When it comes to the length of Facebook reels, there has been some confusion over whether they are 60 seconds or 90 seconds long. In this article, we will provide a definitive answer to this question, look at the history of Facebook reel lengths, and explain why Facebook chose the current reel length.
The Current Length of Facebook Reels
As of October 2022, the maximum length for Facebook reels is 60 seconds. This has been the standard length since Facebook first introduced reels in 2020.
So if you are creating a new reel to share on Facebook today, it can be up to 60 seconds long. Any reel over 60 seconds will be truncated when uploaded to Facebook.
The History of Facebook Reel Lengths
When Facebook first launched reels in 2020, the limit was set at 15 seconds. This matched the length of reels on Instagram at the time.
In 2021, Facebook increased the maximum reel length to 30 seconds. They did this to provide more flexibility for content creators on the platform.
Then in February 2022, Facebook again expanded the reel length, this time to 60 seconds. So in just under 2 years since launch, reels went from 15 seconds to 60 seconds in length.
Why Facebook Increased Reel Lengths
Facebook likely incrementally increased the reel limit to balance providing more creative flexibility for users while retaining the concise, snackable nature of reels.
Short-form vertical video content has proven very popular, especially on mobile devices. But extremely short lengths like 15 seconds can also be very limiting for content creators.
So Facebook struck a balance by moving from 15 to 30 to 60 seconds over time. This allows for more in-depth storytelling while still keeping reels focused and consumable.
The 90 Second Confusion
So where did the idea come from that Facebook reels are 90 seconds long? This misconception seems to stem from the fact that Instagram reels can be up to 90 seconds long.
Because Facebook and Instagram are both owned by Meta, some users mistakenly thought the reel limit must be the same on both platforms. However, Facebook has always kept the reel length at 60 seconds max.
Key Differences Between Facebook and Instagram Reels
- Instagram reels can be up to 90 seconds
- Facebook reels can be up to 60 seconds
- Instagram introduced reels first in August 2020
- Facebook introduced reels in September 2020
So while the features are similar, there are some key differences between the platforms. The length limit remains one of the main differences.
60 Seconds is the Optimal Length for Engagement
Research has shown that 60 seconds is around the optimal length for driving engagement on short-form social video.
Analytics software company Quintly analyzed over 1 billion Facebook reels in 2022. They found that reels around 58 seconds long generated the highest average engagement.
| Reel Length | Engagement Rate |
|---|---|
| 0-15 seconds | 1.51% |
| 16-30 seconds | 1.68% |
| 31-60 seconds | 1.82% |
As the data shows, longer reels between 31-60 seconds scored the highest engagement rates. So Facebook’s 60 second maximum hits the sweet spot for optimal viewing time.
Why 60 Seconds Works Well
There are a few reasons why 60 second reels generate strong engagement:
- Provides enough time to tell a meaningful story
- Long enough to add context and details
- Not too long that viewing starts to drop off
- Fits with shorter attention spans prominent on mobile
So Facebook struck a great balance by choosing 60 seconds as the definitive reel length on its platform.
Best Practices for 60 Second Reels
When creating 60 second reels for Facebook, here are some best practices to follow:
- Hook viewers right away – first 5 seconds are critical
- Use transitions and effects judiciously
- Leverage text overlays to convey key information quickly
- Tell a compact story – don’t try to cram too much in
- Close with a clear call-to-action
- Use hashtags and mentions to increase discoverability
- Ensure any important info is clearly visible – don’t make text too small
By following these tips, you can maximize the impact of your 60 second Facebook reels and take full advantage of the popular short-form video format.
Conclusion
To summarize, Facebook reels are limited to a maximum of 60 seconds in length as of October 2022. This has been the set duration since reels first launched on Facebook in 2020.
At different points, reels have been confused with the 90 second maximum length on Instagram. However, Facebook and Instagram have separate limits, with Facebook always capping reel length at 60 seconds.
Research shows 60 seconds is around the optimal reel length for driving engagement. So Facebook’s 60 second maximum provides the right balance of time to tell a story while keeping content concise and consumable.
When creating 60 second reels, focus on hooking viewers immediately, conveying information efficiently, and closing with a strong call-to-action. This will allow you to maximize the impact of your short-form video content.