Instagram has become the go-to platform for people from all walks of life, particularly Gen-Z and millennials. With its wide appeal, it’s no surprise that you’re here looking for the ideal video length for Instagram. Understanding the various video formats and length options Meta offers is essential for content creators and marketers alike.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the different video length options for Instagram Stories, posts, Reels, carousels, and more, so you can make the most of your content on this dynamic platform.
How Long Can A Video On Instagram Be?
Before we dive into the specifics of each video format and what content performs best, here’s a quick overview of Instagram video lengths and their limits:
- IG In-feed Videos: Up to 60 minutes
- IG Reels: Up to 90 seconds
- IG Stories: Up to 60 seconds
- IG Live: Up to 4 hours (240 minutes)
- IG Video Ads: Up to 60 seconds
What Is The Length Of Instagram Post Video?
Instagram in-feed videos can range from 3 seconds to 60 minutes in length. If your video exceeds 60 minutes, you may want to either trim it using Instagram’s editing tools or divide it into smaller parts and post it in a carousel (slides) format.
For Instagram video posts longer than 60 seconds, a short preview is shown to help viewers decide whether they want to continue watching or scroll past. If they choose to continue, the video will play seamlessly on the publisher’s feed.
When it comes to dimensions, Instagram in-feed videos are displayed in a 9:16 ratio with a resolution of 1080×1920 pixels.
What Is The Length Of Instagram Reel?
An Instagram Reel can now be up to 90 seconds long, an upgrade from the previous 60-second limit. This extension was introduced to enhance watch rates and accommodate more video content.
Instagram Reels provide users with a greater opportunity to reach global audiences, especially through the Explore page.
Recommended Uses: Branded Content, Educational Videos, Customer Testimonials, Moment Marketing, and more. According to SocialInsider, Instagram Reels have an average reach of 30.81%, nearly double that of other Instagram content formats. This highlights how brands and content creators have embraced the short-form content trend to connect with a wider, global audience.
Given the growing popularity of Instagram Reels and their short, impactful nature, they have become a powerful tool for marketers, delivering significant returns on both time and investment.
What Is The Length Of Instagram Video Story?
The maximum video length for an Instagram Story is 60 seconds. If your video exceeds this length, Instagram will automatically trim it to fit within the prescribed time format.
While Instagram Stories disappear after 24 hours, you can keep them permanently visible by adding selected stories to your Highlights, allowing visitors to view them at any time.
For brands, Instagram Stories are an excellent way to build authenticity. They allow companies to share branded content and exclusive material like sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes footage, and more.
Similar to in-feed videos, Instagram Stories follow a 9:16 aspect ratio with a resolution of 1080×1920 pixels.
Additionally, Instagram offers a variety of interactive story features, including music options, location tags, stickers, GIFs, polls, questions, links, mentions, sliders, countdowns, and Augmented Reality filters, enhancing engagement with your audience.
How Long Can An Instagram Live Video Length Be?
Previously limited to just 60 minutes, Instagram Live now allows videos to last up to 4 hours, giving individuals and brands the ability to stream live for up to 240 minutes.
You’ve likely seen media outlets, celebrity influencers, athletes, and content creators hosting Instagram Live sessions to engage with their fans. Instagram Live enables users to broadcast content in real-time, fostering a deeper connection with followers and offering a chance for fans to interact with their favorite personalities.
According to SocialPilot, a staggering 100 million people watch Instagram Live every day, highlighting its immense popularity.
Additionally, publishers can feature their Instagram Live sessions on their feed for up to 30 days, allowing followers to watch the content if they miss the live broadcast.
How Long Can The Instagram Video Ad Be?
Instagram ad sizes vary across different placements, such as Reels, Stories, and In-Feed videos, as the platform offers multiple options for ad placements. Here’s a quick breakdown of the video ad length on Instagram:
- Instagram Reels Ads: Up to 15-minute videos in a 9:16 aspect ratio
- Instagram In-Feed Video Ads: Up to 60-minute video ads in either a 4:5 or 9:16 aspect ratio
- Instagram Story Ads: Up to 30 seconds. Videos longer than 30 seconds will automatically be split into 3 separate slides. The aspect ratio is 9:16.
- Instagram Explore Page Ads: Up to 60 minutes of video ads in a 4:5 or 9:16 aspect ratio
- Instagram Profile Feed Ads: Recently launched, allowing up to 60 minutes in a 4:5 or 9:16 aspect ratio
In general, two approaches dominate for Instagram ads: Brands often publish Instagram In-Feed video ads, typically using promotional videos ranging from 30 to 75 seconds. Alternatively, many marketers prefer shorter Instagram video ads, ranging from 5 to 15 seconds, which are designed to be quick, snappy, and generate immediate engagement.
Conclusion
That’s all you need to know! If you strategically plan to take advantage of the diverse Instagram video lengths, you’ll find that IG videos have a lot to offer in terms of driving engagement.
The key is to carefully choose the right Instagram video format for your content. So, the next time you sit down to create a video, refer to the various Instagram format sizes and their best uses, and you’ll be well on your way to attracting significant traction.
As one of the leading video production companies globally in 2024, our team of experienced marketers and social media specialists is here to help you create the perfect Instagram video for your brand.
