Instagram Caption Character Limit (2026): Max Length & Best Practices
Quick answer: The Instagram caption character limit is 2,200 characters; about 125 characters show before “more.”
Last updated: February 21, 2026 · Guide by Likeprovider
Caption: 2,200 characters (includes spaces, hashtags, line breaks) · Visible before “more”: ~125 characters · Bio: 150 · Hashtags: 30 per post
The Instagram caption character limit is 2,200 characters in 2026. That includes spaces, URLs, hashtags, and line breaks. Only about 125 characters (roughly 10–15 words) show in the feed before people tap “more,” so put your hook or key message in the first line. Use our Instagram caption generator to draft and check length.
Instagram caption character limit – summary
- Put your hook or key message in the first 125 characters (before “more”).
- Stay under 2,200 characters total; hashtags and line breaks count.
- Use up to 30 hashtags per post; each counts toward the 2,200 limit.
- Check length before posting with a counter or our caption generator.
| Field | Limit (2026) |
|---|---|
| Caption | 2,200 characters |
| Visible before “more” | ~125 characters |
| Bio | 150 characters |
| Direct message | 1,000 per message |
| Comment | 300 characters |
| Hashtags per post | 30 |
| Username | 30 characters |
| Profile name | 30 characters |
What counts toward the 2,200 limit?
Everything in the caption counts: letters, numbers, spaces, line breaks, punctuation, hashtags, and URLs. Instagram’s limit is 2,200 characters total. There is no separate “hashtag limit” for the caption itself—you can use up to 30 hashtags per post, and each one counts toward the 2,200. For Story length and Reel length, see our other guides.
Visible part and the “more” link
Instagram truncates long captions in the feed. Typically about 125 characters (sometimes cited as 80–100 in older sources) show before the “more” link. The exact cut-off can vary by device. Best practice: put the most important message or hook in the first 10–15 words so it’s visible without a tap. Use the rest for story, call-to-action, or hashtags.
Best caption length for engagement
There’s no single “best” length—it depends on your content and audience. Short captions (100–300 characters) work for punchy posts; long captions (up to 2,200) can tell a story or add context. What matters: front-load value in the visible part. If you use the full limit, make the first line compelling. For ideas, try our caption generator and best time to post on Instagram.
Other Instagram character limits
For reference: Bio 150 characters · Username 30 characters (display 20) · Profile name 30 characters · Direct messages 1,000 characters per message · Comments 300 characters. Caption is the longest text field at 2,200.
Tips for writing within the limit
- Put the hook or key takeaway in the first 125 characters.
- Use line breaks to make long captions readable; they count as characters.
- Check length before posting—use a counter or our caption generator.
- If you hit the limit, trim hashtags or shorten a sentence rather than cutting the opening line.
Sources & references
We update this guide when Instagram changes limits. Official info: Instagram Help Center. The 2,200 caption limit has been consistent; visible truncation is often around 125 characters. More tools: caption generator, how to repost, Reel dimensions.
FAQ: Instagram caption character limit
What is the Instagram caption character limit?
The limit is 2,200 characters, including spaces, line breaks, hashtags, and URLs. About 125 characters show in the feed before the “more” link.
Does Instagram have a caption character limit?
Yes. Instagram has a caption character limit of 2,200 characters per post. Everything in the caption counts toward this limit.
How long can an Instagram caption be?
An Instagram caption can be up to 2,200 characters (about 300–500 words). Only roughly 125 characters are visible before the “more” link.
How many characters show before “more” on Instagram?
About 125 characters. Put your most important message in the first 10–15 words.
What is the best caption length for engagement?
It depends on your content. Many use 100–300 characters for short captions or the full 2,200 for stories. Always front-load the hook in the first 125 characters.
Do hashtags count toward the caption limit?
Yes. Hashtags count toward the 2,200 limit. You can use up to 30 hashtags per post.
Is the Instagram caption limit the same in 2026?
Yes. As of 2026 the limit remains 2,200 characters. We update this guide if that changes.