Video length on TikTok – is longer video the key to success in 2026?

No, TikTok is not ending. However, it is changing – and significantly. While in 2023, a 7-second “trend” was viral, today more and more creators are gaining reach with formats that last over a minute. The app is testing horizontal videos, paying for videos over 60 seconds, and treating long forms as the new gold.

But watch out – longer doesn’t mean better. In this post, we’ll show you when it’s worth making 90-second videos, how to shorten without losing meaning, why 15-second TikToks still rule, and how to make this all work together. You’re not creating content for the algorithm – you’re creating it for people. And length is just one of the tools.

TikTok video length vs. earnings – when does TikTok start paying you at all?

Let’s start with what creators most often ask: does TikTok pay for every video? No. Money from the Creativity program (formerly TikTok Creator Fund) only goes to videos that are at least 60 seconds long. And that’s the magic threshold from which we can talk about real monetization.

But it’s not just about length. TikTok pays creators for every 1,000 views of the video, provided it meets several conditions:

• it must be original (not reupload, not a slideshow from photos),
  
• it must last 60 seconds or more,
  
• it must have a decent watch time – meaning people don’t drop off after 5 seconds,
  
• you must be signed up for the Creativity Beta program and be over 18 years old.
  

RPM (how much you earn for every 1,000 views) ranges from about 0.50 to even 2 dollars, depending on the country and topic. But for it to make sense, you need to know which videos are worth extending, and which to leave as is. And that’s why we’re moving on – to strategy.

TikTok video length is a strategy, not a coincidence – how does the T model work?

Not every video has to be long. And not every short video is a mistake. Instead of blindly tinkering, more and more creators are using what we call the “T model” – strategically combining short and long formats that together form an entire profile.

What does it look like in practice?

• Top bar of T – short, 15–30 second videos made “for reach.” They should pop up on For You, show you to new viewers, grab attention. They don’t need to sell, they don’t need to educate – they need to be sparks.
  
• Vertical bar of T – longer content: 60–180 seconds, with value, storytelling, advice, product. These build loyalty and allow for content monetization.
  

This model works because TikTok is no longer just an entertainment app – it’s a search engine, educational, and sales platform in one. Short forms are hooks, long ones are rods. And if you tune it all right – you’ve got your own fishing ground.

Before you upload a 3-minute video, ask yourself one question: is it too long for TikTok?

The length of the video should be the result of strategy, not random flow during recording. Because a 3-minute video in which you say “umm, hi, today I’ll tell you…” already loses 70% of viewers from the start. TikTok doesn’t forgive waffle. And it’s not about people having “short attention spans,” but on TikTok every scroll is a new chance for better content.

Before we record a longer video, we check:

• if the first hook (1–3 seconds) makes sense,
  
• if the viewer immediately knows what to expect,
  
• if we have a planned rhythm – e.g., change something every 10–15 s,
  
• if it’s possible to make a CTA or direct to a Space/product.
  

A good longform on TikTok works a bit like a mini YouTube: storytelling, segmentation, specifics. It can’t be just an elongated version of a short TikTok – it must have structure. And sometimes it’s better to split the topic into 2-3 videos of 60-90 s than to hit one overly talked-out trio.

Short forms are your “reach advertisement” – but without them, no one will find the longer content

Some creators have fallen into the trap: since TikTok pays for long videos, why bother making short ones? The answer is simple – because short content builds entry. They are your business cards, baits, style testers. Thanks to them, people find their way to your profile at all.

Why is it worth not skipping them? Because:

• they “sit” easier on For You, because they are quick, concise, and well known to the algorithm,
  
• they don’t require major production – you can make 3 in half an hour,
  
• they are great for promoting a Series, Space, ebook, course, collaboration,
  
• encourage to click “Follow” before you show someone 2 minutes of your face.
  

A short TikTok is like a good headline. You have a second to catch someone’s attention. And if you catch it, then you can lead them through longer content that explains, narrates, sells. Reach + value = the perfect combo.

Landscape Mode, longer video, and TikTok as a search engine – a new era of horizontal viewing?

For some time now, TikTok has been testing new solutions – landscape videos, suggested phrases above the caption, larger text fields. This is something that resembles YouTube more than TikTok from 2 years ago. And no, it’s not a coincidence.

What does it mean?

• Long videos = more room for SEO – well-chosen titles and content become searchable.
  
• Landscape Mode allows for a “television-like” experience – e.g., tutorials, vlogs, screen guides.
  
• Text on the screen takes on new importance – because it not only “supplements” but often “leads” the entire narrative.
  
• TikTok is testing thumbnails and meta descriptions – so longform will increasingly resemble a film.
  

If you’re working educationally, as an expert, or have a lot to say – this is your moment. Record not just for “reach,” but also with the idea that someone might search for you a month later under the term “how to start investing 2025.” Such content doesn’t go viral immediately, but it pays off in the long run.

Short, long, or something in between? We have a checklist to help you decide what to record before you click “publish”

Do you know that feeling? You’ve recorded a video, everything’s great, editing is on point – but you’re not sure whether to cut it to 30 seconds or go for the full 2 minutes. In such moments, it’s helpful to have a simple, common-sense guide at hand. Here it is:

When to record a 15–30 second video:

• you want reach,
  
• you’re making a TikTok for a trend,
  
• you’re not focused on deep content,
  
• you’re inviting viewers to watch a longer series or product.
  

When 45–90 seconds:

• you want to explain something concisely, not superficially,
  
• your goal is sales, affiliation, directing to a Space,
  
• you have a hook, CTA, and something specific to show.
  

When 90–180 seconds:

• you want to earn from the monetization program (60s is the minimum threshold),
  
• you’re doing storytelling, tutorials, tests,
  
• you’re building loyalty and positioning yourself as an expert.
  

It’s not always possible to fit this 1:1. But if you know why you’re making the film – the length will sort itself out. Better 60 seconds that hold attention well than 3 minutes that are muted after 10.

FAQ

Does TikTok promote longer videos?

Yes – but only if people really watch them. Just being “long” isn’t enough. What matters is Completion Rate (CR) and average watch time. If no one reaches the end, TikTok won’t push it further. A long video is an opportunity – not a guarantee.

How long is a “long” video on TikTok in 2025?

A “longform” is considered to be content from 60 seconds and up. TikTok currently allows publishing videos up to 10 minutes long, but the most sensible formats are from 60 to 180 seconds – they provide space, can be monetized, and are still “digestible”.

Is it worth publishing very short TikToks (e.g., 7–10 seconds)?

It’s worth it, but treat them as teasers, previews, or quick hooks. Many viral videos still rely on the ultra-short format, but it’s hard to sell something, explain something, or redirect someone anywhere with them. Use them as bait – not as the main format.

Is it worth mixing lengths?

Definitely yes. Create a profile that offers different entry points. A short video attracts, a medium video builds a relationship, and a long video earns money. Mixing formats works and allows you to test different styles without losing consistency.

Can you set the video length in advance?

Yes – TikTok offers 15s, 60s, 3min, and 10min options even before recording. You can also trim the video later. But before you choose the length – ask yourself: what do I want to achieve with this? That’s more important than the slider.