"How long should my YouTube videos be?"—it's one of the most common questions in content creation. Let’s dive into the research and proven strategies so you can hit the sweet spot every time.
The Current Sweet Spot: 7–15 Minutes
Stats show most successful YouTube videos fall in the 7–15 minute range. This duration provides enough time for valuable content, story-telling, and audience retention without risking drop-off.
Does Longer Mean Better?
- Longer videos (10+ mins) are eligible for mid-roll ads, boosting monetization.
- But… retention drops if you stretch content just to increase length.
Content Type Matters
There’s no universal answer—tutorials, deep-dives, and podcasts can be 20+ minutes, while listicles and quick tips may work best under 8. Always check your Analytics for average view duration and average percentage viewed metrics!
Three Tips for Video Length Success
- Chop out fluff—focus on delivering value every minute.
- Use chapters for longer videos to help viewers navigate.
- Experiment: Try both short and long formats and see which your audience prefers.
Conclusion: Quality Over Quantity
There’s no magic formula, but prioritizing value over length is always best. Need help mapping out your ideas? Check how to make a content calendar and top YouTube editing software.
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