Caption length checker for TikTok, Reels and Shorts
Short answer: TikTok allows up to 4,000 characters, Instagram up to 2,200, and YouTube Shorts up to 5,000. Only the first ~100 to ~125 characters show before the "more" cut-off, so put the hook there.
0 characters (including spaces)
Feed preview:
Type a caption to check it.
How to use it
- Type or paste your caption. Hashtags and mentions count towards the totals on every platform.
- Read the bars. Each platform's limit is shown; the bar turns red if you go over.
- Check the feed preview. Only the first line or so shows before "more", so make the first sentence stand on its own.
- Trim. Then move on to the clip itself in Millwards Studio.
Platform limits (October 2026)
| Platform | Caption limit | Visible before "more" | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TikTok | 4,000 characters | ~100 characters | TikTok Content Posting API |
| Instagram Reels | 2,200 characters | ~125 characters | Meta Instagram Graph API |
| YouTube Shorts | 5,000 characters (description) | first 1-2 lines | YouTube Data API |
Limits are ceilings, not targets. Shorter captions usually perform better, and the first sentence does most of the work. Last checked 30 October 2026.
Then trim and export the clip
Millwards Studio is a browser video clipper for your own videos: upload a file, trim the hook, choose 9:16, 1:1 or 16:9, add captions and export. Free exports are 720p WebM made in your browser with a watermark; Pro (£12 per month) gives 1080p MP4 with no watermark.
FAQ
What is the TikTok caption character limit?
TikTok captions can be up to 4,000 characters including hashtags and mentions. The first roughly 100 characters show before the See more cut-off in the feed.
What is the Instagram Reels caption character limit?
Instagram captions can be up to 2,200 characters. Only about the first 125 characters show before the more cut-off in the feed.
What is the YouTube Shorts description limit?
YouTube Shorts descriptions can be up to 5,000 characters. The first line or two show before the Show more cut-off.
Are these limits exact?
They are the limits published by each platform as of October 2026. Platforms change them, so check the platform's own help pages before relying on a number.
Is my text uploaded?
No. The text you type is processed in your browser and nothing is sent to Millwards Studio.