Instagram is constantly evolving, and one trend that’s clearly on the rise is storytelling carousels. If you’ve been relying solely on Reels so far, you might be missing out on a fantastic opportunity, not only to increase engagement from your followers but also to catch the attention of brands. This can open the door to dream collaborations.
Carousels = Higher Engagement Than Reels
Yes, Reels still get more reach. But when it comes to engagement? Carousels clearly lead the way. And why is engagement so important? It builds trust between you and your audience. Every comment, share, or save signals that your followers are actively involved—and the Instagram algorithm takes notice.
Data & Stats: Carousels vs. Reels
Engagement
- Carousels have a higher average engagement rate than Reels, e.g., around 10% vs. 6% according to some analyses.1
- Studies show carousels generate more interactions (likes, comments, saves, shares) than videos or static images.2
- Carousels are saved more often, a strong signal for the Instagram algorithm.3
- An analysis of more than 4 million posts by Buffer shows that carousels generate approximately 12% higher engagement than Reels and more than double the engagement compared to single-image posts.4
- Carousels also achieve the highest save rates of any format — and saves are among the strongest signals for the algorithm.
- On LinkedIn, a study by Socialinsider (2025, 1 million posts) found that multi-image carousels dominate across all engagement metrics.5
👉 In short: more engagement = more value for the algorithm = more trust from your audience.
💡 Insight from Instagram’s boss:
Adam Mosseri sums it up simply: more slides = more opportunities for interaction. And more interactions = greater reach.6
Attention Span
- Users spend longer on carousels than on Reels, on average 8.7 seconds vs. ~4 seconds for Reels..7
- 👉 Instagram treats time spent on a post as a key signal of content quality.
A Second Chance at Attention
One of the advantages of carousels is that your content can be shown to followers more than once. If someone skips your carousel, the Instagram algorithm may show it to them again. This time starting from the second slide. This gives you a second opportunity to grab attention, even if the first attempt didn’t land. Focus on making every slide strong, not just the first one.
The Algorithm Loves Storytelling Carousels
Storytelling carousels are posts where text and visuals tell a story and encourage swiping. Extend the time users spend on your content. And the longer people engage with your post, the more Instagram boosts it. If you’re still publishing only Reels, you might be leaving part of your engagement on the table. Try incorporating carousels into your content strategy.
Why Storytelling Carousels Work Best?
- Slow down the scroll – users pause and spend more time on your post.
- Build curiosity – each slide is a step in the story, encouraging swipes.
- Create tension and momentum – people want to see what happens next.
And the more people swipe, save, and share… the more Instagram pushes your content.
💡 Creator Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment with text and visuals that hold attention. Storytelling carousels aren’t just a trend, they’re a tool for capturing attention, driving engagement, and building trust with your audience.
Tips for Effective Storytelling Carousels
Start with a Strong Hook
Your first slide must stop users from scrolling. Try:
- Asking a question or making a provocative statement,
- presenting a problem you’re solving.
📌 This is critical. Without a strong hook, your carousel won’t perform.
Optimize Length & Dimensions
- Ideal number of slides: 8–10 to maximize dwell time.
- Dwell time is how long users spend on a post before scrolling. Longer dwell time signals the algorithm that your content is valuable.
- Recommended format: 1080×1350 px for proper feed display.
Call-to-Action
On the last slide, always include:
- A CTA to “save this post,”
- A CTA to “share this post,”
- A question to encourage comments or discussion.
📌 These CTAs boost engagement and signal content value to the algorithm.
Mix Formats
Some carousels perform better with:
👉 Short videos embedded in slides,
👉 text + emojis + visual elements or animation.
📌 Combined carousels (photos, videos, animations, graphics, emojis) often outperform purely photo or video-based posts.
Summary
If you’ve been relying solely on Reels, it’s time to expand your content strategy with storytelling carousels. They’re ideal for building engagement, trust, and a strong connection with your audience.
Remember: more engagement = more algorithm support = more loyal followers. Storytelling carousels aren’t just a trend, they’re a practical tool for creators who want to reach new eyes, truly engage their audience, and catch the attention of relevant brands.
💡 Tip: Experiment, track engagement, and combine Reels with carousels. This creates the perfect mix for Instagram growth and audience interaction.
- https://reelbase.io/blog/instagram-carousel-reels-complete-guide ↩︎
- https://www.creatorsjet.com/blog/instagram-reels-vs-carousels-vs-images ↩︎
- https://reelbase.io/blog/instagram-carousel-reels-complete-guide ↩︎
- https://buffer.com/resources/data-best-content-format-social-media/ ↩︎
- https://www.socialinsider.io/social-media-benchmarks/linkedin ↩︎
- https://mashable.com/article/instagram-engagement-carousels-second-slide ↩︎
- https://reelbase.io/blog/instagram-carousel-reels-complete-guide ↩︎
