Instagram has been a major player in social media for a while now, especially when it comes to visual content. Videos are taking the lead in digital spaces, and to make sure you’re getting the most out of your content, it’s important to know the ideal video lengths for each Instagram format. Whether you’re a content creator, marketer, or just someone who loves using Instagram, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about video length in 2025 to boost engagement and reach.
Instagram Video Length Limits: The Basics
Here’s a quick look at the video length limits for each Instagram format in 2025:
Video Format | Minimum Length | Maximum Length | Optimal Length |
Feed Videos | 3 seconds | 60 minutes | 30-60 seconds |
Reels | 3 seconds | 3 minutes* | 15-30 seconds |
Stories | 1 second | 60 seconds | 15 seconds |
Live Videos | No minimum | 4 hours | 30-60 minutes |
Video Ads | 3 seconds | 60 minutes (feed) / 120 seconds (ads) | 15-30 seconds |
Note: Reels are now up to 3 minutes for users in the U.S., with global availability expected by 2025. In other regions, the limit may still be 90 seconds.
Let’s take a closer look at each video type and its specifics.
Instagram Feed Videos
Feed videos are those traditional video posts you see in your profile grid and in people’s main feeds. Here’s the rundown for 2025:
- Minimum Length: 3 seconds
- Maximum Length: 60 minutes
- Optimal Length: 30-60 seconds (this tends to generate the most engagement)
For videos longer than 60 seconds, Instagram will show a preview in the feed, with a “Keep Watching” option to encourage users to watch the full video.
Tech Specs:
- Resolution: 1080 × 1080 pixels (square) or 1080 × 1350 pixels (portrait)
- Aspect Ratio: Between 1.91:1 and 4:5
- File Formats: MP4, MOV
- Max File Size: 4GB
Tips for Best Results:
- Capture attention quickly—make the first 3-5 seconds count.
- Go vertical: Videos in a 4:5 aspect ratio work best.
- Add captions, since many watch with sound off.
- For longer videos, remember they’ll only show a preview in the feed, so make the first part engaging.
Instagram Reels
Instagram Reels are all about short-form content, designed to compete with platforms like TikTok. In 2025, Reels have some new changes:
- Minimum Length: 3 seconds
- Maximum Length: 3 minutes (US users only for now)
- Optimal Length: 15-30 seconds for maximum engagement
Tech Specs:
- Resolution: 1080 × 1920 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (vertical)
- File Formats: MP4, MOV
- Max File Size: 2GB
Tips for Best Results:
- Grab attention immediately. The first 3 seconds are crucial.
- Use trending audio—it helps boost discoverability.
- Even though the limit is now 3 minutes, shorter Reels (15-30 seconds) still perform best.
- Text overlays are a must, especially for those watching without sound.
- Post in the morning for higher engagement.
Instagram Stories
Stories are fleeting, disappearing after 24 hours (unless saved as Highlights). Here’s the lowdown for 2025:
- Minimum Length: 1 second
- Maximum Length: 60 seconds per segment
- Optimal Length: 15 seconds per segment
If you have a longer video, you can post multiple Stories back-to-back.
Tech Specs:
- Resolution: 1080 × 1920 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (vertical)
- File Formats: MP4, MOV
- Max File Size: 4GB
Tips for Best Results:
- Break up longer content into shorter 15-second segments.
- Use interactive features like polls or sliders to increase engagement.
- Keep a consistent look throughout your Story segments.
- Add location tags and hashtags to help with discoverability.
- Save your best Stories as Highlights to keep them beyond 24 hours.
Instagram Live Videos
Instagram Live lets you broadcast in real-time to your followers. In 2025, here’s what you need to know:
- No minimum length required.
- Maximum Length: 4 hours
- Optimal Length: 30-60 minutes for sustained interaction.
You can save your Live videos to your IGTV or share a replay in Stories for 24 hours.
Tech Specs:
- Resolution: Based on your device
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (vertical)
- Viewers: They can comment, react with hearts, and join as guests (up to 3).
Tips for Best Results:
- Promote your Live in advance so followers know when to tune in.
- Engage with your viewers in real-time by responding to comments.
- Be prepared for technical issues—always have a backup plan.
- After your Live, save key moments and share them later.
- Time your Lives based on your audience’s active hours.
Instagram Video Ads
Instagram video ads come in various formats, each with different length limitations:
- In-feed video ads:
- Max length: 60 seconds
- Best length: 15-30 seconds
- Story ads:
- Max length: 60 seconds
- Best length: Under 15 seconds
- Note: Stories longer than 15 seconds split into 15-second segments automatically
- Reel ads:
- Max length: 30 seconds
- Best length: 15-30 seconds
Tech Specs:
- Resolution: 1080 × 1080 pixels (feed) or 1080 × 1920 pixels (Stories/Reels)
- Aspect Ratio: 1:1 (square) for feed, 9:16 (vertical) for Stories and Reels
- File Formats: MP4, MOV
- Text: Keep it under 125 characters for the primary text
Tips for Best Results:
- Brand yourself early—show your logo or name in the first few seconds.
- Design with sound-off in mind, since many users watch without sound.
- Include a strong call-to-action.
- Experiment with different video lengths to see what works best.
- Maintain a consistent look across all ads for better branding.
Hacks for Dealing with Instagram Video Length Limits
- Trim Your Videos for Optimal Length:
If your video is too long, cut it down to highlight the best parts and remove repetitive content. - Use Carousel Posts for Longer Content:
Carousel posts let you add multiple videos in a single post. Break up your longer videos into 60-second clips and let users swipe through. - Segment Videos for Stories:
For content over 60 seconds, split it into shorter, consecutive Stories, maintaining visual consistency across all parts. - Repurpose Content:
You can repurpose your content across Instagram formats. For example, turn highlights from longer feed videos into Reels, or share a Story segment as a full-length feed video.
Technical Details for Instagram Videos in 2025
- File Formats: Instagram supports MP4 and MOV files with H.264 compression. For audio, use the AAC codec, and keep the bitrate around 3,500 kbps for 1080p videos.
- Aspect Ratios and Resolutions:
- Feed videos: 1:1 (square), 1.91:1 (horizontal), or 4:5 (vertical)
- Reels/Stories: 9:16 (vertical)
- IGTV cover images: 1:1.55 (portrait)
- Audio Tips:
- Use high-quality audio to ensure a better experience.
- Add captions for those watching with no sound.
- Incorporate trending sounds for Reels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Instagram cutting off my video?
Your video might be getting cut off if you exceed the max length for the format, use an unsupported file format, have a file that’s too large, or need to update your app.
Can I post videos longer than 90 seconds on Reels?
As of 2025, users in the U.S. can post Reels up to 3 minutes, with global access rolling out. If you can’t post longer Reels, you’re likely still limited to 90 seconds.
What’s the longest video I can post on Instagram?
Feed videos can be up to 60 minutes long, but this only works when uploading from a desktop or Creator Studio.
How do I check if I have access to 3-minute Reels?
To check, tap the “+” icon, select “Reel,” and see if the timer allows for up to 3 minutes.
Can I boost Reels longer than 90 seconds?
Currently, Reels longer than 90 seconds can’t be boosted, even if you have access to the 3-minute option. This may change in the future.
Conclusion
Getting your video length right on Instagram is key to maximizing engagement and reach in 2025. While longer formats like 3-minute Reels are exciting, shorter, well-edited videos often still outperform when it comes to grabbing attention quickly. By adapting your content for each format and following these tips, you can make sure your videos perform at their best. Keep an eye on Instagram’s updates, as the platform often changes its features, and staying in the loop will ensure your content stays on point.