How to Post Longer Videos on Twitter

Trying to share a video on Twitter only to see that dreaded “Your video file is too long” message is a common frustration for creators and brands. While the platform is famous for its brevity, this limitation can feel stifling when you have a story to tell, a product to demonstrate, or a message to share that just can't be condensed into 140 seconds. Fortunately, that default character limit is no longer the final word on video length. This guide will walk you through several proven methods to post longer videos on Twitter, a tactic that unlocks deeper engagement and more compelling storytelling for your audience.

First, Understand Twitter's Standard Video Limits

Before breaking the rules, it’s helpful to know what they are. For a standard, free Twitter account, the video upload limits are quite specific and have been in place for a long time:

• Length: 2 minutes and 20 seconds (140 seconds). This is no coincidence, it's a nod to the original 140-character tweet limit.
• File Size: 512MB.
• Resolution: A minimum of 32x32 and a maximum of 1920x1200 (or 1200x1920 for vertical video).
• Format: You can upload in MP4 or MOV formats on the web, and these same formats plus some others on the mobile apps.

Anything that exceeds these specifications will get rejected by the uploader. But don't worry - getting your longer video seen by your followers is entirely possible. Here are your best options.

Method 1: Upgrade to X Premium (The Easiest Fix)

By far the most straightforward way to post longer videos on Twitter is by subscribing to X Premium (formerly known as Twitter Blue). This paid subscription service unlocks a host of features, with significantly upgraded video capabilities being one of the main draws for creators. The ability to upload longer videos is a game-changer, making Twitter a viable platform for content that was previously impossible to share natively.

X Premium Video Upload Benefits

When you subscribe, your video upload limits get a massive boost, though the exact length depends on the tier you choose and the platform you're using (browser vs. mobile app).

• Premium Subscribers: On desktop (via x.com), you can upload videos up to 3 hours long. The file size limit is a generous 8GB, and the quality is locked at 1080p resolution. On iOS and Android, the limit is currently capped at 10 minutes.
• Premium+ Subscribers: This top tier offers everything Premium does, but without ads in your For You and Following feeds.
• Basic Subscribers: This lowest tier does not include the longer video upload feature.

How to Post a Long Video with X Premium

Once you’re subscribed, the process is pretty much the same as posting a regular video. The platform simply won't stop you when your file exceeds the old 140-second limit.

1. Log in on Desktop: While you can post longer videos on mobile, the longest duration (up to 3 hours) is available only through a web browser. Head over to x.com.
2. Compose a New Post: Click the "Post" button or start typing in the "What is happening?!" box at the top of your feed.
3. Attach Your Video: Click the "Media" icon (it looks like a small picture of mountains) and select your video file from your computer.
4. Wait for the Upload: Given the file size can be up to 8GB, this might take a moment depending on your internet connection. X will process and encode the video in the background.
5. Write Your Tweet: Add your compelling copy, relevant hashtags, and any @mentions you need.
6. Post it: Click "Post," and your extended video will be published to your timeline for your followers to see and engage with.

For most creators and marketers looking for a quick and reliable solution, an X Premium subscription is the most effective path forward.

Method 2: Use Twitter VOD or Live Broadcasts (A Clever Workaround)

If you're not ready to subscribe to Premium but want to share content longer than two minutes, you can use Twitter’s live-streaming feature to your advantage. When you end a live broadcast, Twitter gives you the option to share the full recording as a Video-on-Demand (VOD) tweet. This recording isn't bound by the standard 140-second rule, allowing you to create and post long-form content directly from your phone.

How to Post a Live Broadcast Recording

This method works best for content that feels natural in a live format, like Q&A sessions, event coverage, or raw, unedited thoughts.

1. Open the App: This method is initiated through the X mobile app.
2. Start a New Tweet: Tap the blue compose button with the feather icon.
3. Go Live: Tap the camera icon, then swipe over to the “Live” option. Give your broadcast a title to let people know what it's about.
4. Run Your Broadcast: Present your content, talk to your audience, and interact with the comments coming in. You can stream for a significant amount of time - far beyond the 2:20 upload limit.
5. End and Share: When you're finished, tap the button to end the broadcast. You'll then be given a few options. Make sure you choose to "Edit & Tweet broadcast." From here, you can trim the start and end points and then tweet the final video to your profile.

While this method lacks the polish of a pre-edited video, it's a fantastic, free way to engage your audience in real-time and leave them with a long-form piece of content to watch back later.

Method 3: Share a Link from YouTube or Vimeo (The Classic Approach)

This is the oldest workaround in the book, and it still holds up. Instead of trying to upload your video to Twitter directly, you can host it on a video-dedicated platform like YouTube or Vimeo and simply share the link in a tweet. While not technically a native Twitter video, this approach has its own unique set of benefits.

How it Works

When you paste a YouTube or Vimeo link into a tweet, Twitter automatically generates a player card. Users can click this card and watch the video directly within their feed or a pop-up window, without ever needing to leave the Twitter app. It offers a fairly seamless viewing experience for the end user.

The Advantages of This Method:

• Unlimited Length: YouTube and Vimeo have incredibly high - or effectively no - time limits for most users. You can post a 20-minute tutorial or a 2-hour podcast without an issue.
• Drive Traffic: It serves as a way to cross-promote your other social channels. Clicks on the video can lead viewers directly to your YouTube channel, where they might subscribe.
• Centralized Hub: Your source video lives on your YouTube channel, making it easy to embed on your website, share in newsletters, and track analytics from a single powerhouse platform.
• Higher Quality: YouTube and Vimeo often support higher bitrate and 4K resolution, meaning your video will look its best.

The Downside: Lower Native Engagement

The primary downside is that algorithms on social platforms, including Twitter, typically favor native content. A tweet with a direct video upload may get more organic reach than one with an external link because the platform wants to keep users on its own site. So, while it solves the length problem, you might sacrifice some engagement potential. To combat this, create an eye-catching thumbnail and write incredibly persuasive tweet copy to encourage that click.

Best Practices for Any Twitter Video (Long or Short)

Getting your video uploaded is just the first step. To make sure it performs well, you should always follow a few fundamental best practices for video on Twitter.

Grab Attention Immediately

The first three seconds are everything. Social feeds are fast-moving, and you need a strong visual hook to stop the scroll. Start with action, a question, or a bold statement.

Optimize for Vertical & Mobile

The vast majority of Twitter users are on their phones. Shoot and edit your videos in a vertical aspect ratio (like 9:16) so they fill the entire screen and command attention. Avoid tiny, horizontal videos that get lost in the feed.

Design for Sound-Off Viewing

Up to 85% of social media videos are watched without sound. Use burned-in captions, text overlays, and strong visuals to ensure your message lands even when the user’s device is muted. Many video editing tools can auto-generate captions for you, saving you valuable time.

Pick a Compelling Thumbnail

The thumbnail is the "movie poster" for your video. It needs to be interesting enough to make someone stop and click. Don’t just let Twitter pick a random frame, upload a custom thumbnail that is bright, clear, and hints at the value inside the video.

Write Engaging Tweet Copy

Your video doesn't exist in a vacuum. The text of your tweet needs to provide context, tell a story, or ask a question to drive engagement. Use strong calls-to-action (CTAs) to tell people what you want them to do next, whether it's to "reply below," "click the link," or "RT if you agree."

Final Thoughts

Posting videos longer than the traditional 140-second limit has gone from a frustrating hurdle to a strategic choice with multiple available solutions. Whether you opt for a simple X Premium subscription to unlock native long-form uploads, leverage the promotional power of sharing YouTube links, or engage your audience with live broadcasts, you now have the tools to share richer and more detailed video content with your Twitter audience.

Creating and sharing all this great video content is one thing, but managing it consistently without losing your mind is another. This is where we built Postbase to feel like a breath of fresh air. Since our platform was designed with short-form video in mind from day one, uploading Reels, Shorts, and yes, longer Twitter videos, is a seamless process. You can plan your entire video calendar, schedule posts across all your platforms at once, and trust that everything will publish reliably every single time.