Nowadays, your Instagram bio is pretty much a cover letter, portfolio, and website all wrapped up in one.
And with just seconds (and limited character space) to introduce yourself and convey your value, how do you decide which details to include?
We've got you covered. We're sharing eight tips to craft a memorable Instagram bio so you can make a lasting impression:
What Is an Instagram Bio?
Geographically, an Instagram bio sits beneath your profile picture and is used to describe the contents of your page.
This space includes:
A display name (aka the name field)
Page category
Pronouns
150 character description
One external link
Contact information
And because your bio is often the first touch point for new visitors, it’s the perfect opportunity to communicate who you are, and what you offer, straight from the jump (more on that below!).
Pssst, level-up your Instagram bio with Linkin.bio by Later — a mini web page built into your profile that makes your content more clickable. Sign up today — for free!
What Makes a Good Instagram Bio?
A good Instagram bio can mean the difference between a visitor hitting follow, or tapping away.
And with only 150 characters to set the stage, the greats keep their bios short, sweet, and most importantly, informative.
Check out how the Black in Fashion Council account communicates what they’re all about in one concise sentence:
You can also use your bio to encourage users to take action — whether it's through a compelling CTA (call-to-action) to your website or a branded hashtag for collecting UGC (user-generated content).
For example, see how Book of the Month implores users to join their branded hashtag — resulting in over 500K posts:
Suffice it to say, action + your brand’s story = an increase in engagement and conversions, too.
For even more insight on what makes a good Instagram bio, check out this YouTube video.
8 Instagram Bio Ideas
Ready to learn what it takes to create a killer Instagram bio? Here are eight tactics to stand out from the crowd:
Share Your Story
Include Targeted Keywords in the Name Field
Use a Link in Bio Tool
Add a Call-To-Action and Action Buttons
Share Your Contact Information
Choose a Relevant Profile Picture
Tag Related Accounts and Add Your Branded Hashtag
Use Instagram Stories Highlights
Instagram Bio Idea #1: Share Your Story
Like Charles Wright once sang, express yourself!
Think of your Instagram bio as a 150-character sales pitch.
Whether it’s a bulleted list or a few short lines, use this space to speak directly to your target audience and detail your story.
That way, new visitors and prospective customers will understand you or your brand, immediately.
Take a look at how Sarah Chetrit introduces herself, and what her page offers in three succinct lines:
By laying down the groundwork and communicating her value, this fine-tuned bio has the power to turn visitors into followers.
P. S. Don’t be afraid to add a bit of personality to the mix. Emojis and relevant puns are highly encouraged here.
Need help writing your Instagram bio? Download our free Instagram bio worksheet to brainstorm and create an effective bio.
Instagram Bio Idea #2: Use Targeted Keywords in the Name Field
Did you know that the name field in your Instagram bio is completely separate from your username?
It’s a valuable (and rarely used!) SEO tactic to reach even more users as they search — improving your visibility on the app.
So, take a moment to brainstorm keywords your ideal customer might search for on Instagram. This could be your niche, the products you sell, or the city your business is located.
Once you find the right keywords, pop them in!
For example, check out how content creator Lauren Toyota uses the name field to reveal more about her page:
Rather than simply using “chef”, Lauren includes the keywords, “vegan chef” to open up a world of discovery for her account.
Now, if someone searches “vegan chef” on Instagram’s Explore Page, Lauren's account has a better chance of appearing in the list of results:
Just remember to consider what your visitors might be looking for and use your Instagram bio’s name field to your advantage!
Looking to boost your SEO ranking? We’re sharing 3 easy ways to increase your discoverability in the video below:
Instagram Bio Idea #3: Use a Link in Bio Tool
Your Instagram bio only allows one external link, so it’s important to be strategic about how you use it.
Enter: Later's link in bio tool, Linkin.bio.
With Linkin.bio, you can create a landing page with unlimited button links and a clickable version of your Instagram feed.
This makes it easier to direct followers to specific web pages referenced in your posts, without having to frequently update the URL in your Instagram bio.
And the best news? It’s free!
Plus, with Later’s Shopify integration, you can tag up to five products directly in your Linkin.bio feed posts:
In other words: a faster and more streamlined checkout experience for your customers. Talk about a serious win-win.
Ready to optimize your Instagram bio with Linkin.bio by Later? Sign up today, it’s free!
Instagram Bio Idea #4: Add a Call-To-Action and Action Buttons
If you want to drive more engagement from your bio, all you have to do is ask!
For example, if you’re offering a new promo, a resource, or requesting a follow, make sure to let your profile visitors know.
Apostrophe invites users to partake in a CTA by tagging their account for a chance to be featured:
Whichever CTA (or CTAs) you choose, remember to be clear and specific.
The clearer you are, the better the chance of driving tons of traffic and engagement.
Another tactic to encourage more taps on your profile? Make use of those Action Buttons.
Depending on your account, you can include: Order food, Book now, Get quote, Reserve, or View shop.
This way, you create an easier access point to yourself and your services.
Instagram Bio Idea #5: Include Contact Details
If you want your profile to be a one-stop-shop for new visitors, you’ll need to make it easy for them to contact you.
One of the best ways to do that is to switch to an Instagram business profile.
Doing so lets you include your email address, phone number, and WhatsApp without sacrificing any precious character space.
Additionally, you can include a business or brand category that will appear underneath your name field — so people can know what you do.
Once that’s all set up, a visitor can easily reach out to you directly via email, a phone call, or be given directions to your location with ease.
Instagram Bio Idea #6: Choose a Relevant Profile Picture
When it comes to social branding, your profile picture is what people recognize most.
If you’re a brand or product-based business, you’ll want to ensure that everyone who lands on your Instagram profile is quickly introduced to who you are.
Think company logo, or a clear shot of a product you’re best known for:
On the other hand, if you’re an influencer, creator, or offer a personal service — such as a photographer, or life coach — you might want to use a headshot.
Why? Because “you” are the main part of your brand, and you should introduce yourself to visitors right off the bat.
Faith Broussard Cade, Liana Satenstein, and Lauren Spencer each use an on-brand headshot to keep things clear:
Though it might sound simple, using a headshot or logo helps followers instantly recognize your brand as they scroll Instagram.
TIP: Much like a diamond, clarity is key. Be sure to choose a clear, high-resolution image.
Instagram Bio Idea #7: Tag Related Accounts and a Branded Hashtag
Major “hack” alert: profile usernames and hashtags included in your Instagram bio are clickable links.
Why does this matter?
Because it gives you the ability to promote sister brands, highlight your founder’s Instagram account, or drive traffic to a branded hashtag.
Take a look at how Wan Wan Thai Restaurant uses their Instagram bio to spotlight three sister restaurants, @wayla.nyc, @kimika.nyc, and @lotusandcleaver:
While Deepica Mutyala and Reels Tips highlight branded hashtags in their bios:
NOTE: Placing hashtags in your Instagram bio doesn’t make your profile discoverable via hashtag search, but a branded hashtag can help you spotlight and collect user-generated content (UGC).
Instagram Bio Idea #8: Use Instagram Stories Highlights
Instagram Stories Highlights appear directly under your Instagram bio and play as a stand-alone story when someone taps on them.
They’re perfect for sharing valuable information about your brand, spotlighting your community, and showing your personality.
Skincare brand Glow Recipe uses highlights to showcase how its recycling program works, announce new products, and share blog content like their “Boss Babes” series:
This provides additional information and value to profile visitors, so it’s a good idea to be strategic in how you set them up.
PRO TIP: To elevate your Instagram Stories Highlights even further, create a set of covers to ensure a consistent look and feel.
Suzanne Spiegoski and Herbivore Botanicals have created cover images and icons that reflect their overall vibe:
However you decide to style your Instagram Stories Highlights, a consistent collection can make your bio more appealing and click-worthy.
And that’s it, eight tactics to level-up your Instagram bio to attract your ideal audience, drive traffic, and convert sales.
If you haven't updated your Instagram bio in a while, now’s the perfect time to give it a refresh and turn visitors into followers!
FYI: Later's Instagram Scheduler is trusted by 4M+ marketers, creators, and small businesses. Sign up today and start planning your Instagram posts in advance — for free:
