Guide

Short-form video platforms: Shorts, Reels and Facebook Reels

Dripost posts to three platforms for short-form video: YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels and Facebook Reels. Their length limits are very different.

YouTube Shorts

Up to three minutes, in a square or vertical shape. YouTube sorts a video into Shorts by those two things.

Reels on Instagram

Through the API, from 3 seconds to 15 minutes and up to 300 MB, with 9:16 recommended. Posting as a Reel needs a Business or Creator account.

Facebook Reels

Between 3 and 90 seconds, 9:16, at least 540 × 960.

TikTok

TikTok is the best-known short video service, and Dripost doesn’t post to it. The three above are the ones covered here.

One file, three places: the platforms for short-form video

Dripost uploads a video once and sends each platform the file as it was, never re-encoded. Keeping it vertical and under 90 seconds fits all three.

Which short video platform to post to first

Post to all three when the video suits them, since the file is the same. If you only have time for one, post where your audience already is: the platform where your last videos got the most views. The three platforms also differ on length, so check the limit for each before you export.

Sources

Questions

Which short-form platform allows the longest video?

Among these three, Instagram Reels through the API, at up to 15 minutes. YouTube Shorts allow three minutes and Facebook Reels 90 seconds.

Does Dripost post to TikTok?

No.

What length fits all three?

90 seconds or less, vertical. Facebook Reels stop at 90 seconds, so a clip that short also fits Shorts and Instagram Reels.

Does Dripost re-encode my video?

No. The file you upload is the file each platform gets, untouched.

Do Instagram Reels need a special account?

Yes. A personal account cannot post a Reel through the API; switch to a professional one first.

Try it on your own post.

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