Your bio is literally the first thing someone sees after visiting your Instagram profile. As the old saying goes, people tend to judge a book by its cover, so it’s on you to make sure the first impression is as good as it can be. The problem is, how to go about it?

The first step is getting some actionable ideas and examples, and by scrolling through our guide, you’ll get more than plenty of those. Then, you should study them and start thinking about how to take them and transform them into something actionable you can run with and publish on your profile.

To get you moving in the right direction, we’re going to be tackling the issue of how to write short captions for Instagram and come up with an attention-grabbing bio from both angles – by providing our expert guidance and concrete examples alike. So without any further ado, here’s our take on how to write your bio on Instagram!

​Writing a bio for Instagram – the best practices

When people are in ‘browsing mode’, they don’t exactly tend to study every single word in detail. Instead, they skim over it in a fraction of a second. Combine that with how people’s attention spans are decreasing, and you’ll have your first golden nugget of wisdom as it comes to writing your Instagram bio – keep it simple and short!

Generally speaking, a sentence or two is more than enough to cut it. So ask yourself, what can you really accomplish with such limited word real estate? You cannot afford to bore your visitor, that’s for sure. So if you can come up with something striking, humorous, or witty, that’s a good way to start.

​Think of your Instagram bio as a complete picture

There is more than one element that goes into writing a good Instagram bio. The meatiest part of it (although still short) is the description itself, but the complete picture consists of other elements as well, such as your display name, contact info, your avatar, etc.

It should all go together to form a complete whole. After all, everything you do on social media comes down to how you brand yourself as a content creator, a service provider, or whatever you’re up to online. As soon as someone reads it, the message should be clear and it should be evident that what they’re seeing is, in fact, you.

​Elements of a top-performing Instagram bio

To stand out from the crowd and increase the chances of your visitors sticking around to explore the content you’ve prepared for them, make sure your Instagram bio is:

- Short and to-the point. In this context, less is truly more, so turn it into an exercise of trying to say a lot by using as little words as possible. Try to keep it under 150 characters or less.

- Equipped with the relevant hashtags. If you’ve read our other tips on how to go about inserting hashtags on social media, you’ll know that hashtags can do great things in terms of attracting additional clicks to your profile as well as making it easier for Instagram’s algorithm to determine what your content is about. Pro tip: make #hashtags be a natural part of your sentences.

- Tastefully spiced up with emojis. Emojis are a great way to convey your emotional state, make your Instagram bio stand out more, as well as add freshness and color to other people’s experience on Instagram. However, don’t feel pressured into forcing them just for the sake of doing it, as this may come across as a bit overboard and juvenile.

- Guiding your visitors in the right direction with a CTA. In the marketing lingo, CTA is short for ‘call to action’. Generally, you should aim to include it as the last sentence. If you’re an eCommerce business, this could be something as simple as ‘buy’ or ‘view’ or product range now. If you’re giving away a free report, state that it’s free and what they should do to download it.

- Not leaving your visitors in the dark regarding how to get in touch. This can be your email, a contact form, and even your other social media channels if you have them.

- Something you’d genuinely write as a person. This doesn’t mean that trying to get inspiration from other Instagram bio examples is bad, quite the contrary. However, at the same time, your Instagram bio, in a lot of ways, is kind of like your personal signature and a personal brand. Don’t try to be something you’re not; people can not only spot what’s genuine, they also value it more.

​The best captions for Instagram

To make good on our promise, we’re going to showcase some examples of how a good Instagram bio should look. We'll start off with some general ones to give you a good idea, then narrow it down by listing some more specific use cases applicable to mothers, daughters, religious individuals and more.

​The best Instagram bio for mixed and general purposes

"Chasing dreams and catching flights ✈️ #AdventureAwaits"

"Embracing the journey, one smile at a time 😊 #LifeIsBeautiful"

"Sundays are for self-care and positive vibes only 🌻 #SelfLoveSunday"

"Living my story, one chapter at a time 📖 #LifeInMotion"

"Coffee in one hand, confidence in the other ☕💪 #MondayMotivation"

"Finding joy in the little things that make life big 🌈 #SimplePleasures"

"Making memories that will last a lifetime 📸 #MomentsThatMatter"

"Radiating good vibes only ✨ #PositiveEnergy"

"In a world where you can be anything, be kind ❤️ #SpreadLove"

"Celebrating the beauty of everyday moments 🌼 #GratefulHeart"

As you can see, these give people a glimpse into your personal values and personality. For obvious reasons, don’t post about being a passionate traveler if that’s not who you are; genuinely tell people what gets you up in the morning.

​Best funny bio for Instagram

"Professional over-thinker, amateur pun enthusiast. 😜🤔 #LifeOfAChucklehead"

"Sarcasm is my second language, but I'm fluent in emojis too. 😂🤷‍♂️ #SeriouslyKidding"

"My life is a series of awkward moments documented for your amusement. 🙈🤣 #AwkwardlyAwesome"

"Eating my way through life because adulting is hard. 🍕🍰 #ProfessionalSnacker"

"Making people laugh is my cardio. 💪😂 #FitFunnyFabulous"

"Life status: Making a living out of making people laugh. 😄🎤 #ComedyCentralInMyMind"

"Just a girl trying to make the world laugh, one witty caption at a time. 🌎🤣 #SillyButSmart"

"If you can't be the sunshine, be the glitter. ✨😂 #ShineBrightLikeALaugh"

"Born to stand out, but not in a 'lost in a crowd' kind of way. 🌈🕺 #UniquelyHilarious"

"Living for the moments that make you snort-laugh. 🤧😆 #SnortLife"

Don’t know what to say in your Instagram bio? Crack a joke and call it a day. If you’re a professional comedian, there’s something useful in there for you as well.

​Best self love short captions for Instagram

"Choosing me, always. 💖 #SelfLove"

"Flaws and all, I am enough. ✨ #SelfAcceptance"

"Embracing my journey, loving my story. 🌟 #SelfDiscovery"

"Fueling my soul with self-love vibes. 💕 #LoveYourself"

"Radiating self-love from the inside out. 🌈 #SelfCare"

"Becoming the best version of myself. 💫 #SelfGrowth"

"Owning my imperfections, loving my uniqueness. 🦄 #BeYou"

"Celebrating the magic that is me. ✨ #SelfCelebration"

"My love language? Treating myself with kindness. 💗 #MeTime"

"Today, I choose self-love over everything. 🌺 #SelfLoveJourney"

Although society still sometimes paints self-love as something negative, in reality, this is not the case. If anything, it’s a way to celebrate your own worth despite the curveballs and criticism that life may throw your way. For those who are confused, self-love has nothing to do with arrogance, nor does it have anything to do with narcissism. It’s a way to speak kindly to yourself and sing a song of love.

​Best captions for Instagram for girls

"Sassy, classy, and a bit smart-assy. 💁‍♀️✨ #GirlPower"

"She believed she could, so she did. 👑 #FearlessFemale"

"Chasing sunsets and dreams in high heels. 👠🌅 #GirlsJustWannaHaveSun"

"In a world full of trends, I want to remain a classic. 💄🌹 #TimelessBeauty"

"Empowered women empower women. 💪👭 #SquadGoals"

"Living my fairy tale in a world full of reality. 🧚‍♀️✨ #Dreamer"

"Confidence level: Selfie with no filter. 📸💖 #ConfidentlyBeautiful"

"Queen vibes only. Crown not included. 👑 #RoyalRebel"

"Elegance is an attitude. 💃🌟 #GracefulGoddess"

"She leaves a little sparkle wherever she goes. ✨ #ShineBright"

If you strongly identify with your gender, why not let it be known? After all, gender-related topics are a good way to stir up a conversation. Plus, throughout history, women were generally in the less dominant position, so the mere fact of existing in the 21^st century gives about half of the population a lot to celebrate. At any rate, make sure to utilize these short captions for Instagram for a girl if you’re feeling the girl power!

​Best baddie captions for Instagram

"Confidence level: Selfie with no filter. 💁‍♀️✨ #BossBabe"

"Living my life, not my apologies. 🚫👑 #UnapologeticallyMe"

"Bad vibes don't go with my outfit. 💅🔥 #GoodVibesOnly"

"Slaying the game, one fierce moment at a time. 💄💋 #SlayQueen"

"Not your cup of tea, darling. ☕💋 #SorryNotSorry"

"Classy with a hint of savage. 💃🔪 #ClassySavage"

"Don't mistake my kindness for weakness. 💪😈 #StrongAndSassy"

"I'm not bossy, I'm the boss. 👸💼 #BossLady"

"Elegance is an attitude. 💎🌹 #SassyClassy"

"Breaking hearts and curfews. 💔🌙 #Heartbreaker"

Are you a lady with an attitude? Make your bio your center stage with these baddie captions for Instagram.

​Best short captions for Instagram for boys

"Adventure awaits, let's go! 🚀🌍 #BoysDayOut"

"Living life in the fast lane. 🏎️😎 #SpeedDemon"

"Chasing dreams and catching vibes. ✨🤙 #DreamChaser"

"Casual vibes, extraordinary adventures. 😌🌟 #EasyGoing"

"Making memories in sneakers and a smile. 👟😁 #CasualCool"

"Messy hair, don't care. 🤷‍♂️🔥 #ChillMode"

"Gamer by night, dreamer by day. 🎮💭 #GamingLife"

"Heart of a lion, spirit of an adventurer. 🦁🏞️ #Fearless"

"Keepin' it real since [birth year]. 🎂🤘 #RealTalk"

"Life's too short for boring haircuts. ✂️😏 #StayFresh"

There is more than one gender in this world, so why should girls get all the spotlight? This one goes out to all the guys!

​Best mother-daughter short captions for Instagram

"Mom's mini-me, forever and always. 👯‍♀️💖 #LikeMotherLikeDaughter"

"Two peas in a pod, hearts intertwined. 🌼👩‍👧 #ForeverConnected"

"Laughing through life with my favorite lady. 😄👩‍👧 #MomentsWithMom"

"Making memories that will last a lifetime. 📸💕 #MotherDaughterLove"

"In the journey of life, I'm glad you're my co-pilot. 🚗👩‍👧 #SideBySide"

"The best days are the ones spent with you, Mom. 🌈❤️ #MotherhoodMagic"

"From tea parties to life talks, you're my forever friend. ☕👭 #ForeverBond"

"Growing up, but never growing apart. 👧👩 #AlwaysMyBaby"

"Love passed down from generation to generation. 💞👩‍👧 #FamilyLove"

"She's the reason I am who I am today. Grateful for you, Mom. 🌟💖 #MomInspiration"

Mother-daughter relationships can be one of the most miraculous things in the world. Whether you have the role of a parent or child and this is something that means a lot to you, let it be known.

​Best travel short captions for Instagram

"Adventure awaits, and I'm ready. ✈️🌍 #Wanderlust"

"Exploring the world one passport stamp at a time. 🗺️✨ #TravelGoals"

"Lost in the right direction. 🌏🗺️ #TravelDiaries"

"Collecting memories, not things. 📸❤️ #TravelLife"

"Jet lag is just a reminder of a journey well taken. 🕰️✈️ #Jetsetter"

"Finding paradise wherever I go. 🏝️🌞 #DiscoverMore"

"Adventures fill your soul. Where to next? 🌐👣 #AdventureTime"

"Travel far enough to meet yourself. 🌍💫 #SelfDiscovery"

"Living on island time, even when I'm not on an island. 🏖️⌛ #IslandVibes"

"Exploring new horizons and making memories. 🚀🌌 #ExploreDreamDiscover"

Being a digital nomad, globetrotter, slow or fast traveler is one of the best ways to experience the wonders of this world. If you identify with travel and want to celebrate the existence of airplanes and other modern means of travel, your Instagram bio is a great place to do that.

​Best Christian bio for Instagram

"Saved by grace, living in faith. 🙏✝️ #ChildOfGod"

"Walking in the light of His love. 💡❤️ #FaithJourney"

"God's masterpiece in progress. 🎨🌟 #WorkInProgress"

"Loved by the King of Kings. 👑🤍 #RoyaltyInChrist"

"Fearfully and wonderfully made by the Creator. 🌿💖 #GodsCreation"

"Living out His plan one day at a time. 📜🙌 #HisWill"

"Grace upon grace, journeying with Jesus. 🌈👣 #GraceAbounds"

"In the world, not of the world. 🌎🕊️ #SetApart"

"His love is my anchor in life's stormy seas. ⚓❤️ #AnchorInChrist"

"Chosen and cherished, a disciple of Christ. 🌟🙏 #DiscipleOfJesus"

Many people believe that there is nothing stronger than faith, and Christianity is the world’s most commonly represented religion. If you consider yourself to be a child of God, don’t be shy and express your devotion.

​Best birthday captions for Instagram

"Cheers to another trip around the sun! 🎉🎂 #GratefulHeart"

"Leveling up and loving it! 🎈🥳 #BirthdayVibes"

"Another year older, wiser, and more fabulous! 💖👑 #BirthdayQueen"

"Celebrating the day I graced the world with my presence. 😉🎊 #BirthdayJoy"

"Grateful for the love, laughter, and life's adventures. 🎂🎁 #BirthdayBlessings"

"Aging like fine wine – getting better with time. 🍷🎉 #VintageBirthday"

"Thankful for the gift of another year. Let the celebration begin! 🎈🎂 #AnotherYearStronger"

"Growing older is mandatory; growing up is optional. 🎂🎉 #ForeverYoung"

"Birthdays are nature's way of telling us to eat more cake! 🍰🎊 #CakeTime"

"Here's to another year of blessings, joy, and making memories. 🎉🥳 #BirthdayCheers"

Celebrated a birthday recently? Consider breaking the routine and freshen up your Instagram bio by letting people know. It’s your day of the year after all.

​Best beach captions for Instagram

"Salty air, sun-kissed hair. 🌊🌞 #BeachDays"

"Life's a beach, and I'm just playing in the sand. 🏖️😎 #BeachLife"

"Ocean vibes and high tides. 🌊🌴 #SeasideEscape"

"Finding paradise wherever the waves take me. 🏝️💙 #SaltWaterCure"

"Sun, sand, and a pineapple in hand. 🍍🌞 #TropicalStateOfMind"

"Sunkissed and seaside bliss. 🌊🌅 #BeachBum"

"Let the sea set you free. 🌊🐚 #OceanLove"

"Sandy toes, ocean breeze, and endless seas. 🏝️💫 #BeachBound"

"Life's better in flip-flops. 👣🌴 #SandyAdventures"

"Shell yeah! Beach days are the best days. 🐚🌊 #ShoreThing"

You can argue with politics, you can argue with philosophy. But there’s one thing hardly anyone can argue with, and it’s the beach. Spread the love!

​Best aesthetic bio for Instagram

"Chasing sunsets, dreams, and the perfect aesthetic. 🌅✨ #VintageSoul"

"Creating my own canvas of colors in this monochrome world. 🎨🌈 #AestheticExplorer"

"Whispering poetry through visuals. 📷📝 #VisualStoryteller"

"Lost in the symphony of aesthetics. 🎶🌌 #HarmonyInHues"

"Curating my life in pixels and pastels. 🌸📸 #PastelPerfection"

"Serendipity in every shade. 🍂🌿 #AestheticAdventurer"

"Living a life that looks as good as it feels. 🌟🍃 #FeelGoodAesthetics"

"Ephemeral moments, everlasting aesthetics. ⏳🌙 #TimelessVibes"

"Finding beauty in the chaos of everyday life. 🌪️🌸 #ChaosAesthetics"

"Aesthetic enthusiast navigating reality in sepia tones. 📷🕰️ #SepiaDreams"

For artists, content creators and creative souls.

And that’s a wrap! Hopefully, you should find great inspiration with these short captions for Instagram, and knowing how to write your Instagram bio should no longer pose a challenge to you. Don’t forget that Ocoya can help you come up with more Instagram quotes like these at the snap of a finger! Here’s how it all looks in motion: