Popular Photo Caption Ideas for Instagram

A good Instagram photo caption is an art and a science. You can’t just post a picture without adding a perfect caption, or you might be missing out on a lot of engagement. Writing an original caption is usually preferred but if you’re just not feeling it, we’ve assembled a list of over 100 tried-and-true Instagram captions. We have captions for categories like selfies, pets, friends, and travel, with plenty of options to suit any mood! Feel free to add any emoji you like to any of these to help spice them up and help your audience understand what you want to convey.

Selfie Captions

Selfies are the bread and butter of Instagram, but what’s a cute selfie without a caption? Whether it’s simple, witty, serious, or inspirational, a good photo caption on a selfie helps give context to the photo and how you’re feeling.

Me myself and I.
But first, let me take a selfie.
Be yourself, there’s no one better.
If you were looking for a sign, here it is.
I woke up like this.
Just me.
Me doing me.
I am why I smile every day.
Selfie in paradise.
Smile… it confuses people.
I’m just a girl standing in front of a camera asking if this is Instagram worthy.
Looks aren’t everything but I have them just in case.
But first, let me take 40 selfies until choosing one that actually works.
This is me in all my glory.
Livin’ the good life.

Success and Celebration Captions

It’s time to celebrate! When you accomplish something huge, you want to let the world know about it. These captions will tell everyone how excited you are about your new milestone.

We did it!
Hustlin’
When daydreams become reality.
Entrepreneur life.
It wasn’t always easy but it’s worth it.
Excited for the next chapter of my life.
BRB. Working on my dreams.
It’s time to pursue my purpose.

Friend Captions

There’s nothing like a good time with friends! These captions let your followers know how much you care about your friends and how much fun you’re really having. Get sappy with your bestie with this Instagram photo caption list.

Friends are the family we choose for ourselves.
Friendship isn’t a big thing. It’s a million little things.
I would never let my best friend do anything stupid… alone.
We all have that one friend…
Putting the “we” in weird.
Just two friends having a good time.
Quality is better than quantity – especially when choosing friends.
Respect and trust – the foundations of any good friendship.
Memories made together last forever.
Chillin’ with my bros.
Who run the world? GIRLS.
A good friend might know your wild stories, but your best friend was right there with you.

Witty and Funny Captions

Feeling like being witty but nothing’s coming to mind? No worries, you can just pick from this clever photo caption list to get great ideas that will make you seem funnier than you’re feeling.

I got nothing.
Why so serious?
Aspire to inspire before you expire.
A sass a day keeps the basis away.
Vodka may not be the answer but it’s worth a shot.
I invented a new word: plagiarism.
When nothing goes right, go left.
You never realize how boring your life is until someone asks what you do for fun.
*insert funny Instagram caption here*
If I was funny, I’d have a better Instagram caption for this.
If I don’t post a picture, did it ever really happen?
I just rolled my eyes so hard I saw my brain.
One does not simply create a clever Instagram caption.
Friday, my second favorite F word.

Food and Drink Captions

Food and drink photos are a mainstay of Instagram, so you need a great Instagram caption to go along with your lunch shot! These will make your followers wishing they had your meal.

First we eat, then we can do everything else.
Grillin’ and chillin’.
I’m on a seafood diet. I see it, and I eat it.
Good food, good mood.
Food before dudes.
You can’t live a full life on an empty stomach.
Chocolate is cheaper with therapy.
Never settle for just one scoop.
Resting coffee face.
Life is better with a coffee in hand.
Caffeine queen.
Too much money, not enough coffee.
Feeling depresso without my espresso.
I like big cups and I cannot lie.
Hand over the pizza and nobody gets hurt.

Inspirational Captions

Sometimes you’re feeling good and want to inspire your followers. These inspirational Instagram quotes are full of positive vibes, self-confidence, and big dreams!

Whatever is good for your soul, do that.
Look for the magic in every moment.
Oops is always better than what if.
Dreams don’t have an expiration date, keep going.
If you don’t believe in yourself, who will?
The little things in life matter.
I’m the reason why I smile every day.
Act like you own the world because you do.
Motivation Monday? I’m motivated seven days a week.
Filling my mind with happy thoughts.
Today’s a great day, you can’t stand in my way.
Clear your mind of can’t.
Always face the light and you won’t see any shadows.
You can’t dull my sparkle ✨
Life is about taking chances and having fun.
When you can’t find the sunshine, be the sunshine.
Today’s the best kind of day.

Pet Captions

You love your pets, but if you can’t think of the right words to describe that feeling, we’ve got a great list here. Whether you have a dog, a cat, or something else, there is plenty to say about your furry (or feathered, or scaled) friend.

Who let the dogs?
I have the best dog.
You are pawfection.
I’d rather be at home with my dog.
Be the kind of person your dog thinks you are.
Proud cat lady.
They’re purrfect.
Life is better with cats.
You had me at meow.
Fur real though.
I’ve been feline good today.
Happy Caturday.
Dogs are my favorite people.

Travel Captions

If the travel bug has bit you but you can’t think up a great photo caption, these travel captions will be perfect for all of your shots of airports, palm trees, and hotel views!

I’d rather catch flights than feelings.
If you could go anywhere, where would be your first spot and why?
Get lost, find yourself.
Life is too short to be stuck in one place.;
Sweet, wondrous escape.
Guess where I am.
Be right back, exploring the world.
Wanderlust.
Time for an adventure!
Work. Save. Travel. Repeat.
Vacation calories don’t count.
Adventure is out there.
The only vacation you’ll ever regret is the one you don’t take.
Life is better with the sand between your toes.
The journey is always the best part.
Say yes to new adventures.

Sad Captions

Things aren’t always sunshine and rainbows. When you’re feeling down and want to vent your feelings to the world, these sad Instagram captions should encapsulate your mood perfectly.

Tears come straight from the heart.
I miss you…
Want to be happy? Care less.
I fall asleep every night hoping I don’t fall apart in my dreams.
You thought I changed. I didn’t. But you did.
It hurts so much that nobody cares about how I feel.
Pain is a teacher and learning is a gift.
You never run out of things that can go wrong.

Savage and Attitude Captions

Feeling sassy, savage, and full of ‘tude? These captions will make you seem confident and carefree. Go be the ultimate badass and show them all who’s boss!