What are carousel ads?
Carousel ads are a type of social media ad that let you include multiple images or videos in one swipeable post. Instead of a single photo or clip, you get a series of “cards” — and viewers can scroll through them. It’s a clever way to pack more info into a single ad, all wrapped up in a fun, interactive experience.
Why should you care about carousel ads?
Carousel ads grab attention by being interactive and visually richer than standard ads. People are more likely to swipe through multiple cards than stop for a static image — which means better engagement. Plus, they can boost click-throughs and conversions, making your ad spend go further.
How do carousel ads work?
On platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, X (Twitter), and Pinterest, you can create a carousel with 2–10 cards. Each card can have its own image or video, headline, link, and call-to-action (CTA). You can:
- Highlight several products in one go.
- Tell a step-by-step story or tutorial.
- Showcase multiple features of one item.
If you’re targeting on Facebook or Instagram, you can even let the platform auto-optimize the card order based on performance.
What benefits do carousel ads offer?
- Engagement & interactivity – Swipable cards invite action, keeping people engaged longer.
- Storytelling space – You can build a narrative or walkthrough over multiple cards.
- Multiple CTAs – Each card can link to a different page or goal (product, signup, article).
- Performance gains – Many brands see lower cost-per-click and boosting click-through rates — studies suggest up to 10× more traffic than single-image ads.
What platforms support carousel ads and how do specs differ?
- Facebook & Instagram: 2–10 cards; 1:1 or 4:5 images; videos up to 240 min.
- LinkedIn: 2–10 image-only cards, 1:1 ratio.
- X (Twitter): 2–6 cards, images/videos, 1:1 or 1.91:1.
- TikTok: Up to 35 images or videos, various specs.
- Pinterest: 2–5 images, 1:1 or 2:3.
📌 Pro tip: Always check the platform’s current ad guidelines — aspect ratios, file sizes, text limits can change.
When should you use carousel ads?
- Showing off multiple products (e.g. clothing line or gadget bundle).
- Unfolding a story or tutorial, one slide at a time.
- Retargeting customers (e.g. items left in their cart).
- Mixing media types — blend images and videos for a richer experience.
Tips for getting carousel ads right
- Hook with the first card – You want the first image or video to grab attention and invite a swipe.
- Tell a clear story – Think beginning, middle, end. Even if you’re showcasing products, give it flow.
- Keep branding consistent – Use the same style, colors, tone across cards.
- Use varied CTAs – Guide people to different outcomes depending on what each card offers.
- Test frequently – Try different card counts, headlines, visuals — swap things around to see what performs best.
- Optimize mobile experience – Most interaction happens on phones: test text size, image clarity, load times.
Best Practices Summary
- Clear, consistent visual style
- Smart sequencing (especially for story or instructional ads)
- Strong CTAs per card
- Ongoing A/B testing and performance tracking
Carousel ads are a powerful tool in your social media toolkit — they let you share more, tell better stories, and drive action. Whether you want to promote several products, walk someone through how to use something, or re-engage viewers, carousel ads can help you hit your goals—and do it with style.
Final tip
Start simple: pick 3–5 strong cards, each with its own image and purpose. Track which ones get swipes and clicks — then improve based on what your audience responds to. That’s how you turn a swipe into a sale (or a loyal customer).