Instagram Post Crafter

---
name: instagram-post-crafter
description: |
  Craft Instagram feed posts (Reels, carousels, single images) optimized for the December 2025
  algorithm. Use when creating content for Instagram feed, adapting newsletter content for IG,
  planning Reels hooks, or deciding between formats. Includes algorithm signals, format selection
  matrix, data visualization/infographic best practices, and Spanish-language patterns for LATAM.
---

# Instagram Post Crafter Skill

## Algorithm Signals (December 2025)

Per Adam Mosseri (January 2025), the three key ranking factors:

| Signal | Weight | Notes |
|--------|--------|-------|
| Watch time | #1 | How long people watch (Reels) |
| Likes | High | More important for followers |
| Sends/Shares | High | Most important for reaching new audiences |

Additional signals: saves, comments, completion rate, originality.

## Format Selection Matrix

```
Goal: Maximum REACH → Reels
  - 30.81% average reach vs 14.45% for carousels
  - 10x viral potential for small accounts (<5K followers)

Goal: Maximum ENGAGEMENT → Carousels
  - 10% engagement rate vs 6% for Reels
  - Best for saves, comments, conversions
  - "Second chance" feature: IG shows slide 2 if slide 1 didn't get engagement

Goal: Quick post → Single image
  - Lowest reach and engagement
  - Use sparingly
```

**Optimal strategy**: Reels for growth, carousels for nurturing existing audience.

## Reels: The 3-Second Rule

First 3 seconds determine everything. Reels with 50%+ retention get 3x more distribution.

### Hook Formulas

```
Pattern Interrupt:
- Start mid-action (not "Today I'm going to show you...")
- Bold text overlay with surprising claim
- Direct question to viewer

Proven hooks:
- "Esto es lo que nadie te dice sobre [topic]..."
- "El error más común en [topic]..."
- "[Number] segundos para entender [concept]"
- "POV: Acabas de descubrir [thing]"
- Start with the result, then show the process
```

### Reels Best Practices

- **Length**: 15-30 seconds sweet spot
- **Loop**: Design for seamless replay (boosts watch time)
- **Audio**: Trending or original (no other platform watermarks)
- **Captions**: Required for accessibility and silent viewing
- **Post frequency**: 3-5 Reels/week

### Trial Reels (Test Feature)

Test content with non-followers before showing to your audience:

1. Create Reel normally
2. Toggle "Trial" mode before posting
3. Wait 24 hours for metrics
4. If it performs well, auto-publishes to followers after 72 hours

Best for: A/B testing hooks, new formats, product launches.

## Carousels: The Engagement Engine

### Structure

```
Slide 1: HOOK (stops the scroll)
  - Eye-catching visual
  - Punchy headline or question
  - "Swipe" indicator subtle but present

Slides 2-9: VALUE
  - One idea per slide
  - Consistent design system
  - Build narrative or list

Slide 10: CTA
  - Save this post
  - Follow for more
  - Link in bio
```

### Best Practices

- **Slides**: 5-10 optimal (10 slides = highest engagement)
- **Size**: 1080x1350 (portrait takes more screen space)
- **Swipe prompts**: Arrows, "Swipe →", end mid-sentence
- **Consistency**: Same fonts, colors, visual style throughout
- **Post frequency**: 2-3 carousels/week

### Data Visualization Carousels

For tacosdedatos specifically:

```
Structure for educational carousels:
1. Hook: Bold claim or surprising stat
2. Context: Why this matters
3-8. Data points with visualizations
9. Key takeaway
10. CTA: Save + Follow @tacosdedatos

Design tips:
- One chart/viz per slide
- Large, readable labels (mobile-first)
- Cite data sources for credibility
- Minimal text — let the viz speak
```

## Hashtag Strategy (2025 Reality)

Hashtags no longer drive reach (per Adam Mosseri). They now function like SEO keywords.

**Best practice:**
- 3-5 highly relevant hashtags only
- Mix niche + broader tags
- Place in caption (not comments — that's outdated)
- Focus effort on content quality instead

Example for tacosdedatos:
```
#DataScience #VisualizaciónDeDatos #Python #DatosAbiertos #DataViz
```

## Posting Schedule

### Optimal Times (2025 Data)

| Day | Best Times |
|-----|------------|
| Monday | 3-9 PM |
| Tuesday | 5-8 AM, 3-7 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 PM |
| Thursday | 4-5 PM |
| Friday | 4 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM, 5 PM |
| Sunday | 12-3 PM |

*Times in PST*

### Weekly Cadence

```
Minimum viable:
- 3-5 feed posts/week (mix of Reels + carousels)
- Stories daily

Growth mode:
- 3-5 Reels/week
- 2-3 carousels/week
- Stories multiple times/day
```

## Spanish-Language Patterns

### LATAM Considerations

- Mexican Spanish slang over neutral Spanish
- Authenticity > polish (de-influencer trend)
- UGC-style performs well
- Consider cultural moments (Día de Muertos, etc.)

### Caption Templates

**Educational post:**
```
[Bold statement or question]

[2-3 lines explaining the concept]

Esto es lo más importante:
→ [Point 1]
→ [Point 2]
→ [Point 3]

Guarda este post para cuando lo necesites 📌

#DataScience #Python #VisualizaciónDeDatos
```

**Reel caption:**
```
[Hook that complements video, not repeats it]

¿Te ha pasado? Cuéntame en los comentarios 👇

Sígueme para más contenido de datos en español.
```

## Content Ideas for Data/Tech

| Type | Format | Example |
|------|--------|---------|
| Tutorial | Carousel or Reel | "Cómo hacer [X] en pandas" |
| Transformation | Carousel | Before/after data viz |
| Quick tip | Reel (<30s) | "Un truco de Python" |
| Infographic | Carousel | Stats about [topic] |
| Behind-the-scenes | Reel | "Cómo hago mis visualizaciones" |
| Tool review | Carousel | "[Tool] en 10 slides" |

## Output Format

When crafting Instagram posts:

```markdown
## Instagram Post: [Topic]

### Format
Reel / Carousel / Single Image

### Content

**Hook (Slide 1 / First 3 seconds):**
[Content]

**Body:**
[Slide-by-slide or full caption]

**CTA:**
[Call to action]

### Specs
- **Dimensions**: [e.g., 1080x1350]
- **Slides/Length**: [Number or duration]
- **Audio**: [For Reels]
- **Hashtags**: [3-5 tags]
- **Posting time**: [Suggested]

### Assets Needed
- [ ] [Description of visual assets]
```

## References

For algorithm research, source links, and detailed tactics, see [references/REFERENCES.md](references/REFERENCES.md).