Understanding the ideal video length

Finding the right video length depends on whether you're creating a standalone video or a series within an educational course. Each context has different goals and viewer expectations, so tailoring your video length accordingly is key.

Standalone videos: let the content dictate the length

When creating a standalone video—whether it's for YouTube, a product demo, or a quick tutorial—the content should drive the video length. Your priority is to teach or convey the information as clearly and concisely as possible.

A good rule of thumb is to keep it as short as you can while still covering what’s necessary. Viewers will appreciate brevity, but clarity and thoroughness should never be sacrificed. We'll cover specific social media platform strategies later, but generally, aim to respect your audience's time.

Videos within a series: aim for 3 to 10 minutes

For educational courses or series, the sweet spot tends to be between 3 to 10 minutes. This range works well for several reasons:

• Keeps videos approachable: When viewers see a 5-minute video, they’re more likely to think, "I have time for that!" compared to a daunting 45-minute lecture.
• Encourages momentum: Shorter videos naturally lead to a greater sense of progress. Finishing a video provides a small victory, motivating viewers to continue.
• Eases re-recording and editing: Mistakes happen. A 5-minute redo is manageable, while re-recording a 45-minute session can feel overwhelming.
• Aligns with stair-stepping: This step-by-step teaching approach is best suited to shorter videos, allowing you to cover one concept at a time without overwhelming the viewer.

Maintaining engagement and minimizing friction

A viewer who clicks on a 10-minute video feels a smaller commitment than one who sees a 45-minute runtime. By keeping your videos within the 3-10 minute range, you minimize the chances of viewers deferring your content for later—which often means never.

This also benefits learners who may need to rewatch sections. With shorter videos, it’s easier to find and review the specific concept they’re struggling with.

Shorter videos help you as the creator

Aside from helping viewers, shorter videos provide substantial benefits for creators:

• Faster production cycles: Re-recording a short video is painless compared to overhauling a long one.
• Smoother editing process: Editing becomes less time-consuming and prone to burnout.
• Reduced psychological pressure: Knowing that a redo will only take a few minutes removes the dread of starting over.

If you’re unsure about your video’s length, break it into multiple parts. Let each video cover one or two concepts. This way, your videos stay digestible, and viewers gain a stronger grasp of the material.

Embrace the power of short videos

Ultimately, shorter videos often mean happier viewers and a happier creator. By embracing the 3-10 minute format, you make your content more accessible, your editing process more manageable, and your overall teaching experience more enjoyable. And if you ever need to re-record? No problem—it’s just five minutes!