Instagram caption length
An Instagram caption can be up to 2,200 characters, spaces, emoji and hashtags included. Anything past the limit is highlighted in the box above.
The 2,200 limit is the one stated in the Instagram Help Center. Instagram does not document how emoji are counted: this page counts Unicode characters, so a simple emoji counts 1 and a combined one (a flag, a skin tone) counts 2 or more. If your caption is full of emoji and close to the limit, keep a small margin.
What shows before "more"
In the feed, Instagram only shows the beginning of a caption, usually the first one or two lines, then cuts it with "more". The exact length depends on the screen and on line breaks, so there is no fixed number; a common rule of thumb is to put the essential message in the first 125 characters. Write the hook first and the details after.
Hashtags and mentions
The counters above show how many hashtags (#) and mentions (@) your caption contains. Instagram has changed its rules on the number of hashtags per post over time, so check the current Help Center page if you rely on a precise maximum. Hashtags and mentions count toward the 2,200 characters like any other text.
Other Instagram fields
- Bio: 150 characters.
- Name on the profile: 30 characters, as is the username.
Line breaks count as one character each. To add an empty line between paragraphs, type the text here, copy it with the Copy button and paste it into Instagram.
Cross-posting to Threads? The Threads limit (500) is in the Limits panel. For other networks, see the LinkedIn character counter or the X character counter.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Instagram caption limit?
2,200 characters, including spaces, line breaks, emoji, hashtags and mentions.
Do hashtags count toward the caption limit?
Yes. Every hashtag is part of the caption text and counts toward the 2,200 characters.
How many characters show before "more"?
It depends on the device and the line breaks; Instagram shows the first line or two. Keeping the key message within the first 125 characters or so is a widely used rule of thumb.
Do emoji count as one character on Instagram?
Instagram does not publish its counting method. Simple emoji count 1 here; combined emoji such as flags count 2 or more. Leave a few characters of margin if you use many.
What is the Instagram bio limit?
150 characters. Paste your bio here and use a target of 150 to check it.