How Long Can a Video Be on Instagram? 2025 Guide
If you came here asking How long can a video be on instagram, you are not alone. Limits changed, names changed, and tests keep rolling out. This guide keeps it simple. We list the official caps, show quick ways to post longer clips, and share smart fixes so your upload does not fail at the last second.
What Is The Current Limit On Instagram Videos
Here is the short version before we go further. Reels can be up to 3 minutes in 2025. Stories play up to 60 seconds per clip. Feed videos can run up to 60 minutes when you upload properly. Live can go up to 4 hours per session.
How Long Can A Video Be On Instagram For Reels
Reels top out at 3 minutes. Instagram announced the change on January 21, 2025, and it is reflected in creator communications. That extra time fits tutorials, stories, and skits that used to feel rushed. Still, plan your hook in the first 3 to 5 seconds because mobile attention drops fast. This section directly answers How long can a video be on instagram for the Reels format.
How Long Can A Video Be On Instagram For Stories
Stories are bite sized by design. A single Story clip plays up to 60 seconds. If your video is longer, Instagram slices it into multiple sequential clips. Keep on-screen text short so it is readable at a glance.
How Long Can A Video Be On Instagram For Feed Posts
For long form, use a regular feed video. Meta’s specs confirm up to 60 minutes for Instagram Feed video ads, which mirrors what organic posts handle when you upload correctly. If the phone app balks at very long files, try desktop web upload. Also check file size and codec to reduce compression. This is the route many teams take after asking How long can a video be on instagram and needing an hour.
How Long Can A Video Be On Instagram When You Go Live
Live sessions can run up to 4 hours per stream. That is plenty for interviews, launches, and workshops. Heads up: in August 2025, Instagram restricted who can start a Live. You now need a public account and at least 1,000 followers to go live. Always check your status before a big event.
Best Practices By Format In 2025
- Reels: Front load the hook, keep cuts fast, and aim for 30 to 90 seconds even though 3 minutes is allowed. It matches what people expect in short form.
- Stories: Use subtitles and clear fonts because many watch with sound off. Keep text to one or two lines per 60 second clip.
- Feed Videos: Add chapters in the caption for videos up to 60 minutes so people can jump to the good part.
- Live: Plan segment breaks every 10 to 15 minutes. You can go to 4 hours, but structure wins.
Instagram Video Lengths By Format In 2025
| Placement | Max Length | Key Notes |
| Reels | 3 minutes | Great for discovery and short storytelling. |
| Stories | 60 seconds per clip | Longer videos auto split into multiple clips. |
| Feed Videos | Up to 60 minutes | Desktop web upload is most reliable for long posts. |
| Live | Up to 4 hours | Requires public account + 1,000 followers to start. |
How To Upload Longer Videos Without Headaches
If the app refuses a long file, do not panic. First, export a clean MP4 and check size. Second, upload from desktop web for feed posts that push toward an hour. Third, keep a short caption and a strong cover image so people tap in.
Where VidAU AI Image To Video Helps
After you learn How long can a video be on instagram, the next move is speed. You can turn a single image into motion with VidAU AI Image To Video. It creates short, eye catching clips that fit Reels and Stories.
That way, you publish more content without filming every second. Use it to make quick openers, transitions, or looping backgrounds that keep viewers engaged while your message lands.
Conclusion
Now you know exactly How long can a video be on instagram in 2025. Reels allow 3 minutes, Stories play 60 seconds per clip, Feed videos can run up to 60 minutes, and Live reaches 4 hours. Use the right lane for the job, upload from web for very long posts, and keep your hook early. When you need fast motion assets, lean on VidAU AI Image To Video to fill gaps and keep your calendar full.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Can Reels Be On Instagram
As of January 2025, Reels can be up to 3 minutes. Many creators still deliver in under 90 seconds to keep retention high, but the hard cap is 3 minutes.
What Is The Instagram Story Length Today
A Story plays up to 60 seconds per clip. Longer videos are split automatically into multiple clips in the same upload flow, which keeps posting simple.
Where Can I Post Videos Longer Than Three Minutes
Use a regular Feed video for long form. Instagram supports up to 60 minutes there, and uploading from desktop web usually handles big files better.
When Should I Go Live Instead Of Posting
Choose Live when you want Q and A, demos, or launches. You can stream up to 4 hours, then save clips into Reels for reach later.
Why Can’t I Start A Live Right Now
Instagram now requires a public account with at least 1,000 followers to go live. Policies evolve, so double check your account before you plan.
