Instagram allows you the opportunity to interact with others through visuals. While photos and videos are important on Instagram, words are as important.
Unlike Twitter, which structured its whole platform on a word limit, most Instagram users are unaware of this limit.
Is there a limit on how many words you may use on Instagram?
Yes, they've tightened the rules in recent years to spam control. Everything you need to know about Instagram's text limit is right here.
Is there a character limit on Instagram?
The character limit for Instagram posts is 2,200 words, which is roughly 400 words on average. However, the 2,200-character limit does not show the whole narrative.
Just because you have 2,200 characters at your disposal doesn't mean you should utilize them all. Let's take a look at the Instagram character restriction for various aspects of the app.
Instagram username character limit
Instagram has set a maximum limit of 30 letters for usernames to ensure consistency and prevent misuse of the platform.
Having a character limit helps to maintain the overall look and feel of the platform, making it more user-friendly and easier to navigate. A shorter username also makes it easier for others to find and tag your profile in posts and stories.
Additionally, having a word limit helps to prevent usernames that are too similar to existing ones, which can cause confusion and make it harder for people to find the right profile.
It's important to note that Instagram also has guidelines regarding the type of content that can be posted on the platform, so it's essential to keep your username appropriate and in compliance with their policies.
Bio on Instagram is limited to a certain number of characters.
Bio on Instagram has a much lesser length limit of 150 words. It's why people's bios include links, emojis, and flags.
Your bio is an important part of your Instagram profile as it provides a brief description of who you are or what your brand represents. It's important to make the most of the limited space by including relevant information that helps your audience understand what your account is all about. This can include a brief description of your brand, your tagline, your location, or a call to action.
In addition to this limitation count, Instagram also allows users to add a single clickable link in their bio. This link can direct your audience to your website, blog, or any other external page you want to promote. Some users also use the bio link to promote their latest post or product.
Remember, your bio is one of the first things that people see when they visit your Instagram profile, so make sure it accurately represents you or your brand and encourages people to follow and engage with your content.
Your username, on the other hand, is limited to 30 characters, so keep your branding short and sweet.
Caption Length on Instagram
If you're running Instagram Ads, you'll need to count for additional restrictions. The maximum caption length on Instagram is 2,200 words, including spaces and Emojis, which is the same as for posts. However, it's important to keep remember that Instagram users have short attention spans, so it's best to keep your captions concise and to the point.
Research has shown that shorter captions tend to perform better in terms of engagement than longer ones. Captions that are 125 characters or less receive the highest engagement rate on average. However, this doesn't mean that longer captions should be avoided entirely. If Writing a longer caption is okay if you have a compelling story or important information to share and make sure that it's well-written and engaging to keep your audience's attention.
Remember that Instagram is a visual platform, so your caption should complement your image or video. Use your caption to provide context, tell a story, ask a question, or add a call to action. This can help encourage engagement and interaction with your post.
When writing captions, it's a good idea to keep them concise and engaging to capture the viewer's attention quickly. Including relevant hashtags and tagging other users can also help increase engagement with your post.
It's simple to figure out how long an Instagram caption may be, but just because you have 2,200 words available doesn't mean you should.
Instagram's owner, Facebook, suggests using no more than 125 characters.
Instagram direct message character limit
The character limit for Instagram direct messages (DMs) is 1000 characters per message. This limit includes all characters such as letters, spaces, emojis, and symbols.
If you exceed the 1000-character limit, Instagram will automatically split the message into multiple parts. Each part will be sent as a separate message, and the recipient will receive them as a threaded conversation.
It's also important to note that Instagram may restrict the number of messages you can send within a certain time frame to prevent spamming and misuse of the platform.
Hashtag Limit on Instagram
Instagram has been plagued with hashtag spam for years. Since then, the platform has taken steps to discourage the practice. You can now only use 30 hashtags in a single post, However, using too many hashtags can come across as spammy and may not be effective in reaching your desired audience.
It's important to use relevant hashtags that are related to your content and target audience. You can use a combination of popular hashtags and niche hashtags to increase the visibility of your post. You can also create branded hashtags that are unique to your brand or campaign.
Additionally, it's a good practice to keep your hashtags organized and relevant to your post. You can also use Instagram's hashtag suggestions feature to find new and relevant hashtags to use. Remember, the goal of using hashtags is to increase the visibility and engagement of your post, so choose your hashtags wisely and strategically.
Just as with the 2,200 limits, just because you have 30 available doesn't mean you should. We recommend utilizing no more than 5-10 hashtags, but finding out what works best for your audience is a process of trial and error.
Know more about the limitation on Instagram Messages
The limitation for Instagram messages is 1,000 characters, including spaces. This is more than enough words for most people to get their idea across.
If you need to have a more in-depth chat with a user, use shortened links to move them off the platform.
What is the Optimal Character Count for Instagram?
Did you know that when an Instagram caption reaches 125 characters, it is truncated? In other words, you cannot exceed this limit if you want to see the entire caption shown.
For the sake of visibility, most marketers believe that keeping it to 125-150 words is the way to go. It means you'll need to practice condensing your entire story into a little number of characters.
Epsi's link shortener can help you with this by reducing the number of characters utilized when linking externally.
Making the Most of limitation on Instagram
Now that you know how many characters you have to work within an Instagram post, think about how you can make the most of them. Here are some helpful hints for making the most of your little space:
Tell a story — People are more engaged when they are told a story. To begin, set the scene. Invite more questions.
Ask a question - The simplest method to engage without taking up too many characters is to ask a question.
Use a call-to-action in your postings to encourage people to take action. Use Epsi to create a shortened, branded social networking link as an external link.
Save your words for hashtags - Hashtags will reach considerably more people than your words. Make sure you leave enough space in your article to include some hashtags.
Get the perfect image - You can have the best caption in the world, but you won't get far if you don't have the perfect image. Save the euphemisms for Facebook. It's all about the pictures on Instagram.
Instagram is all about trying new things. Experiment with various styles and tones. You'll find the brand voice that inspires engagement by experimenting with different hashtags.
Because this is a long-term investment, don't be hesitant to try different things until you achieve the desired results.
Getting the perfect image for Instagram involves a combination of factors including the quality of the image, composition, lighting, and editing. Here are some tips to help you get the perfect image for Instagram:
- Start with a good quality image: Use a good quality camera or smartphone to capture your images. Ensure that your lens is clean and that you're using the appropriate settings.
- Use natural lighting: Natural lighting is the best way to capture a perfect image. Avoid using artificial light whenever possible. Try taking photos during the golden hours - the hours right after sunrise or just before sunset when the light is soft and warm.
- Pay attention to composition: Think about the rule of thirds when composing your image. This means that you should place the main subject off-center in the image. Also, consider the background and make sure it's not distracting.
- Edit your image: Use editing tools to enhance your image. You can use Instagram's built-in editing tools or other editing apps. Adjust the brightness, contrast, and saturation as needed. You can also use filters to give your image a unique look.
- Post at the right time: Timing is everything when it comes to Instagram. Posting at the right time can help your image reach a larger audience. Use Instagram analytics tools to determine the best time to post for your audience.
Remember, getting the perfect image for Instagram takes practice and experimentation. Keep trying new things and analyzing your results to improve your photography skills.
