How long should the film be?
A good film runs between two and three minutes to keep everyone watching. Think about where you will show it, as a party screen needs a different length than a quiet family evening.
Count your favourite moments
The length of your film depends entirely on how many memories you want to include. Twelve photos or video moments make one minute of film. A film can run up to thirty minutes, so there is room for a lot of memories. Before you worry about the time, focus on how to choose photos and videos. Pick the images that matter most.
Once you have your collection, count them up. If you have thirty six photos, you have a three minute film. This simple math helps you plan. Do not feel pressured to make a long film if you only have a small handful of truly great photos. A shorter film packed with beautiful moments is always better than a long one filled with extra images just to make up the time.
| Film length | Total items needed |
|---|---|
| One minute | Twelve photos or moments |
| Three minutes | Thirty six photos or moments |
| Five minutes | Sixty photos or moments |
Ideas that work
- 1The WhatsApp limitIf you plan to send the film in a family group chat, keep it under two minutes so it downloads quickly on phones.
- 2The party backgroundFor a film playing silently on a loop at a venue, a longer five minute version gives guests time to notice different photos.
- 3The dinner speechIf you are playing the film before a toast, aim for exactly three minutes. It builds emotion without delaying the meal.
- 4The quiet giftWhen making a film just for one person to watch at home, you can make it longer to include every special memory.
- 5The rule of twelveCount your absolute favourite photos. Divide that number by twelve to find out exactly how many minutes your film will be.
- 6The test runWatch your draft all the way through without stopping. If you find your mind wandering, remove a few photos to tighten the pace.
Keep the attention strong
Watching a film is a shared experience. You want your audience to stay engaged from the first second to the last. Many find that two to three minutes works well for a captive audience. It is long enough to tell a meaningful story, but short enough to leave them wanting more.
If the film goes on too long, people might start whispering or looking away. A tight and well paced sequence holds the room together. You can always create a second, longer version later for the family to watch at home. Keep the main event version focused and powerful. Remember that every single photo is brought to gentle motion, which gives the viewer a lot to take in.
In Linof: One credit makes one animation or one video moment, and a film can run up to thirty minutes. How it works
Match the event setting
Think about where and how you will be showing the film at the event. A lively birthday party with lots of children running around needs a short and punchy film. A quiet anniversary dinner allows for a longer and more emotional journey. The environment dictates the patience of your audience. Plan the length to fit the mood of the room.
If the film will play on a screen in the background while people eat and talk, a full five minutes works wonderfully. Guests can glance over at different times and always see something new. If everyone is sitting down in rows waiting for the presentation, keep it closer to two minutes. Matching the length to the setting ensures your hard work gets the appreciation it deserves.
Plan for sharing later
After the event is over, people will want to watch the film again. We email you a link the moment it is ready, and it waits in My films. You can download it in full HD, or share one link with the whole family. Think about how they will view it. Most people will watch on their phones during a quiet moment in their day.
A shorter film is much easier to share and watch on a mobile screen. If you are unsure about the cost of different lengths, you can check our prices. You can change the film after it is made. Your draft stays, so you can easily remove a few photos to make a shorter version later.
Questions
Should I make a long film or a short one?
It depends on your event. A short film of one or two minutes keeps attention during a busy party, while a longer film works well for a quiet viewing at home.
What if I have too many photos for one film?
A film can run up to thirty minutes, so there is plenty of room. You can also make a second film. Each film has its own draft, so you could make one short version for the party and a longer one for the family.
