How long should my video be?
Short Answer:
As long as it needs to be to do its job, and no longer. Social videos often work best at 15–60 seconds, website explainers around 60–120 seconds, and detailed or brand films two to three minutes or more. The right length is set by the platform, the audience, and the message — not a fixed rule.
Overview
Length should serve the goal and the platform. Attention is scarce, so every second has to earn its place; a tight 60-second video usually outperforms a padded three-minute one.
Detailed Explanation
Rough guides by purpose
Social feeds: 15–60 seconds, front-loaded to hook fast.
Website / explainers: around 60–120 seconds to explain without losing viewers.
Brand and story films: two to three minutes where the audience is invested.
Detailed / training: longer is acceptable when viewers actively want the depth.
Watch-time data matters more than a target length: if viewers drop off early, the video is too long for its message, whatever the clock says.
Example
A product teaser for Instagram might be 20 seconds, while the full explainer on the product page runs 90 seconds — same product, different lengths for different audiences and intent.