<b>"How long does a format actually last before it's dead?"</b>

<b>"How long does a format actually last before it's dead?"</b>

Q: People want a number. Fair.

Short answer: roughly 3-6 weeks on TikTok, 2-3 months on Reels, 4-6 months on YouTube Shorts.

Longer answer: lifespan tracks audience velocity. TikTok's feed churns trends fastest, so a format burns out before it even reaches some users. Reels lag TikTok by weeks, so a 'dead' TikTok format is often peaking on Instagram. Shorts and especially long-form YouTube hold formats longest because the audience is broader and slower. Verdict: don't ask 'is this format dead' globally — ask 'dead <i>where</i>.' A trend you missed on TikTok is frequently a fresh opportunity on the slower platforms for another month or two.