Instagram Video Length Limits for Posts, Stories, Reels, IGT
Learn Instagram video length limits for posts, Reels, Stories, and IGTV, plus tips to optimize durations for engagement and smooth uploads.
Instagram Video Length Limits for Posts, Stories, Reels, and IGTV
If you’re creating marketing content for Instagram, knowing how long can video be on Instagram post — and across all formats like Stories, Reels, and IGTV — is crucial for SEO and engagement. Each format has unique maximum durations, recommended aspect ratios, and file size constraints. Misjudging these can lead to failed uploads, cropped visuals, or poor viewer retention. This comprehensive guide covers current length limits, compares them with TikTok, and shares practical tips for editing, compression, and optimization.
---
Feed Posts: Length and Format Requirements
Feed videos show up in your profile grid and followers’ feeds, making them a primary touchpoint for engagement.
Current maximum length for feed videos:
- Minimum duration: 3 seconds
- Maximum duration: 60 minutes (via Instagram Video/IGTV integration)
- Standard short videos: 3 seconds up to 10 minutes for most accounts
- Extended videos: Verified accounts or those with large followings can post up to 60 minutes
Format requirements for feed videos:
- Aspect ratio: 1.91:1 (landscape) to 4:5 (portrait)
- Resolution: Minimum 1080px width recommended
- File size: Under 650MB for videos up to 10 minutes; under 3.6GB up to 60 minutes
- FPS: 30 frames per second max
---
Reels: Short-Form Video at Its Core
Instagram Reels are designed for quick, engaging clips and compete directly with TikTok’s algorithm-driven feed.
Reel length limits (2024):
- Up to 90 seconds for standard reels
- Select users may have extended options up to 3 minutes
- Built-in editing tools let you trim clips, add music, and apply creative effects
Instagram Reels vs TikTok
| Platform | Minimum Length | Maximum Length |
|---|---|---|
| Instagram Reels | 3 seconds | 90 seconds (some up to 180 seconds) |
| TikTok | 3 seconds | 10 minutes (newer updates) |
TikTok allows more long-form content, but the brevity of Reels often drives higher completion rates and quick interactions.
---
Stories: Quick, Sequential Video Sharing
Stories are temporary, disappearing 24 hours after posting — unless saved in Highlights.
Story video length limits:
- Each clip: Up to 15 seconds
- Longer uploads auto-split into 15-second segments
- Total daily limit: Up to 100 Stories per account
Sequencing tips:
- Pre-edit to align transitions with Instagram’s 15-second limit
- Plan cuts to prevent abrupt jumps and keep narrative flow natural
---
IGTV and Long-Form Videos
Though the IGTV app has been retired, its functions remain within Instagram Video.
Length thresholds:
- Mobile upload: 15 seconds min, 15 minutes max
- Desktop upload: 15 seconds min, 60 minutes max
- Aspect ratios: Vertical 9:16 preferred; horizontal allowed for widescreen content
Long-form uploads are perfect for tutorials, interviews, and event coverage — as long as the file meets Instagram’s size constraints.
---
Choosing Optimal Video Length for Engagement
Uploading the longest video possible isn’t always smart. Engagement often drops after certain durations.
Recommendations:
- Feed posts: 15–60 seconds for promos; several minutes for in-depth topics
- Reels: 15–45 seconds to boost completion and rewatch rates
- Stories: Multiple 15-second segments, but keep sequences concise
- IGTV: 3–15 minutes for substantial topics; avoid unnecessary filler
By tailoring lengths to the format and audience attention span, you can significantly improve retention metrics.
---
Editing, Trimming, and Uploading Tips
Built-in tools let you prep videos quickly, but external editing can give more control.
To trim a feed or Reel video:
- Upload your video
- Tap Trim in the editor
- Drag sliders to adjust start/end points
- Apply filters, captions, or effects
Stories handling:
- Uploading videos longer than 15 seconds automatically creates sequential segments
Best practices for longer videos:
- Compression: Use HandBrake or Adobe Media Encoder to reduce file size losslessly
- Aspect ratio: Match format defaults (9:16 vertical for Stories/Reels; 1.91:1–4:5 for feed)
- File size: Ensure compliance to avoid timeouts
---
Common Upload Errors and Debugging
Typical issues:
- Video exceeds max duration
- Wrong aspect ratio causes cropping
- File too large leads to upload timeout
- FPS over 30 causes re-encode errors
Common error message:
Video could not be posted. Please shorten your video or reduce file size.Testing uploads on different devices can also reveal platform-specific quirks.
---
Strategy Recommendations Based on Limits
For a solid Instagram video plan:
- Match format to goal: Use Reels for discovery, feed posts for formal branding, Stories for casual engagement
- Stay within constraints: Cut longer videos for IGTV or feed rather than cramming into Reels
- Aim for completion: Shorter clips often outperform longer ones in engagement metrics
- Plan for format during production: Shoot in optimal aspect ratios to save editing time
---
Summary
Understanding how long can video be on Instagram post and other formats ensures your content meets platform requirements and maximizes reach. From feed videos to Reels, Stories, and IGTV, each format has distinct strengths. Use length limits to guide your creative process, edit efficiently, and compress without quality loss.
Want to boost your Instagram performance? Apply these tips to your next campaign, and track your metrics to refine your strategy over time.
