Instagram Expands Carousels to 20 Frames: What This Means for Creators and Businesses
Written by Sharon Brand
Instagram’s latest update has just rolled out a feature that’s set to make waves across the platform: carousels can now include up to 20 frames. This update is a game-changer for both content creators and businesses, offering new possibilities for storytelling, product showcasing, and engagement.
Why Carousels Matter
Carousels have long been a popular feature on Instagram, allowing users to share multiple images or videos in a single post. Originally capped at 10 frames, this format was ideal for creators who wanted to tell a story, show a progression, or provide a more in-depth look at a subject. For businesses, carousels have been a go-to for showcasing products, creating tutorials, or presenting before-and-after transformations.
The ability to swipe through a series of images or videos keeps users engaged longer, increases the chances of interaction, and often results in higher engagement rates compared to single-image posts.
What the Expansion to 20 Frames Means
With the expansion to 20 frames, the possibilities for content creation are significantly enhanced. Here’s how:
More In-Depth Storytelling: Creators and businesses can now dive deeper into their narratives. Whether you’re sharing a travel journey, a step-by-step guide, or a brand story, the additional frames allow for more detailed and comprehensive content.
Enhanced Product Showcasing: For e-commerce businesses, this update is particularly beneficial. Imagine showcasing an entire collection of products, each with detailed descriptions and different angles, all within one post. This can create a more immersive shopping experience directly on the platform.
Educational Content: Educators and influencers can now create more detailed tutorials and how-to guides without having to condense information. This is especially useful for complex topics that require more than a few steps to explain.
Increased Engagement: With more frames to swipe through, users are likely to spend more time on each post, increasing the chances of interaction through likes, comments, and shares. This can be a valuable boost for visibility in Instagram’s algorithm.
Creative Freedom: The expansion gives creators more space to experiment with their content. Whether it’s a photo series, a video sequence, or a combination of both, the creative possibilities are now broader than ever.
Best Practices for the New Carousel Limit
While the expansion to 20 frames offers more opportunities, it’s important to use this feature effectively. Here are some best practices:
Maintain Quality Over Quantity: Just because you have more frames doesn’t mean you should use them all. Ensure that each frame adds value to your post. Avoid filler content that doesn’t contribute to your overall message.
Plan Your Story: With more frames available, it’s crucial to plan your content strategically. Make sure your narrative flows smoothly from one frame to the next, keeping your audience engaged throughout.
Keep Your Audience in Mind: Consider what your audience wants to see. Use the additional frames to provide more value, whether that’s through detailed explanations, more product options, or a deeper dive into a topic.
Experiment with Formats: Don’t be afraid to mix up your content. Combine photos, videos, text, and graphics to create dynamic and engaging carousels.
Conclusion
Instagram’s expansion of carousels to 20 frames opens up a world of possibilities for creators and businesses alike. This update not only enhances the way we tell stories on the platform but also provides new opportunities for engagement and creativity. As always, the key to success will be in how effectively you use these additional frames to connect with your audience and share your message.
Whether you’re a seasoned Instagram user or just starting to explore the platform, this new feature is something to get excited about. So, start planning your next carousel and see how you can make the most of those extra frames!
