Facebook Reels allow users to create and share short, entertaining videos on Facebook and Instagram. There are some limitations on the length of Facebook Reels videos based on where they are posted.
Facebook Reels Length on Facebook
On Facebook, Reels videos can be up to 60 seconds long. This 1 minute maximum length applies to Reels posted in Facebook News Feed and on Facebook Pages. So any Reels created directly within the Facebook app can be up to 60 seconds long.
Facebook Reels Length on Instagram
The length limit is different for Reels posted on Instagram. Instagram Reels can be up to 30 seconds long. So if you share a Reel from Facebook to Instagram, and it’s over 30 seconds, it will be truncated to fit the 30 second limit.
Here’s a quick summary of the maximum length for Facebook Reels:
| Platform | Max Reels length |
|---|---|
| Facebook (in News Feed or Pages) | 60 seconds |
| 30 seconds |
Minimum Length for Facebook Reels
There is no official minimum length for Facebook Reels. However, best practices generally recommend keeping Reels short, engaging, and focused. Very short Reels under 5 seconds may not provide enough content or context. Reels over 15 seconds start to push the limits of viewer attention span on social media.
So while you can create a Reel that is just a few seconds long, aim to keep your Reels between 5-15 seconds as a best practice.
Length Considerations for Facebook Reels
When deciding how long your Reel should be, keep these factors in mind:
- View duration – The average view duration for Reels is around 28 seconds. Keep this in mind when trying to keep viewers engaged.
- Aspect ratio – Reels are in a 9:16 vertical format. Your content needs to fit this aspect ratio.
- Audio – Audio can help set the pace and length. Use music, effects, or original audio to help structure your video.
- Storytelling – Use the length to tell a story or make a point, don’t just drag on too long.
- Text overlays – Text can supplement the video and reinforce your message.
Facebook Reels Length Compared to TikTok
Facebook launched Reels to compete with popular apps like TikTok and Snapchat. Here is how Reels video lengths compare to other platforms:
| Platform | Max Video Length |
|---|---|
| Facebook Reels | 30-60 seconds |
| TikTok | 60 seconds |
| Snapchat Spotlight | 60 seconds |
| Instagram Reels | 30 seconds |
| YouTube Shorts | 60 seconds |
As you can see, Facebook Reels has a very comparable maximum length to competitors like TikTok, allowing you to port videos between platforms easily.
Optimal Length for Facebook Reels
While you can make Facebook Reels up to 60 seconds, that doesn’t mean you should always max out the length. The ideal length depends on your specific message and goal.
For example, quick comedy skits or simple how-to’s may only need 15-30 seconds. But a recipe or dance tutorial may benefit from a full 60 seconds to showcase adequately.
Consider your audience’s attention span and focus on quality over quantity of content. In most cases, 20-30 second Reels are the sweet spot for informative content that keeps viewers engaged. Test different lengths to see what resonates best with your audience.
Tips for Making Engaging Facebook Reels
Once you’ve decided on a Reel length, keep these tips in mind for making compelling video:
- Hook viewers immediately – Start strong to grab attention fast.
- Tell a story – Use the length to creatively tell a story or share a message.
- Leverage effects – Use AR effects or post-production editing to creatively stylize your Reel.
- Highlight emotion – Evoke a reaction from viewers through funny, inspiring, or informative content.
- Encourage reactions – Call on viewers to like, comment, duet, or share to increase engagement.
Analytics for Facebook Reels
Analyzing performance data can help you determine optimal Reel length over time. Here are some key Facebook Reels metrics to monitor:
- Reach
- Views
- View duration
- Likes, comments, shares
- Saves
- Traffic referrals
Compare how Reels of different lengths perform across these metrics. Videos that hold viewer attention, generate reactions, and drive traffic are indicators of an effective length.
You can view Facebook Reels analytics by going to the Reels tab in Facebook Pages Manager or within the app by pressing “View Insights” on a Reel post.
Best Practices for Facebook Reels Length
To recap best practices around optimal Facebook Reels length:
- Maximum length is 60 seconds on Facebook, 30 seconds on Instagram
- Minimum length should be 5-10 seconds
- Ideal average length is 15-30 seconds
- Use enough time to creatively tell your story or share your message
- Monitor analytics to determine what lengths work best for your audience
- Remain flexible and test different lengths, adjusting based on performance
Tools for Creating Facebook Reels
Here are some helpful tools for making high-quality Facebook Reels at the perfect length:
Reels Creation Tools
- Facebook Reels Creator
- Instagram Reels
- TikTok (for repurposing content)
- InShot
- KapWing
- Adobe Premiere Rush
Editing Tools
- VivaVideo
- iMovie
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- Final Cut Pro
- Apple Clips
Using these mobile apps and desktop editing programs can help trim or extend your Reels to the perfect length.
Conclusion
Facebook Reels offer a creative way to produce short, engaging video content. While the maximum length is 60 seconds, the ideal length depends on your specific goals and audience. Aim for 15-30 second Reels that entice viewers and tell a compelling story. Analyze performance data to fine tune your Reels length over time. With high quality content and the right length, Facebook Reels present an impactful video marketing opportunity.