How Long Can a Facebook Video or Reel Be?
Wondering how long can Facebook Reels be, or what the limit is for a regular Facebook video? In 2026, a Facebook Reel can run up to about 90 seconds, while a standard Facebook video upload can be much longer - often up to 240 minutes (4 hours) with a maximum file size around 10 GB. The exact ceiling depends on the type of video and how you upload it. Below is a clear breakdown so you can plan your content with confidence.
Facebook quietly adjusts these limits over time and tests new lengths with different accounts, so treat the numbers here as practical guidance rather than permanent rules. The categories themselves - Reels, feed videos, Stories, and live broadcasts - each have their own caps.
How long can Facebook Reels be?
A Facebook Reel can currently be up to roughly 90 seconds long. That makes Reels the shortest of Facebook's main video formats, by design. The format is built for quick, loopable, full-screen clips that hold attention from the first second.
In practice, the best-performing Reels are often much shorter than the maximum. Clips in the 15 to 30 second range tend to get watched all the way through, and full views are a strong positive signal to Facebook's recommendation system. So even though you can use the full 90 seconds, you do not always want to.
If you are new to the format, our beginner's guide on what Facebook Reels are explains how they work and why length matters so much for reach.
How long can a regular Facebook video be?
Standard video uploads to the feed allow far more room. A typical Facebook video can be up to 240 minutes (4 hours) long, with a file size limit around 10 GB. These generous limits suit tutorials, interviews, vlogs, and other longer content that does not fit the short-form mold.
Keep in mind that uploading a 4-hour, 10 GB file takes time and a solid connection, and viewers rarely watch very long videos to the end. Many creators split lengthy content into shorter parts or pull out highlights as Reels to capture the swipe-feed audience.
Facebook video length and size limits at a glance
Here is a quick comparison of the main video types, their typical maximum length, and approximate file-size limits in 2026. Treat these as ballpark figures since Facebook updates them periodically.
| Video type | Typical max length | Approx. max size |
|---|---|---|
| Facebook Reel | ~90 seconds | Up to ~4 GB |
| Feed video (standard upload) | Up to 240 min (4 hrs) | ~10 GB |
| Facebook Story | ~60 sec per segment | Varies |
| Facebook Live | Up to ~8 hours | Streamed, no single file |
As the table shows, Live broadcasts can run the longest because they stream in real time rather than uploading a single file, while Reels are intentionally the most compact.
Quick tip: Want to keep a Reel forever? Paste its link into our free Facebook Reels downloader and save it in HD MP4 - no app, no login, no watermark.
What about Stories and Live videos?
A Facebook Story shows video in short segments, usually around 60 seconds each, and disappears after 24 hours. If you upload a longer clip, Facebook may split it into multiple Story cards.
A Facebook Live broadcast can run much longer - commonly up to about 8 hours - because it streams continuously instead of uploading a finished file. After the stream ends, the recording is saved to your page or profile, where the usual video limits apply if you re-upload it.
Recommended video specs for quality
Length is only part of the picture. To make your Facebook videos and Reels look sharp, aim for these specs:
- Aspect ratio: 9:16 vertical for Reels and Stories; 16:9 or 1:1 for feed videos.
- Resolution: 1080p (1080 x 1920 for vertical) for crisp playback.
- Format: MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio is the safest, most compatible choice.
- Frame rate: 30 fps is standard; 60 fps works well for fast motion.
Sticking to MP4 at 1080p keeps file sizes manageable while preserving quality, which also matters if you later download or re-share the clip.
How long should your Reel actually be?
Hitting the maximum is rarely the goal. For the best results:
- Hook viewers in the first 1-2 seconds so they do not swipe away.
- Keep most Reels between 15 and 30 seconds to maximize full views.
- Use the full 90 seconds only when the story needs it, such as a mini tutorial.
- End with a reason to replay, since loops and rewatches boost reach.
Ready to publish? Our step-by-step guide on how to make and post a Facebook Reel walks you through trimming to the ideal length. And if you want to save a Reel you admire for study or inspiration, see How to Download Facebook Reels (Free, HD, No App) or simply paste the link into our free Facebook Reels downloader.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can Facebook Reels be in 2026?
Facebook Reels can currently be up to about 90 seconds. Shorter clips of 15 to 30 seconds often perform best because viewers are more likely to watch them all the way through.
What is the maximum length for a Facebook video?
A standard Facebook video upload can be up to 240 minutes (4 hours) long, with a file size limit of roughly 10 GB. Live broadcasts can run even longer because they stream in real time.
What is the file size limit for a Facebook video?
Feed video uploads top out around 10 GB. Reels are smaller, generally up to about 4 GB, since they are short. Limits can change, so check current guidance before uploading very large files.
Why is my Facebook video too long to upload?
If a clip exceeds the limit for its format, Facebook will reject or trim it. Reels must fit within roughly 90 seconds, so a longer video should be uploaded as a standard feed video instead, or trimmed down.