TikTok videos can be up to 10 minutes long when you record or upload in the app, and up to 60 minutes when you upload from a computer on accounts that have longer uploads. Videos posted through third-party tools using TikTok's API are limited to 10 minutes, and some accounts to 3 or 5. TikTok doesn't publish one fixed maximum, because the limit depends on how you post and on your account.
Here's each limit, how to post a longer video, and what length actually works. Checked on 10 November 2026.
TikTok video length limits at a glance
| How you post | Maximum length |
|---|---|
| Record with the TikTok camera | 10 minutes, in segments (shorter presets too) |
| Upload in the TikTok app | Up to 10 minutes |
| Upload from a computer (TikTok Studio) | Up to 60 minutes on many accounts |
| Through a scheduling tool or app (TikTok's API) | Up to 10 minutes; some accounts are limited to 3 or 5 |
| Photo posts | Up to 35 images, no video length |
TikTok tests features with groups of accounts and countries, so your limit may differ. The quickest check is to try the upload: TikTok will tell you if the video is too long.
How to post a TikTok longer than 10 minutes
- Go to tiktok.com on a computer and open TikTok Studio (the Upload button).
- Upload the video file. On the web, the whole video is uploaded; you can't trim it there.
- Add the caption and settings and post or schedule it.
If TikTok refuses the file, your account doesn't have longer uploads yet. Cut it into parts, or trim it to 10 minutes in an editor first.
Why your TikTok length limit might be shorter
The app's camera. The camera has length presets you choose before recording. If you can only record a short clip, switch the preset to the longest option.
Third-party tools. Apps that post to TikTok through its Content Posting API ask TikTok how long each creator's videos can be. TikTok returns a limit per account, and some accounts are limited to 3, 5 or 10 minutes. Developers can see how this works in our TikTok Content Posting API guide.
Your account. Longer uploads have been rolled out gradually. Newer or smaller accounts may not have them.
How long should a TikTok be?
The right length is the shortest one that delivers the whole idea. TikTok recommends videos on whether people watch to the end and watch again, so a tight 30-second video often beats a padded 3-minute one.
| Type of video | Good length |
|---|---|
| A joke, reaction or trend | 7 to 20 seconds |
| A quick tip or answer | 20 to 45 seconds |
| A tutorial, story or explainer | 1 to 3 minutes |
| Deep dives, interviews, gameplay | 3 to 10 minutes or more |
Why 1 minute matters. TikTok's Creator Rewards Program pays for original videos longer than one minute, so many creators aim just past 60 seconds. Only do that if the extra seconds are worth watching: a video people swipe away from at 0:20 won't earn much either way.
Check average watch time and watched full video for each post in TikTok Studio's analytics. If viewers drop at the same point every time, that's where to cut.
TikTok length compared with Shorts and Reels
| Maximum length | |
|---|---|
| TikTok | 10 minutes in the app; up to 60 minutes from a computer on many accounts |
| YouTube Shorts | 3 minutes (details) |
| Instagram Reels | 3 minutes |
If you post one vertical video to all three, keep it to 3 minutes or less. Size it at 1080 × 1920; our image and video sizes tool has every network's specs.
Schedule TikToks of any length
TikTok's own scheduler, in TikTok Studio on a desktop, posts videos up to 10 days ahead; here's how to schedule TikTok videos. Tools that use TikTok's API, including Postbase, can schedule further ahead and post the same video to YouTube, within the API's per-account length limit. Postbase uploads large videos to TikTok in parts, up to 4 GB.
Available channels
Customize per channel
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(Until TikTok approves Postbase for public posting, TikToks scheduled from Postbase go out as private, and you switch them to public in the app.)
Frequently asked questions
How long can a TikTok video be in 2026?
Up to 10 minutes when you record or upload in the app, and up to 60 minutes when you upload from a computer on accounts with longer uploads. Through third-party tools the limit is 10 minutes, or less for some accounts.
Can TikToks be longer than 10 minutes?
Yes, if your account has longer uploads: upload the video from a computer in TikTok Studio. In the app, the limit is 10 minutes.
Why can I only post a 3-minute TikTok?
Either the camera's length preset is set to 3 minutes, or you're posting through a tool that uses TikTok's API, where TikTok sets a per-account limit that can be 3, 5 or 10 minutes.
How long can a TikTok Story be?
TikTok Stories are short clips or photos that disappear after 24 hours. They're designed for quick moments rather than long videos; use a regular post for anything longer.
What is the best length for a TikTok?
As short as the idea allows. Quick tips work at 20 to 45 seconds, tutorials at 1 to 3 minutes. Videos over a minute can earn through the Creator Rewards Program, but only if people keep watching.
Do longer TikToks get more views?
Not on their own. TikTok recommends videos that people watch to the end and share. A longer video only helps if it holds attention throughout.
Postbase