How Long Should an Instagram Reel Be?
So exactly how long should an Instagram Reel be? Great question. And the short answer is, as long or as short as it needs to be to be a great video. But we definitely wanna get more specific than that, and I'm gonna jump into that in this training.
How Long Should Instagram Reels Be?
Let's break down how long Instagram Reels should be. They can be anywhere from 1 second to 90 seconds, as of this recording. But how long should they actually be?
The short answer, as I mentioned earlier, is as long or as short as it needs to be. This is a good rule for all content on all platforms. Make it long enough to be a great piece of content but not so long that it becomes boring or uninteresting. At the same time, make it short enough to be consumed quickly because people are busy—but not so short that it fails to deliver its intended message.
The Key to Reel Length: Viewer Engagement
Your goal for your Instagram Reel should be to get viewers to watch it all the way through or even more than once. To break this down:
Example 1: Getting 20 seconds of a 20-second Reel watched is better than 40 seconds of a 60-second Reel. Even though the latter has more watch time, not completing the video signals the algorithm that viewers may not find it engaging.
Tip: Aim for a length where viewers are likely to watch all the way to the end—or replay it.
Avoid Chasing Views for the Sake of Views
One common mistake is making Reels as short as possible to gain more views. If you look at my Instagram account, the Reels with the most views are often the shortest. But views alone are not the goal. My focus is on business goals: attracting people to my programs, coaching, or training.
Ask yourself:
Did that viral 6-second Reel contribute to revenue or bring in new customers?
If not, does it matter?
Make your Reels long enough to align with your business goals, not just to chase views.
Leave Viewers Wanting More
Consider making your Reels short enough to leave the audience wanting more. This encourages them to visit your profile and binge-watch your other content. Tip: Bingers become buyers. If trimming your video slightly creates curiosity, it’s worth it.
Learn From Competitors
Analyze the length of your competitors' most popular Reels. While shorter videos often have higher views, look for those with significant engagement or clear business results. This will provide a solid starting point for your own content strategy.
My Sweet Spot for Reel Length
In my business, most of my Reels are 30–45 seconds long. This length allows me to leave a lasting impression and encourages viewers to follow me, join my email list, or watch more videos. Test different lengths to find your own sweet spot. But if case if you want to upload longer videos on Instagram reels without limitations, it's possible.
The Four Essentials for Converting Visitors
Once non-followers reach your profile through your Reels, ensure these four essentials are in place:
State the Problem You Solve: Quickly grab attention by addressing a problem your target audience has.
Explain Why You’re Different: Differentiate yourself from competitors who solve the same problem.
Leave Them Curious: Curiosity drives engagement. Make them want to learn more.
Include a Clear Call to Action: Be specific about the next step you want them to take, whether it’s following you, downloading a guide, or visiting your website.
Conclusion
Creating effective Instagram Reels isn’t just about making them short or long—it’s about creating content that engages viewers, aligns with your business goals, and leaves a lasting impression. While finding the ideal length for your Reels may take some testing, focusing on viewer retention and relevancy is key to success. Keep your audience curious, deliver value, and always guide them toward the next step in their journey with your brand.
How Long Should an Instagram Reel Be?
So exactly how long should an Instagram Reel be? Great question. And the short answer is, as long or as short as it needs to be to be a great video. But we definitely wanna get more specific than that, and I'm gonna jump into that in this training.
How Long Should Instagram Reels Be?
Let's break down how long Instagram Reels should be. They can be anywhere from 1 second to 90 seconds, as of this recording. But how long should they actually be?
The short answer, as I mentioned earlier, is as long or as short as it needs to be. This is a good rule for all content on all platforms. Make it long enough to be a great piece of content but not so long that it becomes boring or uninteresting. At the same time, make it short enough to be consumed quickly because people are busy—but not so short that it fails to deliver its intended message.
The Key to Reel Length: Viewer Engagement
Your goal for your Instagram Reel should be to get viewers to watch it all the way through or even more than once. To break this down:
Example 1: Getting 20 seconds of a 20-second Reel watched is better than 40 seconds of a 60-second Reel. Even though the latter has more watch time, not completing the video signals the algorithm that viewers may not find it engaging.
Tip: Aim for a length where viewers are likely to watch all the way to the end—or replay it.
Avoid Chasing Views for the Sake of Views
One common mistake is making Reels as short as possible to gain more views. If you look at my Instagram account, the Reels with the most views are often the shortest. But views alone are not the goal. My focus is on business goals: attracting people to my programs, coaching, or training.
Ask yourself:
Did that viral 6-second Reel contribute to revenue or bring in new customers?
If not, does it matter?
Make your Reels long enough to align with your business goals, not just to chase views.
Leave Viewers Wanting More
Consider making your Reels short enough to leave the audience wanting more. This encourages them to visit your profile and binge-watch your other content. Tip: Bingers become buyers. If trimming your video slightly creates curiosity, it’s worth it.
Learn From Competitors
Analyze the length of your competitors' most popular Reels. While shorter videos often have higher views, look for those with significant engagement or clear business results. This will provide a solid starting point for your own content strategy.
My Sweet Spot for Reel Length
In my business, most of my Reels are 30–45 seconds long. This length allows me to leave a lasting impression and encourages viewers to follow me, join my email list, or watch more videos. Test different lengths to find your own sweet spot. But if case if you want to upload longer videos on Instagram reels without limitations, it's possible.
The Four Essentials for Converting Visitors
Once non-followers reach your profile through your Reels, ensure these four essentials are in place:
State the Problem You Solve: Quickly grab attention by addressing a problem your target audience has.
Explain Why You’re Different: Differentiate yourself from competitors who solve the same problem.
Leave Them Curious: Curiosity drives engagement. Make them want to learn more.
Include a Clear Call to Action: Be specific about the next step you want them to take, whether it’s following you, downloading a guide, or visiting your website.
Conclusion
Creating effective Instagram Reels isn’t just about making them short or long—it’s about creating content that engages viewers, aligns with your business goals, and leaves a lasting impression. While finding the ideal length for your Reels may take some testing, focusing on viewer retention and relevancy is key to success. Keep your audience curious, deliver value, and always guide them toward the next step in their journey with your brand.
How Long Should an Instagram Reel Be?
So exactly how long should an Instagram Reel be? Great question. And the short answer is, as long or as short as it needs to be to be a great video. But we definitely wanna get more specific than that, and I'm gonna jump into that in this training.
How Long Should Instagram Reels Be?
Let's break down how long Instagram Reels should be. They can be anywhere from 1 second to 90 seconds, as of this recording. But how long should they actually be?
The short answer, as I mentioned earlier, is as long or as short as it needs to be. This is a good rule for all content on all platforms. Make it long enough to be a great piece of content but not so long that it becomes boring or uninteresting. At the same time, make it short enough to be consumed quickly because people are busy—but not so short that it fails to deliver its intended message.
The Key to Reel Length: Viewer Engagement
Your goal for your Instagram Reel should be to get viewers to watch it all the way through or even more than once. To break this down:
Example 1: Getting 20 seconds of a 20-second Reel watched is better than 40 seconds of a 60-second Reel. Even though the latter has more watch time, not completing the video signals the algorithm that viewers may not find it engaging.
Tip: Aim for a length where viewers are likely to watch all the way to the end—or replay it.
Avoid Chasing Views for the Sake of Views
One common mistake is making Reels as short as possible to gain more views. If you look at my Instagram account, the Reels with the most views are often the shortest. But views alone are not the goal. My focus is on business goals: attracting people to my programs, coaching, or training.
Ask yourself:
Did that viral 6-second Reel contribute to revenue or bring in new customers?
If not, does it matter?
Make your Reels long enough to align with your business goals, not just to chase views.
Leave Viewers Wanting More
Consider making your Reels short enough to leave the audience wanting more. This encourages them to visit your profile and binge-watch your other content. Tip: Bingers become buyers. If trimming your video slightly creates curiosity, it’s worth it.
Learn From Competitors
Analyze the length of your competitors' most popular Reels. While shorter videos often have higher views, look for those with significant engagement or clear business results. This will provide a solid starting point for your own content strategy.
My Sweet Spot for Reel Length
In my business, most of my Reels are 30–45 seconds long. This length allows me to leave a lasting impression and encourages viewers to follow me, join my email list, or watch more videos. Test different lengths to find your own sweet spot. But if case if you want to upload longer videos on Instagram reels without limitations, it's possible.
The Four Essentials for Converting Visitors
Once non-followers reach your profile through your Reels, ensure these four essentials are in place:
State the Problem You Solve: Quickly grab attention by addressing a problem your target audience has.
Explain Why You’re Different: Differentiate yourself from competitors who solve the same problem.
Leave Them Curious: Curiosity drives engagement. Make them want to learn more.
Include a Clear Call to Action: Be specific about the next step you want them to take, whether it’s following you, downloading a guide, or visiting your website.
Conclusion
Creating effective Instagram Reels isn’t just about making them short or long—it’s about creating content that engages viewers, aligns with your business goals, and leaves a lasting impression. While finding the ideal length for your Reels may take some testing, focusing on viewer retention and relevancy is key to success. Keep your audience curious, deliver value, and always guide them toward the next step in their journey with your brand.