How Long Should a Testimonial Be? [ANSWERED]
Key Takeaways
- Yes, knowing how long a testimonial should be is very important.
- Knowing lets you avoid the fluff and deliver the important information that your audience wants to know.
- Written testimonials are around two to three short paragraphs, while video testimonials are between 90 seconds and 3 minutes.
Intro
When it comes to testimonials, length matters more than most people think.
Too short, and it feels vague or generic. Too long, and your readers might lose interest halfway through.
If you’re here to find the sweet spot for testimonial length, then you’re definitely in the right place.
Is Knowing the Ideal Length of a Testimonial Important?
Absolutely. Knowing the right length helps you get the most out of every testimonial.
You want it to tell a real story without losing the reader’s attention, so keeping it clear, natural, and to the point helps people actually read it and trust what’s being said.
How Long Should a Testimonial Be?
Written testimonials work best at two to three short paragraphs, while videos should stay within 90 seconds to 3 minutes.
Written Testimonials
For written testimonials, aim for around 50 to 120 words, or about two to three short paragraphs at most.
That’s long enough for a customer to share context (“what problem they had”), describe your impact (“how you helped”), and end with a personal note or recommendation.
A good rule of thumb:
- Short quotes (under 50 words) work well on landing pages or homepage sliders.
- Medium-length testimonials (80–120 words) are ideal for service or product pages where visitors are actively comparing options.
- Longer narratives (200+ words) fit better in dedicated “Success Story” or “Case Study” pages, where readers expect more depth.
Keep it focused on one key takeaway for each testimonial.
If a client shares a longer story, you can pull out a short and punchy quote for use across other pages… such as “They handled my insurance claim in under 48 hours…” and then link to the full version for added credibility.
Video Testimonials
Video testimonials should typically run between 90 seconds and 3 minutes. The goal is to showcase authentic emotion and storytelling without overstaying the viewer’s attention span.
Here’s a simple time structure that works well:
- 0:00–0:30 — Who they are and what problem they faced.
- 0:30–1:30 — What your team did and how the process felt.
- 1:30–2:30 — The results, transformation, or recommendation.
Shorter clips (under a minute) work best for social media, where scrolling attention is limited. Meanwhile, longer clips (2–3 minutes) are more suitable for website embeds or presentations, where visitors are already engaged.
Regardless of length, what matters most is clarity and emotion.
A testimonial that feels genuine and specific, even if it’s only 30 seconds long, will always perform better than one that goes on without focus.
Tips on Determining the Right Testimonial Length
Finding the right length for a testimonial isn’t just about word count… it’s about making every sentence count.
Here are a few tips to help you keep your testimonials effective, natural, and engaging.
Match the Length to the Platform
Different platforms call for different attention spans.
A short testimonial, around 40 to 60 words, works best on homepages, sliders, or social media where people skim quickly.
Longer ones, closer to 100 to 200 words, are better suited for service pages or case studies where readers are ready to learn more.
Focus on One Clear Message
Every testimonial should highlight a single story or transformation.
If a client talks about multiple things they loved, focus on the strongest result… something that clearly shows the value of your service.
One well-framed success moment is far more powerful than a long list of general compliments.
Use Pull Quotes for Long Testimonials
When a client sends a detailed story, don’t throw it away or trim it too heavily.
Instead, extract one strong line that feels emotional or result driven, such as “They turned our chaotic process into a system that finally works…”
Use that quote as a teaser, then link to the full version for those who want to read more.
Keep it Conversational
Readers connect more with authenticity than polish. Encourage your clients to write or speak as they naturally would.
A testimonial that sounds real and unfiltered… even if it’s shorter or slightly imperfect… feels more trustworthy than one that’s overly scripted.
Let Results Guide the Story
No matter the length, always anchor the testimonial around results.
What changed? What improved? Numbers, time saved, or emotional relief… all of these give the testimonial weight.
The clearer the result, the less you need to say to make an impact.
Conclusion
If you’re planning your next step after reading this, we encourage you to keep strengthening how people see your business online.
At our blog, we share helpful guides like Facebook Reputation Management and How to Attract New Patients to Your Dental Practice — both of which can help you apply what you’ve learned today.
For those looking to build stronger credibility and loyalty, our Reviews, Referrals, Insights, and Repeat products are designed to make managing testimonials, reviews, and client feedback effortless.
We also work closely with professionals across industries — from law firms and dental offices to medical offices, med spas, plumbing services, and landscaping services — helping them turn great client experiences into stories that attract new customers.
If you ever want to improve how your testimonials and reviews work together to drive growth, feel free to explore our homepage or reach out to us directly at info@thesurgepoint.com.
We wish you the best in building trust and sharing stories that truly reflect the heart of your business… and we’ll be right here to help when you’re ready to take that next step.
