Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and device for applying a flexible seal to a periphery of a component, in particular a door of a motor vehicle. The seal is transported to an application site on the component at a variable speed and connected to the component migrating along the periphery of the component. The length of the seal is measured along the migrating application site and the length of the seal applied to the component is determined via this length measurement. The device includes an application head which transports the seal to the application site and connects it to a component at the application site. A measuring device is arranged in the region of the application head, via which the length of the applied seal is determined.