If there’s one thing Instagram keeps doing, it’s changing. One month there’s a new Reel feature, the next month Stories get updated, and before you know it, you’re trying to upload a video only to be hit with that annoying “Video Too Long” message.

So if you’ve ever wondered, “How long can Instagram videos actually be” — you’re definitely not alone. Instagram has different rules for Reels, Stories, Feed videos, and Live sessions, and those rules are easy to mix up.

Let’s break everything down in a simple, realistic, no-nonsense way so you know exactly what Instagram allows right now.

The Simple Answer: Instagram Video Length Depends on the Format

Instagram doesn’t use one universal video limit. Every section of the app has its own boundaries, mostly because each format has a different purpose.

Here’s the updated 2025 overview before we dive deeper:

  • Reels: Up to 90 seconds

  • Stories: 15 seconds per clip (longer videos are auto-split)

  • Feed Videos: Up to 60 minutes (desktop upload), 15 minutes (mobile)

  • Instagram Live: Up to 4 hours

Now let’s take these one by one and talk about them the way real creators do.

Reels: Instagram’s Short-Form Hero

If we’re being honest, Reels are the reason Instagram is still competing with TikTok. They’re short, fast, and addictive — and Instagram pushes them like crazy.

How long can Reels be?

Reels currently allow up to 90 seconds.

Instagram has tested longer Reels in some regions, but 90 seconds remains the standard and widely available limit.

What type of content works best here?

  • Quick how-tos

  • Quick storytelling

  • Comedy skits

  • Mini vlogs

  • Anything that grabs attention in 1–2 seconds

Here’s the surprising part: Even though Instagram lets you go up to 90 seconds, 15–25 seconds still performs the best for reach. People scroll fast, so shorter usually wins.

Stories: Short, Temporary, and Perfect for Everyday Posting

Instagram Stories haven’t changed too drastically, but the way people use them definitely has.

Story length rule:

Each Story clip can be up to 15 seconds.

If you upload a longer video — let’s say 45 seconds — Instagram automatically splits it into three 15-second chunks. No extra editing needed.

What Stories are ideal for:

  • Daily life updates

  • Behind-the-scenes

  • Quick Q&As

  • Polls, stickers, countdowns

  • Flash offers, limited announcements

Stories are casual. You don’t need perfect lighting or fancy editing. They disappear after 24 hours unless you add them to Highlights.

Feed Videos: Where Longer Content Lives

Before Reels took over the platform, IGTV was Instagram’s attempt at long-form content. While IGTV is technically gone, its features are now integrated into feed videos.

Feed video length limits:

  • Up to 60 minutes if you upload from a computer

  • Up to 15 minutes if you upload from your phone

This confuses people a lot because mobile users often think the limit is 15 minutes. But the full 60-minute time is still available — you just need to upload from a laptop.

Feed videos are best for:

  • Tutorials

  • Sit-down videos

  • Reviews

  • Educational content

  • Interviews

  • Mini-documentaries

Basically, anything you’d normally put on YouTube but want to share on Instagram too.

Instagram Live: The Longest Format

Instagram Live is your chance to talk to your audience in real time.

Live video time limit:

You can go live for up to 4 hours in one session.

This is a huge improvement because Lives used to end automatically after 60 minutes. Now creators can host:

  • Q&A sessions

  • Product launches

  • Live tutorials

  • Interviews

  • Workshops

And the best part?
You can save the Live video afterward so viewers who missed it can watch the replay.

Quick Breakdown (Easy Reference Table)

Instagram Format

Max Video Length

Reels

Up to 90 seconds

Stories

15 seconds per clip

Feed Videos

Up to 60 minutes (desktop) / 15 minutes (mobile)

Instagram Live

Up to 4 hours

Which Video Format Should You Choose?

This depends on what you're trying to do. Each format comes with its own vibe.

â—Ź Want virality and big reach?

Go for Reels.

â—Ź Want to keep your audience updated daily?

Use Stories.

â—Ź Want to post something more polished or longer?

Choose a Feed video.

â—Ź Want to interact with followers in real time?

Go Live.

Think of each format like a tool — they serve different purposes, and you get the best results when you use the right one.

Tips to Make Your Instagram Videos Perform Better

Here are some practical, real-world tips creators actually use:

1. Hook viewers instantly

The first 2–3 seconds are everything.
If nothing happens, people scroll.

2. Use vertical format (9:16)

Horizontal videos still work, but they don’t perform as well.
Instagram is a vertical-first platform now.

3. Keep Reels shorter even though you can post longer ones

Shorter tends to get more replays and engagement.

4. Add captions

Most people watch videos on mute — especially in public.

5. Use good lighting

You don’t need professional gear.
Even a window works.

6. Upload at the highest quality

Instagram compresses videos, so start with the best resolution you can.

Final Thoughts — Instagram Video Length in 2025

Instagram has become a full video ecosystem. Whether you want to post a quick 10-second clip or host a 3-hour Live session, there’s a format for it.

Here’s the short version again:

  • Reels: Up to 90 seconds

  • Stories: 15 seconds per clip

  • Feed Videos: Up to 60 minutes

  • Live: Up to 4 hours

Once you understand each video type, posting becomes easier, and planning content feels a lot less stressful.