Finding the Perfect Runtime for Every Platform

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Video content is king on social media — but how long should your videos actually be? Posting a video that’s too long can lose your audience’s attention, while posting one that’s too short might not communicate your message effectively.

At Firepit Media, we specialise in creating social media videos across East Anglia and beyond, including:

• Short-form videos
• How-to / tutorial videos
• Storytelling / brand story videos
• Behind-the-scenes (BTS) content
• Educational / explainer videos
• Product demos

We’ve found that the right video length varies depending on platform, purpose, and audience.

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Platform-Specific Guidelines

Different platforms have different audience habits. Here’s a quick guide:

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Instagram & TikTok

Short, snappy content performs best. Aim for 15–30 seconds for Reels or TikToks to capture attention quickly. Longer tutorials or storytelling videos can stretch to 60 seconds, but make every second count.

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Facebook & LinkedIn

These platforms allow for slightly longer content. A 1–2 minute video is ideal for brand storytelling or promotional posts, while educational videos can go up to 3 minutes if the content is highly valuable.

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YouTube & Vimeo

For more in-depth content like tutorials, product demos, or brand storytelling, videos can range from 3–10 minutes, depending on your audience. YouTube allows for longer form content, but early engagement is still key — make the first 15–30 seconds compelling.

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Keeping Your Audience Engaged

Regardless of platform, attention spans are short. A few ways to keep viewers watching:

• Hook them in the first 3–5 seconds with a strong opening.
• Keep visuals dynamic and storytelling clear.
• Include captions — many viewers watch without sound.
• Break longer videos into shorter chapters or clips for social sharing.

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Our Approach at Firepit Media

When creating social media videos, we focus on your goals and audience habits. Whether it’s a 20-second Instagram Reel, a 2-minute LinkedIn explainer, or a 5-minute YouTube product demo, we craft content that:

• Engages your audience immediately
• Delivers your key message effectively
• Encourages likes, shares, and click-throughs

We balance creativity, storytelling, and best practices for each platform to ensure your content works as hard as it looks.