Instagram Video Length Limits for Feed, Stories, Reels, and
Learn the 2024 Instagram video length limits for Feed, Stories, Reels, Lives, and long-form posts, plus tips to optimize content for each format.
Introduction to Instagram Video Formats and Length Limits
Instagram has transformed into a full-spectrum multimedia network, with video content now driving much of its engagement. Each major video type—Feed, Stories, Reels, long-form uploads, and Live—comes with its own practical and technical boundaries. Understanding the length of videos on Instagram is crucial for avoiding upload problems, ensuring optimal playback, and tailoring content to match user expectations.
Whether you’re posting a 15-second teaser or a 4-hour Live broadcast, knowing the precise time limits and capabilities of each Instagram format will help you plan content that not only works within the app’s constraints but also resonates with your audience.
In this guide, we’ll cover the up-to-date (2024) video duration limits for all Instagram formats, highlight mobile vs. desktop differences, and share expert tips to optimise creativity within those limits.
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Instagram Feed Video Length Limits (Standard Posts)
Originally restricted to 15 seconds, Instagram Feed videos have expanded significantly:
- Minimum length: 3 seconds
- Maximum length (2024):
- Up to 10 minutes for most accounts uploading from the mobile app
- Up to 60 minutes when uploading from desktop Creator Studio or Meta Business Suite
- Aspect ratios supported: 1.91:1 (landscape) to 4:5 (portrait), with 1080 px width recommended
- Supported formats: MP4 or MOV, H.264 encoding
Although long-form Feed content is available, most high-performing posts are still between 15–90 seconds to maintain viewer attention.
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Instagram Story Video Rules and Auto-Split
Stories remain a dominant, ephemeral format. Each Story segment is:
- Max length: 15 seconds
- Min length: 1 second
- Sequence limit: Up to 100 Story segments in 24 hours
- Auto-split: Videos longer than 15 seconds are sliced into consecutive segments automatically
- Archiving: Stories expiring after 24 hours can be saved to Highlights
The format is ideal for quick updates, serial storytelling, and behind-the-scenes moments.
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Instagram Reels Duration and Best Practices
Reels are Instagram’s discovery-oriented short videos:
- Durations available: 15, 30, 60, and 90 seconds
- Effective usage tips:
- Start strong within the first 3 seconds
- Add captions for silent viewing
- Use trending audio for algorithmic boosts
Reels enjoy high visibility in the Explore tab, making them key for growth.
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Long-Form Videos After IGTV
IGTV has been folded into a broader Feed video category:
- Desktop max length: 60 minutes
- Mobile max length: 10 minutes
- Orientation: Vertical and horizontal supported
This consolidation simplifies publishing long-form content without switching formats.
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Instagram Live Video Duration and Engagement Ideas
Live streams provide direct, interactive engagement:
- Max length: 4 hours per session (2024 update)
- Replay options: Share to Feed or Story after ending
- Engagement: Comments, stickers, Live Rooms with guests
- Content ideas: Tutorials, Q&A, panel discussions, live events
Planning interactive moments is vital for sustained attention during long Lives.
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Mobile vs. Desktop Upload Capabilities
| Upload Method | Max Length | Max File Size |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile App (Feed) | 10 minutes | 650MB |
| Desktop Creator Studio | 60 minutes | 3.6GB |
| Reels | 90 seconds | 100MB |
| Stories | 15 seconds per segment | 30MB |
These differences are critical when producing lengthy or high-resolution videos.
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Choosing the Right Format for Your Goals
Match the format to your content type and calls-to-action:
- Quick inspiration: Reels under 30 seconds
- Casual updates: Stories
- Brand storytelling: Long-form Feed videos
- Live interactions: Instagram Live sessions
Align length, style, and desired outcome for maximum impact.
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Editing and Trimming for Instagram Constraints
Use editing tools to adapt content to Instagram’s requirements:
- Mobile apps: Instagram’s native tools, InShot, CapCut
- Desktop software: Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve
- Tips: Batch-edit, trim precisely, optimise export settings (1080 × 1920, H.264 MP4)
Efficient editing helps you meet both creative and technical goals.
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Batch Recording for Stories
A workflow for longer Stories:
- Record a single take in your camera app.
- Use Instagram’s auto-split for 15-second segments.
- Or manually pre-split for cleaner transitions.
- Upload in order to retain message flow.
This method ensures seamless storytelling across multiple Story segments.
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Content Ideas by Length Range
| Length | Content Ideas |
|---|---|
| Under 15 sec | Quick tips, teaser trailers, flash deals |
| 30 sec | Mini tutorials, product highlights, animated quotes |
| 60 sec | Story-driven ads, event highlights, influencer intros |
| 90 sec | Reels with deeper insights, behind-the-scenes content |
| 60+ min | Full webinars, interviews, extended event coverage |
Length shapes narrative depth and audience retention.
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Improving Audience Retention in Any Time Limit
Make content compelling, regardless of duration:
- Frontload value: Let people know why to watch
- Pace visually: Mix shots to avoid stagnation
- Add interactivity: Use polls or Q&A features
- End strong: Include a memorable CTA
Retention boosts discoverability in Instagram’s algorithms.
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2024 Updates Impacting Video Length
Key recent changes to Instagram video length rules:
- Merged IGTV with long-form Feed videos
- Increased Live sessions to 4 hours
- Extended Reels to 90 seconds
- Improved compression quality at maximum limits
- Supports up to 100 Story clips per sequence
Staying current ensures you use each format to its fullest.
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Quick Reference: 2024 Instagram Video Length Chart
| Format | Min Length | Max Length |
|---|---|---|
| Feed Video (Mobile) | 3 sec | 10 min |
| Feed Video (Desktop) | 3 sec | 60 min |
| Stories | 1 sec | 15 sec per segment (100 total) |
| Reels | 15 sec | 90 sec |
| Live | 1 min | 4 hours |
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Summary and Next Steps
Instagram’s video formats range from micro-clips to marathon live streams, each serving different strategic purposes. Mastering the length limits—alongside creative editing and audience insight—allows you to post confidently and maximise your reach. Next, audit your upcoming content calendar and align each piece with the optimal Instagram format for both message delivery and audience engagement.
