TikTok has become one of the biggest names in social media, and it’s not hard to see why. With its focus on creativity and fun content, it’s a go-to platform for creators and businesses. But to really stand out on TikTok, it’s important to know the best video length and size to use. This guide will help you make the most of TikTok in 2025 by showing you everything you need to know about video lengths and size requirements.
What’s the Deal with TikTok Video Length?
TikTok started out as a place for quick, 15-second clips, but it’s grown a lot since then. Today, TikTok offers a variety of video length options to suit different content types.
Current Video Length Limits on TikTok
In 2025, TikTok videos can be as short as 3 seconds or as long as 60 minutes. Here’s a breakdown of how that works:
- Videos filmed directly in the TikTok app: These can go up to 10 minutes.
- Uploaded videos: These can go up to 60 minutes.
If you’re filming in the app, you’ll see a few preset options:
- 15 seconds
- 60 seconds
- 10 minutes
For longer videos (15 minutes or 60 minutes), you’ll usually need to upload pre-recorded content from your device.
Keep in mind that these features may not be available everywhere or for every account type, as TikTok is still rolling them out gradually.
So, What’s the Best Length for TikTok Videos?
Although TikTok gives you a wide range of video lengths, not every length works well for every situation. To really boost your views and engagement, you’ll want to find the sweet spot for your content.
Research on Ideal TikTok Video Length
Some recent studies and data from TikTok itself suggest that:
- SocialBu found that videos between 21-34 seconds are ideal for going viral quickly.
- Socialinsider reported that videos around 90-120 seconds tend to get the highest number of views and engagement.
The platform has changed a lot since its early days, and now, users seem to be enjoying slightly longer videos that offer a bit more depth.
What Affects the Ideal Video Length?
A few different things will influence how long your video should be:
Attention Span and Engagement
TikTok is known for its quick, attention-grabbing videos. Since users spend an average of 95 minutes on the app daily, they’re often watching videos on autopilot. If you can get your point across quickly in a short video, go for it. No need to stretch it out unnecessarily.
Audience Preferences
Different audiences prefer different video lengths:
- Accounts with fewer followers (under 500) typically create 35-second videos.
- Accounts with 50,000+ followers generally go for videos around 55 seconds.
This trend shows that as you build a loyal audience, they may be more willing to watch longer content.
Content Type
The kind of content you’re creating also plays a big role in the ideal video length:
- Humor: Works best in short clips (15-30 seconds).
- Trending videos: Should be concise (under 30 seconds).
- Educational content: Can work well in 1-3 minute videos.
- Dance challenges: Typically match the music length (15-60 seconds).
TikTok Video Size Guidelines
Video length is important, but so is size and quality. Here’s what you need to know about TikTok’s video specifications:
Video Dimensions and Aspect Ratio
- Resolution: 1080 × 1920 pixels
- Aspect ratio: 9:16 (vertical format)
- File formats: MP4 or MOV
- Max file size: 500MB for uploads
Vertical videos (9:16) are preferred since they fill up the screen on mobile, giving viewers a more immersive experience.
TikTok Stories: The Shortest Form
In addition to regular videos, TikTok also offers Stories:
- Length: Up to 15 seconds
- Availability: Stories disappear after 24 hours
- Visibility: Stories don’t appear on the For You Page or in following feeds, but your followers can view them through your profile or in DMs.
Since stories are meant for quick, temporary content, it’s best to keep them engaging but brief.
Tailoring Your Strategy for Different Video Lengths
Different video lengths serve different purposes. Here’s how you can use them:
Short TikTok Videos (Under 30 Seconds)
- Great for quick hooks, humor, and challenges.
- Perfect for single tips or ideas.
For these, get straight to the point, use eye-catching openings, and make sure your message is clear.
Medium-Length Videos (30-60 Seconds)
- Ideal for short tutorials, storytelling, and product demos.
- Best for offering a bit more depth while keeping things engaging.
Keep the pace quick and deliver enough value to make the video worth watching.
Long TikTok Videos (1-10 Minutes)
- These are best for detailed tutorials, product reviews, and behind-the-scenes content.
- Perfect for explaining more complex topics.
For longer videos, break the content into easy-to-follow segments, and use things like timestamps or chapters to keep viewers engaged.
Tips for Boosting Engagement with Any Video Length
No matter how long your video is, here are some tips to get the most out of it:
- Hook viewers in the first 3 seconds: Grab attention fast or they’ll scroll past.
- Use trending music: It can help your video get discovered by more people.
- Add captions: Many users watch without sound, so text overlays are key.
- Optimize for the algorithm: Post consistently and interact with your audience in the comments.
- Track your performance: See what video lengths work best for your audience.
Finding Your Ideal Video Length
The perfect video length really depends on:
- Your niche
- Your audience
- Your creative style
- Your goals
Test out different lengths, track how your videos perform, and adjust based on what works best for you.
Conclusion
TikTok has come a long way in 2025 with its expanded video length options. While shorter videos (21-34 seconds) are still great for grabbing attention, medium-length content (90-120 seconds) is becoming increasingly popular for engagement.
To succeed, focus on creating content that resonates with your audience, and remember to optimize your videos for both viewers and the TikTok algorithm. By paying attention to video length and quality, you’ll be able to maximize your reach on the platform.
And at the end of the day, great content that connects with people will always outperform anything else, even if it’s perfectly optimized for length.