Quick Answer: The best Instagram Reel length for 2026 for reach and retention is 15–30 seconds. The maximum Reel length when recording in-app is 90 seconds. Use 7–15 seconds for hooks; 60–90 seconds for tutorials. Hook viewers in the first 3 seconds to boost engagement without getting cut off. See the Instagram Help Center for latest limits.
Instagram Reel Length Guide (2026) – Best Duration, Limits & Tips
Instagram Reel length: 90 sec max, 15–30 sec best for reach
Learn the best Instagram Reel length for 2026: optimal durations, time limits, and tips to boost reach, retention, and engagement without getting cut off. This guide complements our Instagram Reel dimensions page with technical limits and best practices. Pair with our Instagram Reels caption generator and best time to post on Instagram.
Quick Answer: What Is the Best Reel Length?
The best Instagram Reel length for reach and retention is 15–30 seconds. The maximum Reel length when recording in the Reels camera is 90 seconds (see Instagram Help – Record a reel for current limits). Use 7–15 seconds for punchy hooks; 60–90 seconds for tutorials or storytelling. Hook viewers in the first 3 seconds to avoid scroll-away and boost engagement without getting cut off.
What You'll Find on This Page
If you're looking for Instagram Reel length, best reel length, or Reel duration limits for 2026, you're in the right place. This page complements our Instagram Reel dimensions guide with technical length and duration info. On this page you'll find:
- Exact Reel length limits – 90 seconds max in-app, minimum 3 seconds, and how uploads may differ.
- Best Reel length for reach and retention – 15–30 sec optimal, 7–15 sec for hooks, 60–90 sec for deeper content.
- Tips to avoid getting cut off – Stay within limits, hook in 3 seconds, pair with correct dimensions.
- Duration by content type – Hooks, tutorials, storytelling, and how long to make each.
- Quick reference table – All Reel length and duration info in one place.
- FAQ – Quick answers on Reel duration, time limits, and retention.
Use the table of contents to jump to the section you need. For size and ratio, see our Instagram Reel dimensions and Instagram Story dimensions.
Exact Instagram Reel Length Limits (2026)
The exact Instagram Reel length limits for 2026 are: minimum 3 seconds, maximum 90 seconds when recording in the Reels camera. Instagram states these limits in the Instagram Help Center (Record a reel). Uploaded Reels may support different maximum durations depending on account and region—always check the app or Help for the latest. Staying within 90 seconds when recording in-app ensures you don't get cut off and keeps compatibility with all surfaces.
Reel duration is separate from Reel dimensions: use 1080×1920 and 9:16 for the full length of your Reel. For export settings and resolution, see our Instagram Reel dimensions guide and Instagram Story dimensions for Stories.
Best Reel Length for Reach & Retention
The best Reel length for reach and retention is 15–30 seconds. Shorter Reels (7–15 seconds) work well for hooks and quick tips; longer Reels (60–90 seconds) suit tutorials or storytelling. Instagram’s algorithm favors watch time and completion, so a 20-second Reel that gets watched to the end often outperforms a 90-second Reel that people skip. Hook viewers in the first 3 seconds to reduce scroll-away and boost engagement. Pair the right Reel length with strong captions using our Instagram Reels caption generator and best time to post on Instagram.
Tips to Avoid Getting Cut Off
To avoid your Instagram Reel getting cut off: (1) Stay within the time limit—90 seconds when recording in-app. (2) Hook in the first 3 seconds so viewers don’t scroll before the message lands. (3) Use the correct dimensions—1080×1920 and 9:16—so the full duration displays correctly (see our Instagram Reel dimensions). (4) Export as MP4 H.264; corrupted or oversized files can cause truncation. (5) If you need longer than 90 seconds, check whether your account supports longer uploads and the latest limits in Instagram Help.
Reel Duration by Content Type
Reel length by content type: Hooks and teasers – 7–15 seconds. Tips and how-tos – 15–30 seconds for best reach and retention. Tutorials and storytelling – 60–90 seconds when the content needs it. Trending audio or quick wins – 15–20 seconds. Match Reel duration to the format: short and punchy for discovery, longer only when the value justifies it. For captions that match your length, use our Instagram Reels caption generator and Instagram caption generator.
Quick Reference: Reel Length Table
Use this table for Instagram Reel length and duration at a glance:
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Min Reel length | 3 seconds |
| Max Reel length (in-app record) | 90 seconds |
| Best length for reach | 15–30 seconds |
| Best length for hooks | 7–15 seconds |
| Best length for tutorials | 60–90 seconds |
| Hook in first | 3 seconds |
| Dimensions (full length) | 1080×1920, 9:16 |
This is the best Reel length and duration guide for 2026. For size and ratio, see our Instagram Reel dimensions and Instagram Story dimensions.
FAQ: Instagram Reel Length
What is the best Instagram Reel length for 2026?
The best Instagram Reel length for reach and retention in 2026 is 15–30 seconds. For hooks use 7–15 seconds; for tutorials use 60–90 seconds. Instagram recommends keeping Reels under 90 seconds when recording in-app for best compatibility.
How long can an Instagram Reel be?
Instagram Reels can be up to 90 seconds when recording in the Reels camera. Uploaded Reels may support longer durations depending on your account and region. See Instagram Help for the latest time limits.
What is the maximum length for an Instagram Reel?
The maximum Reel length when recording in-app is 90 seconds. For uploaded video, check Instagram's current limits in Help. For discovery and retention, shorter Reels (15–30 sec) often perform better than max-length Reels.
Why did my Instagram Reel get cut off?
Reels get cut off when they exceed the time limit (e.g. 90 seconds in-app) or when the file is corrupted. Stay within the limit, export at 1080×1920 and 9:16, and use MP4 H.264. See our Instagram Reel dimensions guide for export settings.
What Reel length gets the most reach?
Reels between 15–30 seconds often get strong reach and retention. Very short (7–15 sec) can work for hooks; 60–90 sec works for tutorials. Hook viewers in the first 3 seconds to avoid scroll-away.
Is 90 seconds too long for a Reel?
90 seconds is the in-app max and is fine for tutorials or storytelling. For discovery and watch-through, 15–30 seconds often performs better. Use 90 sec when the content needs it; otherwise aim for 15–30 sec for reach.
What is the best Reel length for retention?
For retention aim for 15–30 seconds with a strong hook in the first 3 seconds. Longer Reels (60–90 sec) can retain if the content is engaging; shorter (7–15 sec) can work for punchy hooks. Pair with good captions using our Reels caption generator.
Does Instagram have a minimum Reel length?
Instagram Reels must be at least 3 seconds. There is no maximum under 90 seconds for in-app recording; you can post Reels as short as 3 seconds up to 90 seconds when recording in the Reels camera.