TikTok, which debuted in 2016, has gradually increased the maximum video length while rapidly gaining users. Creators can create a wider range of content for different audiences by offering a variety of video lengths.
TikTok videos can be of varying lengths. Videos can be recorded within the app for as little as 15 seconds or as long as three minutes. When uploading videos to the app, however, they can be up to ten minutes long. Here’s a look at the evolution of video lengths and how long a TikTok video can be today.
We will update this article if TikTok's video lengths continue to increase or decrease.
How Long do TikTok Videos last?
TikTok videos were only 15 seconds long when they first launched. The quick turnaround was designed to catch people’s attention, making it ideal for quick consumption as they scroll through endless videos. TikTok increased the video length to 60 seconds in 2017. This increased the amount of time people spent on the app, and TikTok had over 300 million users by 2018.
TikTok has since begun testing longer uploads and will increase the maximum video length to three minutes in July 2021. That three-minute mark appeared to be the sweet spot, as TikTok exploded to one billion users worldwide the same year—nearly half as many as popular apps like Instagram or Whatsapp.
Despite its enormous success, the company continued to push for even longer format content. TikTok increased the maximum video length to 10 minutes in early 2022. The shift to a longer video format was likely to compete with sites like YouTube, which favour long-form content like podcasts. It also aids TikTok in attracting an older audience and those with longer attention spans.
Read Also: How to Go Live on TikTok in 2023: Easy Step-By-Step Guide
Finding the optimal length for video content is a balancing act, and we wouldn’t be surprised if TikTok continues to experiment in the coming year.
This strategy, however, may not have been as successful as TikTok had hoped. TikTok quietly removed the ability to record videos up to ten minutes long in April 2023, reverting to the three-minute limit. However, longer videos are still possible. Users can upload and edit videos up to ten minutes long from their device using the app.
The Algorithm
The TikTok algorithm prioritizes bite-sized entertainment in the content feed. According to a WIRED report, nearly 50% of TikTok users said videos longer than one minute were “stressful,” and one-third of users watched videos online at twice the speed. Returning to a short and snappy format may be the best option.
Surprisingly, as TikTok sought to catch up to its long-form competitors, they instead followed TikTok’s lead and developed short-form videos. Instagram now allows users to post short clips called Reels, YouTube has Shorts, and Snapchat has a Spotlight feature for top-trending videos. These companies are attempting to perfect the formula for determining what video length maximizes the amount of time you spend on the app.
How Do I Determine the Best TikTok Length?
If you’re wondering how long it should take for a TikTok video to go viral, you’ve come to the right place. We can assist you in determining the minimum and maximum video lengths for TikTok’s algorithm and audience consumption.
Begin by considering a few critical factors, such as your target audience, user behaviour and preferences, the factors and content you want to convey, and so on. The more organic content you share, the more likely you are to succeed; short organic content such as memes, reaction or review videos, daily routine videos, teasers, etc.
Keep this content under 60 seconds in length for maximum traction. If you are a brand, have worked with an influencer, or want to share a clip from a significant interview, you should aim for more than 60 seconds. However, when dealing with the themes, be very genuine and authentic. To attract more viewers, post Q&A videos, tutorials and how-tos, video highlights, behind-the-scenes footage, or even bloopers.
Simply put, it is not only the length that must be considered but also the video’s quality and parity with other videos. Ensure your videos are properly optimized for the “For You” feed and consistent with other featured videos. Such precision is possible with extensive knowledge and practice.
High-end video editing service providers typically employ a team of expert video editors who can flawlessly edit and optimize videos to perform admirably on TikTok. They have the necessary expertise, domain knowledge, and access to cutting-edge techniques.
Is There a Minimum and Maximum Length for TikTok Videos?
Yes, the TikTok platform has an ideal video length. Let’s look at the minimum and maximum video length requirements. The platform has set a minimum video length of 3 seconds and a maximum video length of 10 minutes. The maximum length for the TikTok platform will be 90 seconds. TikTokers will be unable to upload anything less than this threshold.
Although it is true that nothing can be conveyed to the audience in so few seconds, they will not have enough time to attract attention and deliver the story. As a result, content creators must strike the perfect balance of brevity and meaningful messaging. This is a useful video editing tip for any video intended for online consumption.
Do Longer TikTok Videos Get More Views?
The question that most brand owners, inexperienced video content creators, and vloggers have is whether it is beneficial to upload longer videos for increased visibility. So the answer is neither yes nor no. Despite the popular advice to keep TikTok videos short and sweet, several longer videos perform well on the platform.
For example, one of the videos by the fashion makeup brand “Refy Beauty” received over a million views, likes, and 500+ comments. The main hook in that was how Jess Hunt, the founder, bonded with her co-founder over a brow care routine and thus founded the company, the odds she faced and overcame, and so on.
This demonstrates that if you have credible content about your brand values, company culture, UVPs, and a genuine product to highlight, you can go longer with no problems. The only requirement is that the video begins with a strong hook.
According to a recent platform survey, over 63% of high-CTR videos have a strong hook or highlight a key message or product within the first three seconds.
Do Shorter TikTok Videos Receive More Views?
TikTok admitted in June 2021 that its users have short attention spans. According to a WIRED report, TikTok’s internal survey found that social media users are “flooded with large amounts of video content,” impairing their ability to concentrate. According to the survey, 50% of respondents found videos longer than one minute to be “stressful.”
Regardless, TikTok has been experimenting with longer video formats, so the maximum length has been increased to 10 minutes. However, the fact that the platform has now reduced the maximum time limit back to 3 minutes may imply that this is the sweet spot for retaining users while earning enough ad revenue.
As you can see, the success of TikTok is entirely dependent on the content and the viewer, the latter of which is highly unpredictable. The length of the video is not always decisive.
There is no predetermined formula for this. One cannot predict how quickly a video will go viral after it is posted. The platform’s algorithm indexing process differs from that of Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts, and it takes time. Although some videos do go viral in a relatively short period of time, this cannot be considered a standard. A video may take days or even weeks to appear in the “For You” feeds.
Large brands or popular influencers typically receive more engagement from their fixed subscriber base, which causes them to go viral quickly. This can serve as motivation for first-timers or beginners to consistently upload over a set period of time without losing patience. Also, never delete old videos simply because they aren’t performing well today. Who knows, they might tomorrow!
If you’ve made it this far in the blog, you should have a good understanding of the best-performing video length on TikTok, how to determine the ideal duration, and whether longer content gets more views or not. Follow these suggestions, and your videos will noticeably improve. You can also hire professionals for flawless TikTok video editing to make your videos more presentable, engaging, quirky, and unique!
How long until TikTok tells you to stop?
In the TikTok app’s Digital Wellbeing Settings, you can set a time limit for your viewing. TikTok will tell you to take a break if you have exceeded your screen time limit.
How long are TikTok shadow bans in effect?
Shadowbans were only valid for 24 hours when TikTok first launched. Shadowbans, on the other hand, can now last up to two weeks. While your account is suspended, you are unable to create new videos or edit existing ones.
Going viral takes time and often necessitates the clever use of trending keywords and music. You’ll also need to figure out the best time to post a TikTok on any given day.
Did TikTok remove 10-minute videos?
TikTok quietly removed the ability for users to record videos up to ten minutes long in April 2023, returning to the three-minute limit. Users can, however, still upload videos up to ten minutes long.
Conclusion
To summarize, creating perfectly optimized TikTok videos may appear daunting at first. However, with enough practice, analyzing user behavior, and posting on a consistent basis, one can create the best videos that stand out from the crowd. You simply need to strike the right balance between brevity and creativity and edit your clips in the most engaging way possible.
- HOW TO MESSAGE SOMEONE ON TIKTOK: Step-By-Step Guide
- HOW TO OPEN MY TIKTOK FOLLOWING FEED: Easy Tips & Tricks
- Why Is My TikTok Not Working: Top Effective Fixes
- How to Go Live on TikTok in 2023: Easy Step-By-Step Guide
- HOW TO POST LONG VIDEOS ON INSTAGRAM: Explained!
References
