Let’s cut through the noise and get real about what matters in the world of social media content. You’ve probably noticed how obsessed everyone is with those vertical videos lately. They’re everywhere, flooding your feed with dance moves, life hacks, and whatever trend is making the rounds this week. But how long can a reel be on Instagram? Because let’s face it, we need to make the script.
Remember when we thought a 6-second Vine was the future? Those were simpler times. Now, we live in an era where attention spans are supposedly shorter than ever, yet paradoxically, platforms keep extending their video limits. It’s like watching a digital limbo game, except the bar keeps getting higher instead of going lower.
The Sweet Spot
Here’s what nobody tells you upfront: just because you can make something longer doesn’t mean you should. The most engaging content typically runs between 7 and 15 seconds. That’s barely enough time to make a sandwich but long enough to capture someone’s attention and make them smash that like button.
Regarding dimensions, you’re looking at 1080×1920 pixels with a 9:16 aspect ratio. But here’s the kicker – your masterpiece will look different depending on where it appears. In the feed? It gets cropped to 4:5. That’s why you see creators keeping their important content centred – they’re not being artsy; they’re being smart.
The moment of truth: Instagram Reels can now stretch up to 15 minutes. But there’s a catch. While the platform’s native editor caps you at 90 seconds, third-party tools can help you upload longer content. Think of it like having a VIP pass to bypass the velvet rope – you just need the right connection.
Breaking it down:
The platform might give you 15 minutes, but the algorithm favours brevity. It’s like being given an unlimited buffet but knowing your stomach can only handle so much. The most successful creators understand this balance, delivering their message with precision rather than padding.
In the end, it’s not about how long you can make your content – it’s about how effectively you can deliver your message. While Instagram gives you up to 15 minutes to play with, the most successful creators know that brevity is the soul of wit. Focus on quality over quantity, keep your message clear, and remember that sometimes less really is more. The platform’s limitations aren’t restrictions – they’re creative guidelines pushing you to be more impactful with less time.
Up until working with Casey, we had only had poor to mediocre experiences outsourcing work to agencies. Casey & the team at CJ&CO are the exception to the rule.
Communication was beyond great, his understanding of our vision was phenomenal, and instead of needing babysitting like the other agencies we worked with, he was not only completely dependable but also gave us sound suggestions on how to get better results, at the risk of us not needing him for the initial job we requested (absolute gem).
This has truly been the first time we worked with someone outside of our business that quickly grasped our vision, and that I could completely forget about and would still deliver above expectations.
I honestly can’t wait to work in many more projects together!
Disclaimer
*The information this blog provides is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as financial or professional advice. The information may not reflect current developments and may be changed or updated without notice. Any opinions expressed on this blog are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author’s employer or any other organization. You should not act or rely on any information contained in this blog without first seeking the advice of a professional. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this blog. The author and affiliated parties assume no liability for any errors or omissions.
