How Long Are Snapchat Videos: A Quick Overview for Starters

Find out how long are Snapchat videos for stories, snaps, and chats, so you can record and share content without hitting time limits. In addition, try the CapCut desktop video editor to enhance your Snapchat clips.

CapCut
CapCut
May 19, 2025
65 min(s)

Snapchat is a well-known social media platform where you can send messages, share pictures and videos, and exchange messages with your friends. People utilize Snapchat for various reasons, like sharing funny moments, notifying other people, and even talking to some celebrities. Regardless of the type of video you wish to share, be it a story or a funny moment, knowing its length is vital.

In this article, you will explore how long Snapchat videos are across different features and formats.

Table of content
  1. How long are Snapchat videos for different content types
  2. Key Snapchat video limits you should know
  3. How to send long videos on Snapchat
  4. How to edit and enhance videos for Snapchat with CapCut
  5. Best practices for creating stunning Snapchat video
  6. Conclusion
  7. FAQs

How long are Snapchat videos for different content types

While an individual is making a video on Snapchat, the platform provides various maximums for video length. Each of these types has a set length, which helps creators decide the exact time they need to spend engaging with the audience. Let's explore how Snapchat video length varies for different categories of content:

Snap: 60 seconds

With a Snap, users can send a video up to 60 seconds long. This is handy for capturing a moment or sharing a short update. Whether it's a fun video or a heartfelt clip, the 60 seconds provided is enough to capture attention while also providing enough time to engage. Content created within the Snapchat video limit will always be short but impactful.

Stories: 60 seconds

Stories on Snapchat also have a video duration of up to 60 seconds. The difference is that stories are visible for a day (24 hours), so followers can access and view the video at any time. As with other forms of Snapchat stories, the video limit lets you relay messages and clips without going overboard, keeping content short, effective, and easy to consume anytime.

Chats: 60 seconds

Videos shared in Snapchat Chats are also 60 seconds long. This way, a friend or a group can quickly receive a video message without concern regarding upload time. The Snapchat video limit ensures that messages sent are quick, engaging, and direct, leading to better communication and helping maintain fast-paced, real-time interaction with minimal delay.

Ads: 3-10 seconds

Because Snapchat Ads are 3 to 10 seconds in length, they are much shorter than other ads. Their short span is to ensure that they capture the viewer's attention before he or she scrolls away. Advertisers fight for these few seconds by designing compelling call-to-action content. Within such a short window, Snapchat's advertising capabilities are perfectly suited for quick, impactful advertisements.

Lenses/filters: 10-15 seconds

For Snapchat's Lenses and filters, the video length is 10 to 15 seconds long. This ensures that users are able to showcase their creativity by not feeling rushed or too restricted. The time frame set for these lenses and filters promotes fun, creativity, and spontaneity, so that the materials shared can be instantly enjoyable.

How long are Snapchat videos for different content types

Key Snapchat video limits you should know

Maintaining a standard of enjoyment, safety, and quality requires some basic principles. These guidelines set limitations that govern the style and format to which the video must conform for submission. Here are some key Snapchat video limits that you should know:

  • File size: 1GB

Snapchat has a limit on video file sizes, restricting them to just 1GB. This helps ensure quick uploading of videos and ensures they can be played back instantly, even on slower internet connections. Staying within this file size ensures a smooth experience for all users on Snapchat.

  • Resolution: 1080 x 1920

As with any other videos, Snapchat permits users to upload vertical videos with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. This Snapchat video limit supports ensuring that videos are sharp and attractive on phone displays. Keeping videos within this resolution helps to avoid loss of quality and awkward framing.

  • Audio: Copyright-compliant

The music or sounds used in your videos must follow the rules of copyright. Considering the Snapchat limit on audio, copyright practices should not be violated. The company Snapchat will be well within its rights to delete or mute your video if it contains copyrighted material.

  • Content: No explicit material

Snapchat does not allow any sort of offensive content. This specific restriction is useful in protecting users from accessing content that is meant for adults only. Videos that are shared should meet community standards to avoid being banned, or having the content removed.

  • Aspect ratio: 9:16

Snapchat videos should ideally follow the aspect ratio 9:16, and it works well with vertical screens. Striking within this video cap ensures that your content is enhanced in a proper manner for the app. Using this format completely eliminates black bars and visual distortions.

How to send long videos on Snapchat

Sharing longer videos on Snapchat is effortless, as they no longer have to be recorded in 10-second segments. With the ability to record a longer video in a single take, Snapchat will now split the recording into 10-second segments. This lets you tell a longer story without missing moments. Here's a step-by-step guide to explain this new method of yours:

    STEP 1
  1. Update the Snapchat app

Before getting started, make sure that Snapchat is up-to-date according to the Google Play Store. This ensures access to the latest video recording features.

    STEP 2
  1. Record your long video

Open Snapchat and press and hold the red capture button to start recording. Continue holding the button, even after reaching 10 seconds, as the app will keep recording.

    STEP 3
  1. Edit and Share

After recording, Snapchat takes you to the preview screen where your long video is automatically split into 10-second clips. You can now add text, stickers, or emojis before tapping the blue share button to send it.

Showing how to send long videos on Snapchat

How to edit and enhance videos for Snapchat with CapCut

The CapCut desktop video editor is ideal for creators looking for professional features to enhance their Snapchat videos. Best suited for trimming, adding effects, or editing vertical videos, CapCut has proven effective in making content more visible on Snapchat. This tool is particularly beneficial when editing longer clips prior to posting them on their story or chat.

Interface of the CapCut desktop video editor - the perfect way to edit videos for Snapchat

Key features

CapCut has a range of smart, AI-driven features that help you quickly tailor your videos for Snapchat, making editing fast, easy, and creative. Here are some of its best features:

  • Easily auto-reframe videos

Automatically adjusts the framing of your video to keep the subject centered, perfect for converting widescreen clips into Snapchat's vertical format.

  • AI powered voice enhancer

CapCut's AI voice enhancer cleans up background noise and improves voice clarity, ideal for making your video messages or vlogs sound crisp and professional.

  • Advanced AI font generator

Create unique, eye-catching text overlays using an AI font generator to give your Snapchat videos a custom and stylish look.

  • Long to short video conversion

Effortlessly convert long clips into short, snappy segments, helping you stay within Snapchat's video limits while still sharing your full message.

  • Instantly resize videos for Snapchat

Resize videos to fit Snapchat's 9:16 aspect ratio with one click, ensuring your content displays perfectly on mobile screens.

Enhance Snapchat videos with intuitive tools in CapCut

In order to enhance videos on Snapchat, it is necessary to first download CapCut's desktop video editor. Go to the CapCut website, and select the appropriate version for your operating system. Click on the download button below, to begin the download and follow the installation steps provided.

    STEP 1
  1. Import the video

Launch CapCut on your computer and choose "Import" or drag your video file into the project area. Next, move it to the timeline to begin editing.

Importing a video into the CapCut desktop video editor
    STEP 2
  1. Customize and enhance the visuals

After placing the video onto the timeline, click on it and go to the "Basic" editing tab. In the basic section, select "Auto reframe" to let CapCut adjust the video to the perfect proportions. You can also enhance video quality by clicking on "Super resolution" and choosing options like 2K or 4K. Additionally, go to the "Captions" tab and add AI-generated captions to improve accessibility.

Customizing and enhancing a video for Snapchat in the CapCut desktop video editor
    STEP 3
  1. Export and share

After finishing your edits in CapCut, click "Export," select your preferred format and resolution, then click "Export" again to save. You can also share it on Instagram.

Exporting a video from the CapCut desktop video editor

Best practices for creating stunning Snapchat video

Making standout Snapchat videos takes more than just hitting the record button. With planning and creativity, you can capture attention, deliver your message clearly, and keep viewers engaged in a short format. Here are some proven practices to strengthen your presence on Snapchat with quality content:

  • Plan content carefully

Avoid too much open time that can dry your audience's attention. Plan and prepare work behind what you want to film all ready before pressing the record key. Being well-defined and clear will greatly help the presenter and also ensure time efficiency.

  • Use editing tools

Enhance the effects and visual elements of your video by adding captions, music, transitions, and filters. Having creative edits will help showcase your brand and make your video visually appealing from start to finish. CapCut offers a wide range of built-in effects and tools to elevate your video’s aesthetic effortlessly.

  • Engage quickly

Snapchat users tend to scroll through their feeds rapidly, so capturing attention in the first seconds of a video is a must. Movements, bold visuals, attention-grabbing sound, or even a question can be used to keep users from swiping too early. CapCut helps you craft strong video openings with dynamic text, sound effects, and visual effects to hook viewers instantly.

  • Optimize storytelling

Even in the briefest moments in film, content will tell a well-defined story within reason. Focus on your brand message and shape it around the three-story pillars, which are the beginning, middle, and end. The audience will also appreciate a short series, keeping them wanting to come back for more. CapCut’s timeline editing and scene-building features support clear narrative flow, even for bite-sized content.

  • Test different lengths

Regularly experimenting with content duration can help identify what keeps the audience engaged most. Some moments might work better in 5 seconds, others in 30. Learn what captures the most views, the highest shares, and the best overall reactions.

Conclusion

Knowing how long Snapchat videos are is essential in content creation within the confines of the platform. With enough planning, editing, and trying out different lengths for your videos, you will be able to achieve both creativity and effectiveness. Whether you are capturing a quick story or a longer set of clips, every second counts. To optimize content for Snapchat, the CapCut desktop video editor provides advanced features tailored specifically to enhance content while keeping within Snapchat's video constraints.

FAQs

    1
  1. What are the consequences of exceeding the Snapchat video limit?

For users who surpass the limit, Snapchat would automatically attempt to split the video into segments lasting no longer than 10 seconds. It can affect the quality of the viewing experience since the parts may not align properly with the core of the message. With the CapCut desktop video editor, users would be able to trim and adjust videos to suit the requirements set by Snapchat.

    2
  1. Does Snapchat video limit vary by device or platform?

Users have reported differing Snapchat video length limits based on time of day, suggesting that these limits are not standardized across all users. To maximize efficiency, ensure compliance with the uploaded video requirements for your specific device. You can use tools like the CapCut desktop video editor, which helps users edit and enhance videos for different platforms, including Snapchat.

    3
  1. How do you adjust Snapchat video length for different audiences?

Knowing your viewers helps you in determining the proper length for videos. To grab the audience's attention, shorter videos may be better. While engaging with the viewers in detail, longer videos would be helpful. Keep trying at different time lengths until you get the best response from the audience. You can modify your videos according to audience preferences using the CapCut desktop video editor.