How long should a short video be?

The limits of each platform

At the time of writing, YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels accept vertical videos of up to 3 minutes, and TikTok accepts much longer ones. Limits change often, so check the app before planning something near the edge.

The limit is not the goal. Most short videos that perform well are between 20 and 60 seconds, because it is easier to keep people watching to the end, and many people rewatch short ones.

The rule: as short as the idea allows

Platforms care about how much of your video people watch and whether they keep watching. A 25-second video that people watch to the end usually beats a 70-second one they leave halfway.

• One tip, one fact, one joke: 15–30 seconds.
• A short tutorial or list of 3 items: 30–60 seconds.
• A story, a before/after or a detailed explanation: 60–90 seconds, only if every part earns its place.

How many words fit

Most people speak to camera at around 130 to 160 words per minute. Faster talkers reach 170 or more. As a rough guide:

• 15 seconds: about 35–40 words
• 30 seconds: about 70–80 words
• 60 seconds: about 140–160 words
• 90 seconds: about 210–240 words

Paste your script into our free script timer to see how long it runs at your speaking pace, before you record.

How to cut a script that runs long

1. Delete the introduction. Start at the hook.
2. Remove anything you say twice, even in different words.
3. Replace explanations with showing: if the screen shows it, you don’t need to say it.
4. Keep one example, not three.
5. End when the point is made. A quick call to action is fine; a recap is not.

TipRead the script out loud once before recording. Sentences that are hard to say are usually the ones to cut.