How Long Should a College Recruiting Highlight Reel Be?
- GAS Digital Productions
- Oct 29
- 2 min read
This is one of the biggest misconceptions in the world of recruiting videos — the idea that highlight reels should only be a minute long because “coaches only watch 30 seconds anyway.”
It’s a myth that’s been repeated so often it’s practically gospel. But the truth is much simpler: a coach will watch as long as your video is engaging and shows you’re a player worth watching.
It’s Not About Length — It’s About Quality
When coaches are recruiting, they’re not sitting there with a stopwatch. What makes them stop watching isn’t the time — it’s fluff.
You don’t want to pad your video with unnecessary plays just to make it longer. You also don’t want to cut it so short that it doesn’t tell the full story of your abilities. The sweet spot depends on the time of year, your sport, and your goals.
The 12-Play Midseason Reel: Perfect for Momentum
If you’re halfway through your season and have showcases or recruiting events coming up, a 12-play highlight reel is ideal.
It’s short, sharp, and keeps coaches
engaged while giving them enough to see your speed, vision, and consistency. Midseason reels help you keep your name in front of coaches — especially if you’ve already been in contact.
Think of it as a “reminder reel” that says: I’m improving, I’m active, and I’m worth following.
The 25-Play End-of-Season Reel: The Full Story
Once your season wraps, it’s time to go bigger. A 25-play reel lets you showcase your best of the best — the moments that define your season.
This is where you can show depth:
Multiple games across the schedule
Different situations (offense, defense, transition)
Consistent execution game after game
If football has a 10-game regular season or lacrosse has 18 games, that’s a lot of opportunity to show your body of work. The key is still quality over quantity — no fluff, no filler, just your top-tier moments.
Consistency Is Everything
Coaches don’t just want to see one flashy game — they want to see growth, consistency, and how you respond over time.
That’s why keeping your highlight reel updated throughout the year is so important. A player who sends fresh film every few months shows discipline, confidence, and an active approach to the recruiting process.
Don’t wait until the end of the season to get noticed — stay visible, stay relevant, and stay consistent.
Wrapping It Up
There’s no single “perfect” length for a college recruiting highlight reel. What matters is:
Every clip earns its spot
The reel flows smoothly and feels intentional
You keep coaches engaged with quality and consistency
If your film is exciting, clean, and tells your story as an athlete, coaches will watch — whether it’s 60 seconds or four minutes.
Need help creating your highlight reel?
GAS Digital Productions has helped hundreds of athletes across Georgia and beyond get their film in front of college coaches. Whether it’s a 12-play midseason reel or a full 25-play end-of-season showcase, we’ll help you make every second count.
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