How long should TikTok videos be?

November 26, 2024

Get FREE Training Workshop from John Crestani

John Crestani has been recognized by Forbes, Business Insider, Entepreneur.com, and dozens of other publications for his success online. More importantly, he’s helped thousands of everyday people from around the world create success for themselves as well.

How long should TikTok videos be?

The ideal length of a TikTok video depends on the type of content and the goal of the video. However, in general, shorter videos tend to perform better on TikTok due to the platform’s fast-paced, entertainment-driven nature. Here’s a breakdown of video length recommendations:

1. Optimal Length for Engagement

  • 15–30 seconds: TikTok videos that are between 15 to 30 seconds long generally perform the best in terms of engagement. These shorter videos align well with the platform’s fast-scrolling nature and allow users to consume content quickly. This length is ideal for:
    • Quick tutorials
    • Trendy challenges
    • Short jokes or skits
    • Product highlights
    • Capturing attention immediately

2. Maximum Video Length

  • 60 seconds: TikTok allows videos up to 60 seconds long, and this length is often effective for slightly more detailed content, like:
    • Longer product demos
    • Mini vlogs
    • In-depth tutorials
    • Storytelling
    • Behind-the-scenes content
  • Longer content can work well if the video is engaging enough to hold the viewer’s attention throughout. However, it’s important to get to the point quickly to avoid losing viewers.

3. Video Length and Completion Rate

  • Shorter videos (under 30 seconds) tend to have higher completion rates because they are easier to watch from start to finish.
  • TikTok’s algorithm favors content that is watched all the way through, so videos that hold the viewer’s attention for their entire length are more likely to be shown to a wider audience.

4. Content-Specific Recommendations

  • For Brand Awareness: 15–30 seconds is often ideal to quickly convey your message or show off a product.
  • For Tutorials or Product Demos: If you need a little more time to explain something, 45 seconds to 1 minute is a good range.
  • For Storytelling or Vlogs: Up to 1 minute works well, especially if you’re telling a narrative or showing behind-the-scenes content.

5. TikTok’s Attention Span

  • TikTok users typically have a shorter attention span, which means quick, snappy content that gets to the point immediately is more likely to be successful.
  • The first few seconds are crucial for grabbing attention—make the opening engaging and visually interesting to keep users from swiping away.

6. Testing and Adapting

  • Experiment with video lengths: While shorter videos are generally more effective, it’s important to test different lengths and types of content to see what resonates best with your audience.
  • Monitor engagement rates: Track how long people are watching your videos and adjust your content accordingly.

Conclusion:

  • 15–30 seconds is the sweet spot for most TikTok videos.
  • You can stretch to 60 seconds for more detailed content, but keep it engaging to avoid losing viewers.
  • The key is to capture attention early, deliver your message quickly, and keep the content fun and engaging.

By staying within these optimal timeframes, you can create content that aligns with the platform’s fast-paced nature while maximizing viewer engagement.

Free Webinar Training Reveals From John Thornhill