Instagram Video Length Limits for All Formats in 2024
Learn the 2024 Instagram video length limits for Stories, Reels, Feed videos, and Live, plus tips to maximize engagement for each format.
Instagram Video Length Limits for All Formats in 2024
In 2024, Instagram continues to evolve its video capabilities, giving creators, brands, and influencers more tools than ever to reach audiences. Each format — Stories, Reels, Feed videos, and Live — has its own duration restrictions. Understanding Instagram video length limits helps you avoid upload errors, plan engaging content, and leverage each format for its strengths.
This guide covers all maximum video durations on Instagram in 2024, with best practices, technical specifications, and strategic tips to boost reach and engagement.
Instagram Stories: Max Length Per Clip and Sequencing
Instagram Stories remain a top choice for quick, casual updates. Each Story video clip can be up to 15 seconds long. If your upload is longer, Instagram automatically splits it into 15‑second segments that play in sequence.
In practice:
- Single clip limit: 15 seconds per Story.
- Sequential chaining: Post multiple in a row for longer narratives.
- Expiration: Disappears after 24 hours unless saved to Highlights.
Pro tip: Edit transitions between clips to feel smooth and intentional. Use captions or overlays to maintain viewer engagement for sound‑off viewers.
Instagram Feed Videos: Current Time Limit and Best Practices
Feed videos appear in your main profile grid and followers’ home feeds. As of 2024, Instagram has unified Feed videos and legacy IGTV into a single format, with the following limits:
- Minimum duration: 3 seconds
- Maximum duration: Up to 60 minutes (desktop upload, often for verified or business accounts)
- Mobile uploads: Typically capped at 15 minutes
Best practices for longer Feed videos:
- Hook the viewer in the first 3–5 seconds.
- Use chapter markers or timestamps for videos over 10 minutes.
- Choose an eye‑catching cover image optimized for both Feed and Explore.
Instagram Reels: Length Limit Updates and Trends in 2024
Instagram Reels — the platform’s vertical, short‑form video format — now allow videos of up to 90 seconds for most users, an increase from earlier 15, 30, and 60‑second caps.
Key points:
- Duration: 15–90 seconds
- Aspect ratio: 9:16 (full‑screen vertical)
- 2024 trends: Shorter clips (20–40 seconds) often achieve higher completion rates, but longer 90‑second Reels are gaining traction for deeper storytelling.
Reels currently have the highest organic reach potential due to Instagram’s algorithmic boost.
Instagram Live: Maximum Broadcast Duration and Saving Options
Instagram Live allows for real‑time audience interaction. In 2024:
- Maximum length: Up to 4 hours per session
- Saving options: Archive to profile for on‑demand viewing or download for editing and repurposing
Tips for Lives:
- Schedule and promote your broadcast in advance.
- Respond to viewer comments by name to build rapport.
- Divide very long sessions into segments for better replay value.
IGTV (Legacy) and Integration Into Feed/Explore
IGTV, launched in 2018 for long‑form video, allowed up to 60‑minute uploads. Since 2022, IGTV features have been merged into regular Feed videos:
- 2018–2021: IGTV app operated separately
- Post‑2022: Unified Feed and Explore video sections
This integration simplifies your long‑form upload process without format switching.
Choosing the Right Format Based on Length and Purpose
Selecting the right format depends on your message, audience, and resources. Here’s a side‑by‑side:
| Format | Max Length | Best Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Stories | 15s per clip (sequenceable) | Daily updates, polls, Q&A, time‑sensitive content |
| Feed Video | 15 min (mobile), 60 min (desktop) | Tutorials, interviews, event coverage |
| Reels | 90s | Viral trends, creative shorts, product highlights |
| Live | 4 hours | Real‑time events, community interaction |
Match your creative goals to the strengths and limits of each format for maximum impact.
Tips to Optimize Engagement for Each Video Length Type
- Stories: Begin with something visual and compelling. Interact with polls, stickers, and Q&A.
- Feed Videos: Maintain a crisp pace. Add captions and graphic overlays for clarity.
- Reels: Tap into trending audio or challenges while keeping energy high.
- Live: Greet viewers personally and encourage sharing the stream to widen reach.
Technical Requirements: File Size, Aspect Ratios, Formats
Ensuring your videos meet Instagram’s technical specs avoids compression or failed uploads:
| Spec | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Video Format | MP4 or MOV |
| Codec | H.264 video, AAC audio |
| Max File Size | 650MB (mobile), 3.6GB (desktop) |
| Aspect Ratios | Stories/Reels: 9:16; Feed: 1:1 to 4:5; Live: 9:16 |
| Frame Rate | Minimum 30 fps |
| Resolution | At least 720p recommended |
Prepare files accordingly before uploading to avoid last‑minute edits or compression issues.
Conclusion and Recommendations for Video Strategy
If you’ve been wondering what’s the longest video you can post on Instagram, here’s the 2024 breakdown:
- Stories: 15 seconds per clip (sequence for more)
- Feed Videos: 15 minutes mobile / 60 minutes desktop
- Reels: 90 seconds
- Live: 4 hours
A strong Instagram content strategy mixes these formats: use Stories for consistent daily contact, Reels for discovery and reach, Feed for more in‑depth storytelling, and Lives for deep community building.
Action steps:
- Diversify formats in your content calendar.
- Edit to target durations and cut non‑essential material.
- Test and review analytics to refine your approach based on real performance data.
With the updated Instagram video length limits in mind, you can craft content that’s both engaging and optimized for 2024’s platform standards — boosting visibility, interaction, and brand growth.
