Instagram Reels are the content format that Instagram developed in response to the increasing popularity of TikTok. Like videos on that platform, Reels originally started as 15-second videos.
However, with TikTok’s updated rules, the length of Instagram Reels has also changed in 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 examine what else has changed with the latest update!
Table of Contents
What is the Maximum Length of Instagram Reels?
At present, Instagram reels can last up to 90 seconds.
Initially, the length of an Instagram reel was restricted to 15 seconds, mirroring TikTok’s format.
Longer Instagram reels have generated excitement, as 15 seconds were simply not enough for users to express what they wanted to share on social media.
This reel feature changed the default time limit, offering creators various options to express their creativity in both short videos and behind the scenes.
Just a little further down, you will learn why this matters and how you can maximize its benefits, so let’s continue!
The Latest Update on Instagram Reels
As previously mentioned, the latest Instagram update regarding reels enables users to post reels that are 90 seconds long, rather than just 15.
However, the update encompasses more than just the extended reels.
First, creators can now add stickers to their reels, a feature that was previously exclusive to Instagram stories.
The advantage of this is that you have more ways to engage your audience with your content, and engagement is the most crucial factor that the Instagram algorithm takes into account.
For example, users 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, original audio is now also available as an option.
This means that when you publish content, you have many more options to explore and complete control over your creations.
It’s also quite easy to do; in the section for creating reels, you now have an extra menu that enables you to import your own sounds.
Importance of Reels Length
While reels originated from the increasing popularity of short-form content, the introduction of a longer maximum length for them represents a significant update.
When you have more time available without a strict time limit, you have greater freedom to express yourself and create content that truly reflects who you are.
Many creators found it quite limiting and challenging to work within just 15-second intervals, primarily because they felt they could not effectively convey their messages to their viewers and a broader audience.
This situation frequently resulted in individuals posting multiple reels in succession as part of a series.
Most people expected to receive 60 seconds for long Instagram reels; however, since it was extended to 90 seconds, even more opportunities for high-quality long reels arose.
While Instagram Reels may never exceed YouTube, this feature offers users the chance to create slightly longer videos that they may have previously sought on YouTube.
This approach strengthens Instagram’s monopoly in social media, as it becomes very convenient to manage everything within a single app.
Having more options for posting also creates greater opportunities to incorporate various hashtags and participate in different threads, thereby increasing the likelihood of gaining significant visibility and connecting with your target audience.
This is why social media managers frequently suggest selecting reels as your main type of content.
Additionally, an update to Instagram Stories has removed the 15-second limit; they can now last significantly longer, depending on the length of the reel you are sharing.
This once again creates additional opportunities for marketing, as you can share your entire reel on your Insta story.
Furthermore, if you incorporate your own music, the possibilities are nearly limitless.
What is the Ideal Length for Instagram Reels to Maximize Engagement?
The answer to this question largely depends on your goals for your reels.
Here is how different types of reels operate with the new length update:
Increasing Your Views
If your main objective is to maximize views, the most effective strategy is to keep your content concise and straightforward, ideally within the 3 to 15-second range, as this generally attracts the highest number of viewers.
If your content is lighthearted and you want to entertain people while keeping them engaged, this is for you.
Having More Shares
If you have a message to share with a broad audience, this type of reel should be up to 18 seconds long. This duration enables you to explain your content sufficiently while remaining concise enough to be shared and heard across social media platforms.
Essentially, you should limit the main content to 15 seconds, followed by an additional 3-second segment encouraging the sharing of this message.
Boosting Comment Engagement
Comments are an excellent way to boost engagement. One of the most effective methods to achieve this, alongside ensuring that 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 enough to pique their interest and prompt a response, yet not so long that they lose track of their point.
Initiating Conversations
If your content is educational or informational, this update in the Instagram Reels section is specifically designed for you.
Many topics require more detail and nuance than can be communicated in a 15-second interval, often leading to the omission of important information.
If your content is similar, you should aim for a duration of 30 to 90 seconds, with 60 seconds being the ideal midpoint.
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 start planning your content, make sure you are clear about your goals.
Only after taking that into account will you be able to create a reel on Instagram that effectively reaches your intended audience and garners positive feedback.
Along with the length of the reels, another crucial 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 identify what will work best for you and your specific content, as the timing of a post can greatly influence its impact.
Conclusion
Instagram Reels have emerged as the main content format on this app, and recently, several updates have been introduced to improve the Reels experience.
The main change is that reels can now last up to 90 seconds, giving you considerably more room to explore different content ideas and engage with wider 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 fully utilize these updates, as they are primarily designed to enhance what content creators can achieve and to foster 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.
