Instagram is once again shaking things up—and this time, it’s good news for small businesses. The platform recently rolled out a major update to its carousel feature, and it's opening up fresh ways for brands to connect, convert, and stand out in a crowded feed.
Let’s break down what’s changed, why it matters, and how you can take full advantage of it.
What’s New With Instagram Carousels?
Instagram has increased the maximum number of slides in a carousel from 10 to 20 photos or videos. That’s double the storytelling real estate in a single post.
But it’s not just about more content—it’s about more engagement:
- 📈 Carousels now receive a 2.7x higher discovery score than single-image posts.
- 🔁 They also outperform videos by 1.4x in reach and engagement, according to recent studies.
This update is designed to reward content that keeps users swiping, tapping, and interacting. More time spent = more algorithm love.
Why This Matters for Small Businesses
Whether you’re running a boutique bakery, a family-owned gym, or a local law firm, this update gives you more space to:
- Show off your product or service from every angle
- Share detailed before-and-after transformations
- Deliver step-by-step guides or tutorials
- Tell a customer story in a richer, more impactful way
More slides = more time in front of your audience = more chances to convert them into followers or customers.
How to Maximize the New Carousel Format
1. Start With a Hook
Your first image or video needs to stop the scroll. Ask a question, tease a reveal, or use bold visuals to spark curiosity.
Examples:
- “You won’t believe how this ended…”
- “Swipe to see the transformation!”
2. Tell a Visual Story
Use the expanded space to take users on a journey. Each slide should naturally lead to the next.
Think:
- Tutorials
- Product development stories
- Behind-the-scenes tours
3. Add Strategic CTAs
Don’t let the last slide be a dead end. Drop a call to action to engage your audience further.
Examples:
- “Which slide was your favorite? Drop a comment.”
- “Click the link in bio to learn more.”
4. Stay On Brand
With 20 slides, it’s easy to get visually messy. Keep things cohesive with consistent fonts, colors, and tone.
Carousel Ideas for Your Small Business
Not sure what to post? Try these:
- A Day in the Life of your business or team
- How It’s Made (products, meals, services, etc.)
- Customer Reviews with photos
- FAQ Series that answers common questions slide-by-slide
- Seasonal Tips or Hacks relevant to your niche
Final Thoughts—More Slides, More Impact
Instagram's new carousel update is a gift for small businesses who know how to use it. It’s not about posting more for the sake of it—it’s about using the added space to tell better stories, drive more engagement, and build deeper connections with your audience.
If you’ve been sleeping on carousels, now’s the time to wake up. This update is your opportunity to get creative, get noticed, and grow.
Level Up Your Social Game With Aggie
Aggie’s automation tools make it easy to plan, post, and optimize your carousels—so you can do more with less. Smart scheduling, caption generation, and engagement insights are just the beginning.
