TikTok has taken the world by storm, allowing users to create short videos that can go viral in a matter of seconds. While most successful videos tend to fall within the 15-second mark, TikTok offers the flexibility to create longer videos that can capture even more attention. In this article, we will explore different methods to make TikTok videos 60 seconds or longer.

Changing the Length to 60 Seconds

By default, TikTok limits video recordings to 15 seconds. However, the platform has recently made changes, now allowing users to create videos up to 60 seconds long. There are three main ways to achieve this:

1. Swipe Near the Bottom

To change the video length:

• Ensure you have the latest TikTok update (v.16.5.1)
• Tap the + button on the main toolbar
• Swipe the bar at the bottom from ’15’ to ’60’

Once you start recording, your TikTok video will have a maximum length of 60 seconds, but you can stop the recording at any time.

2. Use the Stopwatch Icon

Alternatively, you can set the exact video length using the stopwatch icon:

• Tap the + button to create a new video
• Press the stopwatch icon located on the right-hand column
• Drag the bar to the desired video time
• Start the countdown by selecting “Start countdown”
• The video will start recording in 3 seconds

This method allows for precise control over the video length, eliminating the need to press the record button manually to stop the video.

3. Upload a Longer Video

The third method involves uploading a video you recorded with another app:

• Tap the + button on the dashboard to create a new video
• Click ‘Upload’ next to the ‘Record’ button

You can then select the desired video and cut it to the desired length. After that, you can add special effects and filters before posting it on TikTok.

TikTok Video Limits

TikTok imposes certain limitations on uploaded videos to maintain quality and performance. Here are some quick specifications to keep in mind:

• File Size: Videos can be up to 287 MB for iOS devices and 72 MB for Android. Ads can be up to 500 MB.
• Orientation: TikTok is designed for vertical videos, but you can also use a horizontal orientation.
• Dimensions: TikTok supports standard HD dimensions (1080 x 1920).
• Aspect Ratio: The standard aspect ratio for TikTok videos is 9:16 (smartphone). However, you can also create 1:1 videos.
• File Type: TikTok allows the upload of .mp4 and .mov files, while ads support .avi and .gif formats.

Is There a Minimum TikTok Video Length?

Yes, there is a minimum length for TikTok videos. TikTok requires videos to be at least 3 seconds long. If you attempt to upload a video shorter than 3 seconds, you will be prompted to record a longer video.

Using Third-Party Apps

You can also create TikTok videos using third-party apps. After creating and editing the video in another app, simply upload it to your TikTok page using the upload function mentioned earlier. This way, you can maintain all your edits and effects on the video.

The Ideal TikTok Length

Determining the perfect length for a TikTok video is subjective. While TikTok does not provide official video statistics, some data from the top 100 videos of 2019 offers some insights:

• The average length of the top 100 videos was approximately 15.6 seconds.
• About 80% of the videos fell within the 11-20 seconds range.
• Roughly 60% of the top videos were under 20 seconds.
• Only 2% of the most popular videos reached the maximum length of 60 seconds.
• Merely 8% of the popular videos lasted between 0-10 seconds.

Based on these statistics, it seems that a video length of 15-16 seconds is most effective. This aligns with human attention span research, which suggests that 8-12 seconds is the average attention span for adults online. Furthermore, videos longer than 60 seconds tend to have a significant drop-off rate, with about half the viewers abandoning them before completion.

It’s important to note that these statistics primarily focus on marketing videos. Other genres, such as dance videos or comedy sketches, may have different optimal lengths.

In conclusion, while most TikTok users do not utilize the full 60-second time frame, the platform offers various options to experiment with longer videos. By following the methods described in this article, you can create TikTok videos that stand out and capture the attention of your audience.