As a social media manager, you probably know and use Instagram’s Reels feature. But don’t worry if you’re not; you’re not alone.
Reels is the newest addition to Instagram’s ever-expanding list of features, and it’s quickly gaining traction among users and businesses alike. However, despite its recent introduction, there are still some questions and confusion surrounding this new feature.
One of the most frequently asked questions is, “How long can IG Reels be?” In this article, we’ll review everything you need to know about Instagram Reels length and how to select the best length for your audience. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s get started!
How to Set Your Instagram Length
Do you want to make eye-catching and engaging IG Reels but don’t know how to change the length? Use this step-by-step guide to adjust the length of your Reels.
- Step 1: Open Instagram and tap the Reels icon at the bottom of the screen. This will take you to the Reels camera.
- Step 2: Once on the Reels camera, tap the camera icon at the top of the screen. This will take you to your Instagram camera.
- Step 3: On the left side of the screen, there will be an icon with the number ’30’ inside. Tap on it
- Step 4: Next, you can select between 15, 30, 60, and 90 seconds. Choose the appropriate duration for your content.
- Step 5: Once you’ve decided on a time limit, you can begin recording and editing your Reel.
- Step 6: Once you’re happy with the length of your Reel, tap next.
- Step 7: Add music, text, and other effects to make it more interesting.
- Step 8: When you’re ready to share your reel, click next and share at the bottom of the screen.
What is the Ideal Length of Videos for Instagram Reels?
Have you ever invested many hours in making the ideal Instagram reel only to have very little engagement? Or have you ever wondered why certain Reels appear to go viral while others crash? Well, the length of your Reels might be the key to the solution.
But how long can Instagram videos be? If you’re unfamiliar, Instagram Reels are 15- to 90-second videos that let users make entertaining and exciting content. However, one frequently asked question is, “How long can IG reels be?”
Even though 10-15 seconds is generally considered the best-performing length for IG Reels, there’s no universal answer to this question. Because it all depends on your target audience, content, and overall objectives.
So, you’ll have to figure out the best video length for your reels by researching and experimenting.
How to Select the Best Length for Your Audience
How long can reels be? With the rise of IG short-form video content, determining the ideal duration for your Reels can be difficult.
But don’t worry; with some experimentation and these seven tips, you’ll be able to find the sweet spot that works best for your audience.
#1 – Examine your competitors’ reels
Examining your competitors’ actions is one of the best ways to determine what works for your target audience. Take some time to explore the types of reels they are posting and which ones tend to perform the best.
It will give you an idea of what your audience is interested in and what length they prefer.
#2 – Experiment with different lengths.
Once you’ve determined what lengths work for your competitors, it’s time to start experimenting. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different lengths for your Reels and see how your audience reacts.
Keep an eye on engagement levels and make necessary adjustments.
#3 – Think about the type of content.
The length of your Reels should be determined by the type of content you’re producing. A shorter Reel, for example, might be more effective if you’re sharing a quick behind-the-scenes look.
However, if you’re making a tutorial or a how-to video, a more extended Reel may be required to provide sufficient information. So, before you press the record button, consider the purpose of your reel. Then, select an Instagram reel size and length that will best serve that purpose.
#4 – Make use of Instagram’s insights
Views, likes, and comments on Instagram provide helpful information for your Reels. Use this data to your advantage by tracking which reels are performing well and which are not.
#5 – Consider your audience’s attention span
For a younger audience, such as Gen Z, keep your Reels on the shorter end of that range, around 15 to 30 seconds. Because their attention spans are typically shorter, shorter clips will resonate more. If your audience is a little older, you can get away with Reels closer to 60 seconds.
Tips for Fitting Your Content Into Reels
You might wonder how you can fit all your ideas and thoughts into a short video without exceeding the time limit. Don’t worry; here are some creative ideas for fitting your content into reels:
Include a link or mention other channels
Including a link or mentioning other channels is one way to fit all of your content into a short video creatively. For example, if you have a website or a YouTube channel where you share more details and in-depth content, you can mention it in your Reel.
This way, your audience can go there for more information, and you won’t have to cram everything into the video.
Part one and part two methods
Another effective strategy is to divide your content into sections. You can inform your audience that this is only the first part and that they should stay tuned for the second.
It creates excitement and makes your audience curious about what’s next. It also allows you to share more information in the second part without overwhelming your audience with one short video.
Transitions
Transitions are critical in creating engaging and visually appealing reels. They can also assist you in fitting more content into a short video.
For example, you can use a transition to introduce a new point or topic in your video, making it easier to cover more content in a limited time.
Captions
Never underestimate the power of captions! They are an excellent way to communicate your message and share additional information with your audience.
You can use captions to write out your main points, giving your audience a quick summary of what you’re trying to say in the video. This way, even if they miss some parts of the video, they can still grasp the main idea.
Finally!
Now you know how to create Reels that will capture your audience’s attention and keep them engaged. But remember, the quality of the content is what matters.
With the right balance of length and engaging content, Reels can be a powerful tool for businesses, influencers, and everyday users to connect with their audience and showcase their creativity. So go ahead and start making your Reels, and remember to have fun with them!
