What Is an Instagram Carousel?

Instagram carousels (also called “swipeable posts” or “multi-image posts”) remain one of the most powerful content formats on the platform. You can add up to 20 photos or videos in a single post (up from 10 in previous years), and data consistently shows carousels get higher engagement and more time spent on post than single-image or video posts. In fact, Instagram carousel posts generate 12% more engagement than Instagram Reels and 2.14 times more than single-image posts, highlighting their effectiveness in driving stronger user interaction compared to other formats.

Here’s everything you need to know in 2025, including updated limits, best practices, and proven strategies.

What Is a Carousel Post On Instagram?

An Instagram carousel is a single post that contains 2–20 photos, videos, or a mix of both. Followers swipe left (or click the arrow on desktop) to view each slide. It appears as one post in the feed with small blue dots underneath indicating there’s more to see.

Why Carousel Posts Still Win in 2025

• Higher average time spent → Instagram’s algorithm rewards posts people linger on.
• Multiple algorithm touches → Some users see the post again when they reach later slides.
• Up to 20 slides → More room for storytelling, tutorials, or product details.
• Better reach & saves → Recent studies (2024–2025) show Instagram carousels deliver 13% higher reach than Reels.

Who Should Use Carousel Posts?

Literally everyone, but these accounts see the biggest gains:

• E-commerce brands & small shops
• Coaches, educators & course creators
• Influencers & personal brands
• Photographers, artists & creators
• Real estate agents & travel creators
• Non-profits & community pages
• Food, fitness & lifestyle bloggers

15 Proven Carousel Content Ideas for Instagram

1. Step-by-Step Tutorials or Recipes
   Break down a process or recipe into easy-to-follow steps. For example, create a carousel showing each stage of a DIY project, or step-by-step instructions for a recipe, with each slide dedicated to one action.
   
2. Before-and-After Transformations
   Showcase dramatic changes, like home renovations, fitness journeys, or makeover transformations. Use one slide for the "before" and the next for the "after" to highlight the contrast.
   
3. Product Feature Breakdown (One Benefit per Slide)
   Highlight a single benefit or feature of your product in each slide. For example, a skincare brand can dedicate each slide to a unique benefit (hydration, anti-aging, etc.), with visuals to support each claim.
   
4. Customer Testimonials & User-Generated Content (UGC) Roundups
   Share authentic feedback from your customers or followers. You can dedicate each slide to a different testimonial or UGC (like photos, videos, or posts from customers) showcasing your products or services in action.
   
5. Mini Infographics or Data Threads
   Create carousels that feature quick stats or bite-sized educational content. For instance, a fitness brand could use a carousel to break down exercise benefits or a business to explain industry trends using simple visuals and stats.
   
6. Event or Travel Recaps
   Share highlights from a recent event or trip. Each slide can feature a different aspect of your experience: locations, people, activities, or even the food you enjoyed, offering followers a virtual tour of the event or destination.
   
7. Q&A Sessions (Question on Slide 1, Answer on Slide 2+)
   Post questions from your followers or audience and then provide the answers in the following slides. This format is perfect for engaging directly with your audience and offering valuable information.
   
8. Outfit or Lookbook Grids
   If you’re in fashion, beauty, or lifestyle, create an outfit grid or lookbook. Each slide can feature a different outfit, accessory, or beauty look styled for various occasions or seasons.
   

Pro tip: Keep every slide on the same topic. Mixed-topic carousels confuse the algorithm and drop completion rates.

How to Create a Standout Instagram Carousel Post

You can now mix ratios in one carousel, Instagram will automatically crop and adjust each image to fit the feed. Whether you use square, portrait, or landscape formats, the platform ensures everything looks seamless without needing to maintain a consistent ratio across slides. This gives you the freedom to create dynamic, visually engaging carousels with minimal effort.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Tap the "+" Icon to start a new post.
   
2. Select the Stacked Squares Icon (or "Select Multiple") to choose multiple photos or videos.
   
3. Pick up to 20 Slides – mix and match images, videos, or both.
   
4. Reorder Your Slides – drag and drop to arrange your content exactly how you want it.
   
5. Get Creative – edit each slide individually with filters, text overlays, stickers, and even music to make each one pop.
   
6. Write One Caption for the whole post, and don’t forget to add your location, tags, and alt text to make it more discoverable.
   
7. Hit Share and let your carousel shine in your followers’ feeds.

How to Schedule Instagram Carousels

Use any major scheduling tool (Meta Business Suite, Later, Planoly, Buffer, Creatomate, etc.). The process is the same:

1. Create or upload your carousel
2. Add caption, hashtags, first comment, etc.
3. Pick date & time (most tools now show your best times to post)
4. Schedule or auto-publish

6 Best Practices to Supercharge Your Instagram Carousels

1. Start with a Bold Hook
   Your first slide sets the tone. Use a catchy question, bold text, or a surprising stat to grab attention and make users want to swipe.
   
2. End with a Strong Call-to-Action (CTA)
   Finish strong by encouraging engagement: “Save this for later,” “Tag a friend,” or “What’s your favorite tip?” A CTA boosts interaction and keeps your audience coming back for more.
   
3. Create Smooth Panoramas
   Design a wide image split across multiple slides to create a seamless, swipe-worthy effect that keeps your audience engaged.
   
4. Use Custom Cover Images
   Choose an eye-catching cover for your carousel (three dots → Edit → Change Cover). A custom cover makes your post stand out in the feed.
   
5. Mix Media for Variety
   Combine different types of media—start with a video, add images, and end with another short video. This keeps your content fresh and dynamic.
   
6. Post When Your Audience Is Most Active
   Use Instagram Insights to find when your followers are online, and schedule your carousels to maximize reach and engagement.

FAQ

Can I use Instagram carousels for video content?

Yes! Instagram carousels allow you to mix both photos and videos within the same post. You can add up to 20 slides, and each one can be a photo or video. This flexibility lets you create dynamic, engaging content that tells a story or highlights different aspects of your offering.

Are Instagram carousel posts effective for building brand awareness?

Instagram carousel posts are a powerful tool for building brand awareness. With the ability to showcase multiple images or videos in a single post, carousels allow you to highlight different aspects of your brand or products, keeping your audience engaged for longer. The extended interaction time increases visibility, making it more likely that your content will reach a wider audience and reinforce your brand’s message.

How do carousel posts impact Instagram's algorithm in 2025?

Carousel posts have a positive impact on Instagram's algorithm in 2025 because they encourage users to spend more time interacting with your content. As users swipe through multiple slides, the algorithm recognizes this as higher engagement, which boosts the post's visibility and reach.

Unlocking the Full Potential of Instagram Carousel

Instagram carousels are a powerful way to engage your audience, offering up to 20 slides to showcase products, tell stories, or share tutorials. This format helps capture attention and boost engagement, increasing your reach on the platform.

For brands, creators, and influencers, mastering carousels is crucial for growth. By following best practices and leveraging tools like Eclincher to schedule and optimize your posts, you can ensure your content reaches the right audience at the right time. Stay creative, focused, and engaging, and watch your Instagram presence grow.