Facebook Video Length Limits for Posts, Stories, and Reels

Introduction to Facebook Video Formats and Length Limits

Facebook is a leading social media platform for sharing videos in a variety of formats, from short, attention-grabbing clips to extended live streams. If you’ve ever wondered how long of a video can you post on FB, understanding these limits will help you plan, produce, and upload content that not only complies with Facebook’s technical requirements but also maximizes audience engagement.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• The maximum video lengths for News Feed posts, Stories, Reels, and Live broadcasts.
• The file size and resolution restrictions you must follow.
• Engagement strategies to make your videos more appealing and effective in Facebook’s algorithm.

---

Maximum Video Length for Regular Posts on News Feed

Videos posted directly to your timeline or a Page — visible in the News Feed — enjoy some of Facebook’s most generous limits.

• Maximum length: Up to 240 minutes (4 hours).
• Maximum file size: 10 GB.
• Preferred formats: MP4 and MOV for broad compatibility.

This makes regular posts perfect for webinars, tutorials, event coverage, or other longer content that doesn’t fit short-form categories.

> Pro tip: Even though you can upload a four-hour video, concise videos often deliver higher completion rates and stronger engagement metrics.

---

Maximum Length for Facebook Stories

Facebook Stories encourage vertical, mobile-first content consumed quickly and casually.

• Maximum length per Story frame: 20 seconds.
• Availability: Each Story remains visible for 24 hours.
• Longer clips are automatically split into 20-second segments.

While Facebook manages segmentation automatically, pre-editing your content helps maintain pacing and continuity between frames, resulting in a smoother viewer experience.

---

Maximum Length for Facebook Live Broadcasts

Facebook Live delivers real-time interaction with friends, followers, and audiences worldwide.

• Via desktop or mobile app: Maximum 8 hours.
• Via Live API streaming: Generally up to 8 hours, with certain gaming or special-use scenarios extended further.

Long broadcasts can suit conferences, sports coverage, concerts, or interactive Q&A sessions. To sustain attention, plan scheduled breaks, segment transitions, and prompt listener engagement throughout.

---

Maximum Length for Facebook Reels

Facebook Reels cater to snackable, high-energy video content intended to spark immediate interest.

• Maximum length: 90 seconds (current limit in 2024).
• Recommended aspect ratio: Vertical 9:16.
• Style: Trend-led, concise, often accompanied by music overlays.

Success with Reels depends on making an impact fast — develop creative hooks to capture interest within the first few seconds.

---

File Size and Resolution Limits for Videos

Besides duration, Facebook imposes file size and resolution standards to ensure smoother uploads.

---

Tips for Choosing Optimal Video Length for Engagement

The best-performing videos are not always the longest allowable — they match the audience’s appetite and platform trends.

• News Feed posts: 1–3 minutes is effective for marketing content or storytelling.
• Reels: Aim for under 60 seconds to improve completion rates.
• Stories: Use 20-second frames creatively, perhaps as sequential updates leading viewers towards a primary call-to-action.

---

How Longer vs. Shorter Videos Perform in Facebook’s Algorithm

Facebook’s ranking system favors content that generates meaningful interaction and keeps users engaged.

• Short videos: Typically achieve higher completion rates, more shares, and faster engagement.
• Long videos: Can gain traction when watch time is substantial throughout the full length.

For monetization via in-stream ads, videos must run for at least 3 minutes — a key consideration for creators seeking both reach and revenue opportunities.

---

Creative Ways to Make Longer Content Engaging

Long-form videos can still succeed if broken into digestible, interactive segments.

• Add chapters/time stamps: Facilitate easy navigation in descriptions.
• Create teaser clips: Use Stories or Reels to feature short highlights, driving traffic to the full content.
• Incorporate visual transitions: On-screen graphics direct attention and signal new segments.

Segmenting and repurposing your content across different formats boosts both retention and discoverability.

---

Best Practices for Uploading and Optimizing Videos

Ensure your videos meet Facebook’s technical specs and appeal to viewers from the start.

1. Export in MP4 (H.264) to ensure compatibility.
2. Compress efficiently: Keep file sizes within limits while retaining quality — tools like HandBrake are useful.
3. Include captions: Accessibility matters; you can upload SRT files or use auto-captioning.
4. Select compelling thumbnails: Capture attention in the News Feed or Reels tab.
5. Write keyword-rich descriptions: Include a CTA to guide viewer action.

---

Troubleshooting Errors Related to Video Length or Size

Common upload errors stem from exceeding stated limits or technical mismatches.

• Length violations: Check max duration for your chosen format.
• Oversized files: Reduce resolution or bitrate, then reattempt upload.
• Format issues: Use supported codecs (H.264/AAC).
• Connectivity problems: Large uploads require stable, preferably wired, internet.

---

Summary of All Limits in Quick Reference

---

Conclusion and Next Steps

Understanding how long of a video you can post on FB is essential for tailoring your content across different Facebook formats. Whether you’re producing quick Reels, engaging Stories, or extended Live streams, balancing technical requirements with audience preferences will boost your reach and performance.

To elevate your Facebook video strategy, start experimenting with different lengths and styles, track viewer engagement, and repurpose longer pieces into shorter, shareable clips. By aligning format, content, and engagement, you can make every video count.