How to Write a Caption on Instagram: 7 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

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Article Summary

Written byKasey Dunn|Edited byDarlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: October 29, 2023

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This wikiHow will teach you how to write a caption on Instagram with your photo or video post.

Steps

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  1. 1

    Capture a new post image or upload your photo or video from your camera. Tap the plus (+) at the bottom of your screen to create an Instagram post. You can either use the camera and filters built-in with Instagram or you can upload your own video or photo.

  2. 2

    Tap Next. You'll see this in the top right corner of your screen.

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  3. 3

    Select a filter or edit your media. You can tap through the offered filters to see what your photo/video will look like as a final result. You can also tap the Edit tab at the bottom of your screen to make other adjustments to your media.

  4. 4

    Tap Next to continue. You'll see this in the top right corner of your screen.

  5. 5

    Tap in the text field that says "Write a caption." The keyboard will activate and slide up from the bottom of your screen.[1]

  6. 6

    Type your caption. There is a limit of 2,200 characters for an Instagram post.

    • Some users have found that lengthy, micro-blogging-type captions do well to reach your audience and build brand loyalty.[2] However, if you create lengthy captions, be sure you're using line breaks to break up the wall of text you're writing. It's easier to read and understand that way.
    • A good Instagram post caption will also include a call to action (CTA), like visiting a website, or asking a question. You can make it engaging by asking those who agree to double-tap (like) or leave comments on the post. If you want to boost your chances of getting on the Instagram Algorithm, you can also ask your audience to tag a friend in the comments.
    • Make sure, that if you're creating a lengthy caption, that your first sentence is the most powerful. Instagram tends to truncate (shorten) longer posts so they are all the same size, so if your catchy prose is hidden behind the "More" link, it has a lower chance of being read. In this case, you could use the first sentence to deliver some staggering stats, jaw-dropping facts, or intriguing statements to get your readers' curiosity.[3]
  7. 7

    Tap OK and Share (iPhone) or Share (Android). Your post will automatically post to your Instagram feed. You can tap ••• (iOS) or ⋮ (Android) above your post and then tap "Edit" if you want to change anything in the post, including your caption and tags. Tap "Done" (iOS) or

    to finish.[4]

    • You can also delete the post using that three-dot menu.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question

    How do you write a good caption for a photo?

    Kasey Dunn
    Social Media Expert

    Kasey Dunn is a Social Media Expert and the Senior Social Media Manager for Golden Arrow PR in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. With over five years of experience, she specializes in business development, marketing, and brand design. She earned her BA in Business Administration and Management from Mount St. Joseph University. She also holds a SEMRUSH for Digital Agencies Certification, an SEO for Social Media Certification, and a Social Media Marketing Strategy: TikTok and Instagram Reels Certification.

    Kasey Dunn

    Social Media Expert

    Expert Answer

    Captions are kind of like reels. If you don't really captivate the audience in the first eight seconds of a reel, they will leave. If you want people to read your caption, you must keep them intrigued, especially if you're writing a lengthy caption.

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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about using Instagram, check out our in-depth interview with Kasey Dunn.

      About This Article

      How to Write a Caption on Instagram: 7 Steps (with Pictures) (23)

      Written by:

      Kasey Dunn

      Social Media Expert

      This article was written by Kasey Dunn and by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA. Kasey Dunn is a Social Media Expert and the Senior Social Media Manager for Golden Arrow PR in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. With over five years of experience, she specializes in business development, marketing, and brand design. She earned her BA in Business Administration and Management from Mount St. Joseph University. She also holds a SEMRUSH for Digital Agencies Certification, an SEO for Social Media Certification, and a Social Media Marketing Strategy: TikTok and Instagram Reels Certification. This article has been viewed 25,780 times.

      How helpful is this?

      Co-authors: 5

      Updated: October 29, 2023

      Views:25,780

      Categories: Instagram Photos

      Article SummaryX

      1. Open Instagram.
      2. Capture a new post image or upload your photo or video from your camera.
      3. Tap Next.
      4. Select a filter or edit your media.
      5. Tap Next.
      6. Tap in the text field that says "Write a caption."
      7. Type your caption.
      8. Tap OK > Share (iPhone) or Share (Android).

      Did this summary help you?

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      • Send fan mail to authors

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 25,780 times.

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      How to Write a Caption on Instagram: 7 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

      FAQs

      What is a photo caption example? ›

      For example: “Laurel Dalrymple (left) and Susan Vavrick watch the Newscast anchors bicker.” But give our readers some credit. If Janey Adams is in the photo with President Obama, assume our readers can figure out who is who. Use directionals only if they're really necessary to identify the people.

      How do you Write your own caption? ›

      Voice consistency is key. A consistent tone and vibe in how you write your captions lets Instagram users build a relationship with your brand. Hashtags are crucial. Using the right hashtags in your caption is just as important as your thoughtful words, even if you keep them separate from your message.

      What is an example of caption? ›

      A caption is a brief description accompanying an illustration. You know the online photo of your baby cousin face-planting into a cake? The description underneath it that says "Hugh's First Birthday" — that's the caption.

      What is caption format? ›

      The two most common caption file formats are SRT and VTT. SRT and VTT caption files are relatively simple file formats that are compatible with many commonly used video platforms. 3Play Media has provided detailed information about SRT, VTT, and more complex caption file format options and their uses.

      What is an Instagram caption? ›

      A caption is a description that accompanies a photo on social media. Captions can include text, hashtags, @ mentions, and emojis. Captions are an important part of telling your photo's story on social media and a key driver of engagement. Learn more: How to Write Good Instagram Captions: Tips, Ideas, and Tools.

      How do you put a line in a caption on Instagram? ›

      Having a line break between the description of the post and the call to action makes it easier to tell what the post is all about. Now all you have to do to create a line break on Instagram is simply click 'return' when you want to break up your caption.

      Why can't I write a caption on Instagram? ›

      If you can't find the option to add captions here, your account may be experiencing a glitch. It's also possible Instagram captions aren't available in your location, or Instagram doesn't support your language yet. Take a break, and try again later, or try an external captioning tool.

      How to write status in Instagram? ›

      Under your profile picture, click the “Create New Status” button. Select a “mood” emoji and begin typing out a status to add to your IG bio. Hit the checkmark to post. Pop over to your Instagram and refresh to populate your status.

      How do you format text in Instagram caption? ›

      As of March 2024, Instagram doesn't offer built-in text formatting tools, so you have two options to make your text bold: Open any bold text generator for Instagram, type in your text, and choose a bold style you like. Then, copy and paste the stylized text to your Instagram caption or bio.

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