At first, TikTok emerged as the ultimate platform for bite-sized content. But it looks like not everyone still likes the idea of binge-watching hundreds of clips in a single hour. And though there are plenty of studies that show that the attention span of humans has decreased, more and more viewers have started naturally gravitating to longer videos with more engaging stories.

Of course, TikTok immediately spotted the tendency. Now, you can create videos up to 10 minutes long on the platform, and only clips that are over a minute long can get monetized through the Creator Rewards Program. 

But with that being said, when it comes to the average TikTok video length, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. The right duration of a TikTok video can differ depending on a number of factors, like the type of content you're making and what your target audience likes. So, how exactly to find the perfect length for you? Let’s figure that out!

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How Long is the Average Tik Tok?

TikTok's tried out different limits on how long videos can be. When it first launched, videos were just 15 seconds. That was good for the app because it focused on quick content users could easily scroll through.

Back in 2017, TikTok increased the maximum video length to 60 seconds. This gave creators more freedom to share their stories in a more detailed way. It helped the platform grow fast, as users were willing to spend more time on longer videos.

As TikTok kept on growing, the platform started testing out even longer video formats to find the best TikTok length. In 2021, the platform expanded the maximum video length to 3 minutes, and then in 2022, they increased it to 10 minutes.

It seems like TikTok was trying to compete with YouTube by creating longer videos. YouTube has always been dominated by more lengthy, in-depth content, and TikTok wanted to attract more viewers by offering creators longer formats to work with.

TikTok Minimum Video Length

TikTok doesn't have an official minimum length requirement. But, to avoid being flagged as "low-quality" content and potentially shadowbanned, videos should be at least 3 seconds long, according to the community guidelines.

How Long Can TikTok Videos Be?

The longest duration you can go on a TikTok video is 10 minutes. This is way longer than before, showing that TikTok wants to appeal to a wider audience and content creators.

Just a heads-up, though—that 10-minute video limit only applies to videos you record directly in the TikTok app. You can also upload longer videos (up to a maximum of 60 minutes!) by importing them from your device or another source.

TikTok Videos Length: How to Choose the Right One?

Content Type

The type of content you're creating and what your target audience likes can make a big difference in figuring out the best video length. 

Here are a few examples:

Tutorial/How-to: 2-3 minutes

• Perfect for step-by-step instructions
• Allows time to explain details
• Best when broken into clear segments

Entertainment/Comedy: 21-34 seconds

• Optimal for punchline delivery
• Maintains viewer attention
• High replay value

Storytime/Personal experiences: 1-2 minutes

• Enough time for narrative buildup
• Keeps viewers engaged through the conclusion
• Good for emotional connection

Product reviews: 30-45 seconds

• Quick overview of key features
• Time for pros/cons
• Clear call-to-action

Dance/Music content: 15-30 seconds

• Matches the typical song chorus length
• Easy to learn and replicate
• Higher chance of trending

Educational content: 1-3 minutes

• Time to explain complex topics
• Can include visual aids
• Allows for examples

Always Remember About the Algorithm

TikTok's algorithm is set up to encourage content that keeps users interested and engaged. Shorter videos are more likely to be completed and can lead to more likes, comments, and shares, which can help them get noticed more on the platform.

Posting Frequency

An example of a weekly schedule (choose one option or combine 2 or 3):

• 3-4 short videos (TikTok length limit 15-30 seconds)
• 1-2 medium videos (45-60 seconds)
• 1 long video (2-3 minutes)

Best Posting Schedule:

• Short videos: Monday, Wednesday, Fridaysome text
  • Higher engagement during workday scrolling
  • Best for quick entertainment/tips
• Medium videos: Tuesday, Thursdaysome text
  • Good for mid-week engagement
  • Perfect for brief tutorials/stories
• Long videos: Weekendsome text
  • People have more time to watch
  • Better for in-depth content
  • Higher completion rates on weekends

Maximum Length of TikTok Video: Should You Even Consider Longer Videos?

While longer videos can be a great way to get into more detail or tackle complex topics, they can also end up losing the attention and engagement of the viewer.

As these trends shift, creators should try out different lengths for their videos and keep an eye on how well they're doing. Looking at metrics like view rates, completion rates, and engagement can help you figure out what works best for your audience and the type of content you're creating.

Can TikTok Videos be Longer Than 3 Minutes?

Yes, you can make TikTok videos that are longer than three minutes. In 2022, the platform increased the maximum length to 10 minutes for videos recorded directly in the app. You can also import videos that are up to 60 minutes long from other sources.

Something to keep in mind is that while longer videos are totally doable, they might not get the same push in the recommendation system and may not have the same reach as shorter, more bite-sized clips.

How Long Should a TikTok Video Be?

As a general rule of thumb, a lot of experts suggest keeping TikTok videos between 15 and 60 seconds long. This fits with the platform's focus on short, engaging content, and can help you get the most out of your videos in terms of visibility and performance in the algorithm.

However, if you’re in the new Creator Rewards Program, you might want to stick to another length. Now, creators can monetize only those videos that are over a minute long. So, it's probably best to keep your clips around the 61-70-second mark. 

Can I Upload a 10 Minute Video on TikTok?

Yes, you can upload a 10-minute video on the platform. 

When you're uploading a video that's long, it's important to make sure that the content is engaging, well-paced, and relevant to your audience. 

Here are some content ideas that might work well with this format:

1. In-depth Tutorials

• Cooking full recipes
• DIY home projects
• Complex beauty transformations
• Tech setup guides
• Art process videos

2. Storytelling/Drama

• True crime stories
• Personal life experiences
• Relationship stories
• Investigation/mystery content
• Historical events

3. Educational Content

• Detailed subject explanations
• Language learning lessons
• Study techniques
• Career advice deep-dives
• Investment/finance education

4. Reviews & Analysis

• Detailed product reviews
• Movie/show breakdowns
• Book reviews and analysis
• Tech comparisons
• Game walkthroughs

5. Behind-the-Scenes

• Day-in-the-life vlogs
• Business process reveals
• Event preparation
• Home renovation progress
• Workspace setups

Bear in mind that 10-minute videos are most effective when you have a loyal, niche-focused audience. They're not the best choice for building a new account.

Is 2 Minutes Too Long for TikTok?

As a general rule, a TikTok video shouldn't be longer than a couple of minutes. TikTok works best with content that's quick and engaging, so anything over 60–70 seconds may not hold viewers' attention or do well in the algorithm.

What's the Longest TikTok Video?

The longest video you can record directly in the TikTok app is 10 minutes. You can also upload videos up to 60 minutes long to TikTok by importing them from other sources. 

Why Did My 10 Minute TikTok Disappear?

1. Community Guidelines Violations: TikTok has pretty strict community guidelines that prohibit certain types of content, like anything harmful, illegal, or sexually explicit. If your video violated those guidelines, it might have been removed by TikTok's moderation team.
2. Low Performance: As we talked about earlier, TikTok's algorithm tends to give preference to shorter, more engaging content. If your 10-minute video didn't do so well in terms of engagement metrics, there's a good chance it's been deprioritized or even taken off the platform's recommendation system.
3. Account Restrictions: Sometimes, TikTok puts some accounts on hold—either temporarily or permanently. This could happen if the account was flagged for suspicious activity, spam, or other policy violations. 
4. Technical Issues: From time to time, technical issues or changes to the platform can cause videos to disappear unexpectedly. If this happens, you might want to try reuploading the video or contacting TikTok support for assistance.

Are Shorter TikToks Better?

In general, the shorter TikToks do better on the platform. They fit what the TikTok audience wants and what the platform's algorithm is set up to look for.

There are several reasons why shorter videos may be more effective:

1. Attention span
2. Algorithm optimization
3. Completion rates
4. Shareability

It's worth mentioning that there might be some exceptions to this rule, particularly for specific types of content or audience segments.

Do Longer TikToks Get More Views?

TikTok has gradually extended the duration of its videos, but the platform's algorithm still leans towards shorter, more engaging content. Consequently, a longer TikTok video might not necessarily garner more views than a shorter one.

Take Your TikTok Game to the Next Level!

As the platform changes, it can be tough for creators to keep up with the latest TikTok length limit and best practices. BigMotion is an AI-powered video creation platform that can make your content production easier and help you stand out on the platform.

One of the best things about BigMotion is that it can create amazing videos on almost any topic or niche in just a few clicks. It has great pre-made templates for video series that make it simple to build a solid content plan. Plus, it's integrated with popular platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts for easy posting.

Whether you've been on TikTok for a while or are just getting started, BigMotion can be a great help in understanding what's going on with TikTok right now and staying on top of things.