Lucia Summa
For most social media sites, users are faced with a character limit when adding text to posts, comments, etc. – and Instagram is no different. Here’s a guide to everything you need to know about Instagram’s character limitations, along with other tips and tricks to get you moving in the right direction.
Instagram was created as a simple way for users to engage with one another visually. Although photographs and videos play a big part in Instagram’s success, words to describe that visual content are still important.
Putting together the right words can make all the difference in terms of how well your content will do. Solid captions supply background information, fuel interest, and most importantly, introduce new people to your content.
So, how long is too long when it comes to Instagram? What’s the magic number that users can get away with before you’re flagged for too many characters?
In comparison to other social media sites, Instagram has a longer character limit. In this blog post, we’ll explain the character limits for each of Instagram’s main components, along with some other helpful tips and tricks you can use across the entire platform.
What are Instagram’s Character Limits?
Instagram sets a character limit for captions, hashtags, usernames, bios, and direct messages.
On the bright side, Instagram doesn’t have a tight character limit, like Twitter or Facebook. Instagram allows you enough space to get your point across to your followers.
But just because Instagram lets you use a lot of characters, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s always a good idea.
Keeping things simple, short, and sweet is one great way to get readers and users to stay engaged in your content.
Instagram’s Character Limit for Captions
If you’re a frequent user of Instagram, you’re probably aware of how important it is to have a good caption when creating content. So, what exactly is the limit when creating those captions?
Instagram allows you to have a caption for your content that is no longer than 2,200 characters.
Although 2,200 characters is the cutoff, that doesn’t mean you have to use all 2,200 characters every single time you write a caption.
Users tend to scroll past lengthy posts that might seem too time-consuming or boring to them. So, if you want to keep users interested, it might be a good idea to keep your captions short.
Instagram’s Limit for Hashtags
Using Instagram’s hashtag feature can be a robust marketing tool that can help grow your account.
Instagram’s hashtag limit is 30, whether it be in your caption or comments section for your latest post.
Here’s a tip about using hashtags in your content: add them shortly after you post to boost the hashtag engagement!
You’ll also want to make sure that you use the correct amount of hashtags for your post, not too little or not too many. Keep in mind that the more hashtags you use the more potential there is for your post to get noticed.
Instagram’s Character Limit for Comments
Instagram limits comments to 2,200 characters, just like captions.
You are also limited to posting 180-200 comments a day, so avoid posting the same comment repeatedly because Instagram will recognize that and might flag your account for spam.
If you do end up getting flagged and Instagram blocks you from commenting, it typically only lasts anywhere from 24 to 48 hours.
Instagram’s Character Limit for Bios
Of course, Instagram also has a bio limit, too.
Instagram lets you create a bio of up to 150 characters, which is more than enough to share the basics about yourself.
Some things you can consider putting in your bio are your name, age, location, or maybe something about your niche or lifestyle. A clickable link to your business website is also never a bad idea either.
If you think you should add a little more to your bio, consider adding one of your favorite quotes or anything else about yourself that you might want users to know about you when they come across your profile.
Instagram’s Character Limit for Usernames
Your Instagram username, or Instagram handle, is limited to 30 characters. This means that if you have a long name, you probably won’t be able to fit it all.
No worries though, because this is where those characters for your bio come in handy. You can just display your full name there instead for users to see.
Keep in mind that your username should be easy to remember and have something to do with the type of content you want to share.
Instagram’s Character Limit for Direct Messages (DM)
Instagram’s direct message character limit is 1,000 characters including spaces. For a lot of users, 1,000 characters is a generous amount that will certainly allow them to get their message across.
If not, simply give them an external link so your conversation can go more in-depth.
Use Instagram’s direct message feature as a way to engage with your followers, even if it’s just to say hello. This will help with your post engagement because users are more likely to interact with your page.
Character Limit Tips
Now that we’ve gone through all of Instagram’s character limits for each of its main components, it’s time to think about how you can use them to your advantage.
Here are some useful tips to consider when creating content:
- Keep it Short and Sweet – It’s important to be able to keep a reader’s attention just long enough for them to take action, so get right to the point!
- Ask Questions – The easiest and simplest way to higher engagement is to ask and answer followers’ questions. It won’t take up too many characters, either!
- Make Hashtags your Friend – Hashtags reach far more people than words. Ensure that you leave enough room in your content for some hashtags.
- Tell Stories – The more stories you tell, the more compelling your content will be. The best way to get active users is to get them engaged with your content.
These tips will help get you that user engagement from your followers and give them the full user experience in return!
Conclusion
So, do you feel like an Instagram character limit expert yet?
Now that you know that Instagram’s character limit for captions is 2,200, hashtags are 30, comments are 2,200, usernames are 30, bios are 150, and direct messages (DM) are 1,000, here is your chance to take this information and explore every social media platform and see what it’s like to create content.
Both desktop users and mobile users will have to follow these limits if you want your content to stand out. There are all types of content to choose from, so keep the limit in mind when creating to generate the perfect image for your brand.
But don’t forget, all of this takes some time – so try different things until you find what works for you!
