You know how it works: one minute you have zero pictures to post. Then you visit your local selfie museum, and now you have an entire gallery of perfect photos that are begging to be posted to Instagram. You have a fantastic time editing the photos, and you get ready to post them.
Your fingers hover over your keyboard as you look at the empty caption box. You’ve just run into one of the most common first-world problems: what should your caption be?
Every photoshoot at Rexburg’s DreamBox is going to end with hundreds of fantastic photos. If you've read our post on taking good selfies at DreamBox, all your photos will be unique. Unique photos need unique captions. Even though we can’t give the perfect caption for your post, here are a few guidelines that will be sure your caption complements your latest photoshoot.
1. Add Context
I hate to be that person, but the dictionary definition of a caption is, “a title or a brief explanation.” A caption is meant to explain or give context to your photo. When you’re trying to decide on a caption, think about what your followers would want to know about this picture. Even though this caption idea might not be the final version you post, it’s a great first step to thinking of a perfect caption.
If you want to see an example caption that adds context to the photo, check out this post from our Instagram account!
The caption does exactly what it’s meant to do! It helps you know what you’re looking at and gives a little context on what’s going on (like bringing your personality). This isn’t the only kind of context that you can bring to your captions! If you want to write context captions on your own post, here are a few context-y Instagram caption examples:
Examples:
Give Context to your Location- Something like “At DreamBox rn, wyd?” Is a fun way to let your followers know where you took the pictures.
Give Context to How you Feel- “Feeling Dreamy” This caption is simply two words and would go perfectly with pictures from our “Sweet Dreams” set while letting your followers know how you feel.
Give Context to Your Thoughts- “I can’t stop thinking about this photo” can go with any picture and gives context to why you’re posting it.
Remember context captions don’t need to be boring! You can add context to your location, how you feel, or what you’ve been thinking about lately. This is a great first type of caption, but if you don’t feel like your photos fit this vibe, keep reading! I’ve still got more ideas for you.
2. Say Something Unexpected
Sometimes pictures don’t need context. A caption can also be a fantastic spot to share a random thought or surprise your followers with something funny.
Check out this post from DreamBox’s Instagram that does this perfectly!
This caption doesn’t have anything to do with the photo, but it works because it adds another element to the photo. Suddenly, you’re thinking about how you type smiley faces, and hopefully helps you pause long enough to drop a comment or like.
A random caption can be as serious or as silly as you want it to be. You can decide to share an inspiring thought with your followers. You can tell them something funny. You can even ask a question like in the example above. If you’re feeling creative, come up with a combination of all three!
Examples:
Here are a couple examples of an "unexpected" caption that can help encourage your followers to stop and read your caption!
Inspiring thought- "'Cause I'm my own soulmate' – Lizzo"
Something Witty/Funny- "Don’t tell anyone, but I think I’m in love."
An engaging question- "This is a genuine question: Is cereal a kind of soup? I feel like it might be."
This type of Instagram caption is the most freeing because there are no limits to what you can do. (Actually, the character limit of an Instagram caption is 2,200 characters, but as long as your caption fits in there, you’re golden.)
3. Add Personality
If you want a unique caption, tap into the most unique resource you have- YOU! The people that follow you on Instagram follow you because they like you. They like your personality, so make sure to show it off! Also, selfie museum photos are creative, so make sure show off your own personal creativity!
Obviously, that’s easier said than done. How do you show off your entire personality in a little caption box? I don’t have a perfect answer to that, but I have two potential solutions for you: emojis and fun spacing!
Emojis are an easy way to caption a photo and show off some personality. If you don’t have the time or energy to brainstorm the perfect caption, emojis can be a quick and fun solution. Check out this DreamBox post that shows a quick emoji caption!
The line of CD emojis is a fun and quick caption, and it perfectly complements the photo!
Another easy way to add personality is by using space or extra lines in your captions to spice them up just a little more. You can even combine space and emojis for an extra fun caption!
Examples:
Put extra space between the letters- "✨ V I B E S ✨" (add emojis for a little extra fun)
Put different parts of your captions on a new line (like this)-
"Thinking about my biggest inspiration:
It's me."
Even if you don't think that extra spacing adds personality to your caption, you have to admit it's eye-catching! It'll capture and keep attention, which is exactly what a caption is meant to do.
4. Bonus: Do All Three
I’ve already shared my three favorite Instagram caption tips for your selfie museum photos, but if you’re looking for one more, this is for you!
The photos you take at a selfie museum will be amazing! You’re going to need a comprehensive caption to capture the magic. So, instead of just following one of these tips, what happens if you do all three? What kind of caption would you create if you wrote a context-giving, unexpected, and personality-full caption?
I can hear you already. What does a context-giving, unexpected, and personality-full caption even look like? Good question. A great caption can look like anything, but here are a few examples to help you get started!
Examples:
"I’m at DreamBox and let me tell you: the vibes are I M M A C U L A T E"
This caption gives context to your location, it has an unexpected twist, and extra spacing to give it personality.
"Breaking News: I’ve finally taken a good selfie 📸"
This caption lets you know what the picture is about, is funny and/or relatable, and has a camera emoji as a cherry on top.
"People always take super extra selfies. . . It’s me. I’m people."
Yep! This caption is funny, makes a comment on the photo, and even includes some subtle extra spacing.
Here’s a post from DreamBox’s Instagram so you can see one of these captions in action!
There’s no right or wrong way to caption an Instagram photo, but this three-tip combo is a perfect recipe if you need some help getting ideas.
In Conclusion:
I’ve taught you everything I know, so it’s time to go out and do it yourself. Remember all you’ve learned about context, unexpected, and personality-driven captions, and then write a caption for your own photos! No lame captions are allowed (unless they’re funny).
Now that you know these 3 (secretly 4) tips to create the perfect Instagram captions for your Selfie Museum photos, what are you waiting for? Post your photos and make sure to tag us! We can’t wait to see what you create.