How Long Can Instagram Reels Be?

Instagram Reels have been extremely popular with users since the feature’s start in 2020, and this reflects well for the social media platform’s continuing dominance. In light of TikTok’s rising popularity, this could not come at a better time.

Businesses and brands stand to gain from this as well. Their ability to efficiently and creatively reach their target audience is improved. Instagram has guidelines for Instagram reel length, much like it does for other features.

The length of Instagram reels is crucial for promoting interaction, just like it is with other video material. In this article, we discuss all you need to know about Instagram reels, including how long they can be for interaction and some original techniques for creating video that stands out. 

What Is Instagram Reels Maximum Length?

Instagram Reels is an innovative feature that enables users to make short videos and share them with their followers. But how long can Instagram reels be?

Instagram reels can be up to 90 seconds long. Even while the window is quite small, if you use it well, you can still get a lot of stuff into your reel. A complete story can be created in 90 seconds or a fast commercial in 15. You are free to decide.

When the Reel video reaches its specified duration, it will automatically finish. Therefore, keeping track of the remaining time is essential when making your reel. You can easily add some music or a caption at the conclusion to make it feel more like a finished product if you don’t want it to stop quickly.

It’s also important to recall Instagram’s guidelines for preferred video aspect ratios. The platform advises all uploaded movies to have a ratio between 1.91:1 and 9:16 because the majority of viewers are on mobile devices. You can also check out our article about the meaning of NFS on Instagram.

How to Set Up the Length of Your Reels

It’s not too difficult to set up the length of an IG Reel. Here’s how to go about it:

• Tap the camera icon after opening the Instagram app on your device. The screen can also be moved to the left.
• Select “REEL” as it appears below.
• Choose an acceptable duration for your Reel video by tapping the timer icon with the “Length” label. Instagram now offers three options: 15-, 30-, 60-, and 90-second videos.
• Your reel can now be recorded in a single take or divided into shorter pieces that can be edited together. Tap the “Record” button at the bottom of the screen to start recording and take your first clip.
• To save the first clip, click the ‘Done’ button. After that, you can keep adding clips to your recording until it reaches the necessary length.
• Reels are alternatively pre-recorded videos that you can upload from your smartphone.
• You can further customize your reel by adding effects, filters, or music after recording or uploading your footage. To make your reel more interesting, you can also use text and stickers.
• If you’re happy with how your reel appears after viewing it, click “Post” to add it to your Instagram feed.

Keep in mind that Instagram will automatically impose a duration restriction on your Reel video. If you’re recording from the app, you can use the built-in timer, but if you’re uploading the video, you must make sure it has been trimmed to the proper length.

Although Instagram will cut out the additional video, for optimum results, crop it yourself to preserve all of the relevant information. If you want it is also possible to pause Instagram reels yourself.

How Long Can Instagram Reels Be (and Why Does It Matter)?

Regardless of Instagram’s requirements for Reels video length, there is an acceptable video duration for each IG Reels video based on the objective.

Here’s how to determine the ideal duration for your IG Reels video:

Choose your goals

It seems apparent, yet it deserves to be mentioned. You should be very clear about your goals before beginning to shoot any reel. As opposed to an explanation film on how to utilize a product, specialized case usage like advertisements or product teasers are suitable for shorter reels.

Keep in mind that you compete for your audience’s attention. Therefore the way you create the IG Reel is important. While you’re at it, you could also wish to define or divide your overall aim into manageable targets.

This will be helpful when you go to the third phase, where you’ll have to compare several techniques to achieve your initial objectives in the hopes of identifying a winner.

Also Read: What Does CFS Mean on Instagram

Consider Competitors

If other companies in your sector are having success with their Instagram Reels, they’ve undoubtedly figured out the secret.

However, this does not imply that you should completely follow your competitor’s strategy. Find the gaps between your Instagram analytics tools and theirs. Instead of starting from the beginning, you’ll save lots of time simply adapting their approach.

For ideal outcomes, study a few of your closest and most successful competitors, use industry best practices, and then progress from there.

A Little Trial and Error

Obtaining the required results all at once is possible if you’re lucky. This isn’t always the case, but in certain cases, an improved plan based on a rival’s may be more effective.

Test your plan after developing it. If you feel like you still don’t understand anything, don’t worry. You could want to use a split-test approach for the greatest outcomes, where you would test out different strategies and assess how well they worked to meet your goals.

Summing Up

Instagram Reels are a fantastic method to represent who you are as a person, brand, or company. However, in order to make the most of this wonderful feature, you must be aware of how long Instagram Reels can be and the optimal video length for each circumstance.

Instagram now allows Reels video to be shot in intervals of 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, and 90 seconds. Your choices and pre-set goals will determine the interval you decide to use.

If you want to reach a larger audience, Instagram reels should be on your must-do list.