TikTok extends maximum video length to three minutes

In an effort to compete against YouTube and Instagram, TikTok has announced the extension of its 60-second maximum time limit for video content.

Starting today, users will be able to film videos with a maximum length of three minutes, drastically expanding the scope for “even richer storytelling and entertainment” on the platform.

The time limit changes are expected to be rolled out in full for all users over the coming weeks, with TikTok users receiving a notification when longer videos are part of their creative toolbox on the app.

TikTok’s changes to the 60-second time limit on the platform were first detailed in December, with a select group of culinary content creators being among the first to test the new feature.

The new changes could also see TikTok further solidify its position as a global song discovery tool, allowing for creators to share longer and more complex music content across the app.

Drew Kirchhoff, product manager for TikTok, highlighted the potential for the new time limit to make the app more accessible for different demographics.

“Creative expression brings people together,” Kirchhoff said.

“It’s how we connect with our communities. It’s how we entertain, educate, inform, and inspire each other.

“This is also why we’ve focused on providing our community with a range of tools to help unleash their creativity – longer videos are now one more tool people can use to captivate the community with their creative expression.”

Speaking to The Music Network, TikTok’s general manager Lee Hunter highlighted the potential of the update to benefit musicians on the platform.

“TikTok is an amazing platform for artists to have their songs discovered by making clips of tracks go viral,” Hunter said.

“Our community has been asking for longer videos and we’re expecting to see this really bring new possibilities for creators making tutorials and educational videos, comedy, narrative storytelling and more. And I’m really excited to see what creativity artists can bring to longer TikTok vids too.”