Instagram Reels Length: How Long Should Instagram Reels Be in 2025?
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the ideal length of Instagram Reels and other Instagram content – based on information from the Instagram team itself. You’ll discover not only the current technical limits, but most importantly, what length works best for reaching and engaging your audience.
If you’re not an experienced content creator, it can be difficult to determine the best length for Instagram Reels to achieve the best results. And knowing the ideal number isn’t everything – your metrics might tell you something completely different.
What is a Reel on Instagram?
A Reel is a short vertical video that Instagram introduced in response to TikTok’s popularity. It’s a format designed for entertainment, education, and discovering new content – unlike regular posts, Reels are shown to people who don’t yet follow you. That’s exactly why Reels are today one of the most effective tools for growing organically and gaining new followers.
Simply put: a Reel is a vertical video in 9:16 format that you can record directly in the app or upload a finished version, add music, effects, text and captions, and share it on your profile as well as on the dedicated Reels tab.
How Long Can Instagram Reels Be?
Instagram Reels can be anywhere from 15 seconds to 3 minutes long. Previously, Reels were limited to 90 seconds, until Instagram increased the maximum length of uploaded videos to three minutes in January 2025.
“We’ve heard from many creators that 90 seconds is too short,” Instagram head Adam Mosseri said in a video, “and so we hope that raising the limit to three minutes will help you tell the stories you really want to tell.”
Technically, you can upload videos up to 15 minutes long to Instagram. However, Instagram sets very clear guidelines on how long a Reel should be in order to perform well (and that’s an important caveat).
When recording a video directly in the Instagram app, you can choose from several specific lengths – 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, and 90 seconds. Recording templates and ideas shown to you are limited to 90 seconds, so you can’t record additional clips longer than that directly in the camera. The three-minute length is therefore currently available mainly for uploaded videos, and the rollout of extended recording options may vary between accounts.
Even if you can’t record videos longer than 90 seconds in the app, you can upload a longer video in the content upload section. Once the allowed time is exceeded, the video will simply be trimmed.
Once you’ve finished editing your video, add eye-catching graphics, a call to action (CTA), and relevant hashtags to increase the discoverability of your content in the Instagram feed.
Can You Upload Longer Reels to Instagram?
Yes, you can upload any video up to 15 minutes long and Instagram will automatically turn it into a Reel.
When you upload a video recorded or edited outside of Instagram’s camera, there’s no need to select a specific video length. You’ll have access to most of the same editing tools and features as when recording directly in the app (without music or additional clips, so remember to add those before uploading).
Make sure your video matches the expected Instagram Reels dimensions of 1080 × 1920 pixels (9:16 aspect ratio) so it fits neatly in the feed and delivers a full-screen experience.
If you want to upload a longer Reel, simply go to the camera and select the video or videos you want to upload – these will appear in the editing area.
Note that these longer videos may not be prioritized by Instagram’s algorithm and may not be recommended on the Reels tab, but you can still view them in your feed and on your profile.
How Long Should an Instagram Reel Be?
Adam Mosseri, CEO of Instagram, previously shared that uploading reels longer than 90 seconds could hurt distribution. However, with the limit being raised to 3 minutes in 2025, the approach is gradually changing and longer, high-quality content is being given more room.
In practice, the ideal reel length depends on its purpose:
- 7–15 seconds – ideal for quick, catchy reels that people play over and over in a loop. A high completion rate helps reach.
- 15–30 seconds – a great choice for tips, tutorials, or entertaining content where you can get your point across while keeping attention.
- 30–90 seconds – suitable for storytelling, more detailed tutorials, or narratives with a deeper message.
- 90 seconds – 3 minutes – only makes sense when the content can truly hold the viewer’s attention throughout. Padding content out artificially will actually lower average watch time.
Length is not the only factor to consider – quality visuals, a strong opening (the first 1–3 seconds), and an effective message are also crucial for social media content and keeping users’ attention.
Many creators get around the suggested video length limit by directing their followers to “read more” in the captions. They create very short videos that are enjoyable to watch on loop, while the audience reads the captions or engages in the comments – this increases time spent on the post and the engagement rate.
How Long Can an Instagram Story Be?
An Instagram Story can last up to 60 seconds and will automatically disappear after 24 hours. If you want, you can add multiple 60-second videos one after another.
Previously, longer videos would be split into 15-second clips when uploaded to Stories, but the maximum length of a single segment is now 60 seconds and remains as one continuous video.
Stories do not appear in your main feed or on other users’ For You pages. Your Stories will only be visible when followers tap on your profile photo – either when browsing your profile or within the messages (DM) tab.
Here is a quick guide on how to record or upload content to an Instagram Story:
- After opening the app, tap the Create button – the + icon at the top of the screen (or swipe right).
- Navigate to the Story option at the bottom of the screen.
- Record your story or upload ready-made content from your gallery.
- Add stickers, music, text, or interactive elements (poll, question, quiz).
- Press the Share Story button to publish!
How Long Can Instagram Carousels Be?
Instagram carousels can contain up to 20 photos or videos (the previous limit was 10). Users on mobile devices view carousel posts by swiping left, while on desktop they click through using the arrow on the right side of the post.
To create a carousel post, select the Post option in the content creation area and tap the overlapping squares icon to select multiple images and videos.
You can add trending sounds or music to a carousel by clicking the music symbol. Make sure the selected track does not end before the user finishes browsing through the entire carousel.
The Length of Instagram Reels vs. TikToks vs. YouTube Shorts
TikTok videos can be up to 60 minutes long, depending on the region and account. The maximum video length for YouTube Shorts is 3 minutes (all new videos longer than this threshold will be published as regular YouTube videos, but with the vertical aspect ratio preserved). The ideal and maximum time limit for Instagram Reels is 3 minutes, although you can also upload a video up to 15 minutes long as a reel.
Reels were Instagram’s response to the rise of TikTok’s short-form content, although TikTok itself appears to be gradually moving toward longer videos as well, competing with YouTube.
The platforms feel very similar. In fact, it’s common for creators to share the same video on Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts – we even recommend cross-posting for greater visibility of your content.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that Instagram’s algorithm penalizes content with watermarks from other platforms. Before reposting a video, make sure to use a version without the TikTok logo or any other app’s branding.
Refine Your Strategy for Short-Form Videos
Although cross-posting content is a smart choice (especially for simplifying content creation), it’s worth choosing one primary platform for your videos and creating content with the needs and preferences of your target audience in mind.
If you’re not sure which short-form video platform is best for you, consider developing your own social media marketing strategy. This process is useful for everyone – from influencers to social media managers and businesses.
And most importantly: instead of focusing solely on video length, remember that quality content is the key to success. Your videos will perform well when you create reels that users find interesting, entertaining, or useful.
Frequently Asked Questions About Instagram Reels Length
How long of a video can I post on Instagram?
You can upload a video up to 15 minutes long as a reel on Instagram, with the ideal length for good reach being under 3 minutes. You can record a video of up to 90 seconds directly in the app, and a segment of up to 60 seconds for a Story.
How long can a Reel be in 2025?
As of January 2025, Instagram Reels can be up to 3 minutes long (previously the limit was 90 seconds). The minimum length for a Reel is 15 seconds.
What is the best Reel length for reach?
There’s no single “correct” number, but reels between 7 and 30 seconds generally perform best, as they have higher completion rates and viewers are more likely to replay them on loop. Ultimately, what matters most is quality and whether the video holds attention throughout.
What is the difference between a Reel and a Story?
A Reel is a permanent video on your profile that Instagram recommends even to people who don’t follow you – making it a tool for growing your reach. A Story, on the other hand, is temporary content that disappears after 24 hours and is seen mainly by your existing followers.
If you want results right away, you can get Instagram comments right now.
Michal Záruba je specialista na digitální marketing a konzultant v oblasti sociálních médií a SEO. Více než 8 let pomáhá značkám růst online prostřednictvím strategického obsahu, optimalizace pro vyhledávače a efektivní komunikace na platformách jako LinkedIn, Instagram a YouTube.
Na svém blogu sdílí praktické tipy o tom, jak propojit SEO, sociální sítě a brand building do jedné funkční strategie. Zaměřuje se na to, jak firmy mohou využít moderní nástroje a algoritmy k tomu, aby jejich značka nezískala jen dosah, ale i důvěru.
Když zrovna netvoří obsah, přednáší o digitálním marketingu, školí týmy a sleduje nové trendy v AI a vyhledávání.