Increase Engagement: The Perfect Video Length For Each Platform

Matthew Watts

Industry Tips & Tricks
Dec 6, 2019
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Are you looking to strengthen your social media campaigns? Are you searching for ways to increase client engagement? Do you wish to launch a new product for all your social media followers to see?

An effective way of doing so is through video content marketing. Seventy-two per cent of consumers choose to watch videos over reading text when learning about products and services. Moreover, videos on landing pages can increase your conversion rate by 86%.

But you simply don’t post videos of any kind. There are key factors to consider. One of which is video length.

So how long should your marketing videos be? Are there rules to follow for every platform? Continue reading below to find out the answers.

The Different Video Types

Before we discuss the subject of video length, let us first tackle some of the most popular video types. If this is your first time using videos, you need to learn about these five different video types below:

1. Explainer Video

An explainer video is something businesses use to explain something. You can use it to explain the history of your brand. You also create one to clarify a certain topic.

Generally, explainer videos come in the form of animation. The use of animation helps consumers remember videos. It also keeps the explanations less boring and more engaging.

2. Product Reviews

Product reviews are one of the most common types of marketing videos. Simply browse through YouTube and you will see hundreds of product reviews.

As the name implies, the videos aim to review a particular product. This helps consumers decide if a product is worth buying or not. It also educates the public on the pros and cons of a particular product.

As a seller, you can use this video type to highlight the benefits of your products. Product reviews are excellent for building trust and reputation.

3. Testimonials

One of the most effective ways of enticing consumers is through testimonial videos. Testimonials involve interviewing someone happy about products. The person shares his experience and the way your products affect his life.

If you tap someone popular like a social media influencer, more people will watch your videos. It will open up more opportunities for conversions.

4. Vlogs

A vlog is the virtual incarnation of the blog. Instead of using text, you let your videos do the talking. Generally, vlogs use a light, impersonal, and free-flowing tone.

You can talk about anything in your vlog. But of course, you want your vlogs to be helpful and educational to your social media followers. You often see vlogs on YouTube.

5. Tutorials

Last but not least, you can publish tutorials to explain how your products work. Here, you can provide step-by-step instructions regarding how to operate your product. If you belong to the tech industry, you will find tutorial videos most beneficial.

Video Length: How Long Should It Be?

Part of effective video production is determining the most effective length of videos. Studies reveal that the length of videos affects customer engagement. Moreover, there are ideal lengths that work for each platform.

Let’s discuss the length of videos that are appropriate for different social media platforms.

1. Twitter

If you wish to publish a video on Twitter, you need to keep it within the platform’s 30-second limit. Though the limit may seem very short, you can still use it to your advantage.

Since you cannot post a lengthy video on Twitter, you can publish a teaser of your full-length content. This teaser will help create buzz and excite your followers.

Moreover, you can use this 30-second window to publish video responses to client comments. You may also post a video reaction or throw a question to your followers. These things will instantly create engagements.

2. Instagram

As for Instagram, you can post videos with a maximum length of 60 seconds. But this doesn’t mean you should exhaust the full minute. Data reveals that Instagram videos that last an average of 26 seconds generate the most engagements.

Moreover, you need to focus on creating visually appealing videos. Instagram is all about visuals. You want to catch the attention of users as effectively as possible.

You may also consider using the time-lapse approach, which is one of Instagram’s most popular video treatments. Additionally, you can use apps like Boomerang and Hyperlapse to keep your videos’ engagement levels high.

3. Facebook

No video marketing strategy is complete without engaging on Facebook. Compared to Instagram and Twitter, Facebook allows you to post longer videos. However, the most effective video length is somewhere around 60 to 90 seconds.

Make sure to keep your videos fun and informative. Also, you should publish videos that users can appreciate even without the sound. This is because Facebook videos play without any sound until you tick the volume button.

Furthermore, upload your videos directly to the platform. Do this instead of pasting a YouTube link to your video. The platform’s algorithms prioritize native content.

Additionally, you may also use Facebook Stories. Here, you can post short videos of teasers lasting 20 seconds long. Your Facebook followers can view your Stories over the next 24 hours.

4. YouTube

Among the social media platforms we tackled, YouTube is the most generous in terms of the type of content you can post. Here, you can publish all sorts of videos.

You can post vlogs, tutorials, explainers, and product demos, to name a few. The key is to keep the length of your videos around 2 minutes max.

Get Your Videos Right, Today!

Using the right video length will help make your videos more effective. It will enable you to create more engagements that you can turn into conversions.

If you don’t feel confident with your video marketing strategies or do not know where to start, then you have come to the right place. We offer video services to help you launch your new products. We create branded videos, tutorials, commercials, and explainer animations.

Send us a message and let us know what you need. Request a free quote, and let us discuss your options. Take the first step in getting your videos right today!