Instagram serves as a marketing tool for businesses of all sizes. With over 1 billion monthly active users, the platform connects brands with customers, builds awareness, and drives sales. One feature that has gained popularity among marketers is the Instagram carousel format. 

By allowing users to post up to 10 photos or videos in a single post, carousels enable brands to share more content and tell complete stories. This guide presents the benefits of using Instagram carousel posts in your marketing strategy and outlines trends and future predictions for the format.

This guide provides tips for creating successful carousels with examples from different industries, and explains how social media scheduler tools like RecurPost streamline carousel creation and scheduling.

Instagram carousels boost business results and fit into your marketing strategy.

What is an Instagram Carousel

An Instagram Carousel is a post format on Instagram that allows you to share up to 10 photos or videos in a single post. Each photo or video is displayed as a separate card within the carousel and your followers can swipe left or right to view the content. 

As of 2025, Instagram maintains the 10-photo maximum limit for carousel posts, unchanged since the feature launched. While competitors experiment with expanded multi-image formats, Instagram focuses on enhancing interactive features within this 10-image framework. The 10-image maximum applies to both personal and business accounts for all carousel posts.

Instagram carousel posts in 2025 have several technical limitations beyond the 10-photo maximum. Videos within carousels are limited to 60 seconds per slide, with a 4GB total file size limit across all carousel elements. Images must maintain aspect ratios between 1.91:1 and 4:5, with 1080 pixels minimum width. For optimal display quality, individual carousel slides should remain under 30MB. These carousel specifications have remained stable throughout 2025, enabling consistent content strategy planning.

Advantages of Instagram Carousel for Marketing

Increased engagement

Instagram carousel posts drive follower engagement. Carousels showcase multiple content pieces in one post, capturing audience attention and extending time spent on your page.

If you’re wondering how to get more views on Instagram, creating compelling carousels is a proven strategy. Effective carousels increase likes, comments, and shares, boosting your reach and visibility on the platform.

Increased performance with single-image posts

Instagram carousels outperform single image posts across multiple metrics, generating 1.4x more reach and 3.1x more engagement on average. Carousels provide multiple opportunities for audience connection within a single post, increasing the likelihood of resonating with viewers.

The Instagram algorithm favors carousel posts as they increase platform time through swiping behavior. The multiple-slide format encourages users to revisit posts to view missed slides, creating engagement opportunities unavailable with single images.

Carousel posts outperform single images in several key metrics: average session duration increases by 27%, save rates are 95% higher, and follower growth rates are 41% stronger for accounts regularly posting carousels. Though single images load faster and require less production time, carousels show higher conversion rates for product showcases and educational content. Brands seeking maximum impact with minimal posting frequency achieve better results with carousels than equivalent content split across multiple single-image posts.

Enhanced storytelling

Instagram carousels convey complete stories about your brand or product. Multiple images or videos in one post provide context and detail about your message or offer. Carousels can also be used to create visual narratives, using each slide to build on the previous one and tell a more complete story.

More information in one post

Instagram carousels allow you to share more information in a single post, similar to Instagram note line. With up to 10 cards available in each carousel, you can provide more details about your product, service, or message without overwhelming your followers with too much information in a single post (or even do photo dumps!). You can also run an Instagram carousel ad when you want to reach potential customers by providing them with more information in a single ad.

Better visibility

Instagram carousels enhance platform visibility. Well-crafted carousel posts increase your chances of featuring on the Explore page, expanding visibility and reach for your brand. Additionally, carousels can help to break up the monotony of your Instagram feed, making your posts more eye-catching and interesting to your followers.

Instagram Carousel in 2023 Trends and Future Predictions

Engagement statistics and projections

Instagram carousel engagement statistics for 2025 show measurable growth from previous years. Carousel posts average 5.4% engagement rates compared to 3.1% for single image posts. Carousel posts receive 24% more comments and 18% more shares than other post types. Carousels with 3-5 slides perform optimally, balancing content provision without overwhelming viewers.

First-slide retention remains critical, with 72% of users who engage with the first slide viewing the entire carousel. Brands allocating at least 40% of their content strategy to carousel formats see the highest overall account growth and engagement in 2025.

Increased focus on video carousels

Video carousels have gained popularity on Instagram, with more brands adopting this format in 2025. This trend is in line with the rise of short-form video content and the popularity of TikTok, which has demonstrated the effectiveness of video content in capturing and retaining audience attention. You can use manual or even AI video editing apps to come up with amazing videos for your carousels.

Instagram’s video carousel format allows you to showcase multiple videos in one post, allowing for more immersive and engaging storytelling. You can use video carousels to showcase product features, provide educational content, or also to tell compelling stories that capture the attention of your audience.

Rise of interactive carousels

Interactive carousels build stronger follower relationships. These carousels create polls, quizzes, and other engaging content that drives engagement and gathers audience feedback.

Interactive carousels provide personalized experiences by tailoring content based on user interests and preferences. In 2025, brands experiment with diverse interactive content types that create unique experiences for followers.

Personalization of carousels

Personalized carousels strengthen brand loyalty and drive engagement. Data and analytics create customized carousels for individual users, providing tailored experiences that resonate with followers.

For example, a fashion brand could create a personalized carousel that showcases products based on the user’s previous purchases or browsing history. In 2025, we can expect to see more brands investing in personalization, as it can help to differentiate their brand, provide a competitive edge, and improve social media positioning.

Integration with e-commerce

E-commerce thrives on Instagram as brands use the platform to drive sales and revenue. Carousels integrate with e-commerce platforms to provide seamless shopping experiences for customers.

You can use carousels to showcase products, provide additional information, and also enable customers to purchase directly from the post. In 2025, we can expect to see more brands using this format to drive sales, with the possibility of new e-commerce features being added to Instagram’s platform to facilitate this trend.

Increased use of user-generated content (UGC) carousels

User-generated content provides social proof for brands using UGC. In 2025, more brands will use UGC carousels to showcase customers and build stronger brand communities.

UGC carousels can feature photos and videos submitted by users, along with captions or testimonials that highlight the benefits of the product or service. You can also use UGC carousels as a way to collect feedback and gather insights about your products or services. With the rise of UGC carousels, you can create a more authentic and relatable image and connect with your audience on a more personal level.

how to create instagram carousel

Defining the purpose and goal of the carousel

Start by defining the purpose and goal of your Instagram carousel. Determine whether you’re showcasing a product, promoting a sale, or telling a story. A clear objective helps you tailor content and design to achieve desired outcomes.

Target your content to resonate with your specific audience. Align the carousel’s purpose with your overall marketing strategy and how the post contributes to broader goals.

For example, if you’re running a product launch campaign, the carousel could be used to showcase the different features and benefits of the product. Alternatively, if you’re promoting an event, the carousel could feature photos or videos from previous events to build excitement and anticipation.

Planning and designing the carousel

Plan and design your carousel based on your defined purpose and goals. Decide how many images or videos to include, their sequence, and the post layout. You should also consider the aesthetic of the post, including the use of colors, fonts, and graphics that align with your brand identity. 

When planning Instagram carousels, focus on layout and the emotional impact of your color choices, or use a reliable Instagram carousel maker to streamline the design process while maintaining brand consistency.

The recommended instagram post size is a “Width of 1080 pixels and height between 566 and 1350 pixels.” Consider how the post will look on both mobile and desktop devices when planning and designing the carousel. 

Instagram carousels are viewed differently depending on the device, so it’s important to test the post on both platforms before publishing. You should also consider using free Instagram carousel templates or design tools like Canva to create a consistent look and feel across all of your Instagram carousels. Many marketers prefer using Instagram carousel Canva templates as they offer professional designs that can be quickly customized to match your brand aesthetics.

RecurPost offers a seamless solution for planning and designing captivating Instagram carousels. As a comprehensive Instagram carousel app, its built-in Canva editor, you can easily create eye-catching posts that align with your brand identity, utilizing the recommended Instagram carousel size for Instagram carousels. The Canva editor allows you to customize the number of images or videos, arrange them in the desired order, and choose from various colors, fonts, and graphics.

Once your carousel is designed, you can conveniently schedule it for posting directly from the RecurPost dashboard, making it a seamless process from planning to scheduling your Instagram carousels.

Crafting the content and messaging

Effective content and messaging in carousels drive engagement and results. Craft each image or video to tell compelling stories or provide valuable information. Align the tone of your messaging with your brand voice.

Include a clear call-to-action (CTA) that prompts your audience to take action, such as visiting your website or making a purchase. Create Instagram carousel designs that provide value to your audience. This could include tips, insights, or behind-the-scenes content that provides a glimpse into your brand. 

Incorporate storytelling elements, such as a beginning, middle, and end, to make the post more engaging. Use compelling Instagram captions to provide context and add depth to your social media post.

Check Now – Instagram reel template for free!

Maximizing the impact with hashtags and CTAs

Maximize carousel impact with relevant trending hashtags and CTAs. Hashtags expand visibility and reach wider Instagram audiences. Include hashtags relevant to your brand, industry, and post content.

CTAs prompt your audience to take action and engage with your brand. Include a clear CTA in the post, such as “Shop Now” or “Learn More”, that encourages your audience to take the desired action. Strike a balance between relevance and volume when using hashtags in your Instagram carousel. 

Use hashtags specific to your brand or industry, while also incorporating business hashtags to increase visibility. Use location-specific hashtags to reach a local audience. Make your CTAs clear and easy to follow. 

Use urgency and scarcity tactics to encourage immediate action. You can use a social media bulk scheduling tool to schedule all your carousel posts at once, making sure that your grids are never empty.

Analyzing and optimizing the results

Optimize future posts by analyzing carousel results. Instagram provides performance insights through engagement metrics like likes, comments, and shares.

These metrics reveal what worked well and what needs improvement for future carousels. Test different content formats, messaging, and design elements to see what resonates best with your audience. 

Analyze both engagement rates and overall business impact when evaluating your Instagram carousel results. For example, if the carousel drove a significant increase in website traffic or sales, you should consider replicating the elements that contributed to that success in future posts. 

Test different post formats, such as videos or GIFs, to determine what resonates best with your audience. Continuously track and analyze your Instagram carousel performance to identify trends and improvement opportunities. For those looking to grow organically on Instagram, it’s wise to start with a solid foundation. To enhance your approach, consider exploring our beginner’s guide on uses of Instagram in business to ensure you’re fully equipped to analyze and optimize your Instagram efforts effectively.

Best practices for 2025

Instagram carousel best practices for 2025 align with algorithm preferences and user behavior. Leading with the strongest visual asset determines whether users swipe through remaining content.

Visual consistency across slides with micro-animations between static images proves particularly effective. Data visualization in at least one slide increases engagement by 27%. Text limited to 20% of each slide’s space improves performance, while user-generated content in final slides boosts conversion rates by 18%.

Successful carousels in 2025 conclude with clear, benefit-focused calls-to-action directing users to specific landing pages rather than general website links.

Slide-specific alt text for each carousel image has become crucial for accessibility and search visibility within the platform.

Using RecurPost for instagram carousel marketing

Successful social presence requires consistency and frequency. Creating and publishing regular Instagram carousels requires time. RecurPost automates the creation and publishing process for Instagram carousels.

RecurPost is a social media scheduling tool that allows you to create and publish content across multiple social platforms, including Instagram. Some of its features include a content library, which lets you store and organize your posts, as well as the ability to schedule posts in advance. Additionally, RecurPost offers analytics and insights to help you track the performance of your social media content.

How RecurPost can streamline the creation and scheduling process for Instagram carousels

RecurPost streamlines Instagram carousel creation and scheduling. The drag-and-drop editor creates and organizes carousel posts, while scheduling features plan and automate posting schedules.

Customization options for carousel scheduling and posting

RecurPost provides customization options for carousel scheduling and posting. You can choose to post your carousels at specific times or on specific days of the week, or even set up recurring posting schedules. Additionally, you can customize the captions, hashtags, and other details of each carousel post to ensure they align with your brand’s messaging and tone.

Analytics and insights provided by RecurPost for Instagram carousel performance

RecurPost delivers analytics and insights for Instagram carousel marketing. You can track the engagement rate, reach, and other important metrics for each of your carousel posts. This information can help you optimize your posting strategy and refine your content to better resonate with your audience.

Support for other social platforms

Apart from the ability to schedule Instagram carousel post, RecurPost lets you schedule Facebook posts on your profiles, groups, and pages. You can use RecurPost’s content library to store and organize your social posts, making it easier to manage your content strategy.

You can easily schedule tweets on multiple accounts and create tweet variations for posting the same message multiple times without the fear of getting banned.

RecurPost is a LinkedIn post scheduler that allows you to schedule posts on your personal and business pages to connect with business professionals in your industry. To brand your products and services, you can schedule pins using RecurPost’s Pinterest scheduler.

The mobile application offered by RecurPost helps you to schedule, edit, and manage your posts on the go. It offers you an amazing feature of social inbox – where you can see and manage messages, notifications, and comments from all the social accounts that you have connected.

Also, to target your local audience, you can also schedule Google Business posts with a call to action.

Below are some Instagram carousel examples used by brands from different industries: 

Fashion and beauty industry

Fashion and beauty brands have been using Instagram carousels to showcase their collections, products, and behind-the-scenes footage. For example, the popular beauty brand Glossier often uses carousels to showcase their skincare products, featuring multiple images and videos of people using the products. Also, fashion brands like Zara use carousels to show off their latest collections, allowing users to swipe through multiple images of outfits styled together.

Food and beverage industry

instagram carousel example starbucks

Food and beverage brands have also found success with Instagram carousels, using them to showcase their products, recipes, and behind-the-scenes footage. For example, the popular coffee chain Starbucks often uses carousels to showcase new drinks and menu items, featuring multiple images and videos of the drinks being made and enjoyed. Food brands like Tasty often use carousels to showcase their recipes, featuring multiple images and videos of the cooking process and final product.

Travel and hospitality industry

Travel and hospitality brands have been using Instagram carousels to showcase their destinations, accommodations, and experiences. For example, the luxury hotel brand Four Seasons often uses carousels to showcase their properties around the world, featuring multiple images and videos of the accommodations and amenities. Travel brands like Lonely Planet often use carousels to showcase different destinations, featuring multiple images and videos of the sights, food, and culture.

Fitness and wellness industry

instagram carousel example nike

Fitness and wellness brands have also found success with Instagram carousels, using them to showcase workouts, healthy recipes, and lifestyle tips. For example, the popular fitness brand Nike often uses carousels to showcase their latest workout gear, featuring multiple images and videos of people wearing the gear while exercising. Wellness brands like MindBodyGreen often use carousels to showcase healthy recipes and lifestyle tips, featuring multiple images and videos of the ingredients and preparation process.

It is also a good idea to download Instagram carousel posts shared by these brands and refer them for designing your own creatives.

Related: Instagram Reels ideas to help you craft engaging content that stands out.

Instagram carousels serve as an effective marketing tactic offering numerous benefits for businesses aiming to boost online presence. Carousels demonstrate effective Instagram marketing through increased engagement, enhanced storytelling, and better visibility, showcasing products, services, and brand personality.

Instagram carousels are a powerful way to boost engagement in 2025, but don’t stop there! If you want to maximize your reach, learn to create Instagram Story content that keeps your audience hooked with dynamic visuals.

Social media automation tools like RecurPost can help streamline the creation and scheduling process for Instagram carousels, allowing you to maximize their impact with minimal effort. By taking advantage of these tools, you can ensure you’re creating and sharing high-quality content on a regular basis, without sacrificing time or resources.

1. How do you use carousel on Instagram?

To use a carousel on Instagram, select multiple photos or videos when creating a post and then tap the “Carousel” option to arrange and customize the order of your content.

2. How do you make a sliding carousel on Instagram?

To make a sliding carousel on Instagram, select multiple photos or videos when creating a post and then tap the “Carousel” option to arrange and customize the order of your content, and users can swipe left or right to see all the content.

3. Do carousel posts do better on Instagram?

Carousel posts can perform better on Instagram as they allow for more creative expression and storytelling, and can increase engagement and time spent on a post.

4. What is the limit of Instagram Carousel?

The current limit for Instagram Carousel is 10 photos or videos per post.

5. What makes a good Instagram carousel?

A good Instagram carousel has a clear theme, tells a story, uses eye-catching visuals, and includes a call-to-action or engagement prompt.

6. What is a seamless carousel?

Seamless carousel is a type of Instagram carousel where multiple photos or videos are arranged in a way that makes them look like a single image or video when viewed in the grid view of a user’s profile.

7. What are the disadvantages of using a carousel on Instagram?

Disadvantages of using a carousel on Instagram include the potential for lower engagement on individual slides and the possibility of overwhelming or confusing followers with too much content in one post.