What is a Carousel Post?
A carousel post (also called multi-photo post, swipeable content, or image gallery post) is a social media post format that allows users to share multiple images, videos, or cards within a single post. Users can swipe or click through the content sequence, making it ideal for storytelling, product showcases, step-by-step tutorials, and multi-slide presentations.
How Carousel Posts Work
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- Contains 2-20 pieces of content (varies by platform)
- Users swipe horizontally to view each slide
- Each slide can have unique captions or descriptions
- Maintains engagement within a single post
- Interactive format encourages user exploration
Platform Availability & Limits (2025):
- Instagram (up to 20 images/videos) - Updated 2025
- Facebook (up to 10 images/videos)
- LinkedIn (up to 10 images/PDFs)
- Twitter/X (up to 4 images)
- TikTok (photo carousel feature up to 35 images)
According to Instagram's head, carousel posts perform better than single image posts, with users spending more time engaging with multi-slide content. Research shows carousel posts on Instagram can achieve 1.4x more reach and higher engagement rates compared to single-image posts.
Benefits of Carousel Posts
Carousel Post Dimensions by Platform (2025)
Understanding the optimal image dimensions and aspect ratios for carousel posts ensures your content displays properly on each social media platform.
Instagram Carousel Dimensions
- Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1 ratio) - Most common
- Portrait: 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5 ratio) - Maximum vertical space
- Landscape: 1080 x 566 pixels (1.91:1 ratio)
- File formats: JPG, PNG, GIF (non-animated)
- Video: MP4 or MOV, up to 60 seconds per clip
Facebook Carousel Dimensions
- Recommended: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1 ratio)
- Minimum: 600 x 600 pixels
- File size: Up to 30 MB per image
- Aspect ratio: 1:1 works best for consistency
LinkedIn Carousel Dimensions
- Document slides: 1920 x 1080 pixels (16:9 ratio)
- Single image: 1200 x 627 pixels recommended
- File format: PDF, DOC, PPT (converted to images)
- Maximum: 10 slides per carousel
TikTok Carousel Dimensions
- Recommended: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 ratio)
- Alternative: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1 ratio)
- Maximum: 35 images per carousel
- File format: JPG, PNG
Increased Engagement
Higher Interaction Rates:
- Users spend more time with carousel content
- Multiple opportunities for engagement
- Encourages swipe and exploration behavior
- Carousel posts often outperform single-image posts by 1.4x on Instagram
- Higher save rates due to educational and reference value
Want to measure your carousel performance? Use our Engagement Calculator to track your results.
Storytelling Opportunities:
- Sequential narrative development
- Before-and-after showcases
- Step-by-step tutorials
- Product feature highlights
Content Efficiency
More Information Per Post:
- Share multiple perspectives
- Showcase product variations
- Tell complete stories
- Reduce posting frequency needs
Carousel Post Best Practices
Content Planning
Cohesive Theme:
- Maintain consistent visual style
- Use related color schemes
- Follow logical sequence order
- Include clear beginning and end
Planning your content? Check out our social media calendar template for better organization.
First Image Strategy:
- Use most compelling image first
- Include eye-catching visuals
- Add text overlay for context
- Design for social media feeds
Visual Design Tips
Consistent Branding:
- Use brand colors throughout
- Maintain font consistency
- Include logo placement
- Apply consistent filters
Mobile Optimization:
- Design for mobile viewing
- Use readable text sizes
- Test on different devices
- Consider thumb-friendly interactions
Platform-Specific Features
Instagram Carousel Posts
Creation Process:
- Select multiple photos/videos during posting
- Add individual captions for each slide
- Tag people in specific images
- Use hashtags strategically
Learn more about Instagram image specifications to ensure your carousel looks perfect.
Performance Features:
- Individual slide analytics available
- Engagement tracking per image
- Save and share functionality
- Story sharing options
Facebook Carousel Posts
Business Features:
- Product catalog integration
- Shopping tag capabilities
- Lead generation forms
- Call-to-action buttons
Discover Facebook post size guidelines and best practices for Facebook engagement.
Advertising Options:
- Carousel ad formats
- Dynamic product ads
- Multi-destination linking
- Conversion tracking
LinkedIn Carousel Posts
Professional Content:
- Document carousel format
- Industry insight sharing
- Company update sequences
- Professional development content
B2B Applications:
- Product feature explanations
- Service process demonstrations
- Team introduction series
- Case study presentations
Content Ideas for Carousel Posts
Product Showcases
E-commerce Applications:
- Multiple product angles
- Color and size variations
- Feature detail close-ups
- Styling and usage examples
Service Demonstrations:
- Process step breakdowns
- Before-and-after results
- Team and facility tours
- Client testimonial series
Educational Content
Tutorial Formats:
- Step-by-step instructions
- Recipe or DIY guides
- Skill development lessons
- Problem-solving sequences
Information Sharing:
- Statistics and data presentations
- Myth-busting content
- FAQ answer series
- Industry insight compilations
Storytelling Content
Brand Stories:
- Company history timelines
- Behind-the-scenes glimpses
- Team member introductions
- Value and mission sharing
Customer Stories:
- User-generated content features
- Success story highlights
- Community spotlights
- Testimonial showcases
Carousel Post Analytics
Key Metrics to Track
Engagement Metrics:
- Overall engagement rate
- Individual slide performance
- Swipe-through rates
- Time spent viewing
Track these metrics effectively by understanding social media analytics and using our Instagram engagement calculator.
Conversion Tracking:
- Click-through rates per slide
- Link clicks and website visits
- Lead generation forms
- Sales attribution
Performance Optimization
A/B Testing Variables:
- First image selection
- Content sequence order
- Caption length and style
- Call-to-action placement
Content Refinement:
- Identify top-performing slides
- Optimize underperforming content
- Test different visual styles
- Adjust posting frequency
Common Carousel Post Mistakes
Design Issues
Inconsistent Styling:
- Mixed visual themes
- Varying image quality
- Inconsistent text formatting
- Poor color coordination
Poor Mobile Experience:
- Text too small to read
- Images not optimized for mobile
- Slow loading content
- Difficult navigation
Content Problems
Weak Opening:
- Boring first image
- Unclear value proposition
- Missing hook or intrigue
- Poor thumbnail appearance
Content Overload:
- Too many slides
- Information overload
- Repetitive content
- Unclear messaging
Tools for Creating Carousel Posts
Design Platforms
Canva:
- Carousel templates
- Brand kit integration
- Team collaboration features
- Direct social media publishing
Adobe Creative Suite:
- Professional design capabilities
- Advanced editing features
- Brand consistency tools
- High-quality output options
Social Media Management Tools
Buffer:
- Carousel scheduling
- Performance analytics
- Team collaboration
- Multi-platform publishing
Later:
- Visual content calendar
- Instagram-specific features
- User-generated content tools
- Analytics and reporting
Future of Carousel Posts
Platform Evolution
Enhanced Features:
- Interactive elements
- Shopping integrations
- Video carousel improvements
- AR and VR capabilities
Algorithm Considerations:
- Continued preference for engaging content
- Multi-format content promotion
- User experience optimization
- Quality signal prioritization
Content Trends
Interactive Carousels:
- Poll and quiz integration
- User-generated content campaigns
- Collaborative carousels
- Real-time content updates
Frequently Asked Questions
How many images can I add to a carousel post?
The number of images varies by platform: Instagram allows up to 20 images or videos (updated in 2025), Facebook allows up to 10, LinkedIn allows up to 10 slides, Twitter/X allows up to 4 images, and TikTok allows up to 35 images in a carousel post.
Do carousel posts get more engagement than single image posts?
Yes, carousel posts typically achieve higher engagement rates. According to Instagram's leadership, carousel posts can get 1.4x more reach than single image posts. Users spend more time interacting with carousel content as they swipe through multiple slides, leading to better engagement metrics.
What is the best image size for carousel posts?
For Instagram, use 1080 x 1080 pixels (square) or 1080 x 1350 pixels (portrait). Facebook works best with 1080 x 1080 pixels. LinkedIn prefers 1920 x 1080 pixels for document carousels. TikTok recommends 1080 x 1920 pixels (vertical) or 1080 x 1080 pixels (square).
What makes a good carousel post?
Good carousel posts have a strong first image to hook viewers, maintain consistent visual style throughout all slides, tell a clear story or provide valuable information, use 5-10 slides (not too many), include a call-to-action on the last slide, and are optimized for mobile viewing with readable text.
Can I mix photos and videos in a carousel post?
Yes, Instagram and Facebook allow you to mix both photos and videos in the same carousel post. Each slide can be either an image or a video (up to 60 seconds on Instagram). This flexibility lets you create dynamic, engaging content that combines different media types.
How do I create a carousel post on Instagram?
To create an Instagram carousel: 1) Tap the + icon, 2) Select "Post", 3) Tap the multiple image icon (overlapping squares), 4) Select up to 20 photos/videos, 5) Edit and add filters if desired, 6) Write your caption and add hashtags, 7) Tap "Share". All selected images will appear as swipeable slides in your post.
Related Social Media Terms & Resources
Platform-Specific Guides:
- Instagram Carousel - Platform-specific carousel features and best practices
- Facebook Carousel - Facebook carousel advertising and organic posts
- LinkedIn Carousel - Professional B2B carousel content strategies
Performance & Analytics:
- Engagement Rate - Measuring carousel post performance metrics
- Social Media Analytics - Tracking carousel metrics across platforms
- Engagement Calculator - Calculate your carousel engagement rates
Content Creation Tools:
- Instagram Caption Generator - Create compelling captions for carousel posts
- Instagram Image Sizes Guide - Optimal dimensions for carousel images
- Content Planning Tool - Plan your carousel post strategy
Carousel posts provide a versatile content format for storytelling, product showcases, and audience engagement. Success comes from strategic content planning, consistent visual design, platform-specific optimization, and understanding your audience preferences. Use carousel posts to share sequential information, showcase multiple products, tell visual stories, and increase time spent on your content.