## First line is the hook: under 12 words, ending with a curiosity gap
End with a question. "Which method do you use?" invites a comment, and comments lift likes. Body uses line breaks every 1 to 2 sentences.
### Don't bury the CTA past the more fold unless the hook is strong enough to earn the tap.
- The first line is under 12 words.
- The ending is a question.
- Comments lift likes.
What you can try now: [Write a first line under 12 words that opens a gap](/tools/instagram/hook-generator).
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## Carousels outperform Reels by 26% when it comes to engagement
Instagram Reels are still great, but don't sleep on the power of plain ol' Instagram photos posts and carousels. A 7-slide carousel beats a single image when you're teaching anything.
### Our data from Q4 of 2024
- Carousels lead on engagement.
- Reels are still worth posting.
- A teaching post fits a carousel better than one image.
What you can try now: [Build the carousel that beats a single image](/tools/instagram/carousel-maker).
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## Instagram likes won't happen if your audience never sees your post
The right time to post on Instagram for likes is the time when the majority of your current and target audience are online.
### Your best time to post is calculated from your actual social media performance
- The best times to post on Instagram: 1-3 PM on Sundays and 7-9 PM on Mondays.
- That overall window is not your personalized best time.
- Post when your current and target audience are online.
What you can try now: [Post when most of this audience is online](/tools/instagram/best-time-to-post).
Getting more likes on Instagram still moves reach, because likes are a top ranking signal
End with a question.
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