What's your ideal lecture length for complex topic?

MarinaT · 2025-06-17T13:17:51+00:00

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Hey there instructors,

As we explore learning design best practices this month, one topic that consistently generates discussion is lecture length.

Our learning science team has found that student engagement can vary significantly based on how content is segmented. For complex topics especially, finding that sweet spot between comprehensive coverage and digestible chunks is crucial for student success.

What's your ideal lecture length for complex topics, and has this changed as you've evolved as an instructor?

Share your insights and experiences in the comments below!

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Comments

RonErez

Hi @MarinaT ,

For more complex topics, I can easily go up to 10–15 minutes, though I agree that staying under 10 is probably ideal. In the past, I’ve often been tempted to squeeze in one more concept before wrapping up. Lately, I’ve been moving toward shorter, bite-sized lectures, just recently, I finished one that’s only 3.5 minutes long, which is quite short for me.

I’ve seen some instructors produce very clear and effective 1–2 minute videos, which I find impressive. It’s not easy to convey something meaningful in such a short time. That said, I once received a complaint from a student about a lecture that reached 18 minutes while explaining an algorithm, so I do try to keep the lectures shorter now.

In general, I think under 10 minutes works best, but it’s hard to set a strict rule. Probably the best approach when covering a complex topic is to break it down into a series of lectures or even a dedicated section.

I'm definitely leaning towards shorter videos now especially since editing a short video is usually easier.

ThuanLTB

I think it depends on the topic. A complex topic needs a lot of time to explain in detail, so I will divide the lecture into many sub-lectures (each 3-7 minutes long). Each lesson will focus on a certain goal, for example, one explanation of the concept, one explanation of how to use, one explanation of strengths/weaknesses... And I group this topic into a separate section. This way, it will be easier for learners to follow. In fact, many learners when leaving reviews, they often say they like the way I divide the lecture into 3-7 minute videos (or under 10 minutes), because it helps them follow more easily and is less boring.

ChrisBankes120

if the lecture includes an art therapy exercise or discussions about artwork by students or film clips then they can go to 25 minutes. Usually around 9-15 though.

ChrisBankes120

I’ve just had a look at my Economics course and one lecture has 42 bookmarks, triple any other lecture. This particular lecture is 35 minutes.