Instagram Post Checklist: 10 Things to Check Before You Publish
Check the image or video quality, crop, first line of the caption, alt text, tags, hashtags, audio credit, call to action, timing and Insights before posting.
Before you publish an Instagram post, check ten things: quality, crop, the first line of the caption, alt text, tags, hashtags, audio credit, one call to action, timing and where you will read results. The list is our suggestion, not an Instagram requirement.
The 10-point checklist
- Quality: is the photo sharp and the video clear, with readable text on a phone?
- Crop: open the preview and check how the post looks in your grid and in the feed.
- First line of the caption: say what the post is about before the "more" cut-off.
- Alt text: add alternate text. Instagram's Reels page lists "add alternate text" among the post settings.
- Tags: tag people, products and your location when they apply, and only when they are in the post.
- Hashtags: use a few that describe the post, not a long list.
- Audio: Instagram says licensed audio must be credited to the artist with the track name, and audio tracks can become muted if the agreements with music rights holders change.
- One call to action: ask for one thing, such as save, share, comment or visit the link.
- Timing: check when your followers are on Instagram in Insights. See best times to post on Instagram.
- Results: decide which number you will check, such as saves, shares or reach, and when.
After you post
Reply to comments in the first hour when you can, and share the post to your Story. After a few days, compare it with your earlier posts and repeat what worked. If your account is new, start with our Instagram launch checklist.
Related guides
Sources, read 9 November 2026: about.instagram.com/features/reels.
