Content Writer
Like hashtags, using the right captions for Instagram can instantly increase your engagement rate. Sadly, they are often overlooked and not recognized for their power to enhance your overall performance levels.
Basically, the best Instagram captions are the ones that give more context to your post. In truth, writing them can become rather challenging, especially when you don’t know where to start.
Do you go for funny Instagram captions, inspirational ones, or do you dive deep into the world of hashtags?
There is an answer to all your questions. So, look no further. We’ve put together in this article all you need to write truly good Instagram captions.
Let’s get started!
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How Do Captions Work for Instagram?
The best Instagram captions are those that keep your audience hooked. The more a person engages with a post, the better it ranks.
There are a few factors that determine the success of an Instagram post. To put it shortly, the Instagram algorithm will focus on the posts that have received the most comments, likes, or shares/views.
Good Instagram captions have the power to bring all these metrics to your post. Thus, they can make it rank well on the Instagram algorithm.
Naturally, there’s a huge difference between what’s expected of Instagram captions for selfies and small businesses.
If you relate to the latter, you’ll have to put the cute captions on the back burner and get down to business.
Here are the top four Instagram caption rules:
- Instagram caption limit
- Instagram hashtag limit
- Instagram comment section limit
- Caption structure
1. Instagram Caption Limit
Your über-cool Instagram captions need to follow some basic rules. The current character limit for captions stands at 2,200 characters.
If you’re a fan of short Instagram captions, you should probably experiment with slightly longer ones as well and see which ones get the most engagement.
2. Instagram Hashtag Limit
Hashtags are also limited to 30 per post and a maximum of 10 on an Instagram story.
We recommend that you use up to 10 hashtags on your posts. Also, make sure to alternate your hashtag collections. Using the same one all the time could cause the algorithm to shadowban your content.
3. Instagram Comment Section Limit
If you feel like you need more characters and hashtags, there is also the option to continue telling your story in the comment section.
It’s important to know that the comment section will allow you to add 2,200 more characters and 30 more hashtags.
4. Caption Structure
A very important element of Instagram captions is their structure. Good Instagram captions use the following structure as a way to refine the stories they wish to share.
Now, all you need is to add the elements that compose the story.
Here are the main elements that shape cool captions:
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Let’s put together a short example. Imagine you’re the social media manager of a skincare company that has just launched a new line of products. You want to promote the product and not stray away from the above format.
Your post looks like this:
Do you know what time it is? IT’S GIVEAWAY TIME!
We’ve just launched a new line of sunscreen products and we’re excited to share the good news with you. And what better way to do it than through a giveaway?
Finding the best sunscreen can become challenging for people with sensitive skin. Irritations, breakouts, dryness – these are all issues that can occur because of the wrong sunscreen.
That is what our new line, #Sunsible wants to avoid. Sensitive skin needs more attention, and some delicate ingredients can work wonders. Say goodbye to your skin issues, and hello to the sun!
You and your skin deserve the best, and we know that. So let’s get the word out there.
All you have to do is like this post and tag two friends to share the good news. Ten lucky winners will be chosen on Friday.
#Sunsible #giveaway
Of course, this is just an example, as your caption can contain as little as one emoji or one word only.
For best results, check out what your competitors are currently doing.
Access the template below for a streamlined social media audit process.
How to Write Captions for Instagram
Whether you’re going for smart or cute Instagram captions, one thing is certain ━ you need to be aware of the best practices.
Here are the seven aspects you need to pay attention to when writing captions for Instagram:
- First line
- Line breaks
- Hashtags
- Emojis
- Storytelling
- Brand’s tone
- CTAs
1. First Line
The first line of your Instagram caption is the one that makes or breaks your post. A great first line will grab the attention of your targeted audience and thus, engage more with the post you’ve shared.
There are cases when the image you’ve shared might not interest someone at first. But then they notice the first line contains a pun that puts things into perspective. Writing a first killer line is sometimes challenging, though, so how do you get around it?
Tip #1: Keep it short
That is, the first line should comprise all the information you want to get out without the need for your audience to click on the “More” button at first.
Tip #2: Address a customer pain point
You can appeal to your audience’s emotions, for example. You can also build up the caption in such a way that you make your audience curious to see more of the story you’re sharing. You can use in this case a special offer, for instance, or you could use a statement that appeals to the emotional side of your audience.
| Pro Tip: Always check your grammar and spelling when writing your captions. |
2. Line Breaks
Instagram captions should have line breaks. Imagine having a chunk of what seems to be a never-ending text. You know where the idea starts, but you don’t know where it ends.
Quality content is one important component, but attaching a structure to it is even more important. Line breaks allow your audience to read through a text easily, and it also helps you get your ideas through.
You can add line breaks by tapping on the “Return” key. Another tip to ensure the readability of your caption is to try to keep your paragraph to a maximum of 5 lines.
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3. Hashtags
One of the secrets behind Instagram captions in 2022 revolves around hashtags. It might seem like Instagram hashtags are no longer a trend, but the truth is, they still are!
Needless to say, choosing the right Instagram hashtags can bring you the desired engagement. If you’re looking for a tool to help you out with the popularity of hashtags, hashtag generators are the way to go. SocialBee features a hashtag generator that will surely come in handy.
The best tip, in this case, is to choose hashtags that are not necessarily the most popular. They do bring some visibility to your posts, but they won’t be from a targeted audience.
SocialBee helps you get all your hashtag ducks in a row. Create a hashtag collection and easily select it whenever you need to post new content.
Remember to mix and match your collections for optimal engagement rates.
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To ensure that your posts reach the best audience for you, go for hashtags that are both niche and popular among a certain community. In the long run, they will bring you more engagement since the posts will reach the people who want to see them.
One more thing you should consider is that using banned hashtags reduces the visibility of your profile.
A few examples of banned Instagram hashtags are the following: #always, #girlsonly, #curvygirls, #kansas, or #tag4like.
4. Emojis
There’s one ace up your sleeve when words cannot express your point entirely. That ace is the diversified selection of emojis you can use. They’re simple and expressive and people are drawn to them. Curious to know how to use emojis?
One of the best indicators of whether emojis are relevant for your post or not is the demographics of your audience. If your audience is composed of an older audience, using a fire emoji will not cut it. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use any emojis at all, though.
Emojis also come in the form of arrows or numbers, which can add to the visual component of your Instagram captions. Even so, using too many emojis might have the opposite effect, so use them responsibly.
5. Storytelling
Stories can bring more engagement to your posts, as people find it easier to relate to them. Storytelling should be an element that is present in your Instagram captions.
Use this technique to depict anything, from emotions to facts. Remember, people do love a good story.
Storytelling also provides good insight into your brand’s values, which can only allow your audience to connect more to your brand.
Here are a few tips on how to write a compelling story:
- Identify the people who are listening to your story
- Use a powerful opener that will hook audiences
- Keep it simple, short, and also chronological
- Pay attention to grammar rules, avoid all caps at all costs, and use multiple paragraphs for an easier reading experience
- Make sure to remember the 2,200-character limit
Now, all you need is to tell your story and form a strong connection with your audience.
6. Brand’s Tone
The tone of your brand’s voice is crucial for your followers. Depending on what your brand is promoting, you can adopt a more formal or informal tone. Of course, the tone is also going to depend on the type of post you’re creating.
Serious situations require a more formal tone, regardless of any other factors. The trick is to make sure that your captions sound like your brand and that they’re not unnatural.
Shifting to a very formal tone that doesn’t address your audience might be too sudden and confuse your followers. The same thing can be said about sassy Instagram captions. Write with your brand voice in mind and you’ll allow your followers to relate more to your business.
7. CTAs
A CTA (call-to-action) improves your audience’s engagement by involving them. And this can be achieved in many ways.
You can ask your audience for their opinion on a matter, for instance, write a clever Instagram caption that invites them to express their opinion by either double-tapping or commenting on the post.
Furthermore, if your goal is to drive traffic to your website, for example, you can include a CTA that invites your audience to click the link attached in your bio. You can also make use of Instagram Stories to drive more traffic.
Curious to see whether your CTA is increasing or decreasing your engagement rates? SocialBee’s got you covered.
Track the performance of your Instagram posts from SocialBee’s Analytics dashboard.
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The SocialBee Analytics dashboard can help you get a closer look at what works and what could need some fine improvements.
Discover your audience demographics and identify the content types you should continue to create. You can also go ahead and check out your number of impressions and figure out a way to widen your reach.
50 Examples of Epic Instagram Captions
We know you’re in urgent need of clever Instagram captions. For that reason, we’ve decided to comprise some satisfying lists of ideas for your next posts.
From Instagram captions for selfies to seasonal ones, we’re here to share with you our fine selection.
Here are the seven caption topics we’ll be addressing:
- Selfie captions
- Funny captions
- Birthday captions
- Spring captions
- Fall captions
- Halloween captions
- Christmas captions
Make sure to bookmark this article for future reference. Here we go!
1. Selfie Captions
As a brand, you could encourage your employees to take selfies and be transparent about their work day.
Check out these epic Instagram captions for selfies:
- A work selfie? Oh yes
- And God said, ‘it’s selfie time’
- Hard at work
- *insert cute selfie captions here*
- It’s coffee time
- Just a girl at work, keep on scrolling
- Lunchtime selfie
- Meeting vibes
- Morning face
- No filter Monday
- Oh, hello there
- Teamwork? More like dream work
- We are family
- Work it
2. Funny Captions
Stop being so serious. Your brand can surely benefit from occasionally taking a fun detour.
Try the following funny Instagram captions:
- An Instagram-worthy blooper, right?
- Don’t let the appearances fool you, we’re best friends
- Friday, our second favorite f word
- That awkward moment when…
- Trying not to fall asleep like…
- Our competitors are going to LOVE this
- *Instagram caption under construction*
3. Birthday Captions
The candles are lit and everyone’s wearing their Sunday best.
Explore the following birthday Instagram captions:
- Happy Birthday, [insert name here]! Today, we’ll toast in your honor
- Let them eat cake…and drink champagne
- Today, this [insert zodiac sign here] deserves his/her/their flowers
- May all my dreams come true… yours, too
- Birthday boy/girl on the horizon
4. Spring Captions
The smell of flowers in bloom is in the air. Could this be a sign to give spring Instagram captions a try?
Here are five spring-themed Instagram captions:
- Feeling as lucky as a four-leaf clover
- It’s a beautiful life once the sun is out
- Life imitates art
- Sweater weather no more
- Sunlight’s the best medicine
5. Fall Captions
Who doesn’t enjoy reading witty fall Instagram captions while drinking some hot chocolate?
Here are our autumn-themed Instagram captions:
- Energy saving mode
- Self-love autumn is synonymous with plenty of hot cocoa
- Even my coffee is hoping to catch a falling leaf this autumn
- Create your own sunshine they said *cries in rain*
- A picture-perfect scenery
- Cloudy day, cloudy coffee
6. Halloween Captions
Feeling spooky yet? In need of some frighteningly good copywriting?
Check out these Halloween Instagram captions:
- John Lennon once said: ‘Imagine all the ghouls sharing all the pumpkin spice.’ True story.
- Don’t mind the crooked smile, we’re just trying to get your fine day ruined
- Three words: Trick or Treat?
- Trick or treating is the best workout
- A look of terror is the best gift you can offer tonight
- Smile big and terrorize your neighbors
- Witch face looking snatched tonight
7. Christmas Captions
Can you hear those bells jingling in the distance?
Read our Christmas Instagram captions:
- Dear Santa, I have an explanation
- Did you make any snow angels yet?
- *insert Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ song lyrics here*
- Finally, time to wear cute pajamas and sit by fire ambiance visuals
- Let’s walk in a Winter Wonderland one more time
- You can’t live a full life this Christmas on an empty stomach
Write Captions for Instagram Like a Pro
Brands have a pretty fair shot at going viral through high-quality copywriting.
Indeed, you can go a long way with a great picture, paired with some good captions for Instagram. Regardless, finding the perfect balance in terms of how to construct your caption and how to get more views might take some time.
Practice makes perfect though. These steps will give you the insight you need to write valuable and attractive captions. The end result? More engagement on your Instagram page.
Instagram is no stranger to us, and we have a few aces up our sleeve when it comes to social media. Curious to find out more? SocialBee’s 14-day free trial is currently available, so do check it out.
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