ZSM‐22 zeolite with different crystal lengths was prepared using a modified hydrothermal method. Rotation speed, Si/Al molar ratio and co‐solvent have important effects on the crystal size of ZSM‐22. The nanosized zeolite samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray fluorescence, nitrogen adsorption, scanning electron microscopy, temperature‐programmed desorption of am‐monia and solid state nuclear magnetic resonance. The catalytic performance of nanosized ZSM‐22 was tested using the conversion of methanol. Compared to conventional ZSM‐22, the nanosized ZSM‐22 zeolite exhibited superior selectivity to ethylene and aromatics and lower selectivity to propylene. Stability against deactivation was clearly shown by the nanosized ZSM‐22 zeolite. A higher external surface area and smaller particle size make this nanosized ZSM‐22 zeolite attractive for catalytic applications.