How Long Can Instagram Reels Be: All You Need To know
When someone quickly scrolls past your Instagram Reel, the app thinks your video isn’t interesting and won’t show it to more people. But if you catch people’s attention from the start and keep them watching, Instagram will show your video to more users.
Instagram Reels are super important now because they can make any account blow up overnight. So, whether you’re just starting out or already have a bunch of followers, it’s crucial to make engaging videos.
Now, let’s talk about how long your videos should be and what’s the best instagram reel length to make them awesome.
What’s an Instagram Reel?
An Instagram Reel is like a mini-movie you can make and share on Instagram. It’s a short video that fills your screen and stays on your profile until you decide to take it down. Unlike Instagram Stories that disappear after 24 hours, Reels stick around.
People use Reels to show off cool stuff, make jokes, teach something, or just share what’s on their mind. You can put together different clips, photos, or mix both in one Reel. Plus, there are tons of fun features like music, filters, and text to make your Reel stand out.
They’re kind of like TikTok videos, but on Instagram. So, whether you’re into making people laugh, sharing knowledge, or promoting your business, Reels are a great way to catch people’s attention and express yourself creatively.
How Does the Instagram Reels Algorithm Work?
The Instagram Reels algorithm is like a mysterious puzzle, but here’s the scoop.
First off, the algorithm keeps tabs on who you’re cozying up with on Instagram. If you’re always chatting, liking, or sharing stuff from certain accounts, you’ll likely see more of their Reels.
Next, it’s all about what floats your boat. If you’re into videos of adorable tree frogs, Instagram will serve up more of those for you because it thinks you’ll dig them.
Freshness matters too. The algorithm likes to keep things current, so newer Reels get a front-row seat.
Lastly, popularity isn’t just for high school. The more popular you are on Instagram, the more the algorithm will push your content. It’s like a digital popularity contest.
So there you have it! The Instagram Reels algorithm is a mix of friendship, relevance, timeliness, and a dash of popularity.
How to Make a Reel on Instagram?
To make a Reel on Instagram, follow these easy steps:
- Open Instagram and go to your profile.
- Tap the “+” icon at the top right, then select “Reel.”
- You can either record clips directly in the app or upload pre-recorded ones from your phone.
- Explore different tools like layout, timer, and speed to edit your video.
- Add extra elements like text, drawings, stickers, AR effects, filters, and audio to make your Reel stand out.
- Once you’re satisfied with your edit, tap “Next.”
- Choose a cover photo, write a caption, tag people or products, add a location, and customize other settings.
- When everything looks good, tap “Share.”
Congratulations! Your Reel is now posted on Instagram.
How Long Can Instagram Reels Be?
Instagram Reels can be as short as 15 seconds or as long as 90 seconds if you use Instagram’s built-in creator. However, if you use third-party tools like Hootsuite, you can make Reels as short as 3 seconds or as long as 15 minutes.
For optimal engagement, aim for Reels between 7 and 15 seconds. Just remember to maintain the aspect ratio of 9:16 and a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels for your Reels to look good on Instagram.
What is the Best Time to Post Reels on Instagram?
When it comes to posting Reels on Instagram, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It really depends on who you’re trying to reach, what kind of stuff you’re posting, and how often you’re doing it.
But if you want some guidance, Hootsuite did some digging and found that the sweet spot for posting Reels is generally between 9 in the morning and noon, Monday through Thursday. Now, that’s not set in stone, but it’s a good starting point.
And here’s a little tip: if you’re not keen on staring at your phone during those times, you can schedule your Reels to go live at those strategic moments. Hootsuite has a handy feature for that. So, you can set it and forget it, freeing up your time for other stuff. Easy, right!
What’s the Best Instagram Reel Length For Reach and Engagement?
The best length for Instagram Reels isn’t set in stone, but what matters most is engaging content. Instagram loves Reels, and they’re crucial for grabbing attention on the app.
There’s no magic number for Reel length because it depends on what you’re sharing and what your audience likes.
However, the first few seconds of your Reel are super important. That’s when people decide if they’ll keep watching, so make those seconds count!
Remember, it’s about quality, not just length. Even short Reels can do well if they’re interesting and relatable. Plus, short ones loop more, which boosts your views and helps more people find your Reel.
A good guideline is to keep it between 7 to 15 seconds. Shorter Reels tend to loop more, racking up views. The algorithm notices this and shows your Reel to more people.
When in doubt, leave your audience wanting more. If they’re hooked, they’ll stick around for your other Reels, which tells the algorithm your content is worth promoting.
So, focus on captivating content rather than worrying too much about the exact length.
What Does a 90-second IG Reels Time Limit Mean for Creators?
The recent update to Instagram Reels, extending the time limit to 90 seconds, is a big deal for creators. Here’s what it means in simple terms:
Imagine Instagram Reels like a mini-movie maker. Before, you had just 15 seconds to tell your story. Now, you’ve got a whole minute and a half!
For creators, this means they can make longer, more detailed videos. They don’t have to rush to fit everything into a short clip anymore. This is especially great news for skit makers and influencers who need more time to get their message across.
Plus, with longer videos, the Instagram algorithm might like them more, meaning they could get seen by more people. So, creators can be more creative and have a better chance of reaching a bigger audience with their content.
Expect to see some awesome longer Reels popping up from your favorite creators soon!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Instagram Reels offer a dynamic platform for creative expression and engagement.
With a flexible time limit ranging from 15 seconds to 90 seconds, creators can craft compelling content tailored to their audience’s preferences.
Whether showcasing talents, sharing knowledge, or promoting businesses, Reels provide an opportunity to captivate viewers and stand out on the platform.
Embracing the evolving landscape of Instagram features, including the recent extension to 90-second Reels, promises exciting possibilities for creators to tell richer stories and connect with wider audiences.
So, keep an eye out for longer, more immersive Reels from your favorite creators in the days ahead!
