Load Context First

Before executing this skill, read the following files from the project folder if they exist:

1. USER.md — who the user is, how they think, how they work
2. BUSINESS.md — their business, products, positioning, brand voice, content strategy
3. ICP.md — their ideal customer, their language, their fears, what makes them buy
4. Voice or brand voice skill — look for any installed skill related to voice, tone, or brand voice and apply it automatically
5. 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:

1. Bold statement: "This changed everything."
2. Question: "Ready for the truth about [topic]?"
3. Confession: "I almost didn't post this."
4. Direct value: "Save this for later 👇"
5. 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