**What's the single best clip length if I can only pick one?**

Question

Accepted Answer

45 seconds. It works across all platforms, gives enough time for context and payoff, and hits the sweet spot for completion rates on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and LinkedIn.

**Should I make different length versions for each platform?**

Ideally, yes. At minimum, make a shorter cut (15–30 seconds) for Instagram/X and a standard cut (45–60 seconds) for TikTok/YouTube. A tool like [Dubcap](https://dubcap.app) can help you identify the best clip boundaries and [choose the right format](/blog/9-16-vs-16-9-aspect-ratio-guide) for each platform.

**Do captions affect ideal clip length?**

[Captions](/blog/how-to-add-captions-short-form-video) don't change the ideal length, but they improve retention at every length. Higher retention means the algorithm is more forgiving of slightly longer clips.

**Is there a minimum clip length?**

Under 7 seconds, most platforms won't give meaningful distribution. Under 15 seconds, there's usually not enough content for the algorithm to evaluate retention patterns.

**How do I know if my clips are too long?**

Check your analytics. If average watch-through is below 50%, your clips are likely too long for their content density. Either tighten the edit or split into multiple clips.

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## Related Guides

- [How to Turn Long-Form Video Into Short-Form Clips](/blog/long-form-to-short-form-video-guide)
- [Hook-First Editing: How to Open Clips That Stop the Scroll](/blog/hook-first-editing-guide-2026)
- [YouTube Shorts vs TikTok vs Reels: Where to Post Your Clips](/blog/youtube-shorts-vs-tiktok-vs-reels-2026)
- [How to Add Captions to Short-Form Video](/blog/how-to-add-captions-short-form-video)
- [How to Clip a Podcast for Social Media](/blog/how-to-clip-podcast-for-social-media)