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Instagram is morphing into that other app that we won’t name here. Does that mean that the same rules apply? Can we upload videos of lengths on the platform? Will it feature the same editing tools? How long can Instagram Reels be?
We want to eliminate a lot of the confusion concerning videos on Instagram. This article does a great job of explaining everything you need to know. Keep reading for all the details on video content on Instagram.
Table of Contents
How Long Can Instagram Reels Be for Creators Who Like To Tell Stories?
According to Instagram, you can record and edit an Instagram Reel of up to 90 seconds long. You might be wondering why you see longer videos on the platform.
Well, you can still upload longer videos to Instagram. They simply have to be this length at the time of the upload. Instagram does not allow you to edit and upload long-form videos.
Instagram still prioritizes photos and short-form video content on the platform. A longer view may not get the traction that a shorter 90-second video will.
How Long of a Video Can You Post on Instagram Story?
You can upload a video of up to 60 seconds on your Instagram Story. If the video exceeds this time, Instagram will split it into multiple videos. The viewer must skip to the next story to see the rest of the video.
The question is, “How long of a video can you post on Instagram Story before people click away?” You will have to look at the analytics for your Instagram Stories to decide that. You don’t want to annoy people with all of this freedom you have.
Your Instagram Story is not there to keep people for hours on end. They go there for the extra short-form content that didn’t make it to your feed.
The CEO of Instagram, Adam Mosseri (@mosseri), addressed this topic on his own Instagram page. He carefully explained why he doesn’t see Instagram taking that step into long-form content. He explains that Instagram is for connecting with friends and enjoying creative content from other users.
His goal for the platform was to merge these features into one. Ideally, users will see a video they like and want and send it to friends. They will talk about how great the video is in their direct messages. He explains that users are less likely to send videos to friends if they are long.
The result would be less engagement between genuine friends on the platform. He doesn’t want to lose this vision for Instagram. Thus, there is a time limit on the videos on the platform. This seems to be a beautiful vision for Instagram. This may not be the ideal platform for long-form videos.
Instagram Reel Requirements To Give the Best Viewing Experience
As you record little clips of your day, you need to be aware of the Instagram Reel requirements. That way, you will maximize the content available to edit the ideal Reel. Here are the specifications you need to keep in mind:
- The video should be 1080 pixels by 1920 pixels. The latter dimension refers to the length of the video. People watch videos on their phones in the same direction that they generally use their phones. This means you should record videos in portrait mode.
- The aspect ratio of videos is 19:16.
- According to Instagram, Reels should have a frames-per-second rate of 30.
- There should be a minimum resolution of 720 pixels.
- Your Reels will need a cover photo. Instagram recommends these dimensions: 420 px by 654 px (or 1:1.55 ratio). It can be a key moment from the video or something from your camera roll.
Naturally, you want to upload your videos at the highest possible quality. Instagram gives you the option to do this. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Tap on the profile picture in the bottom right section of your phone.
- Tap on the menu icon at the top of the screen.
- Select Account.
- Go to Data Usage.
- Use the toggle key to Upload at highest quality.
Remember that uploading at a higher quality could mean lags during the upload. Some creators will prefer to use a strong Wi-Fi network when uploading. Try to avoid sending the videos over multiple platforms. It may decrease in quality every time someone downloads it.
Can an Instagram Reel Be 3 Minutes?
Instagram has capped their Reels at 90 seconds. This means you must limit your incredible storytelling to just a minute and a half.
Perhaps in the future, they will allow users to edit videos on the platform that last longer than this time. Until then, you must upload longer videos directly to the platform.
So, can an Instagram Reel be 3 minutes? Currently no. We know that Instagram likes to keep up with the other video platforms. It listens to its users and sometimes makes changes based on their requests. If other short-form video content platforms adapt to longer videos, Instagram may do so too.
Can You Make Reels Longer Than 90 Seconds and Still Have It Perform Well?
Yes, you can make videos longer than 90 seconds that perform well on Instagram. You may have heard somewhere that smaller videos perform better on Instagram. This wouldn’t be completely unfounded. After all, people are more likely to replay a short video.
The algorithm will catch wind of a video post receiving extra replays. Consequently, it may promote the video to more people.
So, is there room for longer videos to do well on Instagram? Is there a secret Instagram Reel length limit at play? There is room for longer videos to excel on the platform as well. There are some scenarios where that could happen.
It Depends on the Type of Content
Some viewers came from the YouTube generation. Back in the day, we got ready to watch half-hour videos with no ads in between. Some viewers appreciate the extra-long quality content on this platform as well.
Some types of video content require longer lengths. Some creators like to make videos explaining concepts or tutorials.
Others like to give a more detailed daily vlog with a voiceover. Their fans appreciate that they will not splice a bunch of single video clips together with a viral trending sound.
Fortunately, Instagram lets you have the best of both worlds. You can upload a preview video that is no more than 90 seconds. Then, you can upload your longer video to the platform. That way, you benefit from all types of viewers.
Check Your Insights
Instagram Insights will tell you if longer videos perform better than shorter ones. You can look at the number of video views that you get. Pay special attention to how many times people replayed the video. That’s how you know that they enjoyed your content.
So, how long can Reels be on Instagram? Let your target audience decide that for you. Create your video format of choice around their preferences. Social media managers will tell you that your followers should guide your social content this way.
So, can you make Reels longer than 90 seconds do well? We think you can.
Frequently Asked Questions About How Long Can an Instagram Reel Be
If you create video Reels, you may have a few questions. How long can a Reel be on Instagram? See the answers to some of the most popular queries surrounding Instagram Reels.
FAQ: Does rewatching an Instagram Reel count as a view?
Rewatching someone else’s Instagram Reel does count as a view. There has been some debate around this in the past. Instagram has clarified this by making it clear in the Insights of a video.
You need to know how to use Instagram Insights on a Reel. There, Instagram will show you the total number of plays. It will further break it down into initial plays and replays. Therefore, the total number of views includes replays as well.
FAQ: How long should a Reel be to go viral?
No length of time guaranteed the virality of a Reel. However, you may have better luck going viral with shorter videos. Videos of a shorter length have a higher likelihood of gaining replays.
If a video has a lot of replays, it attracts the attention of the Instagram algorithm. The high engagement could help promote to other Instagram users. This brings the video closer to gaining virality.
FAQ: Are Instagram Reels endless?
Instagram Reels are not endless. The app does not replay these videos forever. However, some videos appear to go on endlessly, and some are on a loop. This is how some creators get views on Instagram.
It is difficult to tell when these videos and when they begin. Viewers will unwittingly watch these videos over and over. They work well with scenic clips like waves crashing on a beach or leaves blowing in the wind.
The Length of Your Reels Won’t Matter With Us
We understand that you need an answer to the question, “How long can a Reel be on IG?”
However, that information may not be necessary to grow on the platform. If you have a solid growth plan, it won’t matter how long your Reels are. You can achieve your goals whether your videos are long or short.
We are growth professionals at Plixi. We know how to attract user attention from your key audience, and we have the advanced technology you need to do it. What we do goes beyond organic growth tips. We use a proprietary AI targeting algorithm. We’ve been working for the past ten years.
Our in-house platform of Instagram influencers gets great support from our technology. They don’t have to ask, “How long can Instagram Reels be?” They know that their followers are on the way.
Do you want to grow your platform as well? Sign up with Plixi today!
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