TikTok became a global phenomenon thanks to the captivating, short-form videos that TikTok users created during the first few years the social media platform was available.
The original time limit for that TikTok content was 15 seconds; the maximum length was increased to three minutes in 2021 and then boosted to ten minutes — on a trial basis — in 2022. Many people liked the extra time that three-minute TikTok videos allowed them, but the 10-minute posts haven’t been overly popular among content creators or users.
In 2023, many TikTok users reported that the 10-minute button was gone from their app, with only three-minute and 15-second choices available. There has still been no official confirmation from TikTok that they’ve removed the option, although the company does stress that the longer videos were only a beta test.
In any event, some users insist they’re still able to record and upload TikTok posts that last as long as ten minutes, and many others insist just as strongly that they can no longer produce 10-minute videos.
If you’re one of those who no longer see the “10m” option on your “Record” screen, you’re probably wondering why you’re one of those facing the apparent restriction and if there’s anything you can do about it. Let’s find out.
Why Can’t I Make 10-Minute Videos on TikTok?
The best answer is the most obvious one: TikTok has apparently removed that functionality from the app. That leads to another question, though: Why do some people still see a “10m” option when they’re ready to record a video?
No one has officially explained the reason, but there’s a strong possibility that the version of the app you’re using determines whether you can make a longer video.
Early versions didn’t allow creators to shoot a ten-minute video, and the most recent versions might not. Those who downloaded TikTok when the option was available, and haven’t updated it since, may be the ones still allowed to shoot the longer content.
There are a few, less-confusing explanations for some users’ inability to make 10-minute videos.
- They may not live in a region where the 10-minute beta test was being conducted.
- They may have a new account or one that’s been penalized; those TikTok accounts may not have full functionality.
- TikTok may be experiencing a brief technical glitch.
It’s most likely, however, that you’re caught in the group of people for whom the 10-minute video option was removed. There’s some good news, though: you can still create and post videos as long as 60 minutes on TikTok. You just have to know how.
Making TikTok Videos That Are 10 Minutes Long (or Longer)
TikTok sets one more limit on video length that we haven’t discussed. Content produced outside of the app and then uploaded into the TikTok Creator tool can run as long as 60 minutes.
In other words, if you record an hour-long video directly to your camera reel on your iPhone or Android device, and then upload it to TikTok for editing and posting, you can create videos much longer than the 10-minute limit that “does or doesn’t exist” when you shoot in the app.
That’s the simple answer for folks who find that TikTok won’t let them make 10-minute videos. Just film the content directly on your phone first.
Problem solved!
About the Author
Peter Hasselworth is a contributor at iDigic, sharing valuable insights about Instagram growth and social media marketing strategies.