While a picture can tell a thousand words, words can enhance a picture by telling a story, providing context, or adding an air of mystery. Similarly, Instagram captions can help complete your Instagram post. You might add an Instagram caption to direct customers to your bio link, share selfie quotes, or increase social media engagement.
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In this article, you’ll learn what an Instagram caption is, why you should use one, and tips for writing the best Instagram captions. You’ll even find a comprehensive list of cool Instagram captions you can use for your photos. Feel free to copy-and-paste the ones you like — and then check your Instagram analytics to see the difference in your posts’ performance.
P.S. If you want to become an Instagram master, don’t forget to check out our Instagram course.
What is an Instagram Caption?
An Instagram caption is a written description or explanation about an Instagram photo to provide more context. Instagram captions can include emojis, hashtags, and tags. Here’s an example of a caption on Instagram:
Anna Kendrick posted a photo of her with a cute animal. Her Instagram caption reads “He followed me home ma! Can I keep him?” In this case, her caption helps give context as to why she took a picture with this animal. She told a one sentence story about how he followed her home, but likely took the photo because she thought he was cute (just look at her face!) and wanted to keep him.
How to Write Instagram Captions
1. Ask for Something
Posts with the most engagement tend to have Instagram captions that ask for something.
You might ask for friend tags such as “tag a friend who’d love this t-shirt.” You could also use your Instagram caption to ask a question such as “What do you think of this look?” And of course, you can ask for a purchase by asking people to click the link in the bio.
By asking for something, you engage your audience and strengthen your relationship with them. All good Instagram captions get people talking, sharing, or buying.
2. What’s the Instagram Caption Character Limit?
The Instagram caption character limit is 2,200 characters. How many words are 2,200 characters? About 330 words, give or take.
Take advantage of this character limit every now and then. Some days you might choose to write an Instagram caption with a string of emojis, but other days you might decide to share a story. 2,200 characters are enough to clearly communicate the context of your post.
Use a character count tool to keep track of the number of characters that you’ve created for your caption. It’ll make it easy for you to stay within the mentioned character limit.
3. Use Emojis as Easter Eggs
If you’ve got a sizable and loyal audience, you can use emojis to leave Easter eggs in your Instagram captions. What’s an Easter egg? They’re little hints that send a message across without explicitly saying anything.
For example, Dua Lipa has been using emojis in recent weeks. She’s said to be promoting the official video of her single called Love Again.e. And while she never says anything about the single, she keeps using emojis to make fans hysterical.
If you have an upcoming launch or an announcement you want to hint at, you can use emojis in your Instagram captions to create hype.
4. Brainstorm Several Good Instagram Captions First
Have you ever thought of something really witty to say after posting on Instagram?
Bleh, sucks. The secret to coming up with the best Instagram captions the first time around is to write a bunch of captions first before choosing one. You can create a short list of ideas, browse hashtags for inspo, or look up puns for your keyword.
Ultimately, you need to pre-decide what tone you want for your caption first. Do you want to share a heartfelt story or make someone laugh? Once you know the tone you want, you can come up with caption ideas to see what works best for your photo.
Want to learn a few more amazing Instagram tips? Learn from Jade Darmawangsa in our free Instagram course.
300+ Best Instagram Captions to Use for Your Photos
Now that you know how to write Instagram captions, let’s look at the best captions in different categories to inspire your own.
Instagram Quotes
Whatever is good for your soul, do that
Even the stars were jealous of the sparkle in her eyes
Stress less and enjoy the best
Get out there and live a little
I’m not high maintenance, you’re just low effort
I’m not gonna sugar coat the truth, I’m not Willy Wonka
Life is better when you’re laughing
Look for the magic in every moment
Vodka may not be the answer but it’s worth a shot
A sass a day keeps the basics away
Instagram Captions for Selfies and Selfie Quotes
Me, myself and I
Just me
But first, let me take a selfie
Typical me
Selfie Sunday
I was born to shine
Me doing me
I don’t always take a selfie, but when I do…
What do you think of this look?
I woke up like this
Couldn’t be happier 🙂
Instagram Captions 2023
You can regret a lot of things but you’ll never regret being kind
Do whatever makes you happiest
“Having the dream is easy, making it come true is hard” – Serena Williams
Decluttering my life like Marie Kondo
If I were rich, I’d pull a Netflix and spend $100 million on my Friends
In 2023, I want to be as Insta famous as an egg and as ageless as Paul Rudd
Can’t hear, can’t speak, can’t see.
“Be heroes of your own stories” – Constance Wu
“Hella fine and it works every time” – Ariana Grande
My life is as crooked as Rami Malek’s bowtie
Success Captions
We did it!
Work hard then work harder
Hustlin’
When daydreams become reality
Say yes, take risks, and live life on your own terms
The impossible is now possible
Perseverance pays… a lot!
It wasn’t always easy but it’s worth it
Pursue your passion and you’ll never work a day in your life
Entrepreneur life
Instagram Captions for Couples
Just the two of us
He’s my best friend
He’s my King, I’m his Queen
Sometimes relationships end so love stories can begin
We are totally #couplegoals
My world, my heart, my everything
Bae
My one and only
My love
You’re my 1 in 7 billion
Instagram Captions for Best Friend
Friends are like stars, constantly coming and going, but the ones that stay burn as bright as the sun
A good friend might know your wild stories but your best friend was right there with you
I would never let my best friend do anything stupid…alone
bff ❤️
Laughing at random things. Partying ‘til the sunrise. There’s no one else I’d want by my side. Love ya!
Hold onto your best friend because you’ll never find someone like them again
Back in the old days my best friend why quiet and shy. I turned her into a monster. 😜
Find someone who brings out the best in you
A best friend is like your favorite bra: supportive, comfortable, hard to find, and close to your heart
A best friend will love you when you’re too sad to love yourself
Pro tip: If you want to tag a friend, enter the “@” symbol and type their name. For instance, write “@nicole” if your friend’s name is Nicole. But make sure they’re on Instagram before tagging them in your captions.
Question Captions
Yes or No?
How can I help you?
What do you think of this?
How gorgeous is this?
If you could be doing anything right now, what would it be?
Which [fill in the blank] are you?
Trivia Time: How many people have tried [fill in the blank]?
How are you guys doing?
Miss me?
What time is it?
Lit Instagram Captions
Don’t trust everything you see, even salt can look like sugar
Everyone has a chapter they don’t read out loud
Too lit to quit
Shoutout to myself because I’m lit
I don’t tell you I love you out of habit but as a reminder of how much you mean to me
When I started counting my blessings, I realized I have everything I could ever need
A smile can change the world
The biggest mistake you can ever make is to be afraid to make mistakes
Life is tough but so am I
“My coach said I run like a girl. So I said if he ran a little faster he could too.” – Mia Hamm
Motivational Instagram Captions
Oops is always better than what if
If you want opportunity to knock, it’s time to build a door
The little things in life matter
If you don’t believe in yourself, who will?
I may not be there yet, but I’m closer than I was yesterday
It always seems impossible until it’s done
It may be stormy now but it never rains forever
“There’s a dream that I’ve been chasing want so badly for it to be reality” – Justin Bieber
Dreams don’t have expiration dates, keep going.
Set goals you don’t tell anyone about. Achieve them. Then give yourself the highest of fives!
One Word Captions
Me
Us
Love
YES!
Ugh…
Heaven
Speechless.
#Goals
OMG!
Surprise!
Awkward…
Instagram Captions for Summer
Feelin’ hot, hot, hot
Sea, Sun and Smiles 🙂
Summer lovin’ happened so fast
Chasin’ the sun
Blue skies, high tides and good vibes
Hello sunshine!
Life’s a beach
I never want summer to end
Eat, tan, sleep, repeat
This is my resting beach face
Baddie Instagram Captions
Act like you own the world because you do
As long as my bank account keeps growing, I couldn’t care less about anything else
I keep it real because I’m not afraid of having enemies
…um ok
You were my cup of tea but I drink wine now
Ambition on fleek
I wouldn’t chase you because I’m the catch
Know your worth but don’t forget to add tax
I’m the reason why I smile everyday
I don’t care if you approve of me, I approve of myself
Rap Lyrics for Instagram Captions
“I’m not a businessman, I’m a business, man”
“You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow. This opportunity comes once in a lifetime.”
California love
“We gonna party like it’s your birthday”
“I got 99 problems, but [fill in the blank] ain’t one”
“The more money we come across, the more problems we see”
Big poppa
“Drop it like it’s hot”
Only God Can Judge Me
“I’m feelin’ myself”
“To live doesn’t mean you’re alive”
Cardi B Instagram Captions
“If a girl have beef with me, she gon’ have beef with me forever”
“Knock me down 10 times but I get up 10”
“I’m being nice to you. Have I stabbed you? No.”
“I’m my own competition – I’m competing with myself.”
“Do whatever you have to do. People always want to tell you how to do it. No, do it your way. And don’t ask for like oh how can you do it … do it, figure it out. I figured it out one way or another and I did it.”
“I’m the rose that came from concrete.”
“I’m gonna be on a budget until the day I die.”
“I’m living my best life”
“Looking like a right swipe on Tinder.”
“Now I like dollars, I like diamonds, I like stunting, I like shining”
Instagram Captions Lyrics 2023
“I’ve loved and I’ve lost but that’s not what I see” – Ariana Grande
“I need somebody who can take control” – Sam Smith
“Keep switchin’ your alibi, or stutterin’ when you reply. You can’t even look me in the eye. Oh, I can tell, I know you’re lyin’” – The Chainsmokers
“Farewell tequila, so long margarita. And lady sativa, I hate to leave ya” – Bebe Rexha
“You know what you’re doin’ to me” – Ariana Grande
“It’s a hard time finding your freedom” – Slushii
“I would sell my soul for a bit more time” – Halsey
“Always wanted to be one of those people in the room that says something and everyone puts their hand up” – Julia Michaels feat. Selena Gomez
“I’m a babe, I’m a boss and I’m makin’ this money” – Avril Lavigne feat. Nicki Minaj
“It was you who taught me living is togetherness” – Calvin Harris feat. Rag’n’Bone Man
Instagram Captions Travel
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go first?
Hope you’re enjoying work, I’ll just be chillin’ here in [destination]
Leavin’ on a jet plane
Guess where I am
Work. Save. Travel. Repeat.
Time for an adventure!
Wanderlust
Wouldn’t wanna be anywhere else
Be right back, exploring the world
I travel because you can always get more money, but you can never get more time
Just gonna cross this off the bucket list…
Cat Instagram Captions
Her meow melts my heart
I saw ya sniffin’ around…is it me your looking for?!
I LOVE SCRATCHESSSS!
The purrty has spoken
Omg! Mom! Is that furr me?!
You went outside without me hooman? Unacceptable!
It’s gettin hot out here, I got on too much fur ….
Hmm how did I get up here?
Grocery shopping today with Hooooman
Whisker Wednesday. So nice outside today.
Instagram Captions Vacation
Vacation calories don’t count
Adventure, here we come!
Memories made together, last forever
Life is better with the sand between your toes
It’s not polite to keep a vacation waiting
Sorry, out on a beach relaxing. Be back soon!
The only vacation you’ll ever regret is the one you don’t take
Passports and palm trees
BEACH: Best Escape Anyone Can Have
“If you think adventure is dangerous; try routine. It’s lethal.” – Paulo Coelho
Nature Captions for Instagram
Go to the place where you feel most alive
A walk in the woods feels like home
By getting lost in nature, you get closer to finding yourself
If you’re looking for heaven on earth step outside
Sometimes all the soul needs is a walk in nature
The mountains call to me
“If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need” – Marcus Tullius Cicero
If you’re looking for beauty, you’ll find it in nature
Life is short and the world is wide so get out there and explore it
Wherever you go, leave a trail
IG Captions
Life is the biggest party you’ll ever be at
An apple a day will keep anyone away if you throw it hard enough
Give second chances but not for the same mistake
Never sacrifice three things: family, love, and or yourself
I’m an original and that’s perfection in itself
You can’t dull my sparkle ✨
Be the person you needed when you were young
Life is about taking chances and having fun
So grateful for this moment
I’m thankful for the struggles that made me the person I am today
Captions for Girls
Messy bun and having fun
I got it from my mama
A great girl is classy not trashy
Girls are changing the world
Who run the world? GIRLS.
Just like my eyeliner, I always wing it
I’m not one in a million, I’m one in 7 billion
Leave a little sparkle everywhere you go
I’m wild and free
The only person I dress to impress is me
Captions for Boys
Boys will be boys
Chillin’ with my bros
Boys got swagger, men have style, but gentlemen have class
Be a warrior in a room of worriers
A great man is strong because he can be gentle
Haters are my greatest motivators
A real man provides, protects and perseveres
The only time a man should ever lie is to surprise someone
No guts, no glory.
Release the beast within
Instagram Captions for Food
Good food, good mood
I’m on a seafood diet. I see food I eat it
Never settle for just one scoop
Don’t be upsetti, eat some spaghetti
Chocolate is cheaper than therapy
Waffles are just pancakes with abs
Food before dudes
When you’re downie eat a brownie
Pasta la vista baby
You can’t live a full life on an empty stomach
Coffee Captions
Resting coffee face
Hocus pocus I need coffee to focus
Life is better with a coffee in hand
I like big cups and I cannot lie
Taking a little coffee break
Feeling depresso without my espresso
I like myself how I like my coffee: dark, bitter, and too hot for you
Caffeine Queen
Too much Monday not enough coffee
When things go wrong, coffee helps
Short Instagram Captions
Oh hey there!
Short and sweet
…
I got nothing
*Insert witty Instagram caption here*
Just livin’ life
Just chillin’
Today’s perfect
Yup, another food pic
Why so serious?
Time for a change
Sad Instagram Captions
Tears come straight from the heart
Sometimes, at night, I hope to fall asleep before I fall apart
I didn’t change. You did. You stopped loving me.
“Learning is a gift. Even if pain is the teacher.” – Maya Watson
As a kid I was afraid of monsters under my bed but as I grow older I realize they live inside my head.
Want to be happy? Care less.
Until you’ve heard my story, you have no idea
Even when I’m sad, I show off my big smile anyways
I miss you…
The rumor is true, I’m sad. Again.
Attitude Captions for Instagram
I’d rather be someone’s Sunday morning, not Saturday night
Be the EXTRA in extraordinary
I’ve got hustle and heart
I don’t believe in SOMEDAY, I believe in TODAY
When life gives me lemons, I make lemonade then sell it
My life my rules
I’m not lucky, I’m talented
You can beat me down but I’ll just jump back up
I may be down to earth but I’m still above you
I’m confident, your opinion of me won’t change that
Instagram Captions Lyrics
“I could build a castle out of all the bricks they threw at me”
“I think I’m ready for my close up”
“Pictures of last night ended up online, I’m screwed”
“I’ll just keep on living, the way I want to live”
“I got sinning on my mind”
“Find me where the wild things are”
“I got one less problem without ya”
“I’m bringing sexy back”
“We’re always undercover”
“I don’t care if you tear me apart”
“There’s no way I could be stopped, was coming for your spot”
“Hello, it’s me”
Sassy Instagram Captions
Don’t be average, be savage
It’s not my fault truth hurts, here’s a bandaid
Be the kind of person that makes others step up their game
Single as a dollar but not looking for change
Well behaved people don’t make it into history books
Looks aren’t everything but I have them just in case
People say I act like I don’t care but it’s not an act
I can easily tell how intelligent someone is by how stupid they think I am.
I’m classy, sassy and a bit badassy
I’ve got my sassy pants on. Watch out world!
I’m too glam to give a damn
Dog Captions for Instagram
Who let the dogs out?
You are pawfection
My dog is the only friend I need
Sorry can’t hangout, my dog and I have plans
Be the kind of person your dog thinks you are
My dog thinks I’m kind of a big deal
I’d rather be at home with my dog
I have the best dog
As long as you have your dog’s love, you have everything
Hush puppy
Cat Captions for Instagram
Proud cat lady
She’s purrfect
You’ll never regret time spent with your cat
Home is where my cat is
You had me at meow
Life is better with cats
Owning a cat is like eating M&Ms you can’t have just one
Fur real though
I litter-ally can’t live without my cat
I’ve been feline good today
Graduation Captions
“She believed she could, so she did.” – R.S. Grey
“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” – Benjamin Franklin
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
I finally turned my can’ts into cans and my dreams into plans.
Excited for the next chapter of my life. Get ready for a wild adventure!
When you’re so close to victory 🏆
“I don’t know where I’m going, but I promise it won’t be boring.” – David Bowie
Here’s to all the fun memories, late nights, and cups of coffee that got me here.
It’s time to pursue my purpose.
BRB. Working on my dreams.
Funny Instagram Captions
When I feel like giving up on my dreams, I keep sleeping
The best workout is a cross between a lunge and a crunch. Lunch.
If I was funny, I’d have a better Instagram caption for this
*insert funny Instagram caption here*
This is my pretty hungry face
Namast’ay in bed
Putting the ‘we’ in weird
We’re all born a little crazy, some of us just choose to stay that way
We all have that one friend…
I don’t know what’s tighter: my jeans or our love
Mirror: you look amazing today Camera: Nope, you don’t
I’m a model… Well… an Instagram model. Same thing right?
But first, let me take 40 selfies until choosing one that actually works
Good Instagram Captions
You’re like a four-leaf clover: hard to find and lucky to have
You’re amazing, brave, strong, beautiful and perfect in every way
So much to be thankful for
Nothing shines brighter than a heart of gold
Mistakes are proof that you’ve tried
The journey is always the best part
Today’s the best kind of day
Life is only as legendary as you make it
Good vibes only
Livin’ the good life
Clever Instagram Captions
Don’t judge someone by their mistakes but on how they fix them
If I don’t post a picture, did it even really happen?
You know you’ve made it when your idols become your rivals
They call me ranch ‘cuz I be dressing
One does not simply create a clever Instagram caption
Maybe she’s born with it, maybe it’s the Clarendon filter
If the world was created in 7 days but it took 9 months to make me, I’m clearly a big deal
People will judge everything you do, so you do you
I just rolled my eyes so hard I saw my brain
You never realize how boring your life is until someone asks you what you do for fun
Cool Captions for Instagram
Be the type of person you want to meet
Just two friends having a good time
Guess who I just met?
Best. Day. EVER!
What just happened?
Go BIG or go home
Treat yourself like a King and you’ll attract your Queen
This is GOLD
This is it!
Express gratitude. Regret nothing.
Instagram Caption Ideas
Motivation Monday? I’m motivated seven days a week
Taco Tuesday is my favorite day of the week
It’s Wednesday so here’s my wise quote of the day… actually I got nothing.
Here’s a throwback Thursday picture. If you don’t comment aww, I’ll unfollow you.
Friday, my second favorite F word
“Friday, Friday, gotta get down on Friday”
Happy #Caturday y’all
It’s Sleepy Sunday. So here’s a selfie of me pretending to sleep.
Weekend Vibes…
This basically sums up my entire weekend
Cute Instagram Captions
This is me in all my glory
Your smile is my favorite
Je t’adore
Keep your chin up so your crown doesn’t slip
Be kind. Be love.
Follow your heart in everything you do
Don’t live a life regretting the things you didn’t do. Go do things!
All I could ever want is right in front of me
Don’t wait for the storm to pass, go out there and dance in the rain
She brings out the best in me
Halloween Instagram Captions
Pumpkin and spice and everything nice
You’re my favorite BOO!
Creep it real
Happy Halloween!
This is spooktacular
Straight Outta Coffin
I’m under your spell
Bow down witches!
If you’ve got it, haunt it
Trick or treat?
Christmas Instagram Captions
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Silent night… Oh, well we tried.
This is my Christmas list, don’t forget to check it twice
Falalalalalalalala
I’m dreaming of a white Christmas. But if the white runs out, pour me some red.
Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle
Hanging out under the mistletoe
Drink up Grinches, it’s Christmas
Can I wrap you up?
‘Tis the season to be jolly
New Years Captions for Instagram
Happy New Year, everyone!
It’s only January 1st and I’ve already failed at my resolutions…
365 new days, chances, and opportunities to go after
New year, new look
2023: new chapter or same old story? Let’s wait and see.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” – Chinese Proverb
Cheers to a new year of love, happiness and success
Hope you crush it in 2023 y’all!
May your 2023 be healthy and wealthy
Happy new dreams, happy new goals, happy new wins, happy new love, happy new days, and happy new year!
Birthday Instagram Captions
A year wiser 🤓
Go shawty, it’s my birthday
Happy birthday to me!
Having my cake and eating it too 🎂
Making my birthday wish
I’m officially [age]!
Experience level: [age]
“It takes a long time to grow young” – Pablo Picasso
Another year older, wiser, and happier
On this day, a queen was born. Happy birthday to me!
Gonna party like my birthday… oh wait, it is!
Insta Captions
Normal is boring
“Be a little more you, and a lot less them.” – Madalyn Beck
You can’t live an EPIC life without EPIC people
Creating a life I love ❤️
…breathe…
I’m just a girl standing in front of a camera asking if this is Instagram worthy?
Filling my mind with happy thoughts
A coffee can’t solve everything but it can solve a lot
My life isn’t perfect but it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me
Isn’t it beautiful outside?
Instagram Captions Ideas
Just your average Monday morning commute
It’s a chill in bed kinda day
Hitting the books today
Me jamming out to New Music Friday
So this just happened!!!!
Sleep like no one’s watching
“Life is a practice. You are what you do each day.” – Isaac Asimov
Exercise: check
Today’s been the best day
Let’s get the party started!
Unique Instagram Captions
Today’s a great day, you can’t stand in my way
One day when you finally call, I won’t respond, but my assistant will
It may hurt a lot now, but I’m strong enough to handle it
Life is all about smiles and high fives
Just vibes
When the sun goes down, that’s when you see me glow
Developing some good habits today
If good things come to those who wait, I’m gonna be an hour late to our date
It’s good that you have two hands because I can be a handful
Every heart has a story waiting to be told
Gym Captions for Instagram
Beast mode activated
Keep your squats low and your standards high
The awkward moment when you’re wearing a Nike shirt but you just can’t do it
Does refusing to use the elliptical count as resistance training?
Pain is weakness leaving the body
Train like a beast
Sweaty is pretty
Working my butt off to get a better after photo
I HAVE ABSolutely no excuse
Getting WHEYsted
Summary: The Best Instagram Captions In 2023
You may have noticed that the recurring theme with these Instagram captions is confidence, self-love, and attitude.
Whether you use one of the Instagram captions from this article or create your own, the best captions on Instagram come from an appreciation of your self-worth.
If you’re creating funny captions, feel free to use puns to add a sense of playfulness to your post. Make your caption tell the untold story behind the photo and it’s sure to be a success!
Want to Learn More?
Which of these Instagram captions will you be using? Comment below!
