Platform algorithms reward videos that keep viewers watching. Posting a 10-minute brand video on TikTok or a 15-second clip on YouTube misses the mark on both. Here's the 2025 guide to optimal video lengths by platform — so every video you post performs as well as possible.
- Reels: 15–30 seconds for maximum reach. The algorithm heavily favours Reels under 30 seconds. For storytelling, up to 60 seconds works well — beyond that, drop-off increases sharply. See our Instagram Reels editing.
- Feed videos: 30–60 seconds. Anything longer struggles for watch-through rate in the feed.
- Stories: 15 seconds per card. Multi-card sequences of 3–5 cards perform best for step-by-step content.
- Native video (personal/company posts): 60–90 seconds is the sweet spot for engagement and reach. LinkedIn audiences are professional and time-poor — get to the point quickly.
- LinkedIn Live / long-form: Up to 10 minutes works for webinar replays and in-depth content, but only for engaged followers. Don't use long-form for top-of-funnel posts.
- Video ads: 15–30 seconds. LinkedIn video ads with a clear hook in the first 3 seconds perform significantly better. See our LinkedIn video service.
YouTube
- Standard videos: 8–15 minutes hits the sweet spot for ad revenue, watch time signals, and SEO. Videos over 8 minutes can include mid-roll ads, which YouTube rewards with more distribution.
- YouTube Shorts: Under 60 seconds. Shorts are a separate feed from long-form — treat them as a discovery tool to drive subscribers to your main channel.
- Tutorials and how-tos: 5–12 minutes. Longer is fine if the content genuinely warrants it — YouTube rewards watch time, not brevity. See our YouTube editing service.
TikTok
- Sweet spot: 21–34 seconds. Research consistently shows this length gets the highest completion rates and best algorithmic push for new accounts.
- Storytelling / educational: 45–60 seconds works well once you have an established audience. TikTok now supports up to 10 minutes, but long-form TikToks only work for creators with large followings.
- Hook rule: The first 1–2 seconds determine everything. See our TikTok editing service.
- Organic feed videos: 1–3 minutes performs best for reach. Facebook's algorithm prioritises videos that generate comments and shares.
- Facebook Reels: Under 60 seconds, matching Instagram Reels best practice.
- Video ads: 15–30 seconds. Mobile-first, captioned, hook in the first 3 seconds.
Website Hero Video
30–60 seconds, silent loop, autoplaying. Website hero videos are ambient — they create mood and context while the visitor reads your copy. Keep them short, visually compelling, and free of dialogue (most visitors have their sound off).
The Golden Rule
Make it as long as it needs to be — and no longer. Every platform rewards completion rate over duration. A 20-second video that 90% of viewers finish outperforms a 2-minute video that 10% finish, every time. When in doubt, cut it shorter.
Perth Content can edit your raw footage to the optimal length and format for every platform. Get a quote today.