Instagram Reels Length: How Long Should Instagram Reels Be?

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 your audience’s reach and engagement.

If you’re not an experienced content creator, it can be difficult to determine the best Instagram Reels length to achieve the best results. And knowing the ideal number isn’t everything – your metrics can 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 – reels appear to people who don’t follow you yet, unlike regular posts. This is exactly why reels are one of the most effective tools today for organic growth 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 video, add music, effects, text and captions, and share it on your profile and on the separate Reels tab.

How Long Can an Instagram Reel Be?

Instagram Reels can be between 15 seconds and 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,” said Instagram head Adam Mosseri in a video, “and so we hope that increasing the limit to three minutes will help you tell the stories you really want to.”

Technically, you can upload videos to Instagram that are up to 15 minutes long. However, Instagram sets very clear boundaries for how long a reel should be to perform well (this is an important caveat).

When recording a video directly in the Instagram app, you can choose from various 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 longer clips directly in the camera. The three-minute length is therefore currently more available for uploaded videos, with expanded recording options varying across individual accounts.

Even though you can’t record videos longer than 90 seconds in the app, in the content upload section you can upload a longer video. Once the allowed time expires, the video is simply trimmed.

After you finish 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 create a reel from it.

When you upload a video recorded or edited outside the Instagram camera, you don’t need to choose 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 them before uploading).

Make sure your video matches the expected Instagram Reels dimensions of 1080 × 1920 pixels (9:16 aspect ratio) so it fits neatly into the feed and provides a full-screen experience.

If you want to upload a longer reel, simply go to your camera and select the video or videos you want to upload – they’ll 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, Instagram’s Chief, previously stated that uploading reels longer than 90 seconds could damage distribution. With the limit increased to 3 minutes in 2025, the approach is gradually changing, and longer, quality content is getting more space.

In practice, the ideal length of a reel depends on its purpose:

• 7–15 seconds – ideal for quick, catchy reels that people replay in a loop over and over. High completion rate helps reach.
• 15–30 seconds – great choice for tips, tutorials, or entertaining content where you can convey an idea and maintain attention.
• 30–90 seconds – suitable for storytelling, detailed tutorials, or narrative that has a deeper message.
• 90 seconds – 3 minutes – only makes sense if the content really holds the viewer’s attention the whole time. Stretched “by force” actually reduces average watch time.

However, length is not the only factor to consider – quality visuals, a strong opening (first 1–3 seconds), and effective messaging are also essential for social media content and maintaining user attention.

Many creators work around the suggested video length limit by referring followers to “read more” in captions. They create very short videos that are pleasant to watch in a loop, while the audience reads captions or engages in comments – this increases time spent on the post and engagement rate.

How Long Can an Instagram Story Be?

An Instagram Story can last up to 60 seconds and automatically disappears after 24 hours. If you want, you can add multiple 60-second videos in sequence.

Previously, longer videos when uploaded to Stories were split into 15-second clips, but now the maximum length of one segment is 60 seconds and remains as one continuous video.

Stories do not appear in your main feed or on the For You page of other users. Your Stories will only be visible when followers tap your profile picture – either when viewing your profile or within the DM card.

Here is a quick guide on how to record or upload content to an Instagram Story:

1. After opening the app, tap the Create button – the + icon at the top of the screen (or swipe right).
2. Go to the Story option at the bottom of the screen.
3. Record your story or upload finished content from your gallery.
4. Add stickers, music, text, or interactive elements (poll, question, quiz).
5. Press the Share Story button to publish!

How Long Can Instagram Carousels Be?

Instagram carousels can contain up to 20 photos or videos (previously the limit was 10). Users on mobile devices will display carousel posts by swiping left, while on desktop they click through using the arrow on the right side of the post.

If you want to create a carousel post, select the Post option in the post creation area and press the icon of overlapping squares to select multiple images and videos.

You can add trending sounds or music to the carousel by clicking the music symbol. Make sure the selected track doesn’t end before the user finishes browsing through the entire carousel.

The Length of Instagram Reels vs. TikTok vs. YouTube Shorts

Videos on TikTok can be up to 60 minutes long depending on region and account. The maximum video length for YouTube Shorts is 3 minutes (all new videos longer than this limit will be published as regular YouTube videos while retaining the portrait aspect ratio). The ideal and maximum time limit for Instagram Reels is 3 minutes, and you can 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 it seems that TikTok is gradually shifting to longer videos as well and competing with YouTube.

The platforms don’t feel too emotionally different. 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, use a version without the TikTok logo or other app branding.

Refine your strategy for short-form videos

Although cross-posting content is a smart choice (especially for ease of creation), it’s worth selecting one primary platform for your videos and creating content with consideration for the needs and preferences of your target audience.

If you’re unsure 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, don’t forget that the key to success is quality content. Your videos will achieve good results 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 up to 3 minutes. You can record a video directly in the app for a maximum of 90 seconds, and in Stories a segment of up to 60 seconds.

How long can reels be in 2025?

As of January 2025, Instagram Reels can last up to 3 minutes (previously the limit was 90 seconds). The minimum reel length is 15 seconds.

What is the best reel length for reach?

There is no single “correct” number, but generally reels between 7 and 30 seconds work best because they have a higher completion rate and viewers loop them more easily. However, what matters most is quality and whether the video holds attention throughout.

What’s the difference between reels and Stories?

A reel is a permanent video on your profile that Instagram recommends to people who don’t follow you – thus it serves to grow your reach. A Story, on the other hand, is temporary content that disappears after 24 hours and is mainly seen by your existing followers.