How to Make Long Reels on Instagram | Go Beyond the Limit

How long can an Instagram reel be

The reels on Instagram can be up to 90 seconds long. This gives you enough time to create short, engaging videos. If you want to share more, you can make multiple reels. However, keeping them interesting is key to holding viewers' attention. You can also use effects, music, and text to make your reel more exciting. Experimenting with different styles can help boost your content's reach.

How to make a 60-second Instagram reel

Creating a 60-second Instagram reel is simple once you know where to adjust the time settings. By default, Instagram sets reels to 15 seconds, but you can easily extend it to 60 seconds. This is useful to share more content without creating multiple videos. Here's how to make long reels on Instagram:

STEP 1
1. Go to the reels area

Launch Instagram and click your profile photo to enter the Reels section. Here, you can start creating your video.

STEP 2
1. Tap the time circle

At the left side of the screen, tap the circle showing "15" inside. This will open up options for different video lengths.

STEP 3
1. Select the 60-second option

Choose the circle containing "60" to set your reel to a full 60 seconds. You're now ready to record a longer video.

How to make an Instagram reel longer than 90 seconds

Instagram reels currently enable you to create videos that are up to 90 seconds long, but if you need more time for your content, you can explore other options. To make a reel longer than 90 seconds, you'll need to split your video into multiple parts or use the post option. Here's a guide on how to make Instagram reels longer than 90 seconds effectively:

STEP 1
1. Use the post option

When uploading your video, instead of selecting Reels, choose the "Post" option. This removes the Reel time limit and lets you upload longer content.

STEP 2
1. Choose the reel display grid

After selecting your video, tap "Choose Display Grid" and select the reel layout. This ensures your video appears in the Reels tab while maintaining its full length.

STEP 3
1. Post the video

Edit your video if needed, add captions and tags, then tap "Share." Your longer video will be visible in your feed and the Reels section.

Note: Saving long videos directly on Instagram may fail, so it's recommended to edit, save, and export videos in CapCut. CapCut provides more flexibility and ensures your video is properly saved and uploaded without issues.

Create high-quality longer reels by merging clips with CapCut

The CapCut desktop video editor makes it easy to merge multiple clips into a seamless video for longer Instagram reels. Its compound clip feature lets you combine and edit multiple clips, providing smooth transitions and precise adjustments. This helps in creating extended reels without losing quality or continuity. With CapCut, you can edit longer videos efficiently before posting them on Instagram.

Key features

CapCut's desktop video editor includes versatile features to help create high-quality, longer Instagram reels. Here's how these tools enhance video production:

• Turn clips into compound video

Merge multiple clips into a single, cohesive video for smoother editing. Trim, adjust timing, add transitions, and easily create long videos.

• Generate accurate captions

Use the auto caption generator to accurately transcribe speech into text, ensuring that captions are clear, readable, and properly timed.

• Advanced voice enhancer

Improve voice quality by reducing background noise, enhancing vocal clarity, and balancing sound levels. Ideal for voiceovers and videos where clear audio is essential.

• Effective color correction

Automatically adjust brightness, contrast, and color tones to boost videos' overall visual appeal. This ensures a professional look, even if the original footage was shot in poor lighting.

• Auto video upscaler

CapCut's AI video upscaler makes your videos sharper and more detailed without compromising quality. This helps maintain high-definition output when repurposing older clips.

How to make longer reels in CapCut

To make longer reels in CapCut, download and install the CapCut desktop editor from the official website. Simply click the button below, follow the installation steps, and merge and edit clips for extended videos.

STEP 1
1. Import the video

Bring your video into the CapCut desktop editor by clicking "Import" or dragging it into the workspace. Then, place it on the timeline to start editing.

STEP 2
1. Merge clips and transitions

Combine multiple clips by selecting them and clicking "Create compound clip" for smoother editing. Then, go to the "Transitions" tab and apply transitions for seamless scene changes. Moreover, click "Captions">"Auto captions" to enhance your video by generating subtitles and adjusting font size, color, and placement. Finally, click "Color correction" to achieve a professional appearance.

STEP 3
1. Export and share

When you're happy with the edits, click the "Export" button to save your video. After that, share your customized reel on Instagram.

Mistakes to avoid when making long Instagram reels

Creating long Instagram reels can help engage your audience, but certain mistakes can reduce their impact. To keep viewers interested, it's important to plan your content carefully. Here are common mistakes to avoid when learning how to make reels longer than 90 seconds for better results.

• Overly long intro

A slow start can quickly make viewers lose interest. Get to the point within the first few seconds to keep them engaged. For example, instead of showing a long setup, start with an exciting moment or a key message to grab attention.

• No clear storyline

Longer reels need a structured flow to keep viewers watching. A random mix of clips without a clear story can be confusing. When learning how to make a reel longer than 90 seconds, outline your key points before filming and connect clips logically.

• Weak hook at the start

The first few seconds determine whether viewers will keep watching. A weak opening can lead to early drop-offs. Use an eye-catching visual, a bold statement, or a question to draw viewers in, especially when figuring out how to create longer reels on Instagram without losing engagement.

• Too many transitions

Transitions help smooth out edits, but using too many can be distracting. Instead of adding excessive effects, use simple cuts or fades to maintain a natural flow. For example, use quick cuts for fast-paced content and smooth fades for storytelling.

• Poor video quality

Blurry or poorly lit videos can make viewers lose interest, no matter how good the content is. Use good lighting and editing with tools like CapCut's AI video upscaler to enhance quality when working on longer Instagram reels. High-resolution videos always perform better.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding how to make a long reel on Instagram enables you to engage your audience with more detailed and creative content. By avoiding mistakes like weak hooks or poor video quality, you can keep viewers interested. A clear storyline and smooth transitions are crucial for making your reel effective. To make the editing process simpler, CapCut's desktop video editor is a great tool for creating and refining longer reels.

FAQs

1
1. How to make a long reel on IG while maintaining quality?

To ensure a high-quality Instagram reel, shoot your video in high resolution, use proper lighting, and keep the camera steady for clear visuals. Also, adjust the audio to remove any background noise and enhance clarity. If you want to seamlessly edit and merge clips without sacrificing quality, CapCut's desktop video editor provides all the necessary tools to help you create a professional-looking reel.

2
1. What is the best format for reels longer than 90 seconds?

Instagram enables reels up to 3 minutes in length, but if your video exceeds 90 seconds, you can upload it as a regular post, which will still appear in the Reels section. Ensure the video follows Instagram's aspect ratio and resolution for optimal viewing. CapCut's desktop video editor is perfect for editing longer content and ensuring your video is formatted correctly for Instagram.

3
1. How to make long Instagram reels more engaging for viewers?

Engage your audience right from the start with a strong hook, maintain a clear storyline, and keep the video visually appealing with high-quality visuals and audio. Adding transitions, captions, effects, and music can make the video more dynamic and help retain viewers. You can use tools like CapCut to add these elements easily and create engaging, high-quality reels that keep viewers interested.