---
platform: instagram
format: feed-post
constraints:
  max_chars: 2200
  image_ratio: "1:1"
  max_hashtags: 30
---

# Best Practices: Instagram — Feed Post

## Format Rules

- Caption limit: 2200 characters (only the first ~125 shown before "more")
- Image aspect ratio: 1:1 (square) preferred; 4:5 portrait also supported; 1.91:1 landscape accepted
- Resolution: minimum 1080x1080px for square; 1080x1350px for portrait
- Hashtags: up to 30 allowed; 5–15 is the effective sweet spot
- Emojis count toward character limit
- First line must hook — it appears in the feed preview

## Structure

```
[HOOK LINE — 1 punchy sentence]

[BODY — 3 to 6 short paragraphs, each 1–3 lines]
- Break up text with line breaks (double return)
- Use emojis sparingly to guide the eye
- End with a question or call-to-action

[CTA — direct instruction: "Save this", "Tag a friend", "Link in bio"]

[HASHTAGS — either inline or grouped at end, 5–15 relevant tags]
```

## Guidelines

- **Hook is everything.** The first line determines whether the reader taps "more."
- Write for skimmability: short paragraphs, clear breaks, bold ideas stated plainly.
- Avoid engagement-bait phrases ("double tap if you agree") — they violate Instagram policies.
- Mix broad hashtags (1M+ posts) with niche ones (10K–100K) for optimal reach.
- Post carousel posts (up to 10 slides) for significantly higher engagement than single images.
- Alt text should describe the image for accessibility and SEO.
- Geo-tagging and product tags increase discovery.
- Best posting times: weekdays 11 AM–1 PM and 7–9 PM (audience's local time).

## Examples

**Hook variants:**
- "3 years ago I had zero clients. Here's what changed."
- "Most people skip this step — and wonder why nothing works."
- "Hot take: consistency beats creativity every single time."

**Full caption (condensed example):**
```
Nobody tells you content creation is 80% strategy and 20% execution.

Here's the framework that took me from 0 to 10K followers in 90 days:

1. Pick ONE topic and go deep
2. Post at least 4x per week
3. Study your top 3 competitors
4. Test hooks until one lands

The platform rewards clarity over cleverness.

Which step do you struggle with most? Drop it below.

#contentcreator #instagramgrowth #socialmediatips #creatoreconomy #digitalmarketing
```
