A Instagram pre-publish checklist
Ten things to check in the thirty seconds before you post to Instagram.
Instagram is a visual-first platform — the caption supports the image or reel, it doesn't lead. Run through this before you tap share.
- Is the image or cover frame the strongest one you have? People decide to stop scrolling in a fraction of a second, based on the visual alone.
- Does the first line of the caption work before "more" is tapped? Only the first couple of lines show — make them count on their own.
- Did you write real alt text? It helps accessibility and gives the algorithm another signal about what's in the image.
- Are your hashtags relevant, not just popular? A handful of specific, accurate hashtags beats a wall of generic ones.
- Is your call to action clear? "Save this," "share with a friend," or "link in bio" — pick one, don't stack three.
- Did you check the crop on mobile? What looks fine in the desktop editor can crop awkwardly in the feed or Reels player.
- Is this a Reel, and if so, does it hook in the first second? Static posts get a beat; video does not.
- Would this stand alone with the sound off? A large share of viewers watch muted — captions or on-screen text matter.
- Did you tag any collaborators or locations that apply? It's free extra reach if it's relevant, and awkward if it's not.
- Are you posting at a time your specific audience is actually awake? Global posting-time advice is close to useless — check your own insights instead.
That's the full pass. None of it takes long, and skipping it is how good photos end up under weak captions.