Instagram Expands Carousel Feature to 20 Frames

Instagram, the leading social media platform renowned for its visual storytelling prowess, has announced a transformative update that promises to redefine how users share and interact with content. The platform has significantly increased the limit for carousel posts, allowing users to include up to 20 photos and videos in a single post, doubling the previous maximum of 10. This enhancement is poised to offer users unparalleled creative flexibility and deepen the ways they curate and present their narratives.

Since its introduction in 2017, the carousel feature has been a game-changer for Instagram. By allowing users to share multiple images and videos in a single post, the carousel format has enabled more nuanced storytelling and efficient content sharing. From step-by-step tutorials and before-and-after transformations to event highlights and product showcases, carousels have become a versatile tool for users to engage their audiences without overwhelming their feeds with multiple posts.

For influencers and brands, the update to 20 frames is particularly significant. It opens up new possibilities for content strategy, enabling more comprehensive and detailed presentations. A fashion brand, for instance, can now use the expanded carousel limit to showcase an entire collection, providing detailed shots of each outfit, accessory, and styling tip within one seamless post. Similarly, travel bloggers can document entire journeys in a single carousel, offering followers an immersive experience of their adventures without breaking it into several posts.

The increased carousel capacity is expected to boost user engagement. Carousels have historically driven higher interaction rates due to the swiping action required to view all content, signalling to Instagram’s algorithm that the post is of interest. With more content available in each post, users are likely to spend more time interacting with and exploring the carousel, enhancing visibility and reach.

Moreover, this update could enhance the overall user experience by reducing the need for multiple posts on the same topic. Users can now consolidate related content into fewer posts, making it easier for followers to view and engage with comprehensive narratives in one place. This streamlined approach is likely to be appreciated by both content creators and their audiences, offering a more cohesive viewing experience.

However, the expanded carousel feature also introduces some potential challenges. The increased number of frames could lead to less thoughtful curation, with users potentially filling all 20 slots without regard to content quality.

This might dilute the impact of individual images or videos, resulting in a less compelling overall post. Additionally, the longer carousels might require more effort in crafting posts, which could be a deterrent for those who prefer quicker, more straightforward content creation. There is also the risk of viewer fatigue; with more content to swipe through, users might lose interest before reaching the end, potentially diminishing the effectiveness of the post.

As Instagram faces increasing competition from other social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube, this update is a strategic move to retain and attract users by offering more robust content-sharing capabilities. The expanded carousel feature marks a significant step forward in Instagram’s evolution, offering users new ways to engage and connect.

By: Dr. Mehak Jonjua