Currently Instagram allows for 15-90 seconds for reels, but a change may be on the horizon.
As reported on by Social Media Today the platform is now internally testing a new 3-10-minute reel length.
If the feature passes muster it could be a great promotional tool for cammers.
First off, the ability to produce longer content can really get your creative juices flowing. You can’t underestimate the value of having a little more breathing space in developing compelling narratives. Second, I don’t know about you, but I seem to always have videos that go just five or six seconds over, and then I’m stuck cannibalizing them to fit. Editing can be excruciating – especially when it’s already perfect!
How did we get here?
When Reels was first launched in 2020 they gave us 15 seconds – a whole 5 seconds more than stories (which was only 10 seconds when released in 2016). That felt like a lot… but after a while using it, it didn’t.
There’s an old saying, “give an inch and they’ll take a mile.”
Over the years Instagram realized users wanted more time so Reels went from 30 seconds to 60 seconds, to 90 seconds and now the platform doesn’t even want to mess in puny seconds.
Give us three to ten minutes they scream!
#Instagram is working on the ability to create #Reels up to 10 minutes long 👀 pic.twitter.com/jQTUM9fPsM
— Alessandro Paluzzi (@alex193a) August 30, 2023
It’s no wonder Instagram is tackling longer videos now, in 2022 TikTok decided to take their 3-minute videos up to 10 in a bid to compete with YouTube. And they’ve been successful – according to Hypebot, though short-form videos are still the most popular there is a trend of people watching longer content and Instagram doesn’t want to miss the boat.
To be sure, we can’t ignore the elephant in the room. This isn’t the first time Instagram has tried launching longer videos – remember IGTV? But the difference is the new feature will be streamlined and integrated right into Reels – instead of having to go to a separate tab which for many was the most annoying thing about IGTV and why we hated it (me included).
I’m voting that testing is a big thumbs up and Instagram gives us the ability to make those longer videos.
I think it can be a game changer for creators everywhere. Yes, great content can be made in shorter time, but it really does challenge your skills and brain – which isn’t a bad thing – but it’s nice to have the freedom to spread your wings.
Photo credit: iStock.com/hapabapa
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Alyssa Collins hails from Minnesota, where snowy days were the perfect excuse to stay warm inside and write. Over the years, she turned that joy into a career and has authored numerous articles for various publications (under pen names). Email Alyssa via alyssa@ynot.com.
