What is an Instagram carousel?
An Instagram carousel is a post that includes multiple images or videos that users can swipe through. This feature allows you to showcase multiple products or tell a story in a single post.
Why use Instagram carousels?
Instagram carousels are a great way to increase engagement and showcase your products in a more dynamic and interactive way. They also allow you to share more content without overwhelming your followers’ feeds.
Instagram carousel size requirements
Carousel images
The recommended image size for Instagram carousel images is 1080 x 1080 pixels. You can include up to 10 images in a single carousel post.
Carousel videos
For carousel videos, the recommended size is 1080 x 1350 pixels, and the maximum video length is 60 seconds per slide.
How to create an organic Instagram carousel
1. Start a new post
Open the Instagram app and tap the plus icon to create a new post.
2. Turn your post into a carousel
Select the “carousel” option at the bottom of the screen to start adding multiple images or videos.
3. Choose your slides
Select the images or videos you want to include in your carousel from your camera roll or gallery.
4. Edit your images
You can edit each image individually by applying filters, adjusting brightness, and adding text or stickers.
5. Add captions and tags
Write a caption for your carousel post and tag any relevant accounts or products.
6. Share with your followers
Once you’re satisfied with your carousel post, tap “share” to publish it to your profile.
How to create an Instagram carousel ad
To create an Instagram carousel ad, you can use Facebook Ads Manager or Instagram’s Promote feature to select your target audience, set your budget, and track the performance of your ad.
Ways to use Instagram carousels for marketing
Spotlight different products
Showcase a collection of products in a single post to give your followers a comprehensive look at your offerings.
Create a step-by-step tutorial
Use each slide to demonstrate a different step of using your product or show different uses for it.
Highlight multiple features
Showcase the various features or benefits of a single product across multiple slides.
Show a product from different angles
Give your followers a 360-degree view of your product by including images from different perspectives.
Post one photo over multiple slides
Create a seamless panorama effect by splitting a single image across multiple slides.
Make a collage
Combine multiple images into a collage to visually showcase your products or tell a story.
Share what’s happening behind the scenes
Showcase your product creation process, team members, or company culture to give your followers a glimpse behind the scenes.
Instagram carousel FAQ
What is the difference between carousels and Reels on Instagram?
While carousels allow you to share multiple images or videos in a single post, Reels are short, entertaining videos that can be shared to your profile or the Explore page.
What is the limit of photos or videos on an Instagram carousel?
You can include up to 10 images or videos in a single Instagram carousel post.
How do you schedule Instagram carousel posts?
Currently, Instagram does not allow users to schedule carousel posts directly from the app. However, you can use third-party social media management tools to schedule your carousel posts in advance.