> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://mavic.crisp.help/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# Instagram Post Formats

# Instagram Post Formats: Image, Carousel, Story, Reel

*Updated: 2026*

Instagram rewards format-native content. A great Reel script flops as a carousel, and vice versa. Here's how to brief Mavic for each format so the output is genuinely usable.

## Single image post

**Goal:** Stop the scroll, deliver one idea, drive saves or comments.

**Prompt template:**
> Write a single Instagram image post about [topic] using @Writing Style. Include: 1) a 5-word hook for the image overlay, 2) a caption with hook + 2 short paragraphs + CTA + 5 hashtags.

**Strong image-post rules:**
* One idea per post — don't cram
* Hook does the work — write 10, pick 1
* First line of caption must repeat or extend the hook
* End with a question OR a save-trigger ("Save this for next launch")

**Generate the visual:** Once the caption is approved, ask:
> Generate a square Instagram image for this post using @Brand Kit colors and @Logo. Style: [photographic/illustrated/typographic].

## Carousel (10 slides)

**Goal:** Teach something. Carousels still get the highest reach for educational content.

**Prompt template:**
> Write a 10-slide Instagram carousel teaching [topic] for @Customer Profile. Slide 1 = hook, slides 2-9 = one idea each with a 1-line headline and 2-line body, slide 10 = CTA + save prompt. Use @Writing Style.

**Carousel structure that works:**
| Slide | Purpose |
| ---- |
| 1 | Hook + promise ("5 mistakes killing your launch") |
| 2 | Why this matters (stakes) |
| 3-8 | One point per slide, headline + 1-2 sentences |
| 9 | Recap or quote |
| 10 | CTA: save, share, comment, DM |

**Pro tip:** Ask Mavic to **add transition cues** between slides ("Slide 4 → ...") so your designer or the auto-layout knows what flows.

## Story (9:16, 15 sec)

**Goal:** Drive a single action — link tap, poll vote, DM reply.

**Prompt template:**
> Write a 5-frame Instagram Story sequence promoting [thing]. Each frame: 1 short headline (max 8 words) + 1 interactive sticker suggestion (poll, quiz, slider, question, link). End with a clear CTA frame.

**Story rules:**
* One sticker per frame max
* Use polls and sliders early — they boost frame retention
* Last frame = link or "DM me [keyword]"

## Reel (15-60 sec)

**Goal:** Reach. Reels are still the #1 surface for new follower discovery.

**Prompt template:**
> Write a 30-second Instagram Reel script. Hook in first 1.5 seconds, problem-agitate-solve structure, on-screen text for every line, CTA at the end. Topic: [topic]. Voice: @Writing Style.

**Reel hook formulas (pick one):**
* "Stop doing X. Do Y instead."
* "This is the [thing] no one's talking about"
* "POV: [relatable situation]"
* "I tried [thing] for 30 days. Here's what happened."

**Output format Mavic gives you:**
* Hook line (0-1.5s)
* Beat-by-beat script (with timestamps)
* On-screen text for each beat
* B-roll / shot suggestions
* Caption (separate from script)
* 5 trending sound vibes to search

**Don't skip:** Ask for **on-screen text** explicitly — 85% of Reels are watched on mute.

## Related articles

* [Creating Content with Mavic](https://mavic.crisp.help/en/article/creating-content-overview-1236kiv/)
* [Creating Social Posts](https://mavic.crisp.help/en/article/creating-social-posts-19by1xx/)
* [Generating Images](https://mavic.crisp.help/en/article/generating-images-10lbfs5/)
* [Generating Videos](https://mavic.crisp.help/en/article/generating-videos-zlwph1/)
* [Writing Style](https://mavic.crisp.help/en/article/writing-style-fzezr4/)