# Pre-publish checklist

Course: [How to build a working hashtag set](https://the-app.fyi/academy/working-hashtag-sets)
Lesson 5 of 5 · 3–5 min
URL: https://the-app.fyi/academy/working-hashtag-sets/pre-publish-checklist

### 40 seconds before you post

Before you hit share — 40 seconds of checklist. Boring. Way fewer faceplants though.

### Hashtag checklist

- [ ] Under the limit: Instagram — **max 5**
- [ ] You can explain each tag in one sentence about *this* post
- [ ] You've got niche/topic, not a wall of broad tags
- [ ] Broad — one max
- [ ] No `#follow4follow`, `#fyp`, `#like4like`, or other junk
- [ ] The set isn't a 1:1 copy of the last post
- [ ] Geo/format — only if it's truly on-topic
- [ ] Quick search glance: the tag is alive, doesn't look toxic

### Checklist next to tags (often more important)

- [ ] The caption has real words people search for
- [ ] For video: the key phrase is spoken / on screen early
- [ ] Preview and first second aren't “eh, you'll get it later”

### If you're unsure

> **Rule:** Drop the tag.
A short honest set > “I padded the five with whatever.”

> Save this checklist. Next courses cover profile and content — tags alone still won't carry you.

## Check yourself

What should you do if you're unsure about one of five tags?

1. Keep it — maybe it works
2. Remove it; better 4 precise than 5 with junk
3. Swap it for `#viral`
4. Duplicate the broadest tag twice

Explanation: The limit is 5 — you don't need a “fill every slot” quota. A shaky tag hurts more often than it helps.