How to Create and Post Instagram Carousels

Carousels are multi-image or multi-slide posts on Instagram. They’re a great way to share tips, tutorials, stories, or any content that needs multiple slides. Carousels can boost engagement because users swipe through your content, spending more time on your post.

Step 1: Plan Your Carousel Content

• Decide the topic or story you want to share.
• Break it into 3–10 slides — Instagram allows up to 10 slides per carousel.
• Examples: step-by-step tutorials, before/after images, tips lists, or mini-stories.

Step 2: Create Slides in Canva

1. Open Canva and choose Instagram Post (1080x1080).
2. Use the “Add Page” button to create multiple slides.
3. Customize each slide:
   • Add text, images, graphics, or videos
   • Keep a consistent style (colors, fonts, layout)
   • Include numbering (Slide 1, 2, 3…) to guide viewers

Step 3: Export Your Slides

• Download all slides as PNG images (or MP4 if including video slides).
• Make sure they are in the correct order for Instagram.

Step 4: Post Your Carousel on Instagram

1. Open Instagram and tap the + button to create a post.
2. Select Multiple Posts (the icon with stacked squares).
3. Upload your slides in order.
4. Add a caption, hashtags, and location if desired.
5. Post immediately or schedule via TST’s Content Calendar.

Step 5: Add a Call-to-Action

• Encourage users to swipe through all slides.
• Example captions:
  • “Swipe to see all 5 tips 👇”
  • “Don’t miss slide 3 — it’s the best tip!”

Quick Tips for Carousels

• Keep text short and easy to read per slide.
• Use visuals to break up text and make slides engaging.
• Make the first slide attention-grabbing to get people to swipe.
• Track performance in Instagram Insights to see which carousel topics get the most engagement.