How long should your demo reel be for the gaming industry?

1 What is a demo reel?

A demo reel is a short video that highlights your work and achievements in the gaming industry. It can include clips from games you have worked on, personal projects, prototypes, experiments, or anything else that demonstrates your creativity and proficiency. A demo reel is a crucial part of your game portfolio and resume, as it can help you showcase your unique style, vision, and strengths.

2 How long should your demo reel be?

There is no definitive answer to how long your demo reel should be, as different employers and positions may have different expectations and preferences. However, a general rule of thumb is to keep your demo reel between 1 to 3 minutes long. Anything shorter than 1 minute may not be enough to show your range and depth of skills, while anything longer than 3 minutes may lose the attention and interest of the viewer. Remember, quality over quantity. You want to show your best work, not everything you have ever done.

4 How to edit your demo reel?

Editing your demo reel is an important step that can make or break your presentation. To ensure your reel is polished, professional, and engaging, you need to use a video editing software that fits your needs and budget. Options range from Adobe Premiere and Final Cut Pro to free online tools like Kapwing or Canva. Additionally, choose a suitable format and resolution for your video. An MP4 file with a resolution of 1080p or higher will ensure compatibility with most platforms and devices, and make sure your work looks crisp and clear. To enhance the flow of your video, add transitions, effects, and sound effects sparingly and tastefully. Music can create a mood and atmosphere, so choose a music track that complements your work. Make sure you have the right to use the music, or use royalty-free music from sites like YouTube Audio Library or Bensound.

5 How to showcase your demo reel?

Once you have created your demo reel, you want to showcase it to potential employers and clients. To do this, upload your demo reel to a video hosting platform, such as YouTube, Vimeo, or Wistia. Optimize your video for search engines and social media by adding a catchy title, a concise description, relevant keywords, tags, and hashtags, as well as a thumbnail image that represents your work. Share your demo reel on social media accounts like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to build your network and reputation. Additionally, join online communities and forums related to the gaming industry, such as Reddit, Discord, or Facebook groups and share your demo reel there respectfully. Lastly, update your demo reel regularly and create different versions for different purposes or audiences.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?