If you’re posting videos on Instagram in 2025, you’re probably wondering how long your content should be. With Reels, Stories, Lives, and traditional feed videos, Instagram has become a hub for all kinds of video content—and each format comes with its own time limits. Whether you’re a content creator, a business, or just someone sharing a moment, understanding Instagram video lengths can help you post smarter and get better engagement.
Let’s break it all down in plain, simple terms so you can focus less on guesswork and more on sharing great videos.
Understanding Different Instagram Video Formats
Instagram isn’t a one-size-fits-all platform anymore. It offers multiple ways to post videos, and each one has a different length limit. Here’s what you need to know about each:
Instagram Reels
- Instagram Reels are designed for short-form, highly engaging content.
- The maximum length for a Reel is 90 seconds if you’re using music from Instagram’s library or certain effects.
- If you’re uploading your own original content without those restrictions, you can go up to 15 minutes.
- Reels appear on your profile, the Reels tab, and often show up in the main feed.
Reels are the most discoverable form of content on Instagram right now. If you want to reach new audiences, this is where to focus your energy. Keep it short, snappy, and interesting.
Instagram Stories
- Each individual Story clip can be up to 15 seconds long.
- You can post multiple Stories in a row, and Instagram will play them back-to-back.
- A single upload from your camera roll that exceeds 15 seconds will automatically be split into multiple Stories.
- Stories disappear after 24 hours unless you save them as a Highlight.
Stories are great for real-time updates, casual shares, and behind-the-scenes content. They’re less polished than Reels, and that’s part of the charm.
Instagram Feed Videos
- Feed videos were previously known as IGTV, but now Instagram has merged IGTV and feed videos into one format called “Instagram Video.”
- Videos shared to the feed can be up to 60 minutes long.
- For most users, videos under 10 minutes are recommended for best engagement.
- These videos live on your profile and can be edited with filters, captions, and thumbnail previews.
If you’re sharing tutorials, interviews, vlogs, or any longer-form content, feed videos give you the room to do it.
Instagram Live
- Instagram Live lets you stream in real-time for up to 4 hours per session.
- After your Live ends, you can choose to share it to your feed or save it to your archive.
- Lives are great for Q&As, interviews, or just interacting with your followers in a raw, authentic way.
Since Lives are more casual and interactive, they don’t need to be polished. But the extended time frame gives you space to really dive into a topic.
Best Practices for Each Format
Knowing the length limits is great, but let’s talk about how to actually use each format in a way that fits your goals and audience.
Reels Tips
- Keep the action moving—first few seconds matter most
- Use captions or text overlays for clarity (most people watch without sound)
- Stay up to date with trending audio and hashtags
- Avoid filler; every second counts
Stories Tips
- Use Stories for spontaneous or timely content
- Polls, quizzes, and questions make your Stories more interactive
- Use stickers to add context or location
- Post consistently but don’t overdo it—5 to 10 per day is usually plenty
Feed Video Tips
- Think of these as your “evergreen” content
- Plan your video structure: hook, body, conclusion
- Use a custom thumbnail for a polished look
- Keep the video quality high—720p or above is best
Live Tips
- Promote your Live ahead of time
- Have a rough outline or agenda
- Interact with viewers through comments and questions
- Save your Live to the feed so people who missed it can still watch
Table: Instagram Video Length Limits by Format
| Instagram Format | Maximum Length | Best Use Case |
| Reels | 15 minutes (90 seconds for some) | Short, engaging content that’s discoverable |
| Stories | 15 seconds per clip | Real-time updates and casual shares |
| Feed Videos | 60 minutes | Longer, evergreen content |
| Live | 4 hours | Real-time interaction and deep dives |
FAQs About Instagram Video Length
Can I post a video longer than 15 seconds to Stories?
Yes, you can. Instagram will automatically split it into 15-second segments and play them one after another.
Do Reels need to be 90 seconds or less?
Only if you’re using music from Instagram’s library or certain effects. Otherwise, you can upload Reels up to 15 minutes long if the content is original.
Are there video length restrictions for Instagram ads?
Yes. Story ads are limited to 15 seconds, while feed video ads can go up to 60 seconds. However, it’s best to keep ads short and engaging for better performance.
Can I upload a 30-minute video to my feed?
Yes, you can, as long as it doesn’t exceed 60 minutes. But for engagement purposes, shorter videos (under 10 minutes) usually perform better.
How do I trim a video to fit Instagram’s limits?
You can use Instagram’s built-in editing tools or third-party apps like InShot, CapCut, or Adobe Premiere Rush.
Is it better to go Live or post a pre-recorded video?
It depends on your goal. Lives are great for interaction and building community. Pre-recorded videos allow for polish and planning.
Do videos automatically get deleted after a certain time?
Only Stories disappear after 24 hours. Reels, feed videos, and Lives (if saved) stay on your profile unless you manually remove them.
Conclusion
Instagram video lengths vary depending on the format, and knowing the time limits can help you plan smarter content. Whether you’re posting a quick Reel, a multi-part Story, a long-form feed video, or going Live, each option has its strengths.
Stick to the formats that suit your content style, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Sometimes a 15-second Reel can hit harder than a 10-minute video. Other times, a full-hour Live can build a deeper connection with your audience. The key is to stay authentic and keep your audience in mind.
So next time you’re about to hit record, think about where the video will live—and how long it needs to be. When you get the format right, everything else just flows better.