Updated for 2026 · Last checked February 2026 · Reviewed by LikeProvider Social Media Team
Quick Answer
What is the TikTok video length limit? TikTok allows videos up to 10 minutes for many accounts (2024–2026). Newer or unverified accounts may have a 3-minute limit until they get access to longer uploads. The best TikTok video length for views and engagement is often 15–60 seconds—short enough to hold attention and get strong completion rates. Check your app when you create a video to see your current max duration. Updated for 2026.
At a glance:
- Max duration: Up to 10 minutes (eligible accounts); 3 minutes for many new accounts.
- Best length for views/engagement: 15–60 seconds; hooks 7–15 sec; tutorials 1–3+ min.
- Your limit: Shown in-app when you record or upload.
Related: Instagram Reel Length · Shorts vs TikTok · How to Stitch on TikTok
TikTok Video Length: Max Duration, Limits & Best Length (2026)
What is the TikTok video length limit? Max duration, updated limits, and the best video length for views and engagement in 2026.
This guide covers TikTok video length: the maximum TikTok video duration, updated limits by account type, how to check your limit step by step, and the best video length for views and engagement. We keep it simple so you can quickly see your limits and choose the right length for your content. For related guides, see our Instagram Reel Length, Shorts vs TikTok, and How to Stitch on TikTok.
TikTok Video Length Limit & Max Duration
What is the TikTok video length limit? TikTok has increased the maximum video length over time. As of 2024–2026, many accounts can upload videos up to 10 minutes. Newer accounts or accounts that haven’t received the update may still be limited to 3 minutes. There is no single universal limit—it depends on your account type, region, and when TikTok rolled out longer uploads to your account. The easiest way to see your limit is to open the TikTok app and start creating a video: the maximum duration you can select (e.g. 3:00 or 10:00) is your current TikTok video length limit. TikTok does not always publish exact eligibility rules for 10-minute access; if you’re still on 3 minutes, keep the app updated and check back. For comparison, see our Instagram Reel length guide.
Why TikTok Video Length Matters
TikTok video length affects both what you can post and how your content performs. Understanding the limit and the best length for your goal helps you plan better.
- Platform limit — You can’t upload longer than your account’s max (3 or 10 minutes). Knowing your TikTok video length limit avoids failed uploads or last-minute cuts.
- Algorithm and retention — TikTok’s For You feed rewards watch time and completion. Too long without a strong hook often means people scroll away; the right video length keeps them watching and can boost reach.
- Content type — Quick tips suit 15–30 seconds; tutorials or stories may need 1–3+ minutes. Choosing the right TikTok video length for your format improves both quality and performance.
So TikTok video length matters for two reasons: (1) staying within the max duration your account allows, and (2) picking a length that fits your content and audience. For more on format, see our Shorts vs TikTok and Instagram Reel Length.
How to Check Your TikTok Video Length Limit (Step-by-Step)
To see your current TikTok video length limit, follow these steps. The limit is shown when you create or upload a video—there is no separate “video length” setting to open.
- Open the TikTok app on your phone and log in to your account.
- Tap the + button at the bottom center (or the Create icon) to start a new video.
- Choose Record or Upload — If you record, look at the duration options at the top or bottom of the screen (e.g. 15s, 60s, 3:00, 10:00). The longest option you see is your current maximum TikTok video length. If you upload, tap Upload and select a video; TikTok will show the max duration allowed (e.g. “Videos can be up to 10:00”).
- If you don’t see 10 minutes — You may be on the 3-minute limit. Keep the app updated and try again later; TikTok rolls out longer limits over time.
That’s it. Your TikTok video length limit is whatever the app shows when you create or upload. For more TikTok guides, see our How to Stitch on TikTok and How to Delete TikTok Account.
Best TikTok Video Length for Views & Engagement
Beyond the TikTok video length limit, creators often ask: what is the best video length for views and engagement? TikTok’s For You feed favors watch time and completion, so the “best” length depends on your goal and content type.
- 15–60 seconds — A strong sweet spot for many TikToks. Long enough to deliver an idea or story, short enough to hold attention and get good completion rates. Good for tips, quick tutorials, and entertaining clips.
- 7–15 seconds — Works well for hooks, punchy jokes, or “scroll stoppers.” Very short videos can get high completion and shares if the hook is strong in the first 1–3 seconds.
- 1–3 minutes (or longer) — Suits tutorials, storytelling, or deeper content. Longer TikTok video length can work if you hook viewers early and keep pacing tight. Completion rate often drops as length increases, so front-load value.
There is no magic number—test what works for your niche. In general, the best TikTok video length for views and engagement in 2026 is often in the 15–60 second range, with a strong hook in the first few seconds. For more on format, see our Shorts vs TikTok and TikTok Trending Hashtags.
Tips for Choosing the Right TikTok Video Length
Use these tips to pick the right TikTok video length for your content and goals.
- Hook in the first 1–3 seconds — No matter the length, grab attention immediately. If people scroll away in the first second, the rest of the video doesn’t matter. Front-load your best moment or question.
- Match length to content — One tip or joke: 7–15 seconds. A short tutorial or story: 15–60 seconds. Deeper how-to or storytelling: 1–3+ minutes. Don’t pad short ideas to hit a longer video length; keep it tight.
- Test and compare — Try different TikTok video lengths for the same type of content and check your analytics. Watch time and completion rate tell you what works for your audience.
- Stay within your limit — Check your max in the app (see How to Check Your TikTok Video Length Limit). If you’re on 3 minutes, plan content that fits; don’t assume you have 10 minutes until the app shows it.
For more on format and growth, see our Instagram Reel Length and TikTok Trending Hashtags.
Quick Reference: TikTok Video Length (2026)
Use this table for TikTok video length and max duration at a glance:
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Max TikTok video length (eligible) | Up to 10 minutes |
| Max for many new accounts | 3 minutes |
| How to see your limit | Create a video in the app—max duration shown there |
| Best length for views/engagement | 15–60 seconds; hooks 7–15 sec; tutorials 1–3+ min |
| Minimum length | A few seconds (app-dependent) |
For more tools, see our Instagram Reel Length, Shorts vs TikTok, and How to Stitch on TikTok.
FAQ: TikTok Video Length
What is the TikTok video length limit?
TikTok allows videos up to 10 minutes for many accounts (2024–2026). Newer or unverified accounts may have a 3-minute limit until they qualify for longer uploads. Check your app: when you create a video, the max duration shown is your current limit. TikTok has increased limits over time; see TikTok Help for the latest.
What is the maximum TikTok video length in 2026?
The maximum TikTok video length in 2026 is up to 10 minutes for eligible accounts. Some accounts still have a 3-minute cap. There is no single universal limit—it depends on your account type and region. Check in-app when recording or uploading.
What is the best TikTok video length for views and engagement?
For views and engagement, many creators see strong results with 15–60 second TikToks. Short hooks (7–15 seconds) can work for quick scroll-stoppers; 30–60 seconds often balances watch time and completion. Longer videos (3–10 min) suit tutorials or storytelling but need a strong hook in the first few seconds.
How long can a TikTok video be?
TikTok videos can be up to 10 minutes for accounts that have access; others may be limited to 3 minutes. The minimum is a few seconds. Your exact limit appears in the TikTok app when you create or upload a video.
Can I post a 10 minute video on TikTok?
Yes, if your account has been granted the 10-minute limit. Not all accounts have it—newer accounts often start with 3 minutes. Use the in-app camera or upload flow to see your current max duration. Limits can change by region and over time.
Why is my TikTok video length limited to 3 minutes?
TikTok rolls out longer video limits (e.g. 10 minutes) to accounts over time. If you still see a 3-minute cap, your account may not have received the longer limit yet. Keep the app updated and check periodically; TikTok does not publish exact eligibility rules for 10-minute access.
What is the minimum TikTok video length?
TikTok videos must be at least a few seconds long (typically 1–3 seconds minimum, depending on the app). There is no benefit to making videos shorter than needed; aim for the length that fits your content and keeps viewers watching.
Does TikTok video length affect the algorithm?
TikTok’s algorithm considers watch time and completion rate, not length alone. A 15-second video that people watch to the end can outperform a 60-second video that people leave after 5 seconds. Choose a length that fits your content and keeps viewers engaged; completion and watch time matter more than hitting a specific duration.