Social media has been dominated by short-form videos—Instagram Reels, TikToks, and YouTube Shorts—but no more! Going into 2025 we are going to see a notable shift to longer videos on social media platforms.
Why Longer Videos Are Making a Comeback
With platforms like Instagram and TikTok increasing their video length limits, creators now have the opportunity to provide more comprehensive content. Instagram Reels now allows videos up to 15 minutes, while TikTok is testing formats that stretch to 10 minutes. Social media platforms say that the shift is being driven by audiences desiring more detailed videos think substance over snippets. Whether it’s tutorials, in-depth discussions, or behind-the-scenes content, users are increasingly looking for videos that offer more value and depth.
Additionally, user behavior is evolving. Instead of passively scrolling, people are now turning to social media for answers, much like they would with traditional search engines. This means that creators and brands can utilize longer videos to answer complex questions, share detailed reviews, or explain processes in a way that wasn’t possible with shorter formats.
How to Leverage Longer Videos for Your Brand
- Create Educational Content: Longer videos are ideal for educational and tutorial-style content. You can take your time answering common questions, providing product demos, or offering step-by-step guides. This type of content engages your audience and builds trust, positioning your brand as an expert in your field.
- Build Evergreen Content: Focus on creating content that remains relevant over time. Evergreen videos continue to drive views long after they are posted, helping to boost your social media SEO. Videos that answer frequently asked questions or provide timeless insights are more likely to stay relevant and continue gaining traction.
- Use Visual Storytelling: The extended video length allows you to craft more detailed stories that connect emotionally with your audience. Whether you’re telling the story behind your brand or sharing customer testimonials, longer videos give you the space to build a narrative that resonates.
Best Practices for Creating Longer Videos
- Keep It Engaging: Even with longer formats, attention spans are still short. Grab your viewers’ attention in the first few seconds with a hook, and make sure to deliver that hook towards the end of the video.
- Incorporate Timestamps: If your video covers multiple topics or sections, use timestamps to make it easier for viewers to navigate. This improves the viewing experience and ensures that your audience sticks around for the content they’re most interested in.
- Cross-Post Without Watermarks: If you’re creating content for multiple platforms, download your videos without watermarks before posting them on other platforms to maximize reach. Cross-posting allows you to engage a broader audience without limiting yourself to one platform.
Platform-Specific Video Length Breakdown in 2024
Here’s a quick look at how the major platforms are evolving their video length limits:
- Instagram Reels
- Before: 90 seconds
- Now: Up to 15 minutes
- TikTok
- Before: 3 minutes
- Now: Testing up to 10 minutes
- YouTube Shorts
- Before: 60 seconds
- Now: Still capped at 60 seconds for Shorts, but regular YouTube videos can go for hours.
- Facebook
- Before: 2 hours
- Now: Up to 4 hours
- X (formerly Twitter)
- Before: 2 minutes and 20 seconds
- Now: Verified users can upload videos up to 2 hours long.
- LinkedIn
- Before: 10 minutes
- Now: Up to 15 minutes
Final Thoughts
Longer videos are not just about filling more time—they’re about delivering more value. As the trend for longer content continues to grow in 2024/2025, it’s essential for brands to adapt by creating videos that inform, entertain, and captivate. Whether you’re answering customer questions, sharing valuable insights, or telling compelling stories, the extra time allows you to connect with your audience so have fun with it!
