[FAQ]

Hey fellow creators,

I’m spending a lot of time making YouTube content and really want to make sure I’m maximizing audience engagement – things like watch time, likes, comments, and all that good stuff.

I’m a bit puzzled about what the ideal video length is in 2025. With YouTube Shorts being so popular, but then YouTube sometimes also pushing longer-form content, it’s hard to know what to aim for. Is there a general “sweet spot” for video length that tends to get the best overall engagement and positive signals for the YouTube algorithm these days? Or does it just vary wildly depending on the type of content you’re making?

Would love to hear what’s working for you all!

[Jeff Bullas]

There is no single “ideal” YouTube video length that guarantees the best engagement for every video in 2025. The optimal length depends heavily on your specific content, your target audience, and how effectively you deliver value within that duration.

However, there are some key principles to consider regarding video length and engagement. First, audience retention is absolutely paramount. YouTube’s algorithm strongly favours videos that keep viewers watching for as long as possible. A shorter video that achieves a high percentage of audience retention, for instance 60 to 70 percent or more, will often perform better in terms of algorithmic preference than a much longer video where viewers tend to drop off quickly. The main goal is to keep viewers engaged from the beginning to the end of your video.

Second, the content itself should dictate the length. Your video needs to be as long as necessary to convey its message or provide its intended value effectively, and no longer. Avoid unnecessarily stretching your content to meet an arbitrary time, and equally, do not rush through complex information too quickly. For example, a detailed tutorial will naturally be longer than a quick entertainment clip.

Third, YouTube Shorts, which are videos under 60 seconds, operate within their own ecosystem. Engagement for Shorts is driven by immediate impact, high completion rates, and often, rewatches. Videos in the 15 to 30 second range frequently perform well here.

Fourth, for longer-form content, which might range from around 7 or 8 minutes up to 20 minutes or even longer for deep dives, sustained audience retention and significant total watch time are critical. Videos over 8 minutes also provide more opportunities for ad placements if your channel is monetised. However, the entire duration must remain engaging to hold viewers. Some analyses suggest a sweet spot for many types of monetised content often falls in the 7 to 15 minute range, as this can balance engagement with ad potential.

A crucial element, regardless of overall length, is to hook your viewer within the first 15 to 30 seconds. If you do not capture their interest quickly, they are likely to move on.

Ultimately, the best approach is to analyse your own data. Regularly check your YouTube Analytics, paying close attention to the audience retention graphs for your videos. This will show you precisely where viewers tend to drop off. Experiment with different video lengths for your specific type of content and observe how your audience responds.

In summary, instead of aiming for one perfect video length, focus on creating content that is precisely as long as it needs to be to be valuable and engaging for your particular audience. High audience retention is the truest indicator of an effective video length.

Cheers,

Jeff

[Author]

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