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How Long Should My Video Be? A Guide to Video Length Optimization

Wednesday, January 29, 2025 1:35 PM

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When it comes to video content, length matters. Whether you’re creating marketing videos, social media content, or educational material, understanding the ideal video duration for your audience is crucial for engagement and effectiveness. But how long should your video be? The answer depends on your platform, audience, and content type.


Factors That Influence Video Length

Before diving into specific recommendations, consider these factors that impact the optimal length of your video:

Platform – Different social media and streaming platforms have varying user behaviors and best practices for video length.

Audience Attention Span – Shorter videos generally perform better in grabbing attention, while longer videos work well for in-depth content.

Content Type – Is your video educational, promotional, entertaining, or a tutorial? Each requires different time investments.

Goal of the Video – Are you looking to inform, sell, or entertain? Your goal helps determine the best duration.


Ideal Video Length by Platform

1. YouTube

Best Length: 7–15 minutes

Why? YouTube favors longer-form content, especially for educational or informative videos, as they contribute to watch time and engagement. However, keep your videos concise and valuable to maintain viewer interest.


2. Instagram

Reels: 15–90 seconds (best under 60 seconds)

Feed Videos: Under 2 minutes

Stories: 15 seconds per story slide

Why? Instagram thrives on short-form content, making brief and engaging videos ideal for higher engagement.


3. TikTok

Best Length: 15–60 seconds (though videos up to 3 minutes are allowed)

Why? TikTok’s algorithm favors engaging, snappy content that holds viewers’ attention within the first few seconds.


4. Facebook

Feed Videos: 1–3 minutes

Live Videos: 10+ minutes

Why? Short videos perform well on Facebook’s feed, but live videos can be longer as they encourage real-time interaction.


5. LinkedIn

Best Length: 30 seconds to 2 minutes

Why? LinkedIn audiences prefer concise, professional content that delivers value quickly.


6. Twitter (X)

Best Length: Under 45 seconds

Why? Twitter is a fast-paced platform where short, engaging clips work best.


7. Webinars & Educational Content

Best Length: 20–60 minutes

Why? Longer formats work well for deep dives, but keeping them engaging and interactive is key.



Tips for Keeping Your Videos Engaging

Hook Viewers Quickly: Capture attention in the first 3–5 seconds.

Cut the Fluff: Keep only the most valuable and relevant content.

Use Captions & Subtitles: Helps with engagement and accessibility.

Test & Optimize: Experiment with different lengths and analyze performance metrics.


Final Thoughts

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to video length, but by understanding platform preferences and audience behavior, you can optimize your videos for maximum engagement. The key is to keep your content concise, valuable, and tailored to your viewers. 


If you would like to find out how we can assist your company with its video production projects, please call Andy Holt on 780-907-1445 for a free, no obligation meeting or telephone call.