Instagram Video Length Limits for Feed, Stories, Reels, Live
Learn the exact Instagram video length limits for Feed, Stories, Reels, and Live, plus upload differences, specs, and tips to boost engagement.
Introduction: Understanding Instagram Video Length Limits
If you’ve ever wondered, "how long of a video can I post on Instagram?", you’re not alone. This question is critical for influencers, brands, and casual users alike. Instagram enforces strict time restrictions across its different video formats—Feed, Stories, Reels, and Live—which directly impact your content planning and engagement potential.
Knowing the maximum and minimum video durations for each format ensures your content isn’t shortened or rejected. More importantly, it allows you to tailor videos to match user expectations and take advantage of Instagram’s algorithm, which rewards formats that fit seamlessly into a viewer’s browsing behavior.
This guide covers Instagram video length limits in detail, along with tips, technical specs, and strategies to help you choose the right format and optimize your videos for better reach and performance.
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Instagram Feed Video Length Limits
Feed videos appear in the main scrolling feed and can be uploaded from both mobile and desktop. They are perfect for evergreen content you want to remain visible on your profile.
- Minimum length: 3 seconds
- Maximum length: 60 minutes (desktop/web upload) or 15 minutes (mobile upload)
Videos in the Feed can be square, vertical, or horizontal. If your video exceeds the maximum limit, Instagram automatically trims it, which can cut off important content and hurt engagement.
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Instagram Stories Video Length Limits
Stories are designed for temporary, casual content that disappears after 24 hours unless saved as Highlights. They support interactive elements like polls, links (for eligible accounts), and stickers.
- Per Story segment: 15 seconds
- Continuous recording: Up to 60 seconds, auto-split into 15-second clips
When you upload a longer video—say, 40 seconds—Instagram breaks it into consecutive segments so followers watch them back-to-back without interruptions.
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Instagram Reels Length Limits
Reels are Instagram’s short-form, vertical videos, designed for reach and discovery.
- Maximum length: 90 seconds for most accounts (some accounts may have up to 10 minutes in testing)
- Minimum length: 1 second
Optimization Tips for Reels:
- Keep total length between 15–30 seconds for higher retention.
- Grab attention in the first 3 seconds with a compelling hook.
- Pair with trending audio to boost discoverability.
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Instagram Live Video Length Limits
Instagram Live is ideal for real-time audience engagement and Q&A sessions.
- Maximum duration: 4 hours per broadcast (increased from the old 1-hour cap)
- After the live session, you can save the replay or download it for repurposing.
Pro Tip: Test your internet connection before going Live to avoid stream interruptions.
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IGTV / Long-Form Video Integration
In 2022, IGTV was integrated into the main Feed video experience. Long-form uploads are still possible:
- From mobile: Up to 15 minutes
- From desktop/web: Up to 60 minutes
This change streamlined the process but retained different caps based on upload method.
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Mobile vs. Desktop Upload Differences
Some video limits differ depending on whether you upload from mobile or desktop:
| Video Type | Mobile Upload Max | Desktop Upload Max |
|---|---|---|
| Feed | 15 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Stories | Multiple 15s segments / 60s continuous | N/A (Stories are mobile-only) |
| Reels | 90 seconds | 90 seconds (limited editing on desktop) |
| Live | 4 hours | N/A (Live is mobile-only) |
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Video Size, Aspect Ratio, and Format Requirements
To avoid upload errors, follow Instagram’s technical specifications:
- Accepted formats: MP4, MOV
- Max file size: 650MB (under 10 mins) or 3.6GB (up to 60 mins)
- Aspect ratios:
- Feed: 1:1, 4:5, 16:9
- Stories & Reels: 9:16
- Live: 9:16
- Recommended resolution: At least 720p
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Tips for Optimizing Videos to Fit Time Limits
- Edit concisely — Eliminate fluff and keep the core message.
- Use jump cuts to reduce length without losing flow.
- Batch record Stories for smoother sequences.
- Add captions to boost retention.
- Export efficiently to manage file size and upload speed.
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Content Strategy: Choosing the Right Video Format
Match your goals to the right Instagram format:
- Brand awareness → Reels or Stories for quick exposure
- In-depth tutorials → Feed or long-form uploads
- Community building → Lives for real-time dialogue
- Product promotion → Pair short Reels with long Feed posts
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Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Ignoring auto-splits in Stories — Leads to awkward breaks
- Wrong aspect ratio — Cropped visuals or blank borders
- Oversized files — Longer uploads, failed posts
- Overloading Reels — Cluttered content loses viewers
- Poor Live scheduling — Low turnout without promotion
Fixes: Preview content, use correct dimensions, and schedule Lives strategically.
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Quick Reference Chart: Instagram Video Length Limits
| Format | Minimum Length | Maximum Length |
|---|---|---|
| Feed (mobile) | 3 seconds | 15 minutes |
| Feed (desktop) | 3 seconds | 60 minutes |
| Stories | 1 second | 15 seconds per segment (60 continuous) |
| Reels | 1 second | 90 seconds (tests up to 10 minutes) |
| Live | N/A | 4 hours |
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Conclusion
So, how long of a video can I post on Instagram? It depends on the format and your upload method. From 15-second Story clips to 4-hour Lives and 60-minute desktop Feed uploads, understanding these caps helps you create professional, platform-optimized content.
By aligning your videos with Instagram’s rules—and adapting your storytelling to fit—you’ll maximize engagement, avoid technical hiccups, and deliver a seamless viewing experience. Start applying these guidelines today to elevate your Instagram video strategy and grow your audience.
