Scheduling first comments on Instagram
A first comment on Instagram lets you add hashtags or additional context below your post without cluttering the main caption. Zestly can automatically post the first comment at the same time as your post goes live.
Why use first comments?
Many creators and brands keep their main Instagram caption clean (minimal or no hashtags) and dump their hashtag set in the first comment. This looks better in the feed and is a widely recommended strategy.
How to schedule a first comment
In the post composer, after writing your main caption:
- •Scroll down to the First Comment section (below the caption editor)
- •Type the text for your first comment (typically your hashtag groups)
- •Use the # Hashtags button to insert a saved hashtag group
When your post publishes, Zestly will automatically post the first comment within seconds.
Instagram requirements
First comment scheduling requires:
- •An Instagram Business or Creator account (not personal)
- •A connected Facebook Page
- •The Zestly app connected with all required permissions (re-connect your account if first comments aren't working)
Hashtag groups
To save a set of hashtags for quick reuse:
- •Go to Settings → Hashtag Groups
- •Click + New Group
- •Name it (e.g. "Fitness Hashtags" or "Client A")
- •Paste in your hashtags
In the composer, click # Hashtags → Insert Group to add them to a caption or first comment with one click.
Character limits
Instagram first comments follow the same rules as regular comments — maximum 2,200 characters and up to 30 hashtags.
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