How Long Can Instagram Reels Be? [2024 Update]

Instagram Reels have taken the social media world by storm since their launch. People are flocking to this short-form video feature on the popular platform to stay engaged. But many people still don’t know how long Instagram reels can be now. If you are among those who love posting reels but don’t know the Instagram reel duration limit, you are on the right page.

This post will break down the current timer limits and requirements for uploading these bite-sized clips. Whether you are a creator, a business owner, or just a normal Instagram user, knowing the maximum length of an Instagram reel will help you utilize this feature better than others. So, read this post until the end to learn more about the Instagram reel time limit.

How Long Can Instagram Reels Be?

If you create a Reel with licensed music courtesy of Instagram’s music library, the maximum timeframe for 2024 is 90 seconds. That’s right – you now have an extra 30 seconds to work with when sound is added. Ensure any external audio is within the one-minute limit to avoid issues during upload, and you can use the built-in music feature instead.

insta reels length

Without music, Reels allow users to flex their creativity for a full 90 seconds, too. So, it doesn’t matter if you are uploading a reel with your music from Instagram’s music library or without any theme; if you are creating the reel using your camera, the maximum allowed limit is 90 seconds, while from the library, it can be up to 15 minutes long.

Reels Upload Requirements On Instagram:

Some basic criteria must be met to post a reel on Instagram successfully. Aspect ratios of 1.91:1 and 9:16 are recommended for compatibility across Instagram surfaces like IGTV.

Resolution requirements cap at 720 pixels for optimum display quality, and the videos must be in 30 FPS (frames per second) format. Also, the recommended size for cover photos is 420 px by 654 px (or 1:1.55 ratio).

Keep content appropriate as Reels adhere to Instagram’s community guidelines like other posts. Once requirements are satisfied, creatives can focus on crafting eye-catching visual experiences for their followers.

If you want, you can also adjust the video quality of your uploaded reels, and this can be done by navigating to the settings below:

  • Profile -> Settings and Privacy -> Account -> Data Usage -> Upload At Highest Quality.
upload posts at high quality

How Do You Post A 4-Minute Reel On Instagram?

Now you know how long Instagram reels can be with music if created within Instagram; it is possible to piece together a 4-minute epic as separate Reels, too.

Shoot your longer video within your device and upload it to Instagram reels using the import option. You can then add transitions, effects, stickers, music, etc., as your choice.

Cinematic masterpieces don’t have to fall outside reel boundaries with this workaround! In 2022, Instagram clarified in a blog post that video posts shorter than 15 minutes will now be shared as Reels instead of Videos. This was done to help creators and professional video makers reach more users and increase the overall reels users.

video as reels in instagram

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can Instagram Reels Be Longer?
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Instagram’s camera feature now allows you to upload videos ranging from 15 to 90 seconds to share as reels. If you are uploading a video from your device’s gallery, you can upload videos for up to 15 minutes. Knowing the duration of Instagram reels makes it easier to share content.

How Long Should A Reel Be To Go Viral?

There’s no definitive answer to how long Instagram reels can be, so they go viral. However, when it comes to optimum watch time linked to trending status, most viral Reels fall between 15-45 seconds in length. Also, ensure your video reel serves a high-quality purpose and uses a catchy caption and poster image.

Is It Better To Post A Reel or Video On Instagram?

Knowing the limits and requirements is essential before uploading a reel because every media-sharing platform is shifting towards video content. Video and Reel posts are suitable options depending on the topic you share in the video and your audience. If you share informational content, you should opt for longer videos, while reels convey short storylines well.

Why Won’t My Full Reel Play On Instagram?

There can be various reasons behind this problem, but the most popular is the Data Saver feature. To ensure every reel plays automatically, navigate to Account -> Cellular Data and TURN OFF the feature. You can also clear the cache of the Instagram app and try logging in again if you are still experiencing the problem.

Final Words:

Instagram Reels give creators more generous time frames than ever to shine in 2024. But quick tips, requirements, and crafting multi-reel stories ensures your content stays compliant on the platform. When the creators know how long should an Instagram reel be, it becomes easier for them to share their content on the platform.

With strategic planning and editing, even 15-second epics can engage viewers from beginning to end. We hope you know how long Instagram reels can be, as we’ve tried to include everything related to it. We are pretty sure there will be changes coming to the reel time limit and more in the future, so you can keep visiting this page as we will keep the post updated with the same.

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