In early 2013, the web was captivated by six-second clips they’d come to know as Vines. Whereas these movies have been fleeting, they instructed a whole story and entertained audiences in a couple of seconds. Right this moment, Vine is not any extra, and TikTok dominates the short-term video house.
However whereas Vines had a hard and fast size – six and a half seconds to be actual – there’s rather more wiggle room in the case of TikTok lengths, which could be complicated when attempting to determine the optimum size in your movies.
Just lately, whereas filming a TikTok video for one in all our Buffer articles, I questioned concerning the ultimate size. Ought to I be fast and snappy or go into element and make the TikTok a bit longer? This led me to the thought for this text, the place I’ll sort out the query of the best size for a TikTok. Let’s get began!
To determine the very best size in your TikTok, it’s good to take into account a couple of issues, together with the app’s algorithm, understanding consumer preferences, and factoring in the kind of content material you’re creating.
What video lengths carry out the very best on TikTok?
TikTok has by no means publicly come out about which video lengths carry out the very best. Nonetheless, we will make a fairly correct guess primarily based on knowledge and analysis.
In mid-2021, inside data from TikTok that was given to creators stated the optimum TikTok size was 11 to 17 seconds. Nonetheless, by the tip of that yr, that quantity had elevated to 24 to 31 seconds. In line with Wired, a TikTok survey additionally discovered that customers felt movies longer than one minute have been hectic. All of this means that shorter movies carry out greatest with the TikTok neighborhood, nevertheless, the platform has just lately been pushing for longer movies for various causes.
The fact is, whereas consumer consideration spans are shorter now, TikTok wants longer videos to assist promote extra promoting income (that is partially why Vine shut down – it couldn’t maintain its enterprise mannequin) therefore their current transfer to permit as much as 10 minute-long TikToks in early 2022. So through the years, TikTok video lengths have elevated: from 7 seconds → 15 seconds → 3 minutes → 10 minutes.
With this being stated, the consensus remains to be that shorter movies carry out higher on TikTok. Not solely is the platform nonetheless identified for short-form content material, however you don’t need individuals to be scrolling previous your movies with out ending them, which means it’s most likely greatest to stay to shorter TikToks.
Social media is continually altering, nevertheless. And since there’s a monetary incentive for TikTok to enterprise into long-form content material, there’s a sensible probability that the app’s algorithm might choose longer movies within the close to future – so keep versatile.
What video size fits your TikTok content material the very best?
We’ve already established that shorter movies carry out greatest on TikTok – however this doesn’t essentially imply that longer movies don’t have a spot on the app. The size of your TikTok will depend upon the message you need to convey.
Whereas it’s greatest to not drag a video on for too lengthy, you additionally don’t need to reduce your self off earlier than you may successfully get to the purpose. Once I was filming this TikTok on AI writing tools for an article I wrote on our weblog, I needed to present an correct abstract of the article, and the video turned out to be over 1 minute. We nonetheless acquired good engagement on TikTok and our Instagram, the place we cross-posted the video as a Reel. Had I shortened the size of the video, I don’t suppose it could have been as efficient.
Spoiler alert: Content material author Umber doesn’t like AI writing instruments ? AI is extremely in style proper now, however Umber, one in all our content material writers right here at Buffer, hasn’t been excited to see its rising recognition recently. We don’t usually share private items for the Buffer weblog, however this essay is Umber’s try and sort out her difficult emotions about AI head-on and doubtlessly discover a center floor. What are your ideas on AI? ? #ai #artificialintelligence #chatgpt #aitools #personalessay #contentwriter #contentcreator #writingtools
However even longer movies can carry out properly, too. This TikTok from Jess Hunt, founding father of make-up model Refy, lasts for over six minutes. Jess tells a narrative time on how she based her firm. The TikTok acquired over 1,000,000 views, over 100,000 likes, and 342 feedback.
Replying to @Dreamy Houses how I began my model @REFY ? prepare with me! #storytime #brand #refybeauty #grwm #makeuptutorial #business
Equally, if you wish to spotlight a product, speak about your organization tradition, or share a narrative time video, you most likely are going to want to make a little bit of an extended video, and that’s completely OK! Longer TikToks may get nice engagement, so don’t really feel like your TikToks at all times should be bite-sized.
The significance of including a hook to your TikTok
By now, you’ve most likely realized that there isn’t a magic quantity in the case of TikTok lengths. Nonetheless, one factor we will say for positive is that TikToks that open with a powerful hook throughout their first three seconds are likely to carry out the very best.
Particularly, research directly from TikTok says, “over 63% of all movies with the best click-through fee (CTR) spotlight their key message or product throughout the first three seconds.” This implies you need to begin your TikTok off sturdy and shortly introduce the subject or thesis.
This TikTok by content material creator Naomi Burtt is 46 seconds however opens with a hook shortly – “That is my Chipotle hack.” Its acquired over a million views.
my $4 dinner at chipotle ??? #chipotlehacks
Right here, content material creator Kevin – also referred to as the CEO of Chai – has a right away product hook. The TikTok opens with a clip of Emma Chamberlain highlighting her chai poweder combine. Within the video, Kevin critiques the product and talks concerning the chai for one and a half minutes. Be aware that even at an extended legnth the TikTok carried out properly and garnered over 180,000 likes.
Emma Chamberlain Hummingbird Chai Assessment whereas this isn’t a conventional #chai brewing methodology, its a greater chai powder than those ive tried ( absolutely acknowledging that “prompt chai” is a western, commodified model of the actual factor). The flavour may be higher iced. This would possibly do properly as an additive to a espresso scenario than a standalone chai various. Have you ever tried this? Ideas? ???? #veganchai #emmachamberlain #emmachamberlaincoffee
We just lately went viral on TikTok with a enjoyable video our social media supervisor Mitra made about distant work. Whereas the video is brief – solely 5 seconds – the visible hook is rapid as the very first thing individuals see is the textual content, “POV: You’re a distant employee vibing at Goal in the midst of the work day.”
Mid day Goal runs are well worth the danger #CapCut #targetrunsarethebest #remotework #remoteworklife #wfh #wfhproblems #workfromhome #targettok #targetrunsbelike #targetruns
A very good hook will captivate the viewers’s consideration instantly, which means these customers will probably be extra more likely to end your video as an alternative of simply scrolling previous it. That is essential as a result of the TikTok algorithm will ding you if customers aren’t participating together with your video and watching it in its entirety.
Whereas shorter TikToks could also be your greatest wager, exploring with and diversifying your content material is an effective technique, too. On this part, we’ll go over how these small companies create each quick and lengthy TikToks.
Buffer’s TikToks
On our TikTok, we cowl varied matters, together with social media administration, distant work, and the 4-day work week.
Right here, Mitra shared a humorous and relatable TikTok about social media managers, which lasted solely 5 seconds. The video acquired over 270,000 views, 3500 likes, and 32 feedback.
“Wait let me movie this for TikTok” – our social media supervisor all week #buffer #socialmediamanager #remoteteam #remote #remotecompany #marketingteam #marketing #socialmediamanagerproblems #teammeeting #wfh #teammeetup #remotework #fullyremote #smm
On this TikTok, Tom Redman, a former Director of Product at Buffer, filmed a TikTok a couple of job opening. Within the video, which lasts 46 seconds, Tom opens with Buffer’s advantages and goes into extra element concerning the job. This TikTok acquired practically 300,000 views, over 17,000 feedback, and 550 feedback.
We’re hiring a Development Product Supervisor! Apply now at buffer.com/journey #buffer #techjob #productmanager #hiring #4dayworkweek #remotejob #remotework
Saie’s TikToks
It is a enjoyable and informal TikTok by clear make-up model Saie, which lasts solely 5 seconds. Right here, Saie talks a couple of trending subject – the Sephora sale – and highlights their blushes within the caption. This video acquired practically 7,000 views and near 200 likes.
@saiebeauty I obtained 30 Dew Blushes hbu #sephorahaul #sephorawishlist #saiebeauty
This TikTok then again is extra academic and lasts for over two minutes. Saie’s Ceo, Laney, provides customers her greatest advertising ideas. The video acquired over 11,000 views, 700 likes, and 60 feedback.
Advertising and marketing 101 with our founder @Laney ? #beautymarketing #marketingtips #saiebeauty
Foton Pearled Candle’s TikToks
Foton Pearled Candle has a thriving TikTok which showcases useful ideas and methods for customers who buy their merchandise. This TikTok on candle security lasted solely 9 seconds and acquired over 27,000 views, practically 1,000 likes, and 10 feedback.
Love candles however nervous you, your children, mates or pets would spill them and trigger a fireplace? Introducing a safer option to take pleasure in candles, pearled candles that self-extinguish when tipped over. Comply with to study extra! #candle #candlesafety #firesafety #fire #candlefire #fotoncandle #fotonpearls #eventdecor #eventcandles #weddingcandles #candledecor #candletok
However, This TikTok explaining the advantages of pearled candles is a bit longer at 26 seconds and acquired over 1,000,000 views, 130,000 likes, and 257 feedback.
Frightened concerning the mess? Pearled candles are literally simpler to wash off carpets than common candle wax. Please be aware this video is for demo functions solely, at all times overview and comply with hearth security steerage earlier than utilizing candles! #fotoncandle #fotonpearls #candlesafety #carpetcleaning #candlehacks
The consensus right here is that each lengthy and quick TikToks have their place, and each appear to carry out properly.
Instagram’s arduous push to Reels final yr was a direct results of its competitors with TikTok, so it’s no surprise the 2 mediums really feel very comparable. The truth is, it’s frequent for creators to cross-post their TikToks straight onto Instagram Reels and we even suggest doing so for extra visibility in your posts.
On this regard, loads of content material that performs properly on TikTok can carry out properly on Reels and vice-versa. However there may be one key distinction. Presently, Reels can solely be as much as one minute lengthy, whereas TikToks could be for much longer at ten minutes. This implies Reels are extra fast-paced than TikToks, and so they additionally are usually extra polished, whereas TikToks can have a extra off-the-cuff really feel to them.
Hopefully, you’ve discovered this text useful! As an alternative of focusing solely in your TikTok size, bear in mind it’s important to produce high quality content material on TikTok, too. So long as you’re making TikToks that customers discover entertaining, insightful, and academic, your movies ought to carry out properly.
For those who’re serious about rising your TikTok presence, we have got you coated! We’ve written about TikTok best practices, methods to gain more TikTok followers, and the best time to post on TikTok.
Get started with Buffer for free and schedule your TikToks in the present day!
