What is the best length for a TikTok video?

[juliadoyle]

I was thinking to practice making very short films and post them on tiktok because at the moment, from all of the platforms, it seems to provide content creators with the most exposure. Of course, if you are lucky to be picked by their unpredictable algorighm. I have seen many content creators post their work there and in the end, they got at least one viral video.

To increase my odds, I have read that my videos need to have a length. At the moment, a video on TikTok can be up to 10 minutes. I haven’t seen one video that is longer than 2 minutes in my For You page and this is why I am worried about this.

Any suggestion?

 

[Robert Miller]

Studies show that the best length for a TikTok video is between 7 and 15 seconds. But don't worry, many have gone viral with longer videos, just try to keep them under a minute. Maybe try posting your short film by splitting it into more videos and make a Part 1, Part 2, link the next part in the comments etc.

 

[juliadoyle]

Studies show that the best length for a TikTok video is between 7 and 15 seconds. But don't worry, many have gone viral with longer videos, just try to keep them under a minute. Maybe try posting your short film by splitting it into more videos and make a Part 1, Part 2, link the next part in the comments etc.

I didn't think of splitting into parts...what if Part 7 gets viral and people won't understand what it is about and not look at the other 6 parts?

 

[Oskar Kuusk]

The shortest, the better. Maybe try creating very short stories or only post preview from your full length stories and promote your YouTube channel where you post the full story. I've seen many people do that.

 

[Norman]

When it comes to TikTok, it's all about keeping it short and sweet. Most videos on the For You page tend to be under 2 mins, so if you want to increase your chances of going viral, it's best to stick to that time frame. However, if you have valuable information to share and you feel like you need more time, go for it! Make sure your content is engaging and worth watching for those extra minutes. To help boost your chances, try promoting your TikTok account on other social media platforms, like Twitter. And if you want to give your presence an extra boost, consider investing in Twitter Likes kaufen.

 

[Pinkcat234]

I would say that about 30 seconds is a good length but it depends what kind of video it is, i do think that if videos are the full 60 seconds people tend to get bored or skip through the video

 

[topstik]

TikTok allows videos up to 60 seconds long, but many TikTok users prefer shorter videos that are around 15-30 seconds in length.

 

[Maura N.]

TikTok allows videos up to 60 seconds long, but many TikTok users prefer shorter videos that are around 15-30 seconds in length.

Now, you can upload videos as long as 10 minutes on TikTok

 

[christaelrod]

According to recent data, the best performing video length will be 21–34 seconds.

 

[kevinike]

That’s a great question — the ideal TikTok video length really depends on your content and audience, but generally, videos between 21–34 seconds tend to perform best. They’re short enough to hold attention but still long enough to tell a story or deliver value.

The key is to make those first few seconds count. hook viewers immediately so they don’t scroll past. Also, keeping your videos concise increases completion rates, which helps boost visibility in TikTok’s algorithm.

If you’re planning your posting strategy too, this article on What is the best time to post on TikTok?
also covers timing and engagement insights that can help your videos reach a wider audience.

 

[Kim Welch]

There’s no one perfect length, but research and industry advice point to some sweet spots:​

• TikTok themselves suggest around 21-34 seconds for in-feed videos. SocialBu+3loomly.com+3SocialBu+3
• Some older forums suggest even shorter: “between 7 and 15 seconds” can work well. Student Filmmakers Forums+1
• On the other hand, analysis shows videos of 1-2 minutes (or even slightly longer) can perform well if they keep viewers’ attention—because total watch time is a strong signal. socialinsider.io+1
• General advice: aim for content that feels complete yet concise; you don’t want to drag or lose viewers.

Writing-education note: Think of your video like a mini-essay or scene. You need a strong hook (intro), a middle (development or reveal), and a wrap-up (call to action or memorable end). If it’s too long without structure, you risk losing your audience.


My recommendation: For most creators, aim for ~15-30 seconds. If your story or content justifies more time (and you can keep engagement high), go up to ~60 seconds. If you go much beyond that, make sure you’re really delivering value or a narrative.

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Most popular video types & content ideas​

Here are some of the content categories and formats that are working well on TikTok:

• Trend-based videos (using trending sounds, memes, challenges) are consistently effective. Zubtitle+2RecurPost+2
• Educational / How-to / Life hacks / DIY. The “help-me” type content draws engagement because people learn something. fohr.co+1
• Behind-the-scenes, day-in-the-life, transformation videos (before/after) appeal because they show something happening, a journey. Sprout Social+1
• Entertainment: dance, comedy, pranks, fashion, beauty. Big reach categories. IZEA Worldwide, Inc+2brandbassador.com+2
• Relatable moments, small narrative or storytime (people sharing personal experiences). fohr.co

Writing-education note: When planning content, use the classic structure:

• Hook: grab attention in first 2-3 seconds
• Body: deliver the main message, story, or transformation
• Resolution / CTA: finish with something that invites engagement (comment, share, follow).

Also, aim for clear, simple language and visuals—TikTok is fast-moving, so clarity matters.

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Tips to make your video good​

Here are some practical tips for making a strong TikTok video:

1. Hook immediately – The first few seconds matter. You might open with a question, a surprising visual, or a bold statement to stop scroll-through.
2. Vertical format & mobile-first design – TikTok is mobile; make sure your video uses full screen (9:16) and is visually engaging.
3. Clear visual focus – Whether it’s you talking, a transformation, a DIY process—make sure the viewer knows what they’re watching and what the payoff will be.
4. Good lighting & sound – Even simple videos benefit from decent lighting and clear audio.
5. Keep pacing tight – Especially if you’re doing a short video, get to the point; avoid long pauses or irrelevant filler.
6. Edit for impact – Use jump cuts, text overlays, on-screen captions (many viewers watch muted), transitions if appropriate.
7. Include a call to action (CTA) – “Follow for part 2”, “Comment your thoughts”, “Share if you’ve tried this” – helps drive engagement.
8. Use trending sounds/hashtags – Helps discovery. But also make sure the content itself is original or has your unique twist.
9. Stay consistent – Post regularly, keep your style or theme recognizable so your audience knows what to expect.
10. Analyze and iterate – Look at analytics: which videos get watch-through, shares, comments. Do more of what works, less of what doesn’t.

Writing-education note: Think of your caption and on-screen text as ‘micro-writing’. It should be concise, correct (grammar/punctuation), and compelling. Use active voice (“Try this hack”) rather than passive (“This hack can be done by you”).

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Additional resource WWW.STUDENTFILMMAKERS.COM​

If you’re interested in more detail (especially film-making style tips applied to short-form social video), you may find this forum discussion on StudentFilmmakers helpful: What is the best length for a TikTok video?