Prompt Workshop
Why it is written this way
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I manage the Instagram account for {{brand name}}. The brand voice is {{tone style}}, and our followers are mostly people who are already familiar with the brand.
Read the post content below and generate captions and hashtags for this photo. Do not invent any promotions, dates, or numbers not mentioned in the source details.
Structure the output into two parts: ① 3 Caption Options — Each option must have a concise hook in the first line (under 30 characters) so it is not truncated before the "...more" preview, 3 to 5 lines of body text, and a closing single-sentence call to action. ② 12 Hashtags — Group them into 3 high-volume keywords, 5 medium-competition keywords, and 4 niche/local keywords.
Keep individual sentences under 40 characters and use no more than 2 emojis per option. Avoid corporate announcements like "Hey everyone!" or "Check this out!" and overused buzzwords like "must-have" or "game-changer." Do not use generic high-volume tags that are irrelevant to the post; write a one-line explanation for why each hashtag bundle was selected.
Post Content: """ {{post content}} """
- Material What the AI needs to know ×2
- Work What to do, and how ×1
- Output What comes back, in what shape ×2
When given generic prompts, AI outputs cookie-cutter ad copy that could belong to any brand, accompanied by 30 crowded, generic hashtags. This content fails to convert because the copy lacks unique shop details and the tags are buried in high-competition feeds within minutes.
Read the full explanation · 3 paragraphs
The Context in the first paragraph establishes the foundation. By defining the brand and target tone style while noting that followers "are already familiar," it eliminates awkward introductory fluff meant for complete strangers. If you manage multiple brands, you only need to swap these variable values.
The Task paragraph requests captions and hashtags simultaneously while explicitly forbidding hallucinated discounts, dates, or specs. Captions are prone to AI embellishments; false baking times or pricing lead to customer confusion and unnecessary support inquiries.
The Format paragraph is the core of this prompt. The first-line 30-character limit ensures the hook fits neatly before Instagram cuts off with "...more", and categorizing hashtags into high, medium, and niche sets prevents the standard wall of useless tags. Niche tags drive actual targeted discovery. Finally, the Constraints eliminate typical robotic AI cliches, while the """ delimiters clearly separate source data from instructions.
Unfamiliar terms? See Aha AI: output-format, hallucination
Compared with a bad example
Write an Instagram caption for me. Give me 30 hashtags too.
We launched a new black sesame sourdough.
This prompt produces generic filler like "The perfect harmony of crispy crust and tender crumb" that fits any bakery. Practical details that customers actually care about—such as bake times and batch quantities—are omitted. The hashtags default to oversaturated tags like #foodie and #yummy, yielding zero search discovery and forcing you to rewrite everything manually.
Variations
When you only need short copy for Stories or Reels
Stories are viewed in a matter of seconds, so standard caption structures are unnecessary. The character limit is tightened to 20 characters and hashtags are capped at two.
Show prompt
Please provide 5 short copy options for a Story on the {{brand name}} account. The tone style is {{tone style}}. Since the text will overlay on the screen, keep each option to a single sentence under 20 characters. Include at most 2 hashtags.
""" {{post content}} """
When reposting the same photo with a fresh angle
Even with identical visual assets, assigning distinct narrative angles ensures the post feels brand new rather than recycled.
Show prompt
The content below was previously posted on the {{brand name}} account. Write 3 new caption options using the same visual, but framed from a fresh perspective that does not repeat past messaging. Focus each option around one of the following: the production process, a behind-the-scenes mistake, or a frequently asked customer question. Tone style: {{tone style}}.
""" {{post content}} """
Model notes
Language models frequently miscount exact hashtag quantities. If the count is off, follow up with: "Recount the hashtags per category and adjust the numbers to match the requested total."
Last updated 2026-09-02 · Found a mistake? Let us know