How Long Can Instagram Reels Be? Find Out Now!

Key Highlights

Instagram Reels can be up to 3 minutes long now. But, you usually get better results with shorter videos. A good way is to keep most content between 15 and 30 seconds.
You have the option to upload videos that are up to 15 minutes as Reels. Still, Instagram’s algorithm shows only those up to 3 minutes in the Reels tab.
There have been new changes that make reel length more flexible in social media. But uploading longer videos can hurt your watch time and how far your video goes.
To have quality content, use editing tools, closed captions, and the right aspect ratio. Doing this can help get good viewer retention.
Instagram Reels try to stand out against TikTok videos and YouTube Shorts. So, using the right video length is a great way to boost reach and engagement.
When you follow best practices for reel length, social media managers and small businesses can get creative. They also keep a high watch time and better engage people.

Introduction

Instagram Reels are changing the way people use social media. The feature lets you make and share short and interesting video content. The video length you choose for your Instagram Reel can have a big effect on how many people see your video and how much they like it. New users and skilled creators both need to keep up with the platform updates and understand how long their Reels can be. In this guide, you will find out how long your Instagram Reels can be, learn about the latest features, and read tips for getting the most out of every second of your video length. This way, your video content on social media can do well.

Understanding Instagram Reels and Their Importance

Instagram Reels are now an important part of video content on social media. They have a quick and fun style. This gives users and small businesses a good way to boost engagement and reach more people. The way Reels look makes them stand out on the Instagram feed. If creators use best practices and give followers quality content, the Instagram algorithm often shows these videos to even more people. This is a great creative opportunity for all.

Choosing the best way to share your message, by using either short clips or longer videos, is important. Adam Mosseri, who is the CEO of Instagram, says that using Reels on social media is a strong way to reach people. It helps you get their attention and stay ahead as things always change on these platforms.

What Makes Reels Different from Other Instagram Video Formats?

Instagram Reels give you a different way to share videos than Instagram Stories, regular Instagram videos, or carousel posts. Instagram Stories let you post videos, but they have a 60-second time limit and go away after one day. Reels, on the other hand, stay on your profile. People can find them in the Instagram feed and the Reels tab. Instagram videos can be longer, but they usually only show in your feed or as regular posts. They do not take advantage of the spot that is made for Reels.

Carousel posts let you put up to 10 photos or videos together in one place. But, they are often still and do not feel very interactive. Reels, on the other hand, are about short videos. There are clear length limits and an aspect ratio that works well for vertical, full-screen viewing with 1080 x 1920 pixels. You can use in-app editing tools and templates, making it easier to create content that moves fast and grabs people’s attention. All these features give Reels more creative opportunity. There is also a better chance for higher watch time and more people interacting with your posts on the Instagram app. This will help your social media get noticed.

The Rise of Short-Form Video Content on Social Media

Short videos are everywhere on social media now. They have changed how people watch and share things online. TikTok videos and YouTube Shorts started this trend of short clips. Each of these platforms has its own video length limits. These short videos help people to get more interaction and reach a bigger audience. Instagram Reels joined in, too. They brought their own style to short videos. With their own length limits, Reels are a great way for users to connect with others through quick, engaging clips. Short videos have become a big part of how people use social media.

For small businesses and creators, using short videos in social media is now a must. The data shows that people on Instagram spend almost half of their time in the app watching Reels. This means these short clips help you a lot if you want more people to see and like your content. When you make videos that are short, people usually watch them longer and are more likely to like, comment, or share what you post. This is because viewers now want quick value and fun from what they see. Social media will keep changing, so the best way to grow your audience and get more people to see your posts is to be good at making short-form videos. More watch time from these clips can help your business reach new people every day.

The Current Maximum Length for Instagram Reels in 2024

Instagram has changed to meet what users want when it comes to longer videos. Now, the maximum length of an Instagram Reel is 3 minutes. This is up from the earlier 90 seconds. Adam Mosseri talked about this change in early 2024. The new limit gives social media managers and creators extra time to share better stories in their reels.

You can still upload longer videos, even up to 15 minutes, to Instagram. But only reels that are 3 minutes or less will get the most attention from the Instagram algorithm and will be shown in the Reels section. Because of this, the reel length you pick is very important. It is a key part of how well your content does in social media today.

It is important to know about these changes before you look at how reel length can change based on the type of account you have or the way you upload your reel.

Standard Reel Length Limits for All Accounts

For most people who use Instagram, the video length for Reels is now up to 3 minutes in 2024. This time limit is the same for all types of accounts, like personal, business, or creator accounts. If you use the Instagram app to record, you can pick from a few set times: 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, or 90 seconds. But if you upload a prerecorded video, you can use the new, longer time limit for Reels.

It’s good to know that you can upload videos up to 15 minutes, but reels that are longer than 3 minutes do not get the same push in the Reels tab. When your video is over 3 minutes, you may not get as much from the system that shares your content. Adam Mosseri said, “We’re hoping that upping that limit up to three minutes will help you tell the stories that you really want to tell.” If you keep your videos at 3 minutes or less, you give your social media posts a better chance at being seen by others and getting more people to like and talk about them.

As of 2024, the maximum length for Instagram Reels is now 90 seconds. This means you can make and upload a video that is up to one and a half minutes long on your Instagram account. If you want to create longer content, you would need to look at other options, because the maximum length stays at 90 seconds for Reels.

Differences for Business and Creator Accounts

Right now, there is no difference in the maximum reel length across regular, business, and creator accounts on Instagram. All types of accounts be able to make and upload Reels that are up to 3 minutes long. They also get the same help from the Instagram algorithm and the same editing tools. This update gives small businesses, social media managers, and creators the same creative opportunity to use social media and reach their audiences.

Adam Mosseri talked about how Instagram wants to give everyone the same chance to reach more people and be seen, no matter what type of account they have. He said that the best way to use Instagram is to always share quality content. It is good to keep your videos at or under three minutes, and use helpful tools like closed captions. You should also use the right aspect ratio. These best practices can help you get the most out of Instagram.

There is no difference in the maximum Reel length on Instagram for regular accounts, business accounts, or creator accounts. The limit for Reel length is the same for everyone. No matter which type of account you use, you get the same amount of time to make and share your Reels on Instagram.

Can You Upload or Record Longer Reels? Exploring Options and Workarounds

Instagram lets you share longer videos, and you do not have to stick to the usual 3-minute reel length. If you use your camera roll to upload instead of recording in the Instagram app, you can post reels that are up to 15 minutes long. But, if your reel is longer than 3 minutes, it might not get as much attention in the Reels tab. The algorithm tends to show these longer videos to fewer people.

Let’s take a look at the latest updates for longer videos on Instagram. Here are the best ways to deal with longer videos on this platform.

Recent Instagram Updates on Reel Duration

Instagram is listening to a lot of feedback from people who use the app. Adam Mosseri said, “We’ve heard a lot of feedback from a lot of you creators out there that 90 seconds is just too short.” Because of this, the January 2025 update will let people make reels that can be up to 3 minutes long. Right now, there are talks about reel length, but Instagram has not said anything official about making reels even longer in 2025. You can upload videos that are longer than 3 minutes, with a limit of up to 15 minutes. But those longer uploads may not get as much attention in the Reels tab.

It is important for creators and social media managers to keep up with changes that happen on social media. A new feature rollout could change the way you use your strategies. Watch out for news from Adam Mosseri or check the Instagram blog to see if there are any updates to maximum video length and reel duration. Stay alert so that you do not miss any big changes about video length or other limits.

No, Instagram has not said anything yet about increasing Reel length in 2025. Right now, the company has not made any new plans or updates for longer reels. If there are any changes about reel length in the coming year, Instagram will share news with all users through their main channels. So, for now, you can only make and share reels that fit the current time limits. Keep an eye on Instagram’s updates if you want to know when the company might change the reel length options.

Tips for Uploading or Recording Longer Videos as Reels

You can post longer videos as Instagram Reels. To do this, be sure to use the camera roll on your phone. This will help you get around the limits for recording in the app. For good results, follow these tips.

Make sure your video is under 15 minutes. This helps you meet Instagram’s technical rules for Reels.
Use editing tools before you upload to fix the aspect ratio to 9:16. Add closed captions too, so more people can watch and understand your video.
Keep in mind that music and extra clips might not be there for videos you upload from outside. So, add them before you upload your video.
Always put quality content and a clear message first, even when the video is a bit longer.
Remember, reels that are over 3 minutes may not get seen as much in the Reels tab or by the Instagram algorithm.

If you follow these best practices, you can show longer videos in a good way. But the best way is to keep your videos around three minutes to reach more people.

No, right now you can only upload or record Instagram Reels that are up to 90 seconds long. Instagram does not let people make reels that go over 1 minute and 30 seconds. This limit is the same for creating a reel on your phone and for uploading a video you already have. If you try to upload a video that is more than 90 seconds, you will have to cut it down so it fits. A good way to get around this is to break the video into several reels. That is what many people do. This way, you can still show all of your content, but follow the rules set by Instagram. Keep checking back for updates, as Instagram can change rules at any time.

Planned Changes and Future Updates for Instagram Reels Length

With social media changing all the time, Instagram is always looking for ways to make reels better. The most recent update lets you make reels up to 3 minutes long. A lot of people now wonder what else is next. Adam Mosseri and the Instagram team have not talked about clear plans for new features or if they will change the maximum length again. But it is a good idea to watch their official channels for updates. Any change could help creators and brands use Instagram Reels in a new way and get more people to join in.

Let’s look at what people say are coming features and the best way for you to stay updated about any changes.

Announced or Rumored Feature Expansions for 2025

Right now, Instagram has not said that it will raise the reel length past the 3-minute mark in 2025. Sometimes, people who talk about the industry mention changes to this feature. But, Adam Mosseri and the Instagram team have not made any clear statements yet. If you make content, it is a good idea to keep an eye on social media news for updates, since things can change quickly.

If Instagram chooses to go up against longer TikTok videos or YouTube Shorts, there could be a new chance for people to be creative. But, right now, Instagram Reels can only be up to 3 minutes long. So, that is the limit for now. Instagram wants all users to make content that stays within these rules. This is how people can still have creative opportunity with the current setup.

As of now, Instagram has not said anything about changing reel length for the year 2025. People want to know if they will make reels longer, but there is no word on this from Instagram yet. If any news comes out in the future about a new reel length, we will all get to know and see what changes come up.

How to Stay Updated on Instagram Reel Policies

Keeping up with Instagram’s new rules is very important for people who work in social media. It also matters for creators. You should know about the latest changes and updates to this platform. Here are some good ways to stay up to date with changes and new features:

Follow Adam Mosseri and read Instagram’s official blog to get real-time announcements.
Join online communities or groups that talk about Instagram trends and updates in social media.
Subscribe to newsletters from trusted social media marketing sites.
Check the app’s update section often for new features or changes in rules.

The best way to make sure you do not miss any important updates in social media is to use both of these methods. When you have timely knowledge of new rules or changes in policies, you can quickly change your content plan. This helps you stay ahead of others in the fast world of social media.

Ideal and Recommended Reel Lengths for Maximum Engagement

Finding the right reel length is important to help you get more engagement and reach on Instagram. Even though you can make a reel up to 3 minutes long, the best results usually come from much shorter videos. Most social media managers and creators notice that reels between 15 and 30 seconds get the most watch time and responses. If you follow the best practices and pay attention to what the Instagram algorithm likes, you can get the most out of your reels. This will help you grab your viewers’ attention, keep them watching, and also get them to share your content. This way, you can do well with social media.

To get a better idea, let’s look at the best practices and effects of how long your reel is.

Social Media Best Practices for Reel Duration

The most effective Reels are usually short and get the message across fast. Here are some of the best practices you can use to increase engagement and watch time:

Keep most Reels between 15–30 seconds. This helps people remember the content and makes it quick to watch.
If you are telling a story or showing how to do something, you can use up to 60 seconds. Make sure you keep the pace fast.
Use good visuals and start with a hook in the first 3-5 seconds. This will grab people’s attention.
Focus on quality content that people find useful. Try to match what is trending right now.
Don’t go over the maximum length if you don’t have to. Longer videos are often not as good for keeping people interested.

Watching your analytics is important. It helps you see what your audience likes. Adam Mosseri says, “Uploading reels longer than 90 seconds could hurt distribution.” This tip may change in the future as there will be new updates. So, keep an eye on what works best for you and your followers.

The best reel length for getting the most people to watch and like your videos is usually between 15 and 30 seconds. People often stay interested if your clips are short and to the point. A quick video can also make people want to share it with the others. If you keep the reel length short, the video is more likely to do well. It is important to catch their attention right away and get your message across fast. With a short reel, many will often watch it more than once, which helps with the reach. So, to get more out of your videos, keep the reel length around this time.

How Reel Length Affects Viewer Retention and Reach

Viewer retention is key to how well a reel does on social media. Short videos usually do better. People are more likely to watch the full clip, and this helps your watch time and engagement go up. The Instagram algorithm likes reels that hold the viewer’s interest from the beginning to the end. This helps your content show up more in the Instagram feed.

Longer reels can be needed when you want to share in-depth content. But these longer reels often make people stop watching if you do not give the information at the right pace. Many social media managers say you should try different video lengths and check your analytics. This helps you find the best time to post and see which reels have good viewer retention. A 30-second reel that keeps a smooth pace can do better than a longer one. This is more likely when you make the content fit what your audience likes to see on social media.

The length of your Instagram Reel can make a big difference in how many people watch it and stay till the end. If the video is too long, some people may lose interest and stop watching before it’s over. A short instagram reel often works well because people on this app like fast, fun videos. But if your reel is too short, you may not have enough time to share your message or show what you want.

It helps to test different reel length options and see what your audience likes. Keep an eye on the data you get from Instagram to know which length keeps people watching and brings in more views. A good mix of clear and interesting content with the right reel length can help you get better reach and keep your viewers coming back for more.

Instagram Reels Length Compared to TikTok and YouTube Shorts

When you plan your video content, it is important to know how Instagram Reels, TikTok videos, and YouTube Shorts are different. Each one has its own maximum video length and its own style. These things can change how you use social media. Instagram Reels lets you make videos up to 3 minutes long. TikTok and YouTube Shorts have different limits on how long your video can be, and each one offers its own special ways to be creative. By knowing about these platforms and their rules for video length, you can create videos that work well for each place. This helps you reach more people with your social media content.

Let’s look at the main differences and what they mean for people who create things.

Maximum Video Lengths on Competing Platforms

Each short-form video platform has its own length limits. Instagram Reels, TikTok videos, and YouTube Shorts each have a different maximum length. This changes how you should make content for their users. Here is a simple comparison the helps you see these length limits.

Platform	Maximum Video Length (Recorded In-App)	Maximum Video Length (Uploaded)	Unique Features
Instagram Reels	3 minutes (2025)	15 minutes (not prioritized)	Shown in Reels tab if ≤3 minutes
TikTok Videos	10 minutes	60 minutes (region-specific)	Strong editing tools, global reach
YouTube Shorts	3 minutes	3 minutes	Auto-switches to full YouTube videos

This table shows how the length of shorts on each platform gives people different ways to be creative. Instagram does not give as much time as TikTok for the maximum upload length. But it has the same in-app recording time as YouTube Shorts.

Instagram Reels can be up to 90 seconds long. TikTok lets you make videos that are up to 10 minutes in length. YouTube Shorts lets you post videos up to 60 seconds. So, when you look at it, the reel length on Instagram is shorter than what you get on TikTok. But it is a little longer than YouTube Shorts. If you want to post on all three, you need to keep the limits in mind for each app.

Platform-Specific Pros and Cons for Creators

Choosing between Instagram Reels, TikTok, or YouTube Shorts comes down to what you want and who you are trying to reach. Here are some good and bad points for each one:

Instagram Reels: This is good to use for building engagement on a platform many people know and use. But, if your reel is longer than three minutes, it will not show up as much on the Reels tab.
TikTok Videos: You get to post the longest videos here and use powerful editing tools. But, what shows up to people depends on what is new and going viral.
YouTube Shorts: This works well for creators who already upload YouTube videos. It is easy to connect both, but the reach sometimes depends on what the platform likes to push.
Cross-posting your content on different social media is a good practice. But, avoid videos with watermarks, like those from TikTok or YouTube. Instagram’s algorithm does not like videos with these brands’ watermarks and can show them less.
Instagram gives people a creative opportunity with closed captions and good editing tools. This helps you use a social media platform where many users may already follow your content.

Look at what each platform does well and where it may be weak. This helps you pick the best way to reach your target viewers.

Creators can pick from Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok to share short videos with people. Each one has upsides and downsides.

Instagram Reels is good if you want to reach people who are already on Instagram. A lot of users spend their time looking at Reels, so you can get seen easier if you make catchy videos. If you already have followers on Instagram, your videos will show up for them. It is easy to use, and you can make videos right there in the app. But, people say it’s hard to get new people to watch your Reels if you’re new or you don’t have many followers yet. Also, the money from Reels isn’t as high as some other platforms, and the rules for how your video gets shown can often change.

YouTube Shorts gives you the chance to get seen by many people all over the globe because so many use YouTube. Shorts stay on your channel and can be watched any time. This helps your videos keep getting views, even after some days. Plus, YouTube is known for paying creators well through their programs. However, it can take more time for new creators to build up views on youtube shorts since so many people post videos here every day.

TikTok is all about trending videos and getting new people to watch your content fast. A lot of videos go viral here. The way the app works often helps you get noticed quickly, even if you don’t have followers at the start. A downside

Technical Guidelines and Restrictions for Posting Longer Instagram Reels

When you post longer reels, you need to stick to Instagram’s rules for videos. The rules include things like video length, file size, format, and aspect ratio. These help you upload your video without problems and keep the quality content high on the instagram feed and Reels tab. To make things go well, edit your video first, then pick the right settings before uploading it from your camera roll or the instagram app. Doing this stops upload issues. It also helps your video reach more people, because the video will work the way Instagram wants.

Let’s go over the technical needs and how to upload now.

File Size, Format, and Aspect Ratio Requirements

Instagram Reels comes with some rules for file uploads. Here is what you need to know:

File Size: Keep your videos under 4GB. This will help with quick uploads and faster processing on Instagram.
Video Format: Use MP4 as the format for your video. Instagram Reels works best with this, and it helps your video play smoothly and be compatible with most devices.
Aspect Ratio: Always use the 9:16 aspect ratio (1080 x 1920 pixels). This makes your content fill the whole screen and look good for everyone.
Editing Tools: Use editing tools to add things like music or closed captions. You can also trim parts of your video with these tools.
Uploading Videos: Before you upload from your camera roll, double-check the file. This helps you avoid any mistakes with the format or file size.

If you follow these technical steps, you will stop most upload problems. You can also show your longer reels with the best quality.

You can upload longer reels on Instagram, but there are some things you need to keep in mind. The file size for longer reels must be no more than 4GB. The video should also be in MP4 format to work best. Make sure your internet connection is good when you upload, because that will help the process go smoother. So, if you want to share longer reels, just check the file size and format first. That way, you can get your video up without any trouble.

Uploading from Mobile vs. Desktop—Do Length Limits Change?

Instagram Reels’ length limits do not change, no matter if you upload from the app or from your computer. The limit is 3 minutes for reels to show up in the main Reels tab. But, you can upload a video up to 15 minutes long from your phone or desktop, although it will be marked as a normal video, not a reel. The aspect ratio and video format stay the same on all devices.

Uploading from the mobile app gives you more in-app editing tools. You can make changes in real time. On the other hand, uploading on your desktop helps with file management and gives you access to advanced editing tools. Still, people working as social media managers should know that the way you upload does not help avoid time limits or restrictions. Both the mobile app and desktop have this in common when working with social media.

Yes, Instagram Reels have length limits, but these do not change based on if you use a phone or a desktop. No matter if you upload a Reel on your mobile or from the desktop, the length limits stay the same. This is the rule set by Instagram for everyone. So, you can use either way, and the length limits for your video will not be different.

Conclusion

To sum up, knowing how long Instagram Reels can be is key for getting more engagement and making your content plan better on social media. The fast-changing world of social media means you have to stay up to date on current limits and best practices. When you make the length of your videos fit what viewers want and try out different ways of making a video, you can get more people to watch. Instagram is always coming up with new features, so you need to watch for changes if you want your content to do well. If you want advice just for you, reach out to us and get a free talk with one of our experts today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my Instagram Reel is too long?

If your Instagram Reel is longer than the video length or time limit allowed, the platform will either cut down your video to the set length limits or not let you upload it at all. To not have any problems, always look at your reel’s duration before you upload. This way, you can be sure it fits Instagram’s rules for video length and time limit.

How Long Can Instagram Reels Be? A Complete Guide