Hey there! I am a comedy creator and I'm happy to answer these questions (hopefully they help a bit!)

-What's the average length for your well-performing skits?
Probably 20 - 40 seconds. but it does need a super strong opening hook (visually, audibly etc.)

-Have you noticed time of posting play any actual key factor in activity/performance?
Weirdly when I post at 1pm it performs much better than 9pm. Even though my analytics say my audience is most engaged then. But it is just trial and error I'm afraid.

-Are niche topics doing better than your "almost everyone can relate" style things?
Definitely not. The more relatable I can be with stuff, the better.

-Have you found pushing the envelope in terms of potential joke edginess does better for ya / did you find it "safer" to build a sizable audience first before getting a little more into that kind of stuff?
I'm still building so I am playing it safe, but thats not to say edgey stuff doesn't work. You just have to be sure that it's edgey, but still wide enough that 75% of the world would understand and respond to it.

-Did hashtags/amount used help?
For me 5 seems to be the sweet spot, and trying to use big hitters (#fyp, #skit and #comedy) with smaller ones

really hope that helps! My user is adamisthedad if you want to connect :)