TikTok has exploded in popularity over the past few years, becoming one of the most used social media platforms in the world. One of the app’s key features that sets it apart is its short-form video format, with most videos historically being 15 seconds or less. However, recently TikTok has introduced the ability to upload longer videos. This has led many creators to experiment with longer-form content, some even exceeding the typical length constraints of other platforms like YouTube.
According to data from Buffer, the average length of a TikTok video in 2021 was between 11-17 seconds [1]. But by the end of that year, videos were getting longer. Some creators found that longer videos were performing better and gaining more engagement. So what’s the deal with longer TikTok videos? Can they really go beyond the stereotypical 15 seconds? Let’s explore the evolution of TikTok video lengths and what creators should know about making longer content.
TikTok’s Original Video Length Limit
When TikTok first launched in 2016 under its previous name Musical.ly, videos on the platform were restricted to just 15 seconds in length. The extremely short video format was a defining characteristic of TikTok in its early days and helped it stand out in the social media landscape. According to the founder Alex Zhu, the 15 second limit was chosen intentionally to lower the barrier of content creation and encourage more participation.
In 2018, TikTok extended the maximum video length to 60 seconds. This gave creators more flexibility to tell stories and showcase their talents within a single video. However, the platform was still committed to short-form videos, distinguishing itself from YouTube and other platforms allowing much longer videos. The 60 second length limit remained TikTok’s standard for several years.
Source: https://www.androidauthority.com/how-long-are-tiktok-videos-3163309/
The Rise of Longer TikTok Videos
When TikTok first launched in 2016, videos were restricted to just 15 seconds. This incredibly short length challenged creators to express themselves and tell compelling stories in a matter of seconds.
In early 2020, TikTok extended the maximum video length to 60 seconds. According to an article from TechCrunch, this change came as TikTok began to shift its perception as just an app for lip-syncing videos and short comedic clips. The 60-second time limit allowed more diverse content like short films, skits, educational videos, and mini-documentaries.
The one-minute maximum became the standard video length on TikTok for over a year. During this time, creators experimented with storytelling techniques like serialized videos and split-screen editing to work within the restrictions.
TikTok’s Video Length Limit Today
As of 2023, the maximum length for a TikTok video is 10 minutes. This expanded limit was introduced by TikTok in early 2022, allowing users to upload videos up to 10 minutes long directly within the TikTok app (source).
Prior to this update, the maximum video length had been 60 seconds when uploading directly through the app. By extending the limit to 10 minutes, TikTok enabled creators to produce longer-form content natively on the platform. This competitive move put TikTok on par with other social media sites like YouTube and Instagram, which also allow for videos up to 10 minutes long.
So in summary, the current limit for a TikTok video is a maximum of 10 minutes, a significant expansion from the earlier 60 second restriction (source). This allows for more flexibility and creativity in the types of videos users can produce and share on the platform.
Why Longer Videos Became Popular
When TikTok first launched, videos were restricted to just 15 seconds. This brevity allowed for quick, viral content but limited creators’ abilities to tell longer stories or share more in-depth expertise. As TikTok evolved, there was a push from creators for more flexibility with video length.
According to an article on Android Authority, “Creators wanted the extra time and space to deliver tutorials, documentaries, and other content that required more time” (source). The 15-second time limit felt too constraining. Lengthening the maximum video time to 3 minutes and eventually 10 minutes enabled more creative freedom and opportunities for storytelling.
As explained on Pro Global Business Solutions, “The expanded time allows creators to better showcase their skills, provide more context, and use footage more strategically” (source). With more time, creators can develop narratives, share expertise, and entertain in new ways not possible with super short clips.
Examples of Popular Long Videos
Here are some viral examples of videos over 3 minutes long that have gained popularity on TikTok:
@mandyemmanu created a 9 minute cooking video showing the process of making chicken alfredo pasta from start to finish. It has over 4.9 million views.
@charlidamelio‘s 4 minute compilation video of behind the scenes footage from her talk show appearances has over 5.1 million views.
@bellapoarch‘s 5 minute makeup tutorial video showing her everyday makeup routine has over 7.5 million views.
Fitness influencer @wyattpendleton posted a 30 minute full body workout video which has 3.2 million views.
Lifestyle vlogger @kallmekris‘s 13 minute morning routine video, showing her getting up and getting ready for the day, has over 5 million views.
Advantages of Longer Videos
Longer videos on TikTok give users more time to convey complex ideas, tell engaging stories, and showcase full songs. With no time limit, creators have more flexibility to fully develop their narratives or instructional content. Additionally, longer videos allow for more opportunities to showcase creativity through advanced editing, scene changes, and special effects.
Long-form videos are better for educational content that requires thorough explanations or step-by-step tutorials. The extra runtime allows the creator to go more in-depth on a topic and provide richer value to viewers. This makes longer videos stand out from the typical 15-60 second quick clips on the platform.
Musicians can now share their full songs instead of just short snippets. The extra time allows them to fully display their talents and make a deeper connection with listeners. Overall, the relaxed time restrictions of longer videos give creators more artistic freedom to produce content that engages users.
Disadvantages of Long Videos
While longer videos provide more opportunities for creativity, they can also have some drawbacks. According to Wired, “Inexperienced TikTokers fail to create a hook, and the audience loses interest quickly. When they are done properly, long videos can tell a story from beginning to end that keeps viewers engaged” (https://www.wired.com/story/tiktok-wants-longer-videos-like-not/). Keeping audience attention is more challenging with a long format.
Producing high quality long videos also requires more time, planning, and effort compared to short videos. As Dobigthings.today notes, “There is more room to be creative and think outside the box on how to engage the audience for an extended period of time. However, more creative planning and strategic execution is required” (https://dobigthings.today/tiktokstrategy/). The production process is more demanding.
Overall, while allowing more creative possibilities, longer TikTok videos require creators to put in extra work to keep viewers interested from start to finish. The risk of losing audience attention is higher. Striking the right balance between being succinct and engaging versus telling a compelling long form story can be tricky on a platform designed for short videos.
Tips for Making Engaging Long Videos
Focus on telling a compelling story that unfolds over the longer duration. Build up the narrative arc to keep viewers engaged until the end. Intersperse the key story elements with additional footage, text overlays, and transitions to prevent it from dragging.
Pay close attention to pacing. Use faster cuts and visuals during more intense or active sections, then let things breathe during slower, more emotional parts. Quick edits and visual effects can help maintain energy during slower-paced sections.
Strategically place transitions, text, filters, and sound effects to punctuate different sections. Use them sparingly, only when they enhance the overall storytelling.
Work with multiple camera angles, perspectives, and shots to add visual interest. Cutting between different views helps sustain attention over a longer runtime.
Break up long stretches of talking with relevant b-roll and footage. Support commentary with visuals to illuminate and enhance the topic being discussed.
Review and refine the editing to remove any dull, repetitive, or unnecessary moments. Trim segments that distract from the main narrative. Every moment should move the story forward.
Close with a strong ending that provides resolution or a definitive conclusion to the video’s narrative. Ending on an impactful moment will leave viewers satisfied.
Conclusion
In summary, TikTok’s original video length limit was 15 seconds, but this was quickly expanded to 3 minutes to accommodate more diverse video content. The rise of longer videos was driven by factors like the ability to tell more in-depth stories, include more information, and better engage viewers. While some users still prefer quick, bite-sized videos, longer videos have become very popular on the platform.
Longer videos allow creators to showcase their skills, deliver tutorials and lessons, provide thoughtful commentary, and more. However, they also require users to have longer attention spans. Creators need to use effective editing and storytelling techniques to keep viewers interested. Overall, as long as compelling long videos are made, they will likely continue gaining viewers and expanding what’s possible on TikTok.
