You might be one of those users who spend hours on Instagram, actively posting videos about your life, career, or adorable pet. While enjoying the platform, you must understand the rules and limits, including Instagram video length limitations for different types of content, such as feed and story videos.
So, in this blog post, I’ve decided to take a closer look at all the limitations the platform has set for making IG videos and provide some shortcuts for posting longer videos.
How Long Can An Instagram Video Be?
Well, this question requires a bit of explanation. Actually, Instagram’s limitations of the video feature depend on the type of content you are uploading. As you may already know, Instagram offers various types of videos, each with distinct duration requirements, including Instagram feed videos, Story videos, Reels, and Lives. So, let’s dive deeper in the following section.
Different Kinds of Instagram Videos and Their Length
In general, Instagram offers users four types of videos and each comes with a specific length limitation. The maximum video length on Instagram is as follows:
- Instagram Story Video Length: 1 to 60 seconds (max)
- Instagram Feed Video Length: 3 seconds to 60 minutes (max)
- Instagram Reels: 15 to 90 seconds (max)
- Instagram Live Video Length: 1 second to 4 hrs (max)
Suggested Post: How Does Going Live On Instagram Help Gain Followers?
Now, let’s take a closer look at the limitations of video length on Instagram.
1. Instagram Story Video Length
You might not want to keep something, like your daily activities, as a permanent post on your feed for several reasons. Here’s where stories come in to let you share them with your followers for 24 hours and then expire.
The Instagram video length requirement for story videos is 60 seconds. However, if you add a video to your story with a longer duration, Instagram will cut the first 60 seconds automatically.
For videos longer than a minute, you will need to manually divide the videos into shorter segments using a video editor or the in-app tools in your gallery.
2. Instagram Video Length Limit
Your feed is your main Instagram profile and whatever you post there will remain visible to your audience. If you have just posted a video on your Instagram account’s feed and it appears as a normal image on your Instagram profile or some parts of it are not included, then there is something wrong with your Instagram post video length.
Instagram feed videos can range from 3 seconds to 60 minutes in length. So, you need to follow the steps below if you would like to upload a segment of a video:
- Open Instagram and tap the ‘田’ icon.
- Select your video and tap ‘Next.’
- Tap ‘Edit video.’
- Choose ‘Edit.’
- Hold and drag your video until the desired minute mark. You can also adjust by dragging the handles on the right or left to crop your video. Then, tap the ‘⟶’ icon.
- Finally, write your caption, add hashtags, adjust anything you need for your post, and tap ‘Share.’
Suggested Post: How To Make Videos for Instagram?
3. Instagram Reels Length
As previously mentioned, Instagram Reels can have a maximum duration of 90 seconds.
In fact, IG Reels were specifically designed to deliver concise and engaging content for various purposes, including entertainment, sharing moments, and more. Therefore, the limitation aligns with the intent of creating short, impactful content.
4. Live Videos Length
Instagram Live is undoubtedly a unique feature for sharing real-time video content on Instagram. Besides, the Instagram video length limit for live videos is 4 hours which is more than enough.
So, generally speaking, there is no limitation to Instagram live video length somehow. Why? Due to the fact that by keeping an eye on the time of hitting the first 4-hour limit, you can restart easily when your live session ends.
And there you have it, you are able to go live again for another 4 hours and after that another and another. (However, I don’t think you want to do that to yourself though!! I mean continuously going live for more than 4 hours?!)
5. Instagram Ads Video Length
if you are experimenting with putting ads on Instagram, knowing Instagram ad video length is also of great importance. For Instagram Story ads, if your ad exceeds 30 seconds, it will be divided into separate cards, each containing up to 15 seconds of video. In contrast, for feed ad posts, you can have a 60-second video.
An interesting aspect of story ads is that, while regular Instagram Stories disappear after 24 hours, Instagram Story ads will continue to run for the duration of your ad campaign.
Suggested Post: Are Instagram Ads Worth It?
Instagram Video Length Hacks
There are times when you feel the need to post longer videos either as a story or as a post; so, you can pass the Instagram video length limit by employing several methods:
1. Divide into Segments (Carousel Posts): You can break your longer video into smaller segments and post them as a series of carousel or multi-slide posts.
2. Trimming: As mentioned earlier, you can trim your video to meet Instagram’s length requirements.
3. Stories Highlights: If your video content fits the Story format, you can post shorter highlights as Stories, and then save them to your profile’s Story Highlights.
4. Livestreaming: Instagram Live allows you to broadcast in real-time for up to four hours. While it’s not pre-recorded content, it’s a way to share extended video content interactively.
5. Multiple Posts: You can also post different parts of the same video in separate posts, and encourage your audience to visit your profile and watch them in sequence.
6. Link in Bio: If your video is hosted externally (e.g., on YouTube or your website), you can post a preview or teaser on Instagram and direct viewers to the full video via the link in your bio.
Last Words on Instagram Video Length
In short, TikTok offers four types of videos, each with its own specific length restrictions: Instagram Stories range from 1 to 60 seconds, feed videos can be from 3 seconds to 60 minutes, Reels are between 15 to 90 seconds, and Live videos can last from 1 second to 4 hours.
Ultimately, the optimal IG video length is just one element of your video strategy. Just remember to place a strong focus on creating good content that truly engages your audience and encourages them to watch until the end.
FAQs
Now that you know the maximum video length on Instagram for Stories, posts, Live, Reels, and ads, it’s time for some frequently asked questions regarding our topic.
1. How Long Can an IGTV Video Length Be?
IGTV is no longer available on Instagram.
2. Can I Trim or Edit My Videos on Instagram to Fit the Length Requirements?
Yes, Instagram provides built-in video editing tools, including trimming, to help you adjust your videos to meet the platform’s length requirements.
3. How Can I Ensure My Instagram Videos Meet the Platform’s Requirements?
To ensure your videos meet Instagram’s requirements, check the length, format, and resolution guidelines provided by Instagram. Using the in-app tools and video editors can help you adjust your videos accordingly.
4. Can I Run Ads Longer than 60 Seconds on Instagram?
Yes, while regular feed ad posts are limited to 60 seconds, longer video ads can be run through separate Instagram Stories.
