 guaranteed showings, even if technical glitches occur. It’s a surprisingly simple process: once your upload is complete and your time is set, all that’s left is to wait and enjoy.
If you’re traveling with a group or want to include multiple people, you can purchase multiple tickets for individual displays or a single photo with everyone in it. The experience is flexible, allowing for a short message or a creative frame, giving your display a little extra personality.
Watching Your Moment
Once your slot arrives, you can be there in person to see your face light up the giant billboard. Many reviews mention how “easy it was to find the location,” though some advise arriving early to avoid confusion in the crowded streets. Watching your image go live is a thrill, especially with the added bonus that you can share the live stream with friends and family around the world.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Allure of the Billboard and Location
The billboard itself is a prominent fixture above Times Square, a spot that sees millions of visitors annually. Being featured here is no small feat—it’s a symbol of the city’s vibrant, larger-than-life personality. It’s a perfect way to mark a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary, but it also works just as well for a surprise proposal or a memorable gift.
The location right above the Pele Store, facing the TKTS red steps, makes it easy to find if you’re familiar with Times Square’s layout. Still, because of the area’s congestion, some reviews mention that finding the exact spot can be challenging without proper directions. A helpful tip is to arrive early, have your confirmation ready, and use landmarks to guide you.
Authentic Experiences and Traveler Insights
The reviews paint a picture of how this experience genuinely resonates. Travelers from Australia, Luxembourg, Germany, the UK, and across the US have all shared how “surprising” and “easy” the process was. Many appreciated how quick and straightforward the booking was, emphasizing the convenience of getting your window of time confirmed within a day.
Numerous reviewers mention the joy of surprising loved ones—”my daughter was amazed to see her face on the billboard,” says one—and highlight the stunning views of Times Square’s neon spectacle. One guest even noted that “the size of the billboard is big enough to see all the pictures clearly,” which is a relief for those wanting their message to be understood.
The value for $150 per person is generally regarded as a good deal for such a unique, personalized experience. Compared to traditional sightseeing tickets, this isn’t just about observing; it’s about being part of the city’s iconic landscape. Several reviews reference the professionalism of the process and the timely execution, making it a stress-free addition to a busy day of sightseeing.
Practical Details and Tips
Timing can make or break your experience. Since your slot isn’t guaranteed until your upload is processed, it’s wise to submit your photo or video at least 24 hours in advance. Changing your file is allowed up to 24 hours before your scheduled display, offering flexibility.
The indoor or outdoor accessibility of the billboard is not specified, but given its location, you’ll want to stand nearby to catch your moment in person. Arriving early helps avoid missing out on your spot and reduces stress in the crowded Times Square environment.
The price at $150 per person is reasonable, especially considering the extra personalized touches like custom frames or messages. Multiple tickets can be purchased for groups, making it a fun activity to share with friends or family.
Who Will Love This Experience?
This tour is ideal for celebrating special moments—birthdays, anniversaries, marriage proposals, or milestones—where dramatic visuals matter. It’s also perfect for families wanting a memorable souvenir of their trip or anyone who enjoys a bit of showbiz glitz.
Travelers who enjoy lighthearted, unconventional activities will find this a delightful addition to their NYC itinerary. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate authentic, fun experiences rather than traditional museum visits or guided tours.
However, keep in mind that the bustling environment means you should be patient and prepared for some crowd navigation. If you want guaranteed time and certainty, be sure to plan ahead and arrive early.
The Sum Up
This Times Square billboard experience offers more than just a photo—it’s a moment of genuine connection with one of the world’s most iconic locations. For $150, you can get a custom display to share your message and enjoy 24 hours of visibility. It’s a fun, simple way to make your NYC trip stand out and create a story worth retelling.
Whether celebrating a birthday, proposing, or just wanting a personalized keepsake, this activity delivers a unique mix of authenticity and entertainment. Its ease of booking, positive reviews, and the chance to see yourself in the city’s brightest setting make it a worthwhile addition to many travelers’ itineraries.
If you’re looking for a fun, memorable experience that’s both personal and iconic, this billboard display is a smart choice. It’s best suited for those who want a creative twist on sightseeing and are comfortable navigating crowds for a short moment of fame.
NYC: See Yourself on a Times Square Billboard for 24 Hours
“Thank you so much for providing this amazing deal! It not only surprised my wife, but it also amazed our friends and family with the live feed. The…”
FAQ
- How long will my photo or video be displayed on the billboard? Your file will appear for 15 seconds every hour for 24 hours.
- Can I change my photo or video after submitting it? Yes, as long as you request the change 24 hours in advance of your display date and your file has not yet been shown.
- Where exactly is the billboard located? It’s located above the Pele Store at 1560 Broadway, directly across from the TKTS red steps.
- How do I know my time slot? You’ll receive a confirmation within 24 hours after submitting your file, which will include your specific showtime.
- Is the stream of the billboard available online? Yes, you can watch the live stream online, sharing your moment with friends anywhere.
- Are there group options? Yes, you can purchase multiple tickets for individual photos or videos, or one for a group shot.
- How much does it cost? The experience is priced at $150 per person.
- Is it accessible for wheelchair users? Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible.
- What is included in the package? Your display, a custom frame, and a line of text for messaging.
- What if I miss my time slot? While unlikely, there are 22 guaranteed showings in case of technical difficulties, but punctuality helps ensure you don’t miss your moment.
This experience offers a chance to bring your NYC trip to life in a way few other activities can. It’s a playful, memorable, and highly shareable moment that adds a dash of Hollywood glamor to your visit.
You can check availability for your dates here:
