Short-form growth · Updated
How long should a short-form video be?
Short answer
A short video should be as long as its idea needs and no longer. Platform limits change and no single length wins, so check each platform's current rules and test your own audience. As a guide, 150 spoken words fill about a minute, and 25 words fill about 10 seconds.
How do you choose a length?
Count the ideas. One idea fits a 10 to 30 second video, while a story with a result may need more. If you can cut a sentence without losing meaning, cut it.
Why not chase a number?
Platform limits and recommendations change, and what works varies by audience. Use the speaking time calculator to size a script, then test lengths against your own retention data.
What does a 10 second reel suit?
One claim and one payoff. Bold and Glass are built for about 10 seconds.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best length for Reels?
It depends on your idea and audience. Check Instagram's current rules and test.
What is the best length for TikTok?
No single best. Test, and check current limits.
Is shorter always better?
No. Cut slack but keep what the idea needs.
How many words is 30 seconds?
About 75 at 150 words a minute.
Do longer videos get fewer views?
Not automatically. Retention matters more than length.
Skills mentioned on this page
Bold
A 10-second reel where giant words slam in behind you and captions pop word by word.
Glass
A premium 10-second reel: a glass ribbon behind you, frosted cards and glass scenes cut in.
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