Write social media captions for a post about [POST CONTENT] on [PLATFORM]. The audience is [AUDIENCE], the purpose is [POST GOAL], and the voice should match these examples or guidelines: [VOICE REFERENCE]. Any factual claims, offer terms, dates, prices, names, links, or required disclosures are here: [FACTS AND REQUIREMENTS]. Produce 3 caption options, labeled A, B, and C. Each option must include: 1. A first line that earns attention without using a vague teaser or repeating text visible in the post. 2. A caption body suited to the platform and post type, with line breaks that remain readable on mobile.
3. One specific call to action that matches [POST GOAL], without manufactured urgency. 4. Suggested accessibility alt text of 80 to 160 words that describes the useful visual information rather than saying “image of.” 5. A separate line with up to [HASHTAG LIMIT] relevant hashtags only if hashtags fit the platform and voice. Make the three options meaningfully different: one direct and useful, one story-led, and one concise. Preserve the creator’s point of view, vocabulary, and level of formality from the voice reference. Do not make engagement claims, performance promises, customer quotes, statistics, or product details that I have not supplied. Do not use clickbait, engagement bait, or strings of generic hashtags. Before answering, check that every claim appears in [FACTS AND REQUIREMENTS] or is clearly framed as opinion, and that the CTA requires no action not stated there. Ask up to 3 clarifying questions only if a required input is missing.
Fill in
| Placeholder | What to enter | Example |
|---|---|---|
| [POST CONTENT] | Describe the photo, video, carousel, or link and its key message. | A 20-second Reel showing a baker glazing cinnamon rolls at 6 a.m. and placing them in the front case. |
| [PLATFORM] | Enter the social platform and format, such as Instagram Reel or LinkedIn post. | Instagram Reel |
| [AUDIENCE] | Describe the people the post is intended to reach. | People who live or work within 10 minutes of our bakery in Raleigh. |
| [POST GOAL] | State the single action or result you want from the post. | Encourage Saturday morning preorders through our website. |
| [VOICE REFERENCE] | Paste two or three past captions or describe the creator’s specific writing style. | Warm, spare, sensory. We say what is available and avoid trendy slang. Example: “Lemon poppyseed, still warm. Counter opens at 7.” |
| [FACTS AND REQUIREMENTS] | List approved facts, links, offers, disclosures, and details that must be included or avoided. | Saturday preorder link: oakandcrumb.com/preorder. Cinnamon rolls are available Saturday only. Pickup is 7 a.m. to noon. Do not claim they sell out. |
| [HASHTAG LIMIT] | Enter the maximum number of hashtags you are willing to use. | 3 |
How to use
- Paste a real caption sample rather than naming a broad style such as “friendly.”
- Include only approved claims, offer terms, and links in the facts field.
- Check that the first line works before the “more” break and that alt text describes the actual visual.
- Send this follow-up for production: “Use option B. Cut it to 65 words, retain the preorder link, and give me two first-line alternatives.”
Variations
LinkedIn post
Use this for a professional post with a clear business point.
Write 3 LinkedIn post captions about [TOPIC] for [PROFESSIONAL AUDIENCE]. My point of view and source facts are [NOTES]. Match this voice reference: [VOICE SAMPLE]. Each version needs a specific opening, 120 to 220 words, short paragraphs, and a closing question or CTA that follows from the post. Avoid unsupported metrics, client names, and lessons not supported by my notes. Before answering, flag any statement that needs evidence. Ask up to 3 questions only if a required input is missing.
Product launch
Use this for an approved offer or new product announcement.
Create 3 captions for a [PLATFORM] launch post for [PRODUCT]. Include only these approved details: [OFFER FACTS]. Write for [AUDIENCE] in this voice: [VOICE REFERENCE]. Each caption needs a distinct angle, a clear description of what the product is, a practical benefit, a CTA linked to [DESIRED ACTION], and optional hashtags limited to [NUMBER]. Do not invent availability, testimonials, urgency, or results. Check every stated product claim against the offer facts before answering.
Carousel caption
Use this when the slides carry most of the educational content.
Write a caption for a [NUMBER]-slide [PLATFORM] carousel teaching [SUBJECT] to [AUDIENCE]. The slide outline is [SLIDE OUTLINE], and the desired action is [CTA]. Give 3 options: direct, story-led, and brief. Each should introduce the value without restating every slide, tell readers how to use or save the carousel, and include alt text for each slide based only on the outline. Do not add advice or claims missing from the slides. Ask up to 3 questions only if required inputs are missing.
Tips
- Write the creative brief from the post itself first; captions work poorly when they have to guess what viewers can see.
- For Instagram, put the usable payoff or context in the opening line, not only in a final call to action.
- Keep mandatory disclosures and offer conditions in the source facts, because a voice sample will not reliably preserve compliance language.
- Treat AI-generated alt text as a draft and correct concrete details such as people, visible text, colors, and actions.
FAQ
How many caption options should I ask for?
Three is usually enough if each has a defined angle. More options often create minor rewrites instead of useful creative choices.
Should captions include hashtags?
Only when they fit the platform and your established practice. A small set of specific tags is more useful than a block of generic discovery tags.
Can AI match my voice from one sample?
It can approximate surface patterns, but two or three representative captions plus words and habits to avoid produce more reliable results.