Instagram Reels are the content format that Instagram created in response to the growing popularity of TikTok. Similar to videos on that platform, Reels initially began as 15-second-long videos.
However, as TikTok updated its rules, the length of Instagram Reels has changed with the latest update.
How long can Instagram Reels be?
Since the newest Instagram update, Instagram reels can be up to 90 seconds long. But to get the most views and shares, it’s best to keep the reels up to 15-18 seconds long.
Let’s take a look at what else has changed with the latest update!
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What is the Maximum Length of Instagram Reels?
Currently, Instagram reels can be up to 90 seconds in length.
Initially, Instagram reel length was limited to 15 seconds, similar to TikTok’s format.
Long Instagram reels have generated excitement, as 15 seconds simply weren’t sufficient for users to convey what they wanted to share on social media.
This reel feature altered the default time limit, thereby providing creators with numerous options to explore their creativity in both these short videos and behind the scenes.
Just a little further down, you will discover why this matters and how you can make the most of it, so let’s continue!
The Latest Update on Instagram Reels
As previously mentioned, the latest Instagram update concerning reels allows users to post reels that are 90 seconds long instead of just 15.
However, the update includes more than just the longer reels.
First of all, creators will now be able to add stickers to their reels, a feature that was previously exclusive to Instagram stories.
The great thing about this is that you have more options to engage your audience with your content, and engagement is the most important factor that the Instagram algorithm considers.
For example, people can add poll stickers to their reels, and voting on these is always enjoyable for the audience.
Another creator-based update included in this is the ability to add audio directly from the files on your phone to the reels.
Previously, you could only use audios that were already trending on the app; however, now the original audio is also available as an option.
This means that when you publish content, you have many more options to explore and complete control over what you create.
It’s also quite simple to do; in the section for creating reels, you now have an additional menu that allows you to import your own sounds.
Importance of Reels Length
Although reels are a content type that emerged due to the growing popularity of short-form content, the introduction of a longer maximum length for them is a significant update.
When you have more time available without a restrictive time limit, you have greater freedom to express yourself and create content that genuinely reflects who you are.
Many creators found it quite limiting and challenging to work within just 15-second intervals, primarily because they felt unable to convey their messages to their viewers and a broader audience.
This situation often led to individuals posting multiple reels consecutively as part of a series.
Most people anticipated getting 60 seconds for long Instagram reels; however, since it turned out to be 90 seconds, even more opportunities for high-quality long reels emerged.
While Instagram Reels may never surpass YouTube, this feature provides users with the opportunity to create slightly longer videos that they might have previously sought on YouTube.
This approach gives Instagram a stronger monopoly in social media, as it becomes quite convenient to manage everything within a single app.
Having more options for posting also provides greater opportunities to include various hashtags and engage in different threads, increasing the likelihood that you will gain significant visibility and connect with your target audience.
This is why social media managers often recommend choosing reels as your primary form of content.
Additionally, an update to Instagram stories has made it so they are no longer limited to just 15 seconds; they can now last much longer, depending on the length of the reel you are sharing.
This, once again, creates more opportunities for marketing since you can share your complete reel on your Insta story.
Additionally, if you include your own music, the possibilities are virtually limitless.
What is the Ideal Length for Instagram Reels to Maximize Engagement?
The answer to this question primarily depends on your goals for your reels.
Here is how various types of reels function with the new length update:
Increasing Your Views
If your primary goal is to maximize views, the best approach is to keep your content short and simple, ideally within the 3 to 15-second range, as this tends to attract the most viewers.
If your content is lighthearted and you aim to entertain people and keep them engaged throughout, this is for you.
Having More Shares
If you have a message to share with a wide audience, then that type of reel should be up to 18 seconds long. This duration allows you to explain your content adequately while remaining concise enough to be shared and heard across social media platforms.
Essentially, you should keep the main part of the content to 15 seconds, followed by an additional 3-second segment where you encourage sharing this message.
Increasing Comment Engagement
Comments are an excellent way to increase engagement, and one of the most effective methods to achieve this, in addition to having as many viewers as possible watch the reel in its entirety, is to encourage comments.
If you want to engage people in conversation, aim for a duration of about 20 seconds. This length is sufficient to intrigue them and encourage a response, yet not so lengthy that they forget their point.
Starting Conversations
If your content is educational or informational in any way, this update in the Instagram reels area is designed specifically for you.
Many topics require more detail and nuance than can be conveyed in a 15-second interval, often resulting in important information being omitted.
If your content is similar, you can aim for a duration of 30 to 90 seconds, with 60 seconds being the ideal midpoint in this case.
People will gain a deeper understanding of the topic and will also be able to form opinions that they will inevitably share with you in the comments.
As you can see, the answer to this question varies. Therefore, when you open Instagram and begin planning your content, ensure you are clear about your goals.
Only after considering that will you be able to create a reel on Instagram that reaches the intended audience and receives positive feedback.
In addition to the length of the reels, another important factor to consider when planning your content is the best time to post on Instagram.
Again, this can depend on various factors, so be sure to explore and determine what will work best for you and your specific content, as the timing of a post can significantly influence its impact.
Conclusion
Instagram Reels have become the primary content format on this app, and recently, numerous updates have been introduced to enhance the Reels experience.
The primary change is that reels can now be up to 90 seconds long, providing you with significantly more space to experiment with various content ideas and connect with broader audiences.
Additionally, you can now add your own audio directly from your phone’s files and include stickers that were previously exclusive to stories.
You should take full advantage of these updates, as they are designed primarily to enhance what content creators can accomplish and to achieve even greater engagement.
FAQ
Can reels be 90 seconds?
After the most recent Instagram update, reels can be up to 90 seconds long, making this a very big improvement, as previously you could’ve made only 15-second long videos.
Can reels be longer than 60 seconds?
Yes, reels can be longer than 60 seconds.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eTo be precise, they can be up to 90 seconds long after the newest Instagram update, which is actually the biggest update ever for creators that mainly focus on creating reels.
How do you make your reels longer on Instagram?
When you open the section for making reels, you will see on the left side an icon with the number 15 in the middle.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eYou tap on that and simply choose the number that represents how long you want your reel to be.
How do you make a 3-minute reel?
Instagram reels can have a maximum length of 90 seconds, so it’s not possible to make a reel be 3 minutes long.
