What is a carousel post? Benefits, platform requirements, & creation tips

Don’t want to upload your pictures or videos in separate posts on social media? You don’t have to! Most social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok allow users to create a carousel post where they can add multiple images and videos in a single post. 

The uses of carousel posts are endless! From sharing a collection of pictures from a recent holiday trip to showcasing your business products, you can use carousel posts to maximize engagement. 

However, every social media platform has a unique set of requirements when it comes to creating and posting carousels. 

So, the purpose of this article is to thoroughly discuss the different types of carousel posts on popular social media platforms, their benefits, and best practices for creating engaging content.

Let’s start with the basics. 

What is a carousel post on social media?

A carousel post is a dynamic form of social media content that allows users to showcase multiple images, videos, or a combination of both in a single post. 

Unlike traditional single-image or video posts, carousels are interactive, encouraging viewers to swipe or scroll through a series of slides.

Carousel posts are popular across many major platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Facebook.

How does a carousel post work?

Typically, when a user encounters a carousel post on their feed, they can swipe left or right (on mobile devices) or click arrows (on desktops) to navigate through the multiple slides. 

These slides can feature up to 10 images or videos on platforms like Instagram or Facebook, allowing a continuous, fluid presentation of content. 

The first slide often serves as a hook, designed to grab attention, while subsequent slides build on that interest, leading viewers deeper into the message or story.

For example, a social media influencer might use a carousel post to share a workout routine. The first slide introduces the workout, and the following slides detail each exercise with instructions. Similarly, a platform like Netflix can use a carousel to promote their upcoming movies or TV series, just like in the following example:

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Carousel posts on different social media platforms

The massive popularity of carousel posts has led most of the leading social media platforms to provide this feature. Being familiar with the varying requirements of different social media platforms is vital to creating engaging and effective carousel posts. 

Let’s look at the different requirements and examples of carousel posts across social media platforms. 

Instagram Carousel

Fun Fact: Instagram was the very first social media platform to introduce the carousel feature in 2017. 

Since Instagram had the first-mover advantage, the carousel posts enjoy great popularity among individuals and businesses on Instagram. Initially, users were allowed to share up to 10 images or videos in a single post, but Instagram has now increased the limit to 20. 

Since carousel posts are highly interactive in nature, they encourage the users to swipe through the images and videos contained in a single post. Other than individuals, brands often use Instagram carousels to showcase new products, tell a story, or highlight various aspects of a service.

Example of an Instagram carousel

The following example of an Instagram carousel post demonstrates how this content type is useful for an account specifically meant to promote luxury cars.

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Instagram carousel requirements

• Image size: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1 aspect ratio) for square images
• Video size: 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5 aspect ratio) for vertical videos
• File format: JPEG, PNG for images; MP4 for videos
• Max file size: 30 MB for images; 4 GB for videos
• Max slides: 20 per carousel

If you are interested in creating engaging Instagram carousel posts, check out our detailed guide to mastering Instagram carousels and boosting your engagement. 

TikTok carousel

TikTok allows users to create carousel posts that combine images and videos. While the platform is known for short-form video content, carousels can effectively present static visuals alongside engaging audio. 

It is also important to note that TikTok promises greater reach through image posts, including carousels. Hence, many brands and influencers use the carousel posts on TikTok to showcase products or share tutorials.

A significant difference between TikTok carousel and Instagram carousel posts is that on TikTok, images or videos are swiped automatically. In other words, you have to swipe through the content in an Instagram carousel post, but the TikTok carousels play automatically, and you can also swipe them.

Example of a TikTok carousel

Here’s an example of a TikTok carousel posted by Disney on its account to promote its classic movies in a humorous manner. 

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TikTok carousel requirements

• Image size: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 aspect ratio)
• Video size: Same as images, with a maximum duration of 60 seconds per video
• File format: JPEG, PNG for images; MP4, MOV for videos
• Max file size: 20 MB for images; 500 MB for videos
• Max slides: 10 per carousel

Related: How to make and post TikTok carousels?

LinkedIn carousel

On LinkedIn, carousel posts are typically created from PDFs that users upload, allowing viewers to scroll through document-style content. This format is ideal for professional settings, where companies can share case studies, reports, or presentations, enhancing engagement with industry insights.

Example of a LinkedIn carousel

Here’s an example of a LinkedIn carousel that explores the role of PostNitro in building a successful social media strategy. 

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LinkedIn requirements

• Document size: Up to 10 MB per file
• File format: PDF for documents
• Slides: Variable based on PDF pages (typically 5-10 slides work best for engagement)
• Recommended layout: Simple and professional design; avoid clutter

Carousel Pins (Pinterest)

Pinterest offers carousel pins that let users showcase multiple images in a single pin. This format is perfect for brands looking to highlight product collections or promote services. 

Unlike other platforms, the carousel posts are only limited to ads or promotional campaigns. So, not every user will find carousel Pins to be useful in their social media usage. 

Businesses can use carousel Pins to drive traffic to websites or e-commerce stores by encouraging users to click through to individual product links.

Pinterest carousel requirements

• Image size: 1000 x 1500 pixels (2:3 aspect ratio)
• File format: JPEG, PNG for images
• Max file size: 20 MB per image
• Max slides: 5 images per carousel
• Pin description: Use engaging text to encourage clicks

Facebook carousel 

Facebook carousel posts are also limited to business profiles and pages. Generally, Facebook users rely on the carousel ads format to display multiple images or videos in a single ad post, making it easier to tell a story or showcase various products. Each slide can link to different landing pages, providing opportunities for targeted marketing and increased conversions.

Example of a Facebook carousel

Here’s an example of a Facebook carousel ad by Booking.com that also has clear CTA under the ‘Book now’ button to facilitate the users in quite 

Facebook carousel requirements

• Image size: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1 aspect ratio)
• Video size: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1 aspect ratio) or 1200 x 628 pixels (1.91:1 aspect ratio)
• File format: JPEG, PNG for images; MP4, MOV for videos
• Max file size: 30 MB for images; 4 GB for videos
• Max slides: 10 per carousel ad

Benefits of social media carousel posts

Social media carousel posts offer a unique and dynamic way to present multiple pieces of content in a single, interactive format. 

Whether you’re a business trying to showcase multiple products or a personal account sharing different aspects of a story, carousels allow for deeper engagement and more creative storytelling. 

Let’s explore the various benefits that carousel posts bring to both personal and business accounts.

• Enhance engagement

One of the most significant advantages of carousel posts is their ability to drive engagement. The interactive nature of these posts—where users swipe, click, or scroll through multiple slides—encourages longer user interactions. 

The more time a viewer spends on your post, the better it performs in social media algorithms, making it more likely to be shown to a broader audience. 

This increased engagement can lead to higher likes, shares, and comments, especially when each slide delivers fresh and relevant content.

For example, Instagram and Facebook carousels often outperform single-image posts in terms of engagement, as they give viewers multiple opportunities to interact with the content.

The following is an example of an informative carousel post with a clear CTA at the end to get more engagement:

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• Provide complete information

Carousel posts provide the ability to go beyond the limitations of a single image or video. You can use multiple slides to tell a comprehensive story or break down complex information into digestible parts. 

Whether it’s a multi-step tutorial, a narrative, or showcasing different features of a product, carousels allow creators to build a layered, cohesive message.

For instance, a personal account might use a carousel to share a step-by-step recipe, while a business could highlight the different features of a new product. This format gives you more space to communicate your message, increasing the likelihood that viewers will connect with your content.

Here’s an example of an Instagram carousel that displays the new features of ContentStudio:

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• Showcase multiple products or ideas

For businesses, carousel posts are particularly effective for showcasing multiple products or services in one post. Each slide can feature a different item, giving users a wide range of options without overwhelming them. Retailers often use this format to highlight various products from a collection, while service-based businesses can showcase different aspects of their offerings.

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• Higher conversion rates

Since carousel posts offer multiple points of interaction, they often lead to higher conversion rates. 

On platforms like Facebook, where carousel ads are widely used, businesses can showcase different products or services, with each slide linking to a specific landing page. This encourages viewers to take action, whether it’s making a purchase, signing up for a service, or simply learning more about what you offer.

The ability to create targeted ads within carousels—where each slide focuses on a different audience segment or product—further enhances their effectiveness. Businesses can personalize their messaging to appeal to specific customer needs, increasing the likelihood of conversion.

Here’s an example of a Facebook carousel ad with CTA for each slide to boost the conversion rate:

• Versatility across platforms

One of the greatest benefits of carousel posts is their versatility, as demonstrated with numerous examples throughout this article. They can be used across a variety of social media platforms—including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Pinterest—each offering unique advantages. 

For instance:

• Instagram allows you to tell visual stories with a combination of images and videos.
• Facebook lets businesses link individual slides to separate landing pages, ideal for advertising campaigns.
• LinkedIn offers document-style carousels, which are perfect for professional presentations and reports.
• TikTok supports carousel-style posts, enabling users to swipe through multiple images, often paired with music or audio.

This cross-platform capability means you can repurpose your content in multiple places, reaching different audiences while maintaining a consistent message.

• Improve audience retention

Carousel posts help keep your audience engaged for longer periods. Since viewers have to actively swipe or scroll through the content, they are more likely to spend time absorbing your message. This additional time spent on your post increases retention, which, in turn, helps build stronger connections with your audience.

For example, if you’re running a tutorial or a how-to guide, a carousel allows you to break the content down into clear, manageable steps. Viewers who are genuinely interested will go through all the slides, giving them a deeper understanding of your message.

• Visual appeal and creativity

Carousels allow for a high degree of creativity in visual storytelling. You can experiment with different combinations of images, videos, text overlays, and designs to create a visually appealing experience. This format encourages creators to be inventive, making content more likely to stand out in crowded social media feeds.

For businesses, this visual appeal can be a powerful tool for branding. Each slide in a carousel can reflect your brand’s aesthetic while conveying important information, making it an ideal medium for marketing campaigns or product showcases.

• Cost-effective advertising

For businesses running paid ads, carousel posts offer a cost-effective way to get more value from a single campaign. Instead of creating multiple ads for different products or services, a carousel ad allows you to showcase everything in one go. 

This reduces the need for multiple ad placements while increasing the chances of engagement and conversion. Platforms like Facebook even optimize carousel ads by showing the most engaging slides first, ensuring that your most effective content reaches viewers first.

Bonus tips: Top 3 ways to create carousel social media posts

Creating carousel posts can be an exciting and efficient way to engage your audience on social media. Here are the top three methods to easily craft and publish carousel posts across various platforms, whether you’re using advanced tools or native social media features.

1. ContentStudio

ContentStudio is an all-in-one social media management tool that simplifies the process of creating, scheduling, and posting carousel content across multiple platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Pinterest. Its user-friendly interface allows you to manage all your social media posts from one dashboard, streamlining your workflow.

Why is ContentStudio perfect for carousel posts?

• Scheduling & automation: With ContentStudio, you can schedule carousel posts in advance, making it easier to maintain a consistent posting schedule without manual effort.
• Built-in design tools: The platform integrates seamlessly with Canva, VistaCreate, and PostNitro, giving you access to powerful design features without leaving the app. You can quickly create stunning carousel slides within ContentStudio, using Canva’s design templates or the AI carousel generation features of PosNitro. 
• All-in-one dashboard: ContentStudio offers analytics and insights to track the performance of your carousel posts, helping you optimize future content for better engagement.

If you’re looking for an efficient, all-in-one tool for managing your social media presence, ContentStudio is the perfect choice for creating and scheduling carousel posts.

2. PostNitro

PostNitro is an AI-powered carousel generator that helps you create stunning, professional-quality carousel posts within seconds. This tool leverages artificial intelligence to recommend designs, layouts, and even content ideas, making the process of creating carousels incredibly fast and easy.

Some of the key features of PostNitro are:

• AI-powered creativity: PostNitro is powered by AI, so you can easily write engaging content for the social media carousel posts. 
• Quick turnaround: Instead of manually designing each carousel, you can generate an entire post within seconds by inputting basic details and allowing the AI to handle the creative work. This makes PostNitro especially useful for businesses and marketers looking to save time while producing high-quality content.
• Platform Optimization: PostNitro optimizes your carousel posts for each social media platform, ensuring that your content meets the specific size and format requirements for Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and more.

If speed and AI-enhanced creativity are what you need, PostNitro is the go-to tool for creating carousel posts efficiently.

3. Native social media features

Many social media platforms offer built-in tools to create carousel posts directly from their native interfaces. While these functionalities are more basic compared to third-party tools like ContentStudio or PostNitro, they are reliable and easy to use for quick content creation.

How to create carousel posts on different social media platforms? 

• Instagram: When creating a new post, simply tap the ‘multiple images’ icon to select up to 20 photos or videos. Instagram allows you to reorder and edit each slide individually, with filters and text overlays.
• Facebook: For Facebook carousel ads, you can use the Ads Manager to upload multiple images or videos, each with a unique link and headline. This feature is ideal for product showcases.
• LinkedIn: You can upload a multi-page PDF document to create a carousel post. LinkedIn automatically converts it into a swipeable format, perfect for business presentations or portfolios.
• TikTok: TikTok allows users to upload multiple images in a carousel-style post, making it easy to create visually engaging content for these highly visual platforms.

Using native tools is a simple and accessible way to create carousel posts, especially if you don’t require advanced features or design flexibility.

Conclusion

Social media carousel posts have revolutionized the way both personal users, small businesses and social media agencies engage with their audiences. Their ability to showcase multiple images, videos, or even documents in a single post offers a creative, interactive, and flexible way to tell stories, display products, and drive engagement. 

By leveraging the specific features of platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Pinterest, you can maximize the potential of your content and reach your audience more effectively.

Whether you’re looking to boost brand awareness, increase conversions, or simply share a richer narrative with your followers, carousel posts provide the perfect balance between creativity and functionality. 

FAQs

What is a carousel post?

A carousel post is a type of social media post that allows you to include multiple pieces of content—whether images, videos, or documents—within a single post. Viewers can swipe, scroll, or click through the slides, interacting with each piece individually. Carousels are available on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Pinterest.

What is the best way to create a carousel post?

Every social media platform has its own method and requirements to create an engaging carousel post. The best way to do it is through ContentStudio. You can connect all of your major social media accounts with ContentStudio to create, post, and schedule the carousel posts across the platforms. 

What is a carousel post on Facebook?

A Facebook carousel post, most commonly used for advertising, allows users or businesses to display multiple images or videos in a single ad. Each slide can have its own link, which makes it ideal for showcasing a range of products, services, or features. Viewers can swipe or click through the individual slides for a more engaging experience.

What is a carousel vs single posts?

A carousel post contains multiple images or videos that users can swipe or scroll through in a single post, while a single post features only one image or video. Carousel posts allow for more in-depth storytelling or showcasing multiple products, whereas single posts are limited to one piece of content.

Can you schedule carousel posts in advance?

Yes, carousel posts can be scheduled in advance using ContentStudio across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn, among others. It allows you to plan and automate the posting of your carousel content across multiple platforms, making it easier to maintain a consistent and timely social media presence. Each platform may have its own specific requirements, but these tools simplify the scheduling process by letting you handle all aspects of social media management from the same dashboard.