Let’s clear the air – Instagram carousels aren’t dead..
In fact, in 2025 carousel posts remain one of the best tools for boosting engagement on Instagram, especially when paired with a smart social media strategy. So if you’ve been relying solely on Reels, you’re missing out on a type of content format that keeps people swiping, saving, and sharing – which in turn boost your overall engagement rate.
Here’s how to ensure your instagram carousels posts perform well in 2025:
1. Nail your first slide
The first slide of your carousel post is your hook. If it doesn’t make someone stop scrolling, the rest of the slides don’t matter. Think questions that spark thought, unusual or controversial opinions, or surprising statistics you can include.
For example: instead of “3 Tips for brides to be,” try: “Don’t start planning your wedding until you do these 3 things. The difference is in the intrigue.
This isn’t the place for your logo or an aesthetic quote, this is where you want to spike curiosity and generate interest, it can be text overlaid on a corresponding photo, or bold text that stands out.
2. Treat your carousel post as a mini story
Each slide should build momentum, add and create a story you are trying to tell. Whether you’re breaking down tips, showcasing a wedding behind-the-scenes, or walking through the planning process, there needs to be flow as you swipe through your carousel posts.
Here’s a simple format that works:
- Slide 1: Hook (curiosity, controversy, or a bold claim)
- Slides 2 – 4: Value (educational, behind-the-scenes, or how-tos)
- Slides 5 – 6: Context or personal insight (this is where you connect)
- Slide 7: CTA – “Save this,” “Send this to…,” “Comment below”
Even if you only have 4-5 slides this same structure still applies, the key is intentional sequencing and not just adding fluff or ‘filler content’ into the slides.
Remember that most people are scrolling Instagram for entertainment purposes, so each carousel post slide should be kept simple and not like an essay of text. Give just enough information to keep the reader swiping without overwhelming them.
One way I like to keep it simple is to tell myself that it’s ‘one point per slide’, so say what you need to say, then move on. This helps stop the temptation to overload each slide with too much information. The best performing carousel posts feel light to read but still deliver impact.
3. Don’t neglect the final slide
Don’t treat your final slide as an afterthought. It’s the perfect place to:
- Reinforce your core message
- Drive action, also known as a ‘call to action’ or CTA (book, click, save, comment)
- Encourage engagement signals the algorithm favours
Remember that saves and shares on Instagram outweigh likes when it comes to their 2025 algorithm so your CTA should nudge people toward these actions.
Example:
“Save this if you are planning a festival-themed wedding”
“Share with your partner so they don’t forget to do this!”
4. Mix trends and original content
Jumping on what’s trending is a good way to get eyes on your page but remember to add a unique take if you can. Whether that’s a story from a recent client or an opinion on an industry trend, your carousel post should still have your personality in it.
Instagram is rewarding originality and relevance more than ever, so you can repurpose trends but don’t consistently copy them. Add what makes you different, stand out and recognisable as your brand. Mix trending content with your original spin and share some educational, behind-the-scenes, or storytelling style carousels to keep your feed dynamic without relying solely on trends for engagement.
5. Pair your carousels with Reels for an instagram engagement boost
Instagram in 2025 is especially rewarding saves and shares, and a well written carousel post encourages exactly that. It gives people a reason to pause and read, save it for later, or share it with someone who’d benefit.
As Instagram is always evolving and changing, you just focus on one type of content anymore. We know that Reels are still a great way to get reach and viewed by more non-followers. I’m often asked whether you should prioritise Reels or carousels and my answer is always the same – post a mix of both.
When you have high performing Reels paired with value packed carousel posts, you’re creating a content system that works both short and long term. Reels drive visibility and carousel posts positions you as the expert and encourages more engagement.
The rumours that carousels are dead aren’t true and they can actually be one of the most effective tools for building trust, delivering value, and increasing your engagement rate on Instagram.
If you start treating each carousel post as an opportunity to educate, connect, or share insights with your audience you’ll start to see real results! The goal isn’t to chase trends for the sake of visibility, but to create content that’s meaningful, useful, and most importantly attracts your ideal clients.
If you’re looking for support creating this type of content, I’d love to chat about how I can help you build a marketing strategy that not only attracts your ideal clients but also takes this task off your plate.