How Long Should a Training Video Be? Best Practices & Research

We have all sat through a training video that felt way too long… and honestly, that is usually the moment when our brain checks out. This is why smart training video production matters so much. The length of a video is not just a number… it changes how well people actually learn.

So how long should a training video be? Well, the truth is… it depends. But there is enough research out there to steer us in the right direction.

Why Length Even Matters

Let us be real… attention spans are not what they used to be. A study from the University of Wisconsin found that learner focus drops after the 6 to 7 minute mark. And that well known MIT research everyone quotes? It showed engagement stays highest when videos stay under 9 minutes.

Once a training video gets longer than that, the drop in attention is pretty obvious. You can almost feel the viewer drift off.

Shorter Videos Usually Win

Do all training videos need to be super short? Nope. But breaking content into smaller chunks almost always works better.

It is kind of like eating. Most people would rather have a plate of small bites instead of one huge, overwhelming meal. Learning works the same way.

We have seen this firsthand many times. We once worked with a company that insisted on 20 minute training videos. Later they checked the analytics… viewers were only watching around 5 minutes. We broke the long content into smaller pieces, and the engagement numbers instantly improved. Same lessons, just easier to digest.

Recommended Lengths (Without Overthinking It)

You want a simple guide? This is what usually works best:

• Quick task training: 3 to 6 minutes

• Safety and policy videos: 5 to 10 minutes

• Technical lessons: 8 to 12 minutes… but split into modules

We usually imagine someone watching during a busy day. If the video feels too long for that situation, it probably is.

Pacing Is Just As Important As Length

A video can be short but still feel painfully slow. And a slightly longer one can feel fine if the pacing moves well and the visuals do not sit still forever.

Our brains love movement. They get bored quickly when nothing changes on screen.

The biggest mistake we see? Trying to stuff everything into one giant training video. People get overwhelmed, confused, and honestly… annoyed. Breaking information into smaller lessons gives learners breathing room.

It Is Not Just About Minutes… It Is About Experience

We always remind clients that a perfect duration means nothing if the content is dull. A boring 4 minute video feels longer than an engaging 12 minute one.

So instead of obsessing over exact minutes, think about how someone will experience the lesson.

Ask yourself…

“Would I actually want to watch this?”

If your honest answer is no, then the video needs changes… not a stopwatch.

Mix Up Your Training Formats

If you are creating a full training program, do not rely on just one type of video. Try mixing:

• Micro lessons

• Explainers

• Screen recordings

• Occasional deep dives

Variety keeps people awake. And it makes the entire training program feel lighter, even if the total content is the same.

Final Thought

So how long should your next training video be? Long enough to teach something real… short enough to respect attention spans… and organized in a way that feels easy to follow. If you need help fine tuning your content, a good media production company can guide you through the process.