By understanding the ideal length for your platform and audience, you can create videos that engage, inform, and keep viewers coming back for more.
One question I get asked all the time is: how long should my video be? It's a huge question and one that can determine the success of your video. With everyone constantly being saturated with content, we don’t want to just make videos; we want to create the kinds of videos that people watch. And believe it or not, length is an important factor in this.
The Golden Rule of Video Length
The golden rule is to keep your video as short as possible without sacrificing any important information or moments. If a part of your video isn’t adding value or is slowing down the pace, consider cutting it or turning it into its own piece of content.
Determining Your Ideal Video Length
There are two main factors that typically determine your ideal video length: your platform and your audience.
Platform Considerations
| 5-30 sec (stories shorter, reels longer) | |
| TikTok | 30 - 60 sec |
| Youtube Shorts | 30 - 60 sec max |
| 1 - 2 min | |
| Youtube | 2 - 4 min (best for engagement, not monetisation) |
| 1 - 3 min | |
| Podcast | 15 min plus |
Audience Considerations
The second factor is your audience. Who are they, and what kinds of videos do they like to consume? For some audiences, long tutorials are their go-to for learning new skills, while for others, a 10-minute video might be daunting. Understand your audience’s preferences and tailor your video length accordingly.
Striking the Balance
At the end of the day, video length comes down to how much value you can provide and how long it takes to deliver that value. Strike a balance between being concise and delivering your message effectively. Make every second count, and you'll find your audience will stay tuned for more!