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

This unique experience lets you see yourself on a billboard in the heart of Times Square, New York City’s most iconic and bustling spot. While we haven’t tried it ourselves, many travelers find it adds a memorable highlight to their trip—especially when they’re celebrating a special occasion or want a truly one-of-a-kind souvenir.

We love the way it combines modern pop culture with a personal touch, giving you a chance to shine on the “Crossroads of the World.” The ability to watch your display live online, along with the flexible options for group photos or individual messages, makes this a playful, memorable activity.

One consideration? Finding the exact location can be tricky amidst Times Square’s crowds, so arriving early or with a guide in hand might save you some hassle. This tour suits visitors who want something fun, Instagram-worthy, and a little different from the typical sightseeing. It’s perfect for celebrating milestones, family groups, or anyone eager to see themselves on the big screen.

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Key Points

Personalized displays: Upload your own photo or video for a 15-second feature every hour for 24 hours.
Flexible options: One ticket can include a group photo or multiple individual displays.
Online and in-person: Watch your billboard live via a stream and see it in person above the Pele store.
Customizable frames/messages: Choose from standard or message-based frames like “Happy Birthday”.
Easy to share: Receive your assigned time slot within 24 hours and share it with friends and family globally.
Accessibility: Fully accessible from Broadway; suitable for most travelers including those in wheelchairs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

How the Experience Works

Imagine walking into Times Square, one of the most lively, glittering places on earth, and knowing your face or message will be illuminated on a giant billboard. That’s the core of this tour: a blend of modern technology, personal expression, and a dash of Hollywood glamor.

Location-wise, the billboard hangs above the Pele store, directly across from the famed TKTS red steps. It’s in the thick of Times Square’s vibrant atmosphere, so expect a lot of hustle and bustle. The exact meeting point is straightforward for those familiar with Broadway, but because of Times Square’s size, some travelers have noted that finding the billboard can be tricky. Arriving early, or asking a friendly local or guide, can make it easier.

Booking and timing are flexible; your spot isn’t reserved until you submit your photo or video. After purchase, you’ll get a confirmation with your specific time slot within 24 hours. This allows you to coordinate with friends, family, or social media, sharing your livestream link and building anticipation.

The display itself lasts for 15 seconds every hour, totaling 24 appearances over the day. Reviewers mention that this is enough to see your face light up the big screen multiple times, making it a fun spectacle to catch in person or via the live stream.

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The Photos, Videos, and Frames

Customizing your billboard moment is part of the fun. You can upload a photo or short video with no watermarks, logos, or vulgar content. Many travelers opt for personal messages or celebration frames—think “Happy Birthday,” “Congratulations,” or even proposals like “Will You Marry Me?” — adding extra meaning to the display.

One traveler shared that her daughter’s 17th birthday was celebrated with this display, describing it as “such a beautiful tribute.” Others have used it for milestone birthdays or family reunions, with reviews highlighting how special and memorable these moments felt.

If you’re traveling with a group, you can get multiple tickets—each person can upload their own photo or video, allowing everyone a chance to shine. There’s no cap on the number of people in a photo, so you could create a group shot or a message that includes everyone.

Watching Your Moment in Real Time and Online

One of the biggest perks of this activity is the ability to watch your billboard in real time via a live stream. This means friends and family anywhere in the world can see your face up in lights as it happens—an excellent way to involve loved ones far away, especially if you’re celebrating a special event.

Many visitors mention how exciting it was to see their photos display multiple times throughout the day, with some waiting eagerly for the next hour’s show. Reviewers note that the online stream is reliable, and it’s a fun way to feel connected to the moment even if you’re not in Times Square.

Is the Price Worth It?

At $150 per person, this experience is a bit of an indulgence but can feel well worth it for the memories created. When considering the cost, think about the lasting value: a personal moment on one of the world’s most famous billboards, shared with friends and family, and a story that’s hard to beat.

For many, the personalized message and the thrill of seeing themselves in Times Square outweigh the expense, especially if you’re celebrating a milestone or simply want a unique souvenir from NYC. The flexibility to change your photo/video up to 24 hours in advance, as well as the option to upload multiple times, adds to the overall value.

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Authentic Experiences from Reviewers

Several travelers have shared how meaningful this experience was. One mentioned it was “a tribute to my daughter for her 17th birthday,” emphasizing the emotional impact of seeing her photo on the big screen. Others found it “so much fun” to catch their image multiple times, noting the excitement of the timing.

Some reviews highlight the ease of the process—“easy process, and so much fun,” says a visitor who loved watching her son’s face light up on the billboard. A few reviewers pointed out minor inconveniences, such as the difficulty in locating the billboard amidst Times Square’s crowds or slight glare on the display, but overall, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive.

Guide knowledge was also appreciated—reviewers mentioned friendly staff who helped with the process, making it smoother despite the busy location.

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Practical Details and Tips

Timing: Your slot is allocated within 24 hours of booking, so plan ahead if you have a specific time in mind.
Photo submission: Submit your photo or video promptly; the display isn’t reserved until you do, and changes are possible if requested 24 hours in advance.
Location: The billboard is above the Pele store, easily visible from Broadway, but be prepared for crowds.
Accessibility: Fully accessible from Broadway, suitable for travelers with mobility needs.
Online stream: Share the live stream link with friends so they can watch the moment unfold, adding to the fun.
Group options: Multiple tickets allow each person or group to upload a personalized message or image, enhancing the experience for families or couples.

This activity offers a playful, meaningful twist on traditional sightseeing—giving you a chance to be a part of Times Square’s iconic landscape. It’s particularly well-suited for those celebrating birthdays, engagements, or special milestones, but even solo travelers love the novelty of seeing their face in lights.

It’s a simple, relatively affordable way to create a lasting memory and share it with loved ones worldwide. The ability to customize your message, see the display live, and watch it online makes for a well-rounded experience that balances fun, personal significance, and a dash of Hollywood glamour.

While finding the billboard might require a little patience amidst Times Square’s crowds, most travelers say it’s absolutely worth it. The combination of a personal photo, the lively atmosphere, and the chance for multiple sightings throughout the day makes it a memorable highlight of any New York City adventure.

FAQ

How do I reserve my spot for the billboard display?
You make your reservation by booking online and submitting your photo or video. Your slot isn’t confirmed until your content is received.

Can I change my photo or video after booking?
Yes, you can update your content anytime up to 24 hours before your scheduled display, as long as it hasn’t already been shown.

Is the display happening every hour?
Yes, your photo or video will appear for 15 seconds once every hour for 24 hours, ensuring multiple chances to see it in person or online.

Where exactly is the billboard located?
It’s above the Pele store, in the heart of Times Square, across from the TKTS red steps, making it easy to spot with a little direction.

What if I don’t see my display at the scheduled time?
You are guaranteed at least 22 showings within 24 hours, so minor technical difficulties shouldn’t spoil the experience.

Is this experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the billboard location is accessible from Broadway and suitable for travelers with mobility needs.

This experience turns a typical sightseeing day into a fun, personalized adventure. Perfect for celebrating, capturing a moment, or simply enjoying the spectacle of Times Square, it promises a light-hearted, memorable addition to your NYC trip.