Captions Tell the Story

Article 2 min
Effective captions include elements to help the audience easily identify key details and the context of the story behind an image or video. Those elements are the who, what, where, when, why and/or how. Incorporate the 5Ws and H with the ABCs – accuracy, brevity, and clarity – of caption writing to craft impactful captions for videos and images.

DoDI 5040.02 defines captions as short explanatory or descriptive data accompanying imagery. According to the DoD VI Style Guide, all DoD visual information must have a caption and use the Associated Press format. Effective captions should include the principles of accuracy, brevity and clarity. As you write captions, include the following information: 

  • Who - the subject or subjects in an image or video
  • What - the action taking place in an image or video
  • Where - the location of the subject or action
  • When - the date
  • Why/How - why the action is being performed or how it is being performed

When constructing your caption, follow the ABCs of effective caption writing: accuracy, brevity and clarity.

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The ABCs of a Great Caption

AccuracyBrevityClarity

'A' stands forAccuracy

Inaccurate information in a caption is not helpful to anyone. Ensure captions contain factual and error-free information.

Example

A U.S. Soldier kneels at the back of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter on the way to Qayyarah Airfield West, Iraq, March 26, 2020. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Ruszkiewicz)

Explanation

This caption example correctly follows the 5Ws and H to fulfill all release of information requirements. By describing the moment in detail, the photo cannot be misinterpreted.

'B' stands forBrevity

A caption should only contain the information necessary to tell the story of the image and not anything else. Be brief and to the point.

Example

Two Navy MH-60S Seahawk helicopters fly near the USS Harry S. Truman during a replenishment in the Atlantic Ocean, April 25, 2020.

Explanation

This caption is short and to the point while still communicating all 5Ws and H.

'C' stands forClarity

Write the information clearly so the viewer does not get confused about the intent of the caption and image.

Example

An Air Force special tactics operator executes a military free-fall jump out of an MC-130J Commando II over the North Sea during a training exercise, April 9, 2020.

Explanation

This caption makes it clear who, what, why, when, where and how this person is jumping out of an aircraft over a body of water.

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