Last Updated on July 14, 2025 by Marie Watkins
Instagram Reels can now be up to 3 minutes long, a recent update from previous shorter limits. This change gives you more flexibility for creativity and storytelling, whether you’re sharing quick tips, tutorials, or engaging short-form entertainment. If you’re used to making Reels that were capped at 90 seconds, you’ll now find additional options available when filming or uploading.
Understanding the current Reel length limits is key to planning your video content effectively. With more time, you can try new formats and expand on ideas, but it’s still important to know what works best for your audience. Knowing how to use the available length will help you optimize your reach and keep your followers interested.
How Long Can Instagram Reels Be
As of July 2025, Instagram Reels can be anywhere from 15 seconds up to 3 minutes long. This is a recent update—previously, the maximum was 90 seconds until it was increased in January 2025.
You now have more flexibility to create both short and extended content. Whether you want to make a quick highlight or a more in-depth video, the time options are broader than before.
Instagram Reels Length Options
| Minimum Length | Maximum Length |
|---|---|
| 15 seconds | 3 minutes |
You can select your preferred duration when you start creating a Reel. Instagram’s interface allows you to choose from several presets, or you can record freely up to the 3-minute limit.
Important details to keep in mind:
- Longer Reels allow for storytelling, tutorials, or reviews.
- Shorter Reels are ideal for quick tips, jokes, or announcements.
- If you want to promote a Reel with ads, the video must typically be under 90 seconds.
Your selected Reel length should fit your content and audience. Analyze engagement to see which length works best for your goals. Many creators find that videos between 7–15 seconds often perform well, even with the new extended limit.
Can You Upload Longer Instagram Reels
Yes, you can upload longer Instagram Reels now. As of early 2025, Instagram allows Reels up to 3 minutes in length. This is a change from the previous 90-second limit.
The upload process remains mostly the same. However, if your Reel is longer than 90 seconds, make sure your app is updated to the latest version. Older versions may not support the new length.
Some third-party scheduling tools, such as Hootsuite, also let you upload Reels up to the current maximum. The expanded limit gives you more flexibility for storytelling, tutorials, and creative content.
Comparison Table: Instagram Reel Length Limits
| Time Period | Maximum Reel Length |
|---|---|
| Before Jan 2025 | 90 seconds |
| After Jan 2025 | 3 minutes (180 sec) |
To make your longer Reels effective, keep the content focused and engaging. Just because you can upload up to 3 minutes doesn’t mean your viewers will always watch that long.
Tips:
- Use the extra time for in-depth topics or demonstrations.
- Break up your content visually to maintain viewer interest.
- Check your analytics to see how longer Reels perform compared to shorter ones.
If you experience issues uploading longer videos, try compressing your file or checking your internet connection. Instagram may also limit video length for business accounts using ads or certain features.
How To Set Up The Length Of Your Reels
When you create a Reel on Instagram, you can choose your desired video length before you start recording or uploading. This lets you plan your content and tailor it to fit within the platform’s current time limits.
Steps to Set Reel Length:
- Open the Instagram app and tap on the “+” button, then select Reel.
- On the left side of the screen, find the Length or Duration option.
- Tap and choose between available lengths, such as 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, or up to 3 minutes (as of 2025).
If you record multiple clips, Instagram will stop recording once the maximum chosen duration is reached. You can stop at any time if you want a shorter Reel.
For uploaded content, your video must fit within the selected time frame. If the file exceeds Instagram’s current Reel limit, you’ll need to trim it before posting.
| Reel Length Option | Best Used For |
|---|---|
| 15-30 seconds | Quick tips, hooks, teasers |
| 60-90 seconds | Tutorials, storytelling |
| Up to 3 minutes | In-depth topics, interviews |
Adjust your Reel length based on your message and audience engagement. A clear plan before filming can help your content fit perfectly within Instagram’s limits.
How Long Can An Instagram Story Be
Instagram Stories can be up to 15 seconds per segment. If you upload a video longer than 15 seconds, Instagram automatically splits it into multiple consecutive Stories.
You can post as many Stories as you want in a 24-hour period, but each individual Story always remains capped at the 15-second duration. This makes stories ideal for sharing quick updates, highlights, or short clips with your audience.
Key details about Instagram Stories:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum length per Story | 15 seconds |
| Total number per 24 hrs | Unlimited |
| Disappears after | 24 hours |
If you have a video that is 60 seconds long, Instagram will divide it into four 15-second Stories and play them in order. Viewers can tap forward to skip or backward to review.
You can enhance Stories with stickers, polls, links, and interactive features. Stories are often used for time-sensitive content, event coverage, or brief announcements where longer-form videos are unnecessary.
Instagram also allows you to save favourite stories to your Highlights, which keeps them visible on your profile after the 24-hour period. However, the 15-second limit per Story segment still applies, even in Highlights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Instagram frequently updates the maximum allowed length for Reels, and there are some differences between the platform’s various video formats. Knowing the latest time limits and best practices helps you use Reels effectively.
What is the maximum duration for Instagram Reels as of 2025?
As of 2025, you can make Instagram Reels up to 3 minutes (180 seconds) long. This 3-minute limit was introduced in January 2025, expanding the previous maximum of 90 seconds.
Can the time limit for Instagram Reels be extended beyond the default setting?
You cannot manually extend the Reel duration beyond 3 minutes. The platform sets a strict upper limit, so your video must fit within that time frame.
What are the length restrictions for Instagram Stories compared to Reels?
Instagram Stories can be a maximum of 60 seconds per story slide. In contrast, Reels can run up to 3 minutes, allowing for longer and more detailed content.
Is there a difference in duration for Reels on Instagram versus Facebook?
Facebook and Instagram often have similar Reel duration limits, especially after recent updates. As of 2025, both support Reels up to 3 minutes.
How do you create an Instagram Reel that is 3 minutes long?
To make a 3-minute Reel, record or upload video content that reaches the 180-second limit. Use the app’s timeline to trim, edit, or merge clips as needed to utilize the full allowed duration.
What is the ideal length for an Instagram Reel to maximize the chances of going viral?
While you can use up to 3 minutes, Reels between 15 to 60 seconds tend to get more engagement. Concise, engaging videos often perform better, as users are more likely to watch them in full and interact.
Marie is our go-to Instagram specialist at Goldstar Social. She brings a 360-degree approach to the platform—tracking trends, responding to algorithm updates, identifying viral challenges, and analyzing what works. From strategy to execution, she manages the entire Instagram planning process with precision.