Instagram Video Length GuideIf you want to grow on Instagram, post videos, including Reels. But the art of video making can feel like a challenge. When should you post your videos? What content works best for your audience? And, most importantly, how long should the video be?You may have heard that brevity is the soul of wit with video length, especially with the TikTok generation. But then, you listen to people’s attention spans for online videos growing, which throws your assumptions out the window. So, which is it? This article hopes to find out. Knowing How Long the Video Can Be is the First StepBefore you know how long your video should be, it's essential to lay the ground rules for Instagram video length. It can get a little confusing once you learn that there are five types of videos. Let’s look at them. Instagram In-Feed VideoThese are videos you upload directly to your standard Instagram feed. They're the original video type and are still widely used. If you're uploading an in-feed video, you have plenty of length; the limit is up to 60 minutes or one hour. Instagram StoryInstagram Stories are short posts that are designed to disappear within 24 hours. As such, the videos attached to Stories are naturally short as well. With Instagram Stories, you can upload up to 60 seconds of video or one minute. Instagram LiveInstagram Live videos consist of you recording real-time video and talking to a chat. Since many live streams can go on for hours, Instagram Live allows for up to four hours of stream time before you have to make a new stream. Instagram ReelsThese vertical videos are similar to TikTok videos. TikTok is an app known for its short video length, so naturally, the videos aren't too long. Reels can be binge-able, and they rank significantly in the algorithm. A Reel can be up to 90 seconds or one minute and 30 seconds. Video AdsYou can purchase a video ad of up to 120 seconds or two minutes to advertise your business. If you go beyond the maximum length, Instagram will use its trim feature to trim the video automatically. Alternatively, you can cut it manually to remove fluff and keep the meat in it. Also, please note that Instagram's maximum lengths are constantly changing. The lengths may be longer or shorter depending on the latest Instagram rules. Before you upload a specific type of video, double-check the app to see the current max length. Finally, the videos must be longer than three seconds. Shorter videos will not be accepted. How Long Should My Videos Be?While you now know the maximum length of Instagram videos, the question is, how long should they be? Too long, and you lose your audience’s interest. It is too short, and you may miss some key details you should have added to the video. And the answer isn’t clear. It depends on several factors, including: Your Target AudienceFirst, who is your audience? If your audience is someone who watches Reels all day to pass the time, you'll want shorter videos. On the other hand, your audience may be someone who enjoys deep dives into specific subjects. In that case, you may upload a meatier video. If your audience likes getting close to streamers, you may stream for hours. Your MessageWhat is the point of your video? Is it to advertise a product? Tell a story? Make you laugh? A story-based video should be longer. However, an ad may turn people away if it’s too long. Engagement FactorThere are three-hour movies that can only feel like you've been watching it for half the length. On the other hand, there have been shorter movies that feel like they drag on. The point is that your video length may depend on how long you can engage your audience. Tips to Engage Your AudienceWith this all said, how can you engage your audience? Here are some tips to get more views and engagement. Also, if you wish to boost your videos, click here to get views. The HookYour video needs a strong opening. You may ask a question that your audience hasn't considered or hook them with an interesting fact. You may have an opening that makes the audience wonder, "What's next?" Regardless of what video you have, hook them into wanting to watch more. Master Hashtags and KeywordsYour videos may be good, but you're not showing them to the right audience. In that case, you want to use hashtags and keywords and find people who follow similar brands. If the wrong audience finds your videos, they may dislike them, hurting your reputation. Strong Video and Audio QualityYou don't need an 8K camera, but make sure your phone's camera is high-quality, the lens is clean, and the microphone works well. Double-check before and after recording to ensure your videos are free of audio or video errors. If you encounter any errors, see if there's a way to fix the videos. Good EditingInstagram has tools for editing videos, though you can also edit them yourself. You should have snappy editing, exciting transitions, and other effects. If there are any unique filters, take advantage of them. Have a Great PayoffThe video should end with a funny punchline, an intriguing fact, or a strong CTA (call to action) to purchase a product. If you don’t leave your audience satisfied, they may not want to watch more videos from you. Final ThoughtsThe ideal video length depends on what type of video you’re using and your niche. Ideally, your Instagram should have a mix of Reels, long-form videos, live streams, and Story videos. Hook your audience in many ways, and they will reward you with engagement and long-term dedication. With that said, we hope this article helped. | Use our online video maker to create a marketing video Choose a template and edit it with our online video editor Video Categories Latest Articles |