Did you know that carousels tend to get more engagement than single-image posts on Instagram? Carousels see an engagement rate of ~1.92% compared to ~1.74% for static images. Yet, carousels make up only 19% of content posted on Instagram...
While we’ve talked about how Instagram prioritizes video content, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t mix it up with a carousel every now and then! See, Reels get the most reach and engagement, but carousels tend to get more engagement than static posts. Carousels perform better due to:
Higher Engagement Rates
Instagram allows users to swipe through multiple slides, increasing time spent on the post (which boosts the algorithm).
If someone doesn’t engage on the first slide, Instagram may reshow the post with a later slide, increasing visibility.
More swipes = more signals to Instagram that your content is engaging.
More Opportunities for Saves & Shares
Educational & value-packed carousels (e.g. tips, guides, tutorials) tend to be saved more.
People share relatable or inspirational carousels in DMs or stories.
Encourages Comments & Discussion
Carousels often break down a topic into steps, prompting comments like “Slide 4 was so helpful!”
Ending with a question or CTA (e.g. “Which tip did you like most?”) boosts engagement further.
Better for Storytelling
More slides = more room for context, visuals, and storytelling.
They work great for before/after transformations, testimonials, UGC, and case studies.
Creating engaging Instagram carousels requires a mix of strong visuals, compelling storytelling, and a clear call to action. Here’s Media À La Carte’s step-by-step guide:
Start with a Hook (First slide must grab attention! A scrollstopper, if you will)
Use a bold statement, intriguing question, or problem statement to stop the scroll.
Example: “How to go from 0 to 1000 in 3 months"
Keep text minimal but impactful.
Know your audience and talk directly to them.
Maintain a Flow & Build Curiosity
Each slide should naturally lead to the next.
Use progressive storytelling: Break down a concept through narrative or a process step by step.
Showcase the variety of your products, services, or ideals.
Consider numbered lists, before-and-after formats, testimonials, memes, or case studies.
Design for Easy Reading
Use large fonts, high contrast, and minimal text per slide.
Stick to consistent branding (series titles or watermarks, colors, fonts, and design templates). This helps to build brand recognition.
Keep plenty of white space for readability.
Add Engagement Triggers
Ask a question on Slide 3-5 to keep them swiping.
Use “Swipe to see more” or arrows for guidance.
Include relatable statements that encourage saves & shares.
End with a Strong Call to Action (Last slide)
CTA ideas: “Save this for later,” “Comment your thoughts,” “DM me for details,” or “Click the link in bio.”
Add a final branded slide or a CTA that stands out visually.
Optimize for Instagram Algorithm
Post at peak engagement times.
Write a caption that complements the carousel (include storytelling & CTA).
Encourage comments with an open-ended question.
Looking for carousel or other content ideas? Consider joining the Content Calendar Club, a subscription service designed to simplify social media content creation for businesses. We provide a bi-weekly, done-for-you content strategy, including prompts for Reels, Carousels, Captions, and Stories, aiming to help your business grow your audience and convert them into customers.
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