Instagram’s parent company, Meta, is considering a significant change to Instagram Reels. Currently limited to 90 seconds, Meta is planning to increase the duration of Instagram Reels to 10 minutes. This potential change, while not officially confirmed, could have a substantial impact on the platform and its competition with TikTok and YouTube shorts.
#Instagram is working on the ability to create #Reels up to 10 minutes long 👀 pic.twitter.com/jQTUM9fPsM
— Alessandro Paluzzi (@alex193a) August 30, 2023
What’s Changing?
The current duration of an Instagram Reel is only 90 seconds. However, this could change as Meta explores the possibility of extending it to 10 minutes. Alessandro Paluzzi, a mobile developer and leaker, shared a screenshot showing two side-by-side Reels pages, one featuring a three-minute video and another with a 10-minute video. If implemented, this extension will offer content creators more room for creativity and expression.
Impact on Content Creators
Content creators on Instagram will benefit from this potential change. They will have the opportunity to create longer and more detailed Reels, such as beauty tutorials, educational content, and cooking demonstrations. The current 90-second limit often restricts creators from sharing comprehensive information. While the impact on creators’ earnings remains uncertain, having more time to convey their ideas and engage their audience is undoubtedly valuable.
Competition with TikTok and YouTube
TikTok had already increased its video duration to 10 minutes in 2022, providing users with the ability to share longer videos. YouTube has long allowed users to upload extended content. With Instagram Reels potentially following suit, it could pose a more formidable challenge to TikTok and YouTube Shorts in the short-form video space.
Tagging Feature Testing
In addition to the potential extension of Reel durations, Instagram is testing a new tagging feature. This tool will enable users to tag more than one person in their stories. Instagram’s chief, Adam Mosseri, mentioned this development, highlighting its usefulness in organizing stories and making it easier for users to tag multiple individuals simultaneously.
While these changes are not yet official, they signal Instagram’s efforts to stay competitive and provide users and creators with more versatile and engaging features.
