Ad Copy Length Checker
Validate your Facebook and Instagram ad copy against Meta's character limits in real time.
0/125
"See More" appears at 125 characters
0/27
0/27
0/30
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Meta Ad Character Limits Reference Guide
Meta enforces character limits across all ad placements. Exceeding recommended limits means your copy gets truncated with a "See More" link, reducing visibility and engagement. Here is a complete reference for all major placements.
| Placement | Field | Recommended | Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facebook Feed | Primary Text | 125 | 2200 |
| Facebook Feed | Headline | 27 | 40 |
| Facebook Feed | Description | 27 | 30 |
| Instagram Feed | Primary Text | 125 | 2200 |
| Instagram Feed | Headline | 27 | 40 |
| Instagram Feed | Description | 27 | 30 |
| Stories / Reels | Primary Text | 72 | 125 |
| Stories / Reels | Headline | 25 | 40 |
| Messenger | Primary Text | 125 | 2200 |
| Messenger | Headline | 27 | 40 |
| Audience Network | Primary Text | 125 | 2200 |
| Audience Network | Headline | 27 | 40 |
Best Practices for Ad Copy Length
- Keep primary text under 125 characters to avoid truncation in the feed. The first line is your hook -- make it count.
- Write headlines between 25-40 characters. Shorter headlines are fully visible on mobile devices.
- Use the description field to reinforce your offer or add social proof, not to repeat the headline.
- Test different copy lengths. Sometimes shorter, punchier copy outperforms detailed descriptions.
- Use Adligator to analyze the copy length patterns of top-performing competitor ads in your niche.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the character limits for Facebook ads?
Facebook ads have several character limits: Primary Text is recommended at 125 characters (maximum 2,200), Headline at 27 characters (maximum 40), and Description at 27 characters (maximum 30). Exceeding recommended limits causes truncation with a 'See More' link.
How long can Facebook ad headlines be?
Facebook ad headlines can be up to 40 characters, but Meta recommends keeping them under 27 characters. Headlines longer than 27 characters may be truncated on some placements, especially on mobile devices where screen space is limited.
What is the recommended primary text length for Facebook ads?
Meta recommends keeping primary text under 125 characters to avoid the 'See More' truncation. The absolute maximum is 2,200 characters. The first 125 characters are your most important -- they need to hook the reader before the text gets cut off.
Does Instagram have different ad character limits than Facebook?
Instagram and Facebook share the same character limits for most ad formats since they both run through Meta Ads Manager. However, Instagram tends to show less text above the fold, making it even more important to keep your primary text concise and front-load your key message.
What happens if my ad text is too long?
If your ad text exceeds the recommended character limit, Meta will truncate it with a 'See More' link. Users must tap to read the full text. This typically reduces engagement because most users don't tap to expand. Your headline may also get cut off with an ellipsis (...) on certain placements.
How many characters show before 'See More' on Facebook?
On Facebook Feed, approximately 125 characters of primary text are visible before the 'See More' link appears. On mobile, this can be slightly less depending on the device. Instagram typically shows even fewer characters above the fold.
What are the best practices for Facebook ad copy length?
Best practices: Lead with your strongest hook in the first line, keep primary text under 125 characters for full visibility, use 25-40 character headlines, include a clear call-to-action, and test both short and long copy variants. Analyze top-performing competitor ads with tools like Adligator to see what copy lengths work in your niche.
