How Long Should a Steam Broadcast Video Be?
Some practical video durations to test, and why there is no magic Steam-approved broadcast length.
How long should your Steam broadcast video be?
You'll find people declaring it must be five minutes, half an hour or exactly one hour...
But the better question is: how long does it take to show what makes your game worth playing?
Don't confuse a trailer with a broadcast - This is KEY.
- A trailer needs to earn attention quickly.
- A broadcast can show the actual rhythm of the game, including the bits a montage can't explain.
My starting lengths
These aren't Steam requirements or industry benchmarks. They're editing decisions I'd test:
- 3 to 5 minutes for a punchy overview of one main mechanic.
- 5 to 10 minutes for a mixed gameplay showcase with a clear beginning, middle and progression.
- 10 to 15 minutes where the game's appeal genuinely depends on longer decisions
YOU CANNOT GUARENTEE WHERE THE PLAYER WILL START WATCHING THE VIDEO.
I'd rather watch an excellent eight-minute video twice than 30 minutes padded with nothing happening.
This changes how I'd structure footage. Put a recognizable gameplay moment every few minutes. Don't bury the best mechanic at minute 27. For a longer loop, include several self-contained segments rather than one slow build that only makes sense from the start.
I'd avoid a title card every time the loop restarts. A discreet game name in a corner at intervals is enough. Check that scene transitions don't jump in audio volume and give everyone a fright.
So how long do players actually watch a broadcast?
The average INTERESTED viewer watch time is 4-9 minutes.
Does making it longer improve Steam visibility?
No, It HURTS visibility.
If players watch only a fraction of a 40-minute loop, they may pop in at a boring part. This WILL hurt your pages performance. Keep it sharp and snappy.
Players will watch long plays on Twitch and YouTube - they are on your Steam page to buy/review/Investigate your game.
Ready to Broadcast?
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