web series episode length

[Wight Space]

Right now my first three episodes for my series are around 20 minutes each. I've had advice either way that they should be shorter, or that 20 minutes is a good length for a web series episode. It's quite maddening trying to figure out who's right. On one hand I know peoples attention spans are smaller these days, are looking for things that are quicker to digest, but on the other I don't want the story and experience to suffer. Plus I know there are those people who appreciate being involved in what they'r watching and not have to constantly load up another vid after a few minutes when it comes to episodic content. Especially if they are watching at home on their TV or monitor. What do you guys think? Maybe my next episodes will be a bit shorter?

 

[Blunt Brittany]

I think a lot of it depends on the content of your web series. I watch a lot of web series and most episodes of the ones I watch are between 7min-14min, on average. If I am into the web series I don't care at all about the length of the episodes as long as I'm engaged the whole time. I would say consider shortening them up a few minutes and then people will be less intimidated by a 20 minute video. Just a thought! I'll be sure to check yours out and then maybe give you some more feedback on length! But that is just my personal opinion on it

 

[GucciCarry]

I would make it 14-16 minutes max.

 

[Hi!MyNameIsJan]

I think 20 minutes is too long. Look at your analytics, check where your viewers hop off. Then try to end the series there. I jumped off when he said "I used to work for .... .then they put me on a hitlist". That would be a good cliffhanger i think.
I would recommend anything between 7-14 minutes, its not TV, its YouTube, so shorter episodes, but then every week/3 days instead of every 2 weeks or so. Thats way better

 

[Wight Space]

I think a lot of it depends on the content of your web series. I watch a lot of web series and most episodes of the ones I watch are between 7min-14min, on average. If I am into the web series I don't care at all about the length of the episodes as long as I'm engaged the whole time. I would say consider shortening them up a few minutes and then people will be less intimidated by a 20 minute video. Just a thought! I'll be sure to check yours out and then maybe give you some more feedback on length! But that is just my personal opinion on it

Well, I plan on keeping the first three episodes the way they are. Episode 4 which I'm filming now, will probably be about the same length as well. But I will definitely consider shortening down to fifteen minutes give or take for future episodes 5, etc. unless it compromises the story.[DOUBLEPOST=1479757323,1479757172][/DOUBLEPOST]

I think 20 minutes is too long. Look at your analytics, check where your viewers hop off. Then try to end the series there. I jumped off when he said "I used to work for .... .then they put me on a hitlist". That would be a good cliffhanger i think.
I would recommend anything between 7-14 minutes, its not TV, its YouTube, so shorter episodes, but then every week/3 days instead of every 2 weeks or so. Thats way better

Thanks for the feedback. The thing is, episodes like episode 2 would suffer if I cut it up I think. It would miss out on a sense of dread I try to build in it, and take people out of the moment.

 

[Hi!MyNameIsJan]

Thanks for the feedback. The thing is, episodes like episode 2 would suffer if I cut it up I think. It would miss out on a sense of dread I try to build in it, and take people out of the moment.

Sure, its your artistic decision. It´s just not good for building a audience. But i think that quality will always win on youtube, over the long run.
Just don´t stretch out the series too long, after 10-15 episodes you should be finished, or your views will decline strongly. Then you can start a season 2, remake, new story etc.

 

[Wight Space]

Sure, its your artistic decision. It´s just not good for building a audience. But i think that quality will always win on youtube, over the long run.
Just don´t stretch out the series too long, after 10-15 episodes you should be finished, or your views will decline strongly. Then you can start a season 2, remake, new story etc.

Actually, my plan is to do it in seasons. My initial plan was to have 6-9 episodes per season. I also am creating a series of videos explaining how I did all the visual effects, as well as behind the scenes stuff, etc.