Longer isn't better when it comes to listing videos — it's the completion rate that matters, and most viewers decide within the first 10 seconds whether they're staying for the rest. The right length depends on the property, but there's a clear sweet spot for most listings.
Why Length Matters More Than You'd Think
A video nobody finishes watching does less for a listing than a shorter one that gets watched all the way through — completion signals to social platforms that the content is worth showing to more people, and it means more buyers actually see the whole home, not just the first two rooms.
The Sweet Spot by Property Type
For most listings, a 60–90 second walkthrough hits the mark — enough time to cover the full flow of the home without losing viewers. Larger or higher-end properties can support 2–3.5 minutes if the pacing includes highlighted features and drone context, since buyers considering a bigger purchase are more willing to invest the extra time. Anything past 5 minutes should be reserved for estate properties where the story genuinely needs the extra room.
What to Cut First When a Video Runs Long
Transitional footage — hallways, staircases used purely to move between rooms — is almost always the first thing to trim. Keep the shots that sell: the kitchen, the primary suite, the standout feature, and the exterior context. If a room doesn't add to the story, it doesn't need its own dedicated clip.
Our videography tiers scale from a 1:00 min basic cut to a 3:30–5:30 min full feature video with drone and highlight shots.
Compare video packagesBranded vs. Unbranded Cuts: Why Length Differs
An unbranded cut for MLS or a landing page can run slightly longer since the viewer has already chosen to click in. A branded cut for social should stay tighter — the algorithm and the scroll both reward the first few seconds doing the work, so trim aggressively for anything going on Instagram or Facebook.