Introduction
Instagram has quickly become one of the most popular social media platforms, with over 1 billion active users every month. As a content creator, it’s important to understand the latest guidelines for video length on Instagram in order to optimize engagement and attract new followers.
In this article, we’ll explore the various factors that impact video length on Instagram, including the current guidelines, the benefits of keeping videos short and sweet, and the science behind video length and engagement. We’ll also provide practical tips and strategies for creating engaging Instagram videos, along with real-world examples of what works and what doesn’t.
How to Create and Post the Perfect Video Length for Instagram
Creating engaging Instagram videos doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some tips to keep in mind when creating videos:
- Keep it short and sweet – attention spans on social media are notoriously short, so aim for videos that are 60 seconds or less
- Start with a bang – make sure your video captures attention in the first few seconds
- Tell a story – use your video to convey a narrative or message that your audience can relate to
- Use captions – since many users watch Instagram videos with the sound off, make sure to include captions so viewers can still follow along
- Include a call-to-action – let viewers know what you want them to do next, whether it’s visiting your website, following your account, or leaving a comment
When it comes to posting videos on Instagram, the process is relatively straightforward:
- Open the Instagram app and tap the plus sign in the bottom center of the screen
- Select the video you want to share from your camera roll
- If necessary, trim the video to the desired length
- Add filters, captions, and other effects as desired
- Select the appropriate aspect ratio for your video
- Choose to post your video to your feed, your story, or IGTV, depending on the length and type of content
- Add any relevant hashtags and tag other users in the post if needed
- Hit the “Share” button to upload your post
The Ultimate Guide to Video Length for Instagram in 2021
Video length on Instagram varies depending on the type of content being posted. Here’s a quick overview of the current guidelines:
- Feed posts: Videos on Instagram feed must be up to 60 seconds maximum length
- Stories: 15-second videos or a series of 15-second videos that can total up to 60 seconds or less
- IGTV: Maximum length is 60 minutes
While these are the current guidelines, it’s important to note that Instagram can and does change their rules frequently. Keep an eye on their blog or other relevant industry sources for updates.
When it comes to identifying the optimal video length for your content, it’s important to consider the specifics of your brand and audience. For example, if your followers tend to watch your videos all the way through, you may be able to get away with longer content. However, if viewers tend to drop off after the first few seconds, a shorter video may be more effective.
Here are some examples of successful Instagram videos and what made them effective:
- Product demos that show off the unique features of a product in a quick and engaging way
- Creative ads that use humor or visual effects to capture attention in the first few seconds
- BTS (behind-the-scenes) videos that give followers an inside look at the creation process
- Tutorials or how-to videos that provide actual value to viewers and establish you as an expert in your field
Why Keeping Your Instagram Videos Short and Sweet Is the Way to Go
There are several benefits to keeping Instagram videos short and to-the-point:
- Higher engagement – shorter videos tend to have higher engagement rates than longer ones
- More shares – as viewers consume shorter videos more easily, they are more likely to share them with others
- Higher retention – viewers are more likely to retain information from shorter videos than long ones
Here are some examples of successful short videos:
- Gifs or cinemagraphs that add visual interest to your feed
- Slideshow clips that showcase your product features or benefits
- Boomerang videos that capture a fun moment in time – these short videos loop seamlessly and often make for humorous content
The Science Behind Video Length on Instagram: What the Experts Say
Research shows that video length can have a significant impact on engagement metrics such as views, likes, and comments. A study by social media analytics company Quintly found that videos under 30 seconds in length had an engagement rate of 18.61%, compared to just 9.22% for videos longer than 30 seconds.
However, it’s also important to tailor your video length to the specific type of content you’re creating. For example, a tutorial or how-to video may require more time to thoroughly explain a concept, while a product demo can often be done in under 30 seconds.
Here are some tips for using this research to create effective videos:
- Keep it short – aim for videos that are 30 seconds or less to maximize engagement
- Consider your audience – if your followers are loyal and tend to watch your videos all the way through, you may be able to experiment with longer content
- Include a call-to-action – let viewers know what you want them to do next, whether it’s visiting your website, following your account, or leaving a comment
How Video Length Affects Engagement on Instagram and What You Can Do About It
Video length can have a significant impact on engagement metrics. For example, studies have shown that videos under 30 seconds in length tend to have higher engagement rates than longer ones.
Here are some tips and strategies for optimizing your video length to improve engagement:
- Experiment with different lengths to see what works best for your audience
- Keep your brand and target audience in mind – some niches may require longer or shorter videos depending on what viewers are looking for
- Use captions to make sure viewers engage with your content even when the sound is off
Here’s an example of how video length impacted engagement on Instagram:
A fashion influencer created two videos – one that was 30 seconds long and one that was 90 seconds long – and posted them both to Instagram. The shorter video ended up receiving double the number of views, likes, and comments as the longer one.
The Dos and Don’ts of Video Length on Instagram That Every Content Creator Should Know
Here are the key takeaways from this article:
- Keep your videos short and sweet to maximize engagement
- Consider the type of content you’re creating when choosing a video length
- Include a call-to-action to encourage viewers to take the next step
Here are some important dos and don’ts to keep in mind when creating videos for Instagram:
- Do experiment with different video lengths to see what works best for your brand and audience
- Do make sure your video has a clear message or story to tell
- Do use captions and other visual elements to keep viewers engaged
- Don’t make your video too long – attention spans on social media are notoriously short
- Don’t forget to optimize for mobile – make sure your video looks great on phones and other mobile devices
Conclusion
As the popularity of Instagram continues to grow, it’s more important than ever for content creators to understand the latest guidelines and best practices for video length. By keeping your videos short and engaging, tailoring your approach to your specific audience, and leveraging the latest research, you can create videos that capture attention and build strong engagement with your followers.
