Vertical or square video typically under 60–90 seconds, optimized for feed scrolling and algorithmic discovery on Reels, Shorts, and TikTok.
Last verified · 2026-05-29 · by Moe Ameen
Short-form video is the dominant content format on Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Facebook Reels. Practical length: 15–90 seconds, with the sweet spot around 30–45 seconds for retention-rate optimization. Above 90 seconds the algorithm penalizes early drop-off harder than it rewards longer watch time.
The format selects for tight hooks (first 1–3 seconds), constant visual change every 1–2 seconds, on-screen captions for sound-off viewing, and a payoff before the 60% mark. Talking-head shorts work; B-roll-driven cuts work; pure text-on-screen works. What doesn't work: slow openers, mid-roll setups, or anything that assumes the viewer will give you 10 seconds of patience.
In Kompozy, short-form video maps to three render paths: clipped shorts (cut from long-form sources), Persona Shorts (avatar talking head), and Marketing Shorts (4-second hook + demo).
Short-form video is vertical or square video typically under 60–90 seconds, optimized for feed scrolling and algorithmic discovery on Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Facebook Reels. The practical range is 15–90 seconds.
The sweet spot is around 30–45 seconds for retention-rate optimization. Above 90 seconds the algorithm penalizes early drop-off harder than it rewards longer watch time.
The format selects for tight hooks in the first 1–3 seconds, constant visual change every 1–2 seconds, on-screen captions for sound-off viewing, and a payoff before the 60% mark. Slow openers, mid-roll setups, and anything that assumes 10 seconds of patience do not work.
Yes. On-screen captions are essential because a large share of viewers watch with sound off, and captions hold attention through the constant visual changes the format requires.
In Kompozy, short-form video maps to three render paths: clipped shorts cut from long-form sources, Persona Shorts (an avatar talking head), and Marketing Shorts (a 4-second hook plus demo footage).