How long is too long for your video?

Back then, most “online” video was viewed on a desktop. That’s right, the big box with a monitor hooked up to it. Add the fact that most people were watching online video while they were at work and it is pretty easy to understand why videos had to be short to be engaging and successful… you never knew when your boss was going to walk by!

Fast forward a few years – laptops are becoming the predominant choice for a new computer. Mobile devices like smartphones and tablets make online content accessible anytime from anywhere. Now, videos don’t have to be under a few minutes and… you never know when your boss is going to send you the next OK GO! music video.

So, how long is too long for your video? It’s not an easy answer anymore. You have to think about what the purpose of the content is, who you want to watch it, what platforms they may watch it on and how they might share that content with their friends.

YouTube recently started allowing their content partners to upload longer format videos, Netflix and Hulu put feature length movies and seasons of TV at your fingertips.

Today, length doesn’t matter as much as context.

Don’t be afraid to make a 20 minute video. Do be afraid if you haven’t thought about who it’s for or where it’s going before you make it!