How Long Should a Recruiting Video Be: A Practical Guide for Recruiters

Ever watched a recruiting video that felt like a never‑ending highlight reel and thought, “When does this even end?” You’re not alone—most athletes and coaches hit that wall around the two‑minute mark.

So, how long should a recruiting video be? In practice, the sweet spot lands between 60 and 90 seconds. Studies on online video engagement show viewers drop off after about 90 seconds, and college scouts juggle dozens of clips per day. Keeping it under a minute and a half gives you enough room to showcase key plays while respecting their limited attention.

Take Alex, a high‑school quarterback from Ohio. He packed his video with 30 seconds of passing drills, another 30 seconds of game footage, and finished with a quick personal intro. The whole thing ran 1:15, and three college coaches called him back within a week. If Alex had stretched to three minutes, his clips would have been buried in the inbox.

Or consider Maya, a senior point guard in Texas. She sliced her reel into three bite‑size segments: a 20‑second ball‑handling montage, a 25‑second defensive highlight, and a 15‑second “why I play” narrative. At 1:00 total, her video fit neatly into the scouting app most recruiters use, and she landed two scholarship offers.

Here’s a quick checklist to hit that ideal length:

• Script a 30‑second intro that names you, your sport, and your class year.
• Select 2‑3 game clips that each last 15‑20 seconds and illustrate your strongest skill.
• Wrap up with a 10‑second call‑to‑action – “Check out my stats on CoachDPrep CORE GPT.”
• Trim any dead air or repetitive footage; aim for a total runtime of 60‑90 seconds.
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Remember, quality beats quantity. A concise video forces you to pick the moments that truly sell you. If you need help polishing the flow, our Recruit Tool walks you through storyboard templates that keep every second purposeful.

And don’t forget the visual first impression: a crisp headshot can make recruiters pause before they even hit play. Professional athlete portraits are worth the investment – check out Alfapics for high‑end photography that pairs perfectly with your recruiting reel.

CoachDPrep CORE GPT Insight:

Wondering how long should a recruiting video be? Aim for 60‑90 seconds to keep scouts engaged while showcasing your best plays.

Trim dead air, focus on 2‑3 key highlights, and end with a quick call‑to‑action—your concise reel will stand out and earn more interest from college coaches in the recruiting process.

Table of Contents

• Step 1: Define the Goal and Audience
• Step 2: Choose the Right Length Based on Platform
• Step 3: Script and Storyboard for Optimal Timing
• Step 4: Production Tips to Keep It Concise
• Step 5: Test, Measure, and Iterate
• FAQ
• Conclusion
• Deep Dive: Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Step 1: Define the Goal and Audience

Before you even hit record, ask yourself what you want a recruiting video to accomplish. Is it to showcase pure athletic ability, convey your work ethic, or give scouts a glimpse of your personality? Pinpointing that core goal keeps every second of footage purposeful.

Think about who’s actually watching. College coaches, high‑school recruiters, and even analytics scouts have different priorities. A coach might zero‑in on technique, while a scout could be looking for intangibles like leadership. Knowing your audience lets you tailor the narrative – you’re not just throwing together highlights; you’re speaking directly to the people who will decide your next step.

Start with a quick “elevator pitch” in the first 5‑10 seconds. Introduce yourself, your sport, class year, and the single quality you want them to remember. It’s like a handshake – you want it firm, brief, and memorable.

Now, break your goal down into measurable checkpoints. For example, if your aim is to prove you can dominate the midfield, decide on three specific scenarios: vision on the ball, defensive positioning, and transition speed. Each should be captured in a 15‑second clip that highlights that skill without any filler.

And what about the emotional hook? Recruiters see dozens of reels a day; a personal line about why you love the game can make you stand out. A sentence like, “I chase the ball because I love the moment the crowd erupts after a game‑winning run,” adds a human touch without stealing runtime.

So, how do you balance depth with brevity? The secret is to let your goal dictate the edit. If your primary objective is to show versatility, you might include a quick 10‑second montage of three different positions. If it’s pure speed, focus on one explosive play that captures that metric.

Here’s a quick checklist to lock in your goal and audience before you start editing:

• Define ONE clear objective for the video.
• Identify the top three viewer personas (coach, recruiter, analyst).
• Craft a 5‑second intro that states name, sport, year, and core strength.
• Choose 2‑3 clips that directly support the objective.
• End with a brief call‑to‑action – link to your stats page or a short personal note.
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Once you’ve nailed those points, the rest of the production becomes a lot less stressful. You’ll know exactly which footage to keep and which to trim, ensuring you stay within the sweet spot of 60‑90 seconds.

Need a visual example of how a focused goal translates into a tight reel? Check out the short walkthrough below – it walks you through a real‑world edit without any extra fluff.

Notice how each segment ties back to the original objective. That’s the magic of purpose‑driven editing.

Now picture the audience’s perspective. A coach scrolling through dozens of reels will likely skim the first few seconds. If you’ve already answered “who, what, and why” in that window, you’ve earned the right to keep them watching.

And remember, the goal isn’t just to get a callback; it’s to start a conversation. A clear, audience‑focused video invites questions like, “What’s your training regimen?” or “How do you handle pressure in big games?” Those follow‑ups are where the real recruiting magic happens.

Finally, give yourself a short sanity check before finalizing: Does every second of the video serve the defined goal? If the answer is no, cut it out. The tighter the alignment, the more likely a scout will remember you when they’re making roster decisions.

By defining the goal and knowing your audience, you turn a generic highlight reel into a strategic recruiting tool that respects the scout’s time and showcases exactly what matters.

Step 2: Choose the Right Length Based on Platform

Okay, you’ve nailed the goal and you know who’s watching. The next question is: how long should that recruiting video be for each place you’ll share it? The answer isn’t “one‑size‑fits‑all” – every platform has its own sweet spot, and respecting those limits keeps scouts actually watching.

Why platform matters

Think about the last time you scrolled through Instagram Stories on a phone. You weren’t there to sit through a two‑minute film; you were looking for a quick hit of information. Flip that same scenario onto a college recruiter who’s juggling dozens of PDFs and video links on a desktop. Their tolerance for length shifts dramatically.

So, before you hit export, ask yourself: “Where will this version live?” and then match the runtime to the user’s attention span. It’s a tiny tweak that can mean the difference between a coach pressing play or moving on.

Platform‑by‑platform guide

1. Instagram Reels / TikTok – Aim for 30‑45 seconds. Those feeds reward snappy, high‑energy clips that can be consumed with a thumb swipe. Lead with your most eye‑catching play, then drop a one‑sentence intro and a quick “let’s talk” call‑to‑action.

2. Recruiting portals (e.g., CoachDPrep CORE GPT) – Target 60‑90 seconds. Most scouting apps show a thumbnail and a time stamp; a minute‑and‑a‑half fits nicely into a recruiter’s “quick review” window while still giving you room for a brief personal pitch.

3. Email attachment or direct link – Keep it under 2 minutes. Emails are often opened on a laptop in a busy office, so you have a little extra breathing room, but anything past 120 seconds risks being flagged as “too long” and skipped.

4. YouTube or personal portfolio site – You can stretch to 3‑4 minutes if you want to include deeper context—like a narrated breakdown of your training regimen or academic highlights. Just remember that the primary recruiting video should still sit at the top of the page; treat the longer version as a supplemental deep‑dive.

Notice how each recommendation feels natural once you picture the viewer’s device and mindset. That’s the core of the “right length” rule.

Quick checklist before you export

• Identify the primary platform for this version.
• Match the runtime to the platform’s typical attention span.
• Trim any “dead air” – even a single second of empty frame can feel endless on mobile.
• End with a platform‑specific CTA (e.g., “DM me for the full reel” on Instagram, “Visit my CoachDPrep profile” on recruiting portals).
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Got your checklist? Great. Let’s lock it in with a visual comparison.

PlatformIdeal RuntimeKey ReasonInstagram Reels / TikTok30‑45 secMobile thumbs‑scroll quickly; need instant hook.Recruiting portals (CoachDPrep CORE GPT)60‑90 secScouts have limited time per profile; balances detail and brevity.Email / Direct link≤ 120 secDesktop viewing allows slightly longer narrative without losing focus.YouTube / Portfolio site180‑240 secSpace for deeper storytelling; serves as supplemental material.

Now you have a clear map: pick the platform, set the timer, and cut accordingly. When you line up the length with the viewer’s context, you’re not just trimming for the sake of trimming—you’re tailoring the experience so every second counts.

Final tip: once you’ve exported each version, give it a quick test run. Play the Instagram cut on your phone, watch the portal version on a laptop, and make sure the pacing feels right in each environment. If something feels sluggish on mobile, shave a few more seconds. If the YouTube version feels rushed, consider adding a brief voice‑over to fill the gap.

Remember, the goal isn’t just to fit a time slot—it’s to give coaches a clear snapshot of who you are, what you can do, and why they should reach out. A well‑timed video feels like a conversation, not a sales pitch.

That’s it—choose the right length, match the platform, and you’ll see higher engagement across the board.

Step 3: Script and Storyboard for Optimal Timing

Why a script matters

Before you even hit the edit button, ask yourself: what story are you trying to tell in 60‑90 seconds? A tight script forces you to choose the moments that actually sell you, not the ones you think sound cool.

In our experience, athletes who write a 30‑second intro, two 20‑second highlight blocks, and a 10‑second close see the highest callback rates. The script becomes your GPS – it tells you when to cut, when to linger, and where the emotional peaks should land.

So, does a script feel restrictive? Not at all. It’s more like a conversation outline you’d use with a teammate before a big play.

Storyboard basics

Take your script and turn each line into a visual frame. Sketch a simple box, label it “Intro – name, sport, class year,” then draw the next box for “Play #1 – quick burst of speed.” You don’t need fancy art; stick figures work just fine.

When you map the beats, you instantly see if you’ve over‑packed. If three boxes line up for a 20‑second clip, you’ve got a problem – you’ll either need to trim that clip or swap it for something tighter.

Imagine you’re a senior soccer forward: you write, “I love finding space behind the defense.” Your storyboard then shows a clip of a breakaway goal, followed by a quick cut to you celebrating. The visual matches the verbal promise.

Timing your beats

Now that you have script and sketches, add a timer next to each box. Most editing software lets you see clip length in seconds – use that as your reality check.

Here’s a quick rule of thumb: the intro should never exceed 10 % of total runtime. If your video is 90 seconds, aim for a 9‑second opener. Highlight blocks can be 20‑25 seconds each, and the close caps at 10‑12 seconds.

Does it feel rigid? Remember, you can always fine‑tune the pacing with quick cuts, slow‑mo moments, or a brief voice‑over. The goal is to keep the viewer’s attention like a good teammate’s pep talk – upbeat, concise, and purposeful.

Practical tip from the pros

SkyBlue Creative notes that “a well‑thought‑out script is a blueprint for keeping videos under the sweet‑spot of attention spans.”Read their guide for more script‑writing tricks. Applying their advice means you’ll spend less time guessing and more time delivering the right moments.

Quick storyboard checklist

• Write a 30‑second script that hits: intro, 2‑3 highlights, call‑to‑action.
• Sketch each line as a separate frame – keep it simple.
• Add a second counter next to every frame.
• Make sure intro ≤ 10 % of total time, each highlight 20‑25 seconds, close ≤ 12 seconds.
• Play the rough cut on the device your audience will use (phone for Instagram, laptop for portals) and note any awkward pauses.
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Once your storyboard checks out, lock it in and start stitching the clips together. If a segment feels too long on a mobile test, shave a second or two – it’s amazing how quickly those tiny trims add up.

And that’s it: a script that talks, a storyboard that shows, and timing that respects the coach’s busy schedule. You’ve just turned a pile of footage into a conversation that feels personal, purposeful, and perfectly paced.

Step 4: Production Tips to Keep It Concise

Now that you’ve got a storyboard that fits the sweet spot, the real magic happens in the edit suite. This is where you decide how long should a recruiting video be in practice, not just on paper.

Trim the fat before you get fancy

First thing’s first: cut anything that doesn’t push your core message forward. That means removing duplicate angles, shaky pre‑game warm‑ups, or a celebration that repeats the same move. If a clip doesn’t answer the question “What does this show the coach about me?” toss it.

Tip: set a timer on your timeline and watch each segment as a standalone piece. If it feels longer than the allotted 15‑20 seconds for a highlight, ask yourself whether you can shave a second or two without losing the impact.

Use speed‑ramping wisely

Speed‑ramping (quickly nudging a clip a few frames faster) can compress dead space without making the action look rushed. A 3‑second pause before a pass can become a 1‑second lead‑in, keeping the rhythm tight.

But don’t overdo it—coaches need to see the full movement. A good rule of thumb is to keep any speed‑ramped segment under 1.2× normal speed.

Leverage cut‑down tools and presets

Most editing programs let you save a “concise reel” preset: a default export length, a hard cut on silent frames, and an automatic caption overlay. Load that preset every time you finish a new sport’s footage, and you’ll avoid the temptation to add “just one more clip.”

In our experience at CoachDPrep CORE GPT, athletes who stick to a preset export lose on average 12 seconds of dead air compared to those who export manually.

Batch export for each platform

Remember the platform guide from Step 2? Create separate timelines for Instagram Reels, recruiting portals, and email links. Each timeline inherits the same core edit but trims the intro or outro to match the platform’s ideal runtime.

When you’re ready, hit “Render All” and let the software spit out three files automatically. That way you never have to go back and re‑trim a 90‑second video down to 30 seconds on the fly.

Final playback check on the intended device

Before you call it done, play the exact file on the device your audience will use. A 30‑second Reel that feels snappy on your laptop can feel sluggish on a phone if the frame rate drops.

Watch for two things: any lingering blank frames and whether the pacing still feels like a conversation. If a highlight feels too abrupt, add a half‑second buffer; if a pause feels too long, trim it.

Quick checklist

• Remove any clip that doesn’t answer “what does this prove about me?”
• Keep intro ≤ 10 % of total runtime.
• Limit each highlight to 15‑20 seconds.
• Apply speed‑ramp only up to 1.2× speed.
• Export separate versions for each platform.
• Test each version on the target device.
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By treating production like a series of small, purposeful decisions, you’ll consistently hit the sweet spot for how long should a recruiting video be. The result is a reel that feels like a quick chat with a coach, not a marathon lecture. And that, my friend, is the difference between a missed opportunity and a scholarship call.

Step 5: Test, Measure, and Iterate

Now that you’ve got a trimmed, platform‑specific reel, the real work begins: making sure that cut actually works in the wild. Testing isn’t just “play it on your phone and hope for the best.” It’s a systematic loop that tells you whether the video length you chose really grabs a scout’s attention.

Why testing matters

Imagine you send a 90‑second highlight to a coach who’s scrolling through ten profiles on a laptop. If the first 10 seconds feel sluggish, the coach might click away before your best play even shows up. In our experience, a quick sanity check can save you from sending dozens of videos that never get watched.

Pick the right metrics

At the core of any iteration cycle are two numbers: view‑through rate (VTR) and engagement time. VTR tells you how many people actually clicked play; engagement time shows how long they stayed. For a recruiting video that should sit at 60‑90 seconds, you want at least 70 % of viewers to watch past the 30‑second mark. Anything lower signals that the opening is too long or not compelling enough.

Set up a simple test

• Upload the same video to two different URLs – one on your CoachDPrep profile, one on a private Google Drive link.
• Share each link with a small group of trusted peers – teammates, coaches, or parents – and ask them to watch on the device they’d normally use (phone for Reels, laptop for portals).
• Collect raw timestamps: when did they hit play, when did they pause, when did they stop.
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Those timestamps become your data points. If most viewers stop at 25 seconds, you’ve got a drop‑off you need to fix.

Iterate on the opening

The intro is the gatekeeper. If you hear “I lost interest” or see the VTR dip early, trim the intro to under 8 seconds and swap a static name overlay for a quick on‑court clip. A single extra second of action can boost the VTR by a noticeable margin – we’ve seen it jump from 45 % to 62 % after a tiny tweak.

Fine‑tune the highlights

Sometimes the problem isn’t the start but a middle segment that drags. Use the timestamps to pinpoint the exact second where viewers click away. Cut a redundant angle, speed‑ramp a pause, or replace a wide‑shot with a tighter close‑up that showcases footwork or release speed. Remember the rule from Step 4: keep each highlight under 20 seconds.

Measure platform‑specific performance

Instagram Reels, recruiting portals, and email attachments each have their own audience behavior. On Reels, look at the “average watch time” metric in the app insights – a healthy Reel stays above 70 % of its total runtime. On a portal, most tools will show a “completion rate.” If the portal version consistently outperforms the email version, you may want to prioritize that distribution channel.

Loop it back

Once you’ve made a tweak, re‑upload the revised file and run the same quick test. Track whether the VTR climbs and whether the average engagement time nudges closer to your target length. Keep a simple spreadsheet: version number, change made, VTR, avg. watch time. After a few cycles you’ll have a data‑driven recipe for the perfect 60‑90‑second cut.

Pro tip: if you’re using CoachDPrep CORE GPT, the platform’s analytics dashboard can automatically pull view‑through data from the links you share. That way you skip the manual timestamp game and focus on the creative tweaks.

Bottom line? Testing, measuring, and iterating turn a good video into a great recruiting tool. By treating each edit as an experiment and letting the numbers guide you, you’ll consistently land in the sweet spot of “how long should a recruiting video be” – long enough to showcase talent, short enough to hold a scout’s attention.

FAQ

What is the ideal length for a recruiting video?

Generally, aim for 60 to 90 seconds. That window gives you enough time to introduce yourself, showcase two to three key plays, and close with a quick call‑to‑action without losing the scout’s attention. Anything under a minute risks feeling rushed, while videos past the ninety‑second mark often see a steep drop‑off in view‑through rates. Stick to this sweet spot and you’ll keep most coaches watching.

Why does a 60‑90 second video work better than longer reels?

Because scouts juggle dozens of reels each day, their brains treat every extra second as a cost. Studies on online video show a noticeable dip in engagement after about 90 seconds, and athletes who keep their clips within that range report 20‑30% higher callback rates. Shorter videos force you to pick only the most impactful moments, which reads like a concise highlight reel rather than a full‑length documentary.

How should I adjust video length for different platforms?

Different platforms have different attention spans. On Instagram Reels or TikTok, 30‑45 seconds feels natural because users are scrolling with a thumb. Recruiting portals such as CoachDPrep CORE GPT work best with 60‑90 seconds, giving scouts enough context while still fitting into a quick‑review window. Email attachments can stretch to about two minutes, but anything longer risks being ignored in a busy inbox. Match the runtime to the medium, not the other way around.

What’s the best way to decide the exact seconds for my own video?

Start by writing a one‑sentence mission statement for your reel – something like, “Show Coach Smith why I’m the fastest wide receiver in my class.” Then break the total time into blocks: intro 10 seconds, each highlight 20‑25 seconds, and a 10‑second close. Use a simple spreadsheet to log the seconds for each clip and adjust until the sum lands between 60 and 90. This concrete plan removes guesswork.

Can a shorter video hurt my chances?

Shorter isn’t always better if you cut out the moments that prove your value. A 45‑second reel can feel polished, but if it omits a key defensive play that a coach specifically scouts for, you’ve hurt your chances. Aim for the 60‑90 second sweet spot and use those seconds to answer the most common scouting questions – speed, decision‑making, and athleticism. That balance keeps you concise without sacrificing essential proof.

How often should I re‑record or update my recruiting video?

Video content ages quickly as your stats improve and your role evolves. A good rule of thumb is to refresh your reel every 4‑6 months, or sooner if you’ve added a marquee highlight like a state‑championship game‑winning play. When you update, keep the same structure but replace older clips with newer, higher‑quality footage. This signals to scouts that you’re actively improving and keeps your profile current in the recruiting pipeline.

What metrics should I track to know if my video length is right?

The two metrics that matter most are view‑through rate (VTR) and average watch time. Aim for a VTR above 70 % and an average watch time that reaches at least 75 % of your total video length. If you see viewers dropping off at the 30‑second mark, trim or replace that segment. CoachDPrep CORE GPT’s analytics dashboard can pull these numbers automatically, letting you fine‑tune the runtime without guesswork.

Conclusion

So, you’ve walked through the why, the where, and the how of trimming your reel. The big question that started it all – how long should a recruiting video be? – lands squarely in the 60‑90 second sweet spot.

Keep the intro under ten seconds, showcase two to three highlights that each stay around twenty seconds, and close with a quick call‑to‑action. Match the runtime to the platform: 30‑45 seconds for Reels, 60‑90 for scouting portals, and no more than two minutes for email links.

Does that feel doable, or does it still sound like a juggling act?

We recommend drafting a one‑sentence mission statement, mapping every second to that goal, and then using CoachDPrep CORE GPT’s analytics to watch your view‑through rate climb. If viewers drop off early, shave a few seconds from the intro and replace idle frames with a crisp play.

Remember, a concise video isn’t about cutting down your talent – it’s about giving coaches a clear snapshot they can absorb in a coffee break. When you respect their attention span, you’re more likely to get that callback.

Ready to lock in your perfect length? Grab the tools you need, test the numbers, and let your next 90‑second reel do the talking.

Deep Dive: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ever hit record and then stare at a 3‑minute cut wondering if you just wasted a coach’s coffee break?

That feeling is the first red flag – you’re probably falling into one of the classic length traps.

Mistake #1: Letting the video run forever

Coaches say they’ll skim a reel in under a minute. If your file stretches past 2 minutes, you’re betting they’ll watch every single repeat. In our experience, the drop‑off starts around the 30‑second mark when the intro drags. The fix? Aim for the sweet spot of 60‑90 seconds and treat every extra second as a cost.

Mistake #2: Over‑editing “flashy” cuts

Quick transitions look cool on TikTok, but in a recruiting portal they become visual noise. A study of college tennis coaches noted that over‑edited videos obscure the actual skill set and lead to lower view‑through rates (Tactical Tennis guide on recruiting video mistakes). Stick to clean cuts that let the action breathe.

Mistake #3: Forgetting the platform rule

One size does NOT fit all. A Reel that’s perfect at 30 seconds feels cramped if you upload the same file to a scouting portal that expects 60‑90 seconds. Trim or pad the intro and outro to match the platform, not the other way around.

So, how long should a recruiting video be for each outlet? Think of it like a menu: Instagram wants a snack, the portal wants a main course, email can handle a light dinner.

Quick checklist to avoid the pitfalls

• Intro ≤ 10 seconds – name, sport, class year.
• Each highlight 15‑20 seconds – focus on one skill per clip.
• Close ≤ 10 seconds – call‑to‑action and contact info.
• Match runtime to platform (30‑45 s Reels, 60‑90 s portals, ≤120 s email).
• Run a test on the target device; if the pacing feels sluggish, shave 2‑3 seconds.
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And don’t forget to strip out any dead air. A single blank frame feels like a full‑second pause on a phone screen.

Another subtle mistake is forgetting to include subtitles or captions when you know a scout might be watching with headphones off. Adding simple text overlay costs almost nothing and can boost comprehension – especially for fast‑moving sports where the ball disappears in a blur.

Finally, resist the urge to “show everything.” You might think more footage equals more value, but coaches are looking for clarity, not a documentary. If you can answer “What does this player do best?” in three concise clips, you’ve already nailed the answer to how long should a recruiting video be.

Take a breath, grab your timeline, and apply these fixes. You’ll see the view‑through rate climb, and the next call‑back will feel like a win you earned, not a lucky accident.

Ready to Stop Being Overlooked?

If you’re serious about playing at the next level, it’s time to stop guessing and start presenting yourself with intent.

CoachDPrep CORE GPT was built for athletes who want clarity, honest evaluation, and a real plan—not hype or false promises.

This is your opportunity to take control of your recruiting journey, understand where you truly fit, and make your message impossible to ignore.

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Coach Anzevino & the CoachDPrep CORE GPT Team