Since its launch in 2016, TikTok has gradually increased the maximum video length as it has rapidly gained many users. By offering a variety of video lengths, creators can produce a wide range of content for different audiences. Here is an overview of the video length history and how long you can currently make TikTok.
Read more: How To Make TikTok Videos: A Beginner’s Guide
short answer
The length of a Tiktok video can range from 15 seconds to 10 minutes.
How long are TikT0k videos?
When TikTok was first launched, the videos on the app were only 15 seconds long. The short turnaround was designed to grab people’s attention, perfect for quick consumption through an endless stream of videos. In 2017, TikTok increased the length of the video to 60 seconds. This led to an increase in the amount of time people spend on the app. As of 2018, TikTok had over 300 million users.
Since then, TikTok began testing longer uploads and increased the maximum video length to three minutes in July 2021. The three-minute mark hit the sweet spot as TikTok exploded to reach a billion users worldwide in the same year – nearly half as popular as apps like Instagram or WhatsApp.
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
Recognizing its massive success, the company continued to push for more long format content. In early 2022, TikTok increased the length of the video to 10 minutes. This has left some questioning whether the social media app has forgotten its roots in bite-sized entertainment.
Why ten minutes max? Longer videos allow TikTok to compete better with sites like YouTube, which lean heavily towards longer content like podcasts. It also helps TikTok to capture older audiences and appeal to those with longer attention spans.
On the other hand, switching to longer content can affect the experience for those who tune out too quickly. This is because the data collected on viewing habits can alter recommendation algorithms. For example, a video that a person stops watching only to end up later may not be considered something they enjoyed watching.
Getting the content length right is a balancing act, and we wouldn’t be surprised if TikTok’s ten-minute limit gets changed again next year.
Funny enough, as TikTok has tried to catch up with its long-form competitors, they have instead taken a page from TikTok’s book and developed short-form videos. Instagram now lets users post quick clips as reels, YouTube has aptly named shorts, and Snapchat offers a Spotlight feature for top-trending videos. All these companies are trying to perfect the recipe for increasing the length of the video to maximize the time you spend on the app.
in a report of wiredTikTok revealed that nearly 50% of its users said videos longer than a minute were “stressful” and a third of users watched online videos at twice the speed. So, shorter and faster might be the way to go. Still, TikTok videos can be anywhere from 15 seconds to 10 minutes in length. We will update this article if Tiktok keeps increasing or decreasing the length of its videos.
Read more: how to delete tiktok account
questions to ask
Depending on how long your video is, the length of a Tiktok song may vary. Learn more in our guide on adding sound to TikTok.
You can set a time limit for your viewing digital wellbeing settings If TikTok is asking you to take a break, it is because you have exceeded your stipulated screen time limit.
When TikTok first launched, Shadowban only lasted 24 hours. These days, however, shadowbans can last up to two weeks. You can’t create new videos or edit existing ones while your account is banned.
Going viral doesn’t just happen overnight and often requires clever use of trending keywords and music. Check out our guide on the best times to post on TikTok to increase your chances of going viral.