In short
YouTube Shorts run up to three minutes [1]. Instagram lets you record reels up to 20 minutes, but reels over 3 minutes won't be shown to new audiences [2]. On TikTok every creator can post 3-minute videos and some can post 5 or 10 [3]. LinkedIn takes up to 15 minutes [4], Threads 5 [5], and Facebook reels can be any length [6].
Video length limits at a glance
| Longest video | Worth knowing | |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube Shorts[1] | 3 minutes | Square or vertical only |
| Instagram Reels[2] | 20 minutes | Over 3 minutes isn't shown to new audiences |
| TikTok[3] | 3 minutes for everyone, 5 or 10 for some | Your account decides |
| LinkedIn[4] | 15 minutes | 3 seconds at least, from desktop |
| Facebook Reels[6] | Any length | Any orientation |
| Threads[5] | 5 minutes | 9:16 recommended |
YouTube Shorts
A Short can run up to three minutes [1]. YouTube files any square or vertical upload of three minutes or less as a Short [1], so a horizontal video stays a regular video whatever its length.
Two catches. A Short over one minute with an active copyright claim is blocked worldwide [1], so if you use someone else's music, keep the Short under a minute. And Shorts upload at 1080p at most [7].
Instagram Reels
TikTok
TikTok doesn't put one number in its Help Centre. Its developer docs say all creators can post 3-minute videos, and some have access to 5 or 10 minutes [3]. Your upload screen shows your own limit.
LinkedIn, Facebook and Threads
How long should yours be?
As long as the point needs, and no longer. A limit is a ceiling, not a target. For most posts about your work, one clear point takes well under a minute to make.
Write the script first, then time it. The free script length calculator shows how long your words run at your own pace and where a minute ends. The online teleprompter scrolls it at that pace while you film.
Example
A 150-word script read at 150 words a minute runs about one minute. Cut it to 110 words and you have room to pause and still finish in 45 seconds.
Postmosis checks a video's length against each network before a scheduled post goes out, and its video editor cuts the pauses and retakes out of your take. See the video editor
Sources
- Understand three-minute YouTube Shorts, YouTube Help, read 28 October 2026
- Record a reel on Instagram, Instagram Help Centre, read 28 October 2026
- Content Posting API media transfer guide, TikTok for Developers, read 28 October 2026
- Video sharing troubleshooting, LinkedIn Help, read 28 October 2026
- Threads Posts, Threads API, Meta for Developers, read 28 October 2026
- Create a Facebook Reel, Meta Business Help Centre, read 28 October 2026
- Get started creating YouTube Shorts, YouTube Help, read 28 October 2026
