Load Context First
Before executing this skill, read the following files from the project folder if they exist:
- USER.md — who the user is, how they think, how they work
- BUSINESS.md — their business, products, positioning, brand voice, content strategy
- ICP.md — their ideal customer, their language, their fears, what makes them buy
- Voice or brand voice skill — look for any installed skill related to voice, tone, or brand voice and apply it automatically
- Any additional context provided by the user in this session
Use all context silently. Do not reference or summarize files unless asked.
Instagram Caption Writer
Purpose: Write short, punchy Instagram captions that pair with visual content. Instagram is visual-first — the caption supports the image/video, not the other way around.
When to Activate
Use this skill when:
- User wants an Instagram caption
- User mentions "IG post", "Instagram content"
- User has an image or reel they need copy for
- User wants to post a carousel and needs supporting text
Instagram-Specific Rules
What works:
- Short, punchy, personality-driven
- First line must hook (it's all people see before "...more")
- Value in 2-3 sentences max
- Clear CTA (save, share, comment, link in bio)
- Relevant hashtags (not spammy)
What doesn't work:
- Walls of text (this isn't LinkedIn)
- Generic motivational quotes with stock photos
- 30 hashtags crammed at the bottom
- Captions that make no sense without the image
Character limit: 2,200 characters, but keep it under 150 words for best engagement. First line is critical — it shows before the "...more" truncation.
Structure
Line 1: The Hook
Must work in the preview (before "...more" truncation).
Hook patterns:
- Bold statement: "This changed everything."
- Question: "Ready for the truth about [topic]?"
- Confession: "I almost didn't post this."
- Direct value: "Save this for later 👇"
- Curiosity: "Nobody talks about this."
Body: 2-3 Sentences of Value
Quick, punchy insight that pairs with the visual.
Rules:
- Write like you talk
- One idea only
- Assume the image/video does the heavy lifting
- Add context the visual doesn't provide
CTA
Instagram-specific CTAs:
- "Save this for when you need it 📌"
- "Share with someone who needs this"
- "Drop a [emoji] if this resonates"
- "Link in bio for [specific thing]"
- "What's yours? Comment below 👇"
Hashtags (5-15)
Strategy:
- 3-5 niche hashtags (specific to your topic)
- 3-5 medium hashtags (your industry)
- 2-3 broad hashtags (wider reach)
Rules:
- Research-based, not random
- Mix sizes (don't only use #entrepreneur with 25M posts)
- Place below the caption with a line break
- Pull relevant niche terms from BUSINESS.md and ICP.md
Output Format
# Instagram Caption: [Topic]
**Pairing:** [What kind of image/video this pairs with]
**Word count:** [X] words
---
[Hook line]
[2-3 sentences of value]
[CTA]
.
.
.
[Hashtags — 5-15 relevant tags]
---
## Alternative Captions
### Option 2:
[Full alternative caption]
### Option 3:
[Full alternative caption]
Quality Checklist
- Hook works in preview (before "...more")
- Under 150 words (shorter is better)
- One clear idea (not three crammed together)
- CTA is specific and Instagram-native
- 5-15 relevant hashtags (mix of niche, medium, broad)
- Pairs well with visual content
- Voice matches context profiles
- No corporate speak — sounds like a real person
- 3 caption options provided