What size should an Instagram carousel be?

The recommended size for Instagram carousels is 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5 aspect ratio) for maximum visibility in the feed. This portrait format takes up more screen space than square (1:1) posts, helping your content stand out. Our templates automatically create slides in this optimal format.

How many slides should an Instagram carousel have?

Instagram allows up to 10 slides per carousel. The ideal number depends on your content, but 5-8 slides often works best. Start with a scroll-stopping hook, deliver value in the middle slides, and end with a clear call-to-action encouraging saves, shares, or comments.

How do I post a carousel on Instagram?

After downloading your carousel images: 1) Open Instagram and tap the + button, 2) Select 'Post', 3) Tap the multiple images icon to select up to 10 images in order, 4) Apply filters if desired (keep consistent across slides), 5) Write your caption with relevant hashtags, 6) Tap Share. Make sure to select images in the correct order!

Is this Instagram carousel maker really free?

Yes, completely free! You can create unlimited carousels, choose from multiple templates, edit your content, and download as images—no signup required, no hidden fees.

Can I customize the colors and fonts?

Currently, you can choose from our professionally designed templates, each with its own color scheme and fonts. For full customization including your own brand colors, fonts, and logo, check out WaveGen's AI-powered carousel generator which includes a brand kit feature.

What's the difference between this free tool and WaveGen?

This free tool lets you manually create carousels by typing in your content. WaveGen's AI-powered tool can automatically generate carousel content from any URL, blog post, or topic—saving you hours of writing time. It also includes brand kit customization, a drag and drop image editor, scheduler, and more.

Why do Instagram carousels get more engagement?

Instagram carousels get more engagement for several reasons: 1) The algorithm shows them to users multiple times if they don't engage initially, 2) Each swipe counts as engagement, 3) They encourage saves (users save valuable multi-slide content for later), 4) More space means more value, which leads to more shares and comments.

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Instagram Carousel Template

Free Instagram Carousel Template

Q: What is an Instagram carousel?

An Instagram carousel is a post containing multiple images or videos (up to 10) that users can swipe through. Carousels are the most-saved content format on Instagram, outperforming single-image posts because they encourage interaction and keep viewers on your content longer.

Create scroll-stopping Instagram carousels in minutes. Choose a template, add your content, and download your images — no signup required.

Skip the typing — paste a URL and let AI generate your carousel

Preview

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How to Create an Instagram Carousel

With our free Instagram carousel maker, it only takes 4 steps:

1. Choose Template

Pick from our professionally designed templates — minimal, bold, or modern styles.

2. Add Content

Enter your title and slide content. Add or remove slides (up to 10 for Instagram).

3. Preview

See your carousel in real-time. Swipe through slides to check each one.

4. Download

Export as images (ZIP). Upload to Instagram by selecting multiple images in order.

Why Instagram Carousels Get More Saves

Carousels are the most-saved content format on Instagram. Here's why they outperform single-image posts:

Algorithm loves them

Instagram shows carousels to users multiple times if they don't engage the first time, giving you more chances to be seen.

More saves = more reach

Valuable multi-slide content gets saved for later, which signals to Instagram that your content is worth promoting.

Highly shareable

Educational and entertaining carousels get shared to Stories and DMs, expanding your reach organically.

Swipes count as engagement

Every swipe is a signal to the algorithm that your content is engaging, boosting your post's visibility.

Pro tip: Post carousels consistently (3-4x per week) to build momentum. Include a call-to-action on your last slide asking followers to save, share, or comment.

Instagram Carousel Ideas That Work

Not sure what to post? Here are proven carousel formats that drive engagement:

Educational Tips

Share 5-10 actionable tips related to your niche. Each slide = one tip.

"10 Photography Tips for Beginners"

Step-by-Step Tutorials

Break down a process into simple steps. Great for recipes, DIY, or how-tos.

"How to Style a Bookshelf in 7 Steps"

Before & After

Show transformation stories. Works for fitness, home decor, design work.

"Client Website Redesign: Before vs After"

Myth vs Fact

Debunk common misconceptions in your industry. Very shareable content.

"5 Skincare Myths You Still Believe"

Behind the Scenes

Show your process, workspace, or how your product is made.

"How We Make Our Handmade Candles"

Lists & Roundups

Curate recommendations, favorites, or resources your audience will love.

"8 Books That Changed My Business"

Instagram Carousel Best Practices

Do's

Start with a hook that stops the scroll
Use large, readable fonts (especially on mobile)
Keep each slide focused on one idea
End with a clear CTA (Save this, Share with a friend, etc.)
Use consistent branding and colors across slides
Include a mix of text and visuals

Don'ts

Don't cram too much text on one slide
Avoid low-contrast color combinations
Don't use tiny fonts that are hard to read
Avoid clickbait hooks that don't deliver value
Don't forget to proofread for typos
Avoid using more than 2-3 fonts per carousel

Instagram Carousel FAQs

Ready to Level Up Your Instagram Carousels?

Turn any blog post, article, or idea into scroll-stopping carousels with AI. Add your branding, schedule posts, and create content in batch — all with WaveGen.

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