Max Instagram Video Length for Reels, Stories, Posts, IGTV
Learn the updated maximum lengths for Instagram Stories, Reels, Feed videos, Live streams, and IGTV, plus tips to optimize within each format.
Introduction to Instagram Video Length Limits
Instagram has evolved from a photo-sharing app into a powerful multimedia platform that supports a variety of engaging video formats. From Stories and Reels to Feed videos, Live streams, and long-form IGTV content, each option offers unique creative opportunities — and each comes with its own maximum length.
Staying up to date on the maximum Instagram video length for every format is essential for creators, marketers, and brands. Doing so ensures your uploads meet platform requirements, prevents frustrating cuts, and helps you create videos that fit neatly into your content strategy.
In this guide, you’ll learn the current time limits for every major type of Instagram video, along with tips, tools, and strategies to optimize content within those constraints.
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Max Duration for Instagram Stories
Instagram Stories thrive on spontaneity and fast consumption, ideal for sharing moments that vanish after 24 hours.
Per Clip Limit
- Each Story video clip: 15 seconds maximum.
- If your content is longer, Instagram automatically splits it into consecutive clips for smooth playback.
Sequence Limit
- You can chain up to 100 Story clips in a 24-hour period.
- This equals a combined maximum of 25 minutes of Stories per day.
Stories work best when you use this limitation to spark curiosity and encourage viewers to keep tapping through your updates.
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Max Duration for Instagram Reels
Reels are Instagram’s answer to TikTok, initially designed for ultra-short videos but now offering more length flexibility.
Recording Limit
- Record in the Reels camera for up to 90 seconds.
Upload Limit
- Pre-recorded videos uploaded as Reels can also run up to 90 seconds.
- This is an increase from the previous 60-second limit.
For best engagement, aim for 15–30 seconds to capture attention quickly and deliver your main message without drop-offs.
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Max Duration for Instagram Feed Videos
Feed videos appear in your profile grid and stay visible unless deleted.
- Maximum length via web upload: 60 minutes
- Mobile upload limit: Historically shorter, up to 10 minutes for most accounts
- Minimum length: 3 seconds
This flexibility makes Feed videos perfect for tutorials, interviews, or evergreen brand content that your audience can revisit anytime.
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Max Duration for Instagram Live Streams
Instagram Live lets you connect instantly with your audience.
- Maximum length: 4 hours per session (up from the previous 1-hour limit).
- After streaming, you can save the video to your profile or download it for repurposing.
These extended sessions are particularly valuable for webinars, Q&A events, and interactive launches.
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Max Duration for IGTV and Long-Form Video Integration
IGTV, once a separate app for long-form content, is now integrated directly into Instagram.
- Standard accounts: Up to 10 minutes when uploading from mobile.
- Verified accounts or larger accounts: Up to 60 minutes when uploaded via web.
IGTV videos now function similarly to Feed videos, often appearing as previews to drive full-length views.
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Summary Table: Maximum Video Lengths by Format
| Format | Per Clip Limit | Total Possible Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stories | 15 seconds | 25 minutes/day | Automatically split if longer |
| Reels | 90 seconds | 90 seconds | Identical record & upload limit |
| Feed Video | N/A | 60 minutes (web) | Shorter limit on mobile uploads |
| Live | N/A | 4 hours | Option to save replay or download |
| IGTV | N/A | 10–60 minutes | Long-form content integrated into feed |
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Editing Tips to Fit Instagram Video Time Limits
When working within constraints, every second counts:
- Storyboard your content to plan pacing.
- Cut filler footage and keep the most impactful moments.
- Use jump cuts to accelerate transitions without losing flow.
- Deliver your hook early to maintain viewer interest.
Thoughtful editing ensures your videos feel complete, even when condensed.
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Recommended Tools for Video Trimming and Formatting
Optimizing your Instagram content requires proper tools and formats.
Top Editing Tools
- InShot – Mobile-friendly trimming and ratio adjustments.
- CapCut – Templates and quick edits, ideal for Reels and Stories.
- Adobe Premiere Pro – Advanced desktop editing software.
- HandBrake – Free compression with minimal quality loss.
- Canva – Combines video editing with design features.
Formatting Guidelines
- Aspect ratios: 9:16 for Stories/Reels, 1:1 or 4:5 for Feed posts.
- File format: MP4 (H.264) for maximum compatibility.
- Max file sizes:
- Stories/Reels: up to 4 GB
- Feed/IGTV: up to 4 GB
- Live: handled automatically by stream processing
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Strategies for Multi-Part Instagram Video Series
If your story needs more runtime:
- Sequential Stories: Chain multiple clips into a continuous narrative.
- Split Reels: Release follow-up clips with cliffhangers.
- Feed Series: Number related videos in the caption for easy following.
- Highlights Collections: Archive Stories for viewing beyond 24 hours.
Breaking content into parts can increase engagement by encouraging viewers to return for the next installment.
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Best Video Lengths for Maximizing Engagement
While you can use the full maximum, shorter videos often perform better:
- Reels: retention drops after 30–60 seconds.
- Stories: benefit from brevity and quick pacing.
- Feed videos: 1–3 minutes works well unless highly engaging.
- Live events: can maintain attention if interactive.
Engagement Tips
- Hook viewers within 3 seconds with a striking visual or statement.
- Add captions for silent viewers.
- Encourage interaction through polls in Stories and comments in Lives.
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Conclusion and Next Steps
Understanding the maximum Instagram video length for each format is key to both creativity and compliance. By tailoring your videos to these limits, using smart edits, and optimizing for engagement, you can deliver content that connects with audiences and meets platform requirements.
Whether you want to tell a quick story, share a product demo, or host an in-depth Live, working within Instagram’s evolving video length limits can help you maximize reach and retention.
Pro Tip: Check Instagram’s help center regularly for updates. Limits can change, and staying informed keeps your content strategy ahead of the curve.
Ready to start creating videos that fit perfectly? Apply these tips to your next upload and watch your engagement grow.
