How to Make a TikTok Longer Than 60 Seconds

So, you want to make TikToks longer than 60 seconds. You've come to the right place. That once-firm minute-long ceiling is now a thing of the past, opening up a world of possibilities for deeper storytelling, detailed tutorials, and more engaging content. This guide will walk you through exactly how to create and upload videos up to 10 minutes long and provide actionable strategies to make sure those extra minutes actually keep your audience hooked.

A Quick Look at TikTok’s Ever-Growing Video Length

If you feel like the maximum video length on TikTok is always changing, you're not wrong. The platform famous for its hyper-short, 15-second clips has continuously evolved to meet creator demands. Initially, the limit was a tight 15 seconds, which then expanded to 60 seconds. For a long time, that was the standard.

Then, in 2021, TikTok made a significant jump, rolling out a 3-minute video option. This was a game-changer for creators who felt constrained by the 60-second rule. It allowed for more in-depth content without needing "Part 2" videos. Shortly after, in 2022, they extended it again to a massive 10 minutes, putting TikTok in direct competition with platforms like YouTube for longer-form content consumption.

What does this mean for you? It means you have the flexibility to create the content that best serves your story and your audience, whether it’s a quick 30-second trend or a detailed 8-minute tutorial.

How to Make a TikTok Longer Than 60 Seconds: The Step-by-Step Guide

You have two main ways to create a longer TikTok: recording it directly within the app or uploading a video you’ve already edited. Both methods are straightforward.

Method 1: Recording Long Videos Directly in the TikTok App

If you prefer to shoot and edit all within one ecosystem, recording directly in TikTok is the way to go. The process is almost identical to recording a shorter video, with just one extra tap.

• Step 1: Open the TikTok Camera. Launch the TikTok app on your device and tap the plus icon (+) at the bottom center of the screen to open the creation interface.
• Step 2: Select Your Desired Video Length. Just above the big red record button, you’ll see several time options. The defaults are typically '15s' and '60s'. Swipe to the left to reveal the '3m' and '10m' options. Tap on the maximum length you want your video to be.
• Step 3: Start Recording. Press the red record button to begin recording your video. Just like with shorter videos, you can record in one continuous take or in multiple segments by stopping and starting the recording. This allows you to change angles, switch locations, or stitch together different parts of a tutorial.
• Step 4: Edit and Post. Once you've finished recording your clips, tap the checkmark. From here, you’ll enter the familiar editing screen where you can add sounds, text overlays, stickers, filters, and voiceovers before posting.

Method 2: Uploading a Pre-Edited Longer Video

Many brands and creators prefer to shoot on a high-quality camera and edit their content in more advanced software like CapCut, Adobe Premiere Pro, or Final Cut Pro. This method gives you more creative control and is perfect for polished content. Uploading longer videos is just as easy.

• Step 1: Open the TikTok Camera and Select 'Upload'. Again, tap the plus icon (+) to get to the camera screen. Instead of choosing a time limit, look to the bottom right and tap the 'Upload' button.
• Step 2: Choose Your Video from Your Gallery. This will open your device's photo and video library. Select the video file you want to upload. As long as it's under 10 minutes long, you'll be able to select it. You can also select multiple clips to have TikTok stitch them together.
• Step 3: Trim or Adjust If Needed. On the next screen, you can trim the beginning or end of your video if you need to make final adjustments. Once you're happy with the selection, tap 'Next'.
• Step 4: Add Your Final Touches and Post. Now you're on the TikTok editing screen. While your major edits are complete, this is your chance to add trending audio, interactive stickers, or native text-to-speech captions to make the video feel more organic to the platform. Add your caption, hashtags, and cover photo, and you're ready to share.

Strategies for Creating Engaging Long-Form Content on TikTok

Simply making your videos longer won’t automatically lead to more views or engagement. An audience accustomed to 15-second stimulation can be quick to swipe away if you don't hold their attention. Here’s how to make every second count.

1. Your Hook is Everything (Especially in the First 3 Seconds)

With longer videos, the first three seconds are even more important. You need to give viewers a compelling reason to stick around. Don't waste time with long, branded intros.

• Ask a question: "Are you making this common mistake with your house plants?"
• State a bold claim: "This is the only chocolate chip cookie recipe you'll ever need."
• Show the final result first: Start with a quick shot of the beautifully organized closet before showing the messy "before" picture for your cleaning tutorial.

Your hook should clearly communicate the value or entertainment the viewer will get by watching the entire video.

2. Map Out Your Story or Tutorial

Longer videos need structure. Unlike a quick trend, you can't just wing it. Before you press record, have a clear beginning, middle, and end in mind.

• For Storytelling: Introduce the characters or situation (beginning), present the conflict or turning point (middle), and provide a resolution or takeaway (end).
• For Tutorials/Explainers: State the problem you're solving (beginning), walk through the solution step-by-step (middle), and present the final result and a call to action (end).
• For Vlogs: Think of it as a mini-story with a narrative arc. Instead of just showing random clips, guide the viewer through a specific purpose of the day (e.g., "Come with me to prep for my first pop-up shop").

3. Use Visual Cues to Maintain Viewer Attention

A static, single-shot video for 5 minutes can be boring. Keep things visually interesting to prevent viewers from losing focus.

• Use B-Roll: While you're talking, cut to short "B-roll" clips that visually represent what you're discussing. If you're talking about baking, show quick shots of cracking eggs or mixing ingredients.
• On-Screen Text and Captions: Use auto-generated captions for accessibility and viewer retention (many people watch with the sound off). Add dynamic on-screen text to emphasize key points or list out steps as you talk through them.
• Change Camera Angles: Even if you’re sitting in one spot, use multiple camera angles. Cut between a wide shot and a close-up to add energy and dynamism to your talking-head videos.

4. Choose the Right Format for Long-Form Content

Not every idea warrants a 10-minute video. Save your longer time slots for content that truly benefits from the extra space. Here are some ideas:

• In-Depth Tutorials: Show every step of a complex recipe, a DIY project, or a software walkthrough. Don't rush, explain the "why" behind each step.
• Story Time & Q&As: Share a captivating personal story or answer your community's most frequently asked questions in one comprehensive video.
• Mini-Vlogs or "Day in the Life": Take your followers behind the scenes of your business, a special event, or a day in your life. It builds a deeper connection.
• Repurposed Podcast or YouTube Clips: Edit down a compelling segment from a podcast or long-form YouTube video. This is an excellent way to get more mileage out of existing content.

Final Thoughts

Making a TikTok longer than 60 seconds is technically simple, but doing it effectively requires a strategic approach. By focusing on a strong hook, a clear narrative, and dynamic visuals, you can leverage the platform's extended runtimes to build a more engaged community and share more valuable content.

As you get comfortable creating more of this content for TikTok, Reels, and YouTube Shorts, you'll find that managing your publishing schedule becomes more involved. At Postbase, we designed a simple, modern platform built from the ground up for today's video-first social media. Our visual calendar allows you to plan and see all your short-form videos across every platform in one place, while our reliable scheduling tools make it easy to post consistently without the headache of switching between countless apps.