Key Highlights
- Instagram video length depends on the type you choose. Feed videos let you upload up to 60 minutes. Reels can be up to 3 minutes long. Stories allow 60 seconds for each segment, and you can go live on Instagram Live for 4 hours.
- In 2025, Instagram will have new length limits for Reels and Stories. These new video length limits help creators have more freedom and offer more content types.
- Instagram Stories will still cut longer videos into 15-second segments. But Reels and Feed videos let people watch longer videos without stopping.
- Each instagram video type—Feed videos, Stories, Reels, Live, and even old IGTV—comes with its own upload rules and best instagram best practices for audience interaction.
- Video quality, aspect ratio, and file size affect how your instagram video looks and works on the instagram app. These things can impact the video’s performance.
- People can use instagram’s built-in tools or other editing apps to trim or split their longer videos. This helps them meet instagram video length requirements.
Introduction
If you want your video content to get noticed in the fast world of social media, you need to understand instagram video length. When you share videos on the instagram app, for fun or business, knowing the video formats and length limits can help. It lets your posts reach more people and keeps them interested. Instagram has many video options. Each one has its own rules for video length. This guide will show you every instagram video format and all the latest time limits for 2025.
Instagram Video Length Limits in 2025 – What’s New?
Instagram’s rules for video length have changed because of the way people look at video content. In 2025, instagram video length limits have changed to fit the need for both short clips and longer videos. Now, you can upload feed videos up to 60 minutes. Reels can be up to 3 minutes long. Stories and Live videos have their own video length limits too. This means you get more ways to share your video content with people. These new length limits give you more choice for your instagram video, making it better for everyone.
If you want to know, “Has Instagram changed its video length limits lately, and what will the updates in 2025 be?”—the answer is yes. The app now has new rules. You can make all kinds of content for everyone. This includes short Stories as well as longer feed videos. The video length limits are different, so you get to choose the best fit for what you want to share and who you want to reach. These new length limits help people use video in new ways, so you can reach more people with your posts.
Overview of Recent Changes to Instagram Video Duration
In the last few years, Instagram has changed the way it handles video length limits. At the start, you could only post videos up to 15 seconds. As people wanted more, Instagram let users share longer videos for each type. In 2025, there is a big update. Now you can make Reels up to 3 minutes. Feed videos still have a maximum video length of 60 minutes. This is good for people who want to make tutorials, interviews, or other long video content. Now, creators can do more when it comes to feed videos and tell bigger stories. These updates show how video length and video content on Instagram keep changing for users.
Instagram Stories got better too. Now, you can add a clip up to 60 seconds long to your story. The app will break the longer video into 15-second clips for you. Instagram Live lets you stream for up to 4 hours. This is great for events and Q&A sessions. With these updates, Instagram shows that it wants to give more creative freedom for every type of content. It also helps keep people using instagram stories and instagram live more often.
Have you seen that there is some confusion about IGTV? Instagram has now put all the IGTV features into its main video area. This makes upload limits simpler for everyone. It also helps you choose the right format for any video production you want to do.
Why Instagram Sets Video Time Restrictions
Have you ever tried to upload a video on social media that fits the time limits but still had a problem? There are time limits because Instagram wants everyone to have a smooth and interesting experience. Each type of video, like Stories, feed videos, Reels, and Live, has its own time limits. This helps keep all content focused. It makes the videos you see feel relevant and easier to watch. It also helps as things move quickly in the world of social media.
Sometimes your video might not upload, even if it follows the right length. This can be because of the file size, the aspect ratio, or some technical problem. Instagram’s algorithm and the app take time to process and shrink your video so it can play well. There can be problems if the video is hard for the system to read or if it uses a format that is not common. Videos like this can be stopped and might not upload.
The social media giant gives you some creative freedom, but there are some rules to follow. This helps videos stay fun and easy to watch. You also get a clear guide to make your content stand out for your audience on social media.
Instagram Feed Videos: Maximum and Recommended Lengths
Instagram feed videos let you talk more about your topic and get closer to your audience. In 2025, you can make your feed videos last up to 60 minutes. Still, many people see better results with shorter videos, especially the ones under 60 seconds. If you want to know, “What is the maximum video length for instagram posts, Stories, Reels, and IGTV in 2025?” there are simple rules for each type. Let’s look more at these instagram feed video rules and see the best ways to share your content.
Current Duration Limits for Feed Videos in 2025
Instagram feed videos give you a lot of options for your content. Still, there are rules for how long different video formats can be. The table below shows the maximum length for each main Instagram video type in 2025.
| Video Format | Maximum Length | Upload Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feed Video (single post) | 60 minutes | Desktop & mobile | Best for long-form, evergreen content |
| Feed Video (under 15 min) | 15 minutes | Mobile (posted as Reel) | Also appears in Reels tab |
| Reels | 3 minutes | Mobile/desktop | Short-form, highly shareable |
| Stories (per segment) | 60 seconds (split in 15-sec segments) | Mobile | Ephemeral, disappears after 24 hours |
| Carousel Video (per card) | 60 seconds | Desktop & mobile | Up to 10 cards per carousel |
| IGTV / Instagram Video | 60 minutes (desktop) | Desktop (selected accounts) | Legacy format, now merged |
| Instagram Live | 4 hours (live stream) | Mobile | Real-time with audience interaction |
To get the best out of your feed videos, keep them under 60 seconds. Short videos like this get more people to watch all the way through. If a video is longer than a minute, it will only show a preview in the feed. People will need to tap on it to see the whole video.
Quality, Compression, and Upload Tips for Feed Videos
When you put your videos on Instagram, you need to think about video length and video quality. A longer video is more likely to get compressed. This can make it look blurry, or the sound may not match the picture. If you want your video production to look good, you should follow these tips when you upload.
- Use the right aspect ratio and resolution: For most feed videos, you should use the 4:5 aspect ratio, which is 1080 x 1350 pixels. This size works well in the instagram app.
- Keep file size manageable: Make sure feed videos are under 4 GB. This helps with smooth uploads on the instagram app.
- Export using H.264 codec and 30 FPS: When you do this, your feed videos will look clear and will not slow down the instagram app.
If you see the quality get worse after uploading, try to split a long video into several short clips. You can also use a video editor made for this job to make your clips smaller without losing the details. Keep in mind, instagram’s algorithm can help your video content get seen by more people if it loads fast and looks clear.
Instagram Stories – How Long Can Each Clip and Story Be?
Instagram Stories are still one of the best ways to share fast and interesting updates or use for instagram story ads. A story video can go up to 60 seconds. But Instagram cuts it into 15-second parts so people can watch it without breaks. If you want to add a longer video, you must break it into smaller segments. You can do this with Instagram’s own features or by using a video editor. Next, we will look at how story limits work and how you can make smooth carousels or highlight reels by adding several clips together.
Maximum Story Video Length Per Clip and Overall Story
Each Instagram Story video that you put up can go on for up to 60 seconds. But if you upload longer videos, Instagram will split them into 15-second bits. For example, if your video is 45 seconds, it will show up as three parts, each 15 seconds long. This makes it easy for people to watch your stories, because they see them in smaller parts, not all at once. This way, their feed does not feel too full or crowded.
If you want to share more long content, you can put up many videos one after the other. This will make a set of story segments. Remember that all your Story clips will go away after 24 hours. This happens for both normal posts and instagram story ads unless you save them to a highlight reel on your instagram profile.
Are you looking to plan a special campaign or run a new promotion? The Stories feature is a good way to share fast updates, run polls, or add swipe-up links. You can use vertical videos in Stories to get people’s attention right from the start. They help you keep your audience interested and make your message stand out.
Creating Seamless Longer Stories with Multiple Clips
If your video is too long to fit in one Instagram Story, you do not need to worry. You can break your video into smaller segments and upload them one after another. This way, you can still get your message out. Here is how to make your Instagram Stories feel smooth when you post:
- Use a video editor: Trim your video down to 15 seconds or less. This helps you stay within Instagram’s limits.
- Craft a narrative: Plan out your story before you start. Each part should lead into the next one. This makes a highlight reel that flows well.
- Upload clips consecutively: Post each video piece in order. This way, people can watch from beginning to end without getting lost.
Many creators like to save their top moments as a “highlight” on their profile. This lets longer videos stay up, even after the normal 24-hour story period is over. Highlights are a great way to share behind-the-scenes looks, easy tips, or stories that come in several parts. Using these features helps keep your Instagram Stories feel fresh and neat for everyone who comes to your page.
Instagram Reels: Updated Lengths and Best Practices
Instagram Reels are the top way for people to share short video content on the Instagram app. In 2025, you can now make Reels of up to 3 minutes. That gives you more time to show your creativity, make tutorials, or just have some fun with your video. To get the most out of the reels tab and main feed, it is best to keep your video content sharp and pay close attention to the first few seconds. If you are asking, “How long can my video be if I want it as a Reel on Instagram?” you will find the answer in the next section.
Latest Maximum Reel Duration for 2025
As of 2025, instagram reels let you use a maximum length of up to 3 minutes for videos. This is longer than it was in the past. Now, you can go deeper into your topic. You can tell a story or show more detailed tutorials. All of this is possible while using a vertical, full-screen format.
To make your videos look good, always use the 9:16 aspect ratio (1080 x 1920 pixels). Remember, you can upload Reels from your phone or your desktop. Also, any video that you post from your phone that is under 15 minutes will be seen as a Reel.
Thinking about how long you should make an Instagram video? While you can go up to 3 minutes, studies show it’s better to keep your instagram video post between 60 and 90 seconds. People are more likely to watch the whole thing, like it, share it, or save it when your video is short. A longer video lets you add more, but the most important thing is to keep your instagram video interesting from beginning to end.
Best Length for Engagement and Virality on Reels
To get more people to interact with your instagram video and help it go viral, you need to follow some best practices. These tips will help you with video marketing on Reels. By using them, you can reach more people. This way, your videos do better and you get more out of using Instagram.
- Keep it concise: Reels that are under 90 seconds often do better. They get people’s attention fast and people usually watch the whole video.
- Start strong: Grab people in the first three seconds. Use visuals that stand out or share a message that makes people want to stay.
- Use trending audio and effects: When you add popular music or effects, your Reel is more likely to show up on the reels tab and main feed. This helps more people see your video.
Instagram’s algorithm likes videos that keep viewers interested right from the start. To keep people watching, use good editing, tell a story, or add humor. Adam Mosseri, who leads Instagram, says that short videos are about fast stories and making a quick connection. Try out different video lengths and styles to see what works best for your target audience. Then, change your reel duration to fit what your audience likes.
Instagram Live and IGTV Videos: Extended Time Limits Explained
If you need more time for your video content, you can use Instagram Live or the old IGTV formats. Instagram Live lets you stream real-time video for up to 4 hours. This is good for interviews, webinars, or Q&A sessions. IGTV is now part of the main feed video features. In the past, you could upload videos up to 60 minutes long with IGTV. If you are asking, “Can I upload a 60-minute video to Instagram, and in the main feed, where do these time limits work?” the next parts will show you how these longer formats and time limits work for video content and Instagram Live.
Live Stream Duration Limits and Common Challenges
Instagram Live streams let you go live for up to 4 hours at a time. This limit is good if you want to connect with people in real time and for a longer period. You can use Instagram Live to show events, give a look behind the scenes, or run a live Q&A with your viewers. When you get to the 4-hour limit, the stream will stop on its own.
Common problems with long live video uploads are:
- Interrupted streams: Bad internet can stop your Live in the middle. So, always check if you have a good connection on your phone or computer before you start.
- Recording management: When your Live is over, you will get to save or share the video to your profile. This gives you a way to keep or show your video to others.
- File size limits: If you stream for a long time, the video files get bigger. Instagram makes the files smaller, but this can make the video quality go down.
If you try to upload a video that goes over Instagram’s time limits for other video types, the app will not accept your file or it will break the video into smaller parts. Keeping within these time limits helps your live streams work better and makes sure your followers can watch them without any trouble.
IGTV in 2025 – Is It Still Supported and How Long Can You Upload?
IGTV is not a separate app anymore. Now, many of its features are inside the main Instagram video setup. In 2025, you can use the desktop site to upload longer videos. If you have a verified or chosen account, you can upload a video that goes up to 60 minutes. Most people who use the mobile app can only upload a video that is up to 15 minutes. A longer video will go to the “Video” tab on your instagram profile and also show up in the explore feed.
These changes are for all instagram video users now. So if you want to upload longer videos, the desktop is your best way to go.
The upload limits for older IGTV videos are listed below:
- Up to 15 minutes can be uploaded from your mobile device.
- Up to 60 minutes can be uploaded from a desktop, but this is only for some accounts.
- File size limit: You can have videos that are under 10 minutes and up to 650 MB. For videos up to 60 minutes, the size can be up to 3.6 GB.
If you want to share long videos like interviews, documentaries, or webinars, it is best to upload them from your desktop. While IGTV is not around anymore, you can still post long videos, and this is still a good feature for creators.
What to Do If Your Instagram Video Exceeds the Limit
Sometimes, your longer videos do not match the video length rules on Instagram. But do not let this stop you from posting good content. The Instagram app and other video editors have tools that help you trim, split, or change your video production. If your video is too long for a post or story, smart editing and simple software can help you work with the video length you have. Next, we will show you both the tools inside the Instagram app and tools outside it. You will learn how to make sure your videos follow every instagram video length rule.
Built-In Trimming and Editing Tools on Instagram
Instagram has its own video editor tools to help you change your video before you share it. When you upload a video to the feed or Reels, you will see an option to trim it. Here is how you can use these features to get the most out of your video editor.
- Trim endpoints: Move the start and end points to match the video length you need for the format you chose.
- Add filters and covers: Make your clip look nicer by adding a filter or picking a cover image to improve how it looks.
- Edit order for carousels: When you upload more than one clip, change the order to help people watch them easily.
Remember, the Instagram app editor is good if you want to trim your video content quickly. But it is not as strong as apps made only for editing videos. For Stories, you have to cut your video before you upload it, because the app does not let you trim in that format. You can use the tools built into the Instagram app for quick changes. After you do this, just follow the steps you see on the screen to post your video content.
Third-Party Apps and Workarounds for Longer Videos
When Instagram’s own tools do not meet your video length or editing needs, you can use a third-party video editor app. These apps help you work with your videos so you can split, trim, or change them for Instagram. They also let you make the videos fit what Instagram needs when you upload. A good video editor can give you more control and options for your video.
- Popular apps: InShot, Magisto, and Adobe Premiere Rush are easy to use. You can trim, split, and make your instagram video smaller using these apps.
- Automated clipping: Some apps, including WayinVideo, can find the best parts of your video. They pull out key moments and show the top segments for instagram stories, Reels, or feed videos.
- Custom export settings: You can change the resolution, aspect ratio, and file size for each instagram video post. This helps you get the size and look you want.
Are you worried about using third-party apps? You should stick to brands that a lot of people trust. Look for good reviews on the App Store or Google Play. This is the best way to keep your account safe. These workarounds help you upload longer videos. They also help you keep the best video quality possible.
Conclusion
To sum up, knowing the video length limits on Instagram helps you get the most out of your content. Each option, like Feed Videos, Stories, Reels, IGTV, or Live, has different rules you need to follow. Using the right video length for each will keep your viewers interested. It is important to stay updated on the current video length limits for 2025, so you can make the best content for your audience. This way, you also use all that Instagram offers the right way. If you want advice that fits your needs, feel free to reach out for a free consultation. Start working on your feed videos and other posts now to get more views and interaction!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upload a 60-minute video to Instagram and where is this possible?
Yes, you can put up a video that is up to 60 minutes long, but you have to do this on the desktop version of Instagram. Normally, you need to have a verified account or be chosen by Instagram for this. This is for feed videos, which people used to call IGTV. You cannot do this for regular posts or Stories.
Why won’t Instagram let me upload videos as long as the stated limit?
If you try to post something on the Instagram app but it gets blocked, even when it meets the length limits, there could be other reasons. It may be because the file size is too big, the video is compressed too much, or the aspect ratio is wrong. Make sure the video matches all the Instagram app rules, including what file type it is and the resolution, so you can upload it with no trouble.
Are there safe third-party methods to upload longer Instagram videos?
Yes, there are some good third-party video editor apps that can help you split or trim longer videos. Some examples are InShot, Magisto, and Adobe Premiere Rush. It is best to use apps that have strong reviews. Do not use any app that asks for your Instagram login because that can put your account and feed at risk.