Instagram is constantly evolving. What started as a simple photo-sharing app is now a platform filled with videos, stories, reels, and interactive content. But one feature has been quietly dominating engagement rates—carousel posts.
These multi-image or multi-video posts let users swipe through content in a single post. And now, Instagram is expanding their functionality, making them even more powerful. Businesses, influencers, and everyday users are taking advantage of this feature like never before.
Why Carousel Posts Work So Well
Carousels are engaging because they encourage people to stop scrolling and swipe through. Instead of seeing just one image, users get a series of content within a single post. This means more time spent on the post, which signals to Instagram’s algorithm that it’s valuable content.
Another advantage? Second chances. If someone doesn’t engage with the first image, Instagram may reshow the post later with a different slide. This increases visibility, helping creators reach more people without posting multiple times.
How Instagram Is Expanding Carousel Posts
Instagram has noticed how well carousels perform, so they’re adding new features to make them even better.
1. Longer Carousels
Previously, users could upload up to 10 slides in a single carousel post. Now, there’s talk of expanding this limit to allow even more slides. This is a game-changer for brands that want to share detailed product showcases, step-by-step tutorials, or storytelling content.
2. Editable Carousels After Posting
A major frustration with carousels was the inability to edit them once published. But Instagram has started testing post-editing features, letting users rearrange or swap out slides without deleting the entire post. This is perfect for correcting mistakes or updating content.
3. More Interactive Features
Instagram is also working on interactive elements within carousels. Users may soon be able to add polls, clickable links, or interactive stickers to individual slides—features that are currently limited to Stories. This would boost engagement and make carousels more dynamic.
How Brands And Creators Are Using Carousels
Carousel posts aren’t just a trend. They are a strategy used by top brands, influencers, and businesses to boost engagement and share valuable content in a creative way.
1. Educational And How-To Posts
People love learning new things. That’s why creators like @thefinancialdiet and @healthline use carousels to share bite-sized tips, whether it’s financial advice, fitness routines, or mental health tips.
2. Behind-The-Scenes Content
Brands like Nike and Louis Vuitton use carousels to take followers behind the scenes of product launches, fashion shows, and athlete endorsements. It adds a storytelling element to their posts.
3. Before-And-After Transformations
This is huge for fitness trainers, makeup artists, and interior designers. @chloe_ting frequently posts workout transformations in carousel format, making it easy to showcase real results in one post.
4. Step-By-Step Guides
Food bloggers, travel pages, and DIY creators love carousels for tutorials. For example, @tasty uses them to break down recipes slide by slide, making it easier for users to follow along.
5. Product Showcases
E-commerce brands like Sephora and Zara use carousels to showcase multiple product angles, styles, or features within a single post. This helps customers make buying decisions faster.