How long should a car walkaround video be?
The short answer
About three minutes is a practical target. YouTube counts square or vertical videos up to three minutes as Shorts, and Steven Wilson's five 2027 walkaround videos on Kramer Autoplex's YouTube channel run from 2:51 to 3:16. That's long enough to show the whole vehicle and short enough to hold a shopper who already wants that model.
What the Kramer walkarounds show
These are public videos, and their run times are on each YouTube page:
- 2027 GMC Terrain: 2:59
- 2027 Chevy Equinox: 3:02
- 2027 Chevy Tahoe: 2:51
- 2027 Chevy Suburban: 3:13
- 2027 GMC Yukon: 3:16
The bigger vehicles run a little longer. There's simply more to show on a Suburban or Yukon than on a Terrain.
Platform rules vs. our recommendation
Platform rule: a square or vertical YouTube upload of three minutes or less is a Short. YouTube also says a Short over one minute with an active copyright claim is blocked, so use music you have rights to.
Garnet's practical recommendation: let the vehicle set the length. Cover the outside, the seats, the tech and the cargo space, then stop. Don't pad a small SUV to match a full-size one. For a checklist of what to film, see what to show in a car dealership walkaround video.
Cut it down for other feeds
A three-minute walkaround can also give you shorter clips: one feature, one angle, one reason to look. Those work for quick posts on other platforms, while the full walkaround serves the shopper who wants everything.
For dealerships around Livingston
Kramer Autoplex is in Livingston, and these walkarounds show a lot can be done with a few minutes and one presenter. If you run a dealership in the area, see how we work with businesses in Livingston, TX.
Want a walkaround plan for your inventory? Talk to Garnet.