Let's talk about the hype around Instagram Carousels! Should they be where you focus more of your content on instead of reels? We'll dive further into this topic in this blog post!
What is an Instagram Carousel?
An Instagram carousel is a post containing multiple photos or videos that users can view by swiping left on the app or clicking the arrow button on desktop. Carousels are like a slideshow of images that allow users to control the pace and engage with your content better. They're an effective way to capture attention and boost engagement since they're more eye-catching and immersive than single-image posts.
Instagram Carousel Statistics
According to recent statistics, Instagram carousels have the highest engagement rate among all post types, ranging from 1.65% to 5.40%, depending on your follower size. This is higher than the platform's average engagement rate of 1.22%, making carousels an essential tool for digital businesses to reach their audience and grow.
Instagram Carousel Content Ideas
Educational content
Data and analytics
Infographics
Tutorials
Break articles in the form of tips/hacks
Brand storytelling
Before-and-after reveals
Photo dumps
Product reveals
Essential components
Product/brand updates
User-generated content
Event highlights
Behind-the-scenes looks
Instagram Carousel Sizing Guide
When creating a carousel post, it's crucial to follow the size requirements and specifications. Instagram supports three aspect ratio options: square (1:1), horizontal (1.91:1), and vertical (4:5).
For images, Instagram recommends a resolution of 1080 x 1080 pixels, while videos can have a minimum resolution of 600 x 600 pixels and a maximum resolution of 1080 x 1080 pixels.
2023 Instagram Carousel Trends
Video Carousels
With the rise of short-form video content and the popularity of TikTok, we can expect to see more brands using video carousels to capture and retain audience attention. Instagram's video carousel format allows you to showcase multiple videos in one post, allowing for more immersive and engaging storytelling.
Carousels Drive Interaction
Interactive carousels are an excellent way to engage audiences and build stronger relationships with followers. Brands can use interactive carousels to create polls, quizzes, and other types of engaging content that can help drive engagement and gather feedback from their audience.
Are Instagram Carousels Better Than Reels When It Comes To Reach?
It's difficult to definitively say whether Instagram carousels or reels are better for reach as it can depend on a variety of factors such as the content, audience, and engagement.
However, Instagram Reels are a newer feature on the platform and currently seem to be prioritized in the algorithm for increased visibility and engagement. Instagram Reels have a dedicated tab on the Explore page and are also shown to users on their feed and profile page, increasing their potential reach.
That being said, Instagram carousels can also be effective for increasing reach as they allow for multiple pieces of content to be shared in a single post, providing more opportunities for engagement and interaction.
Ultimately, the success of either format will depend on the quality and relevance of the content and how well it resonates with the intended audience!
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