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Social media glossary

Carousel

A single post that holds several images or videos people swipe through. Popular for tutorials, lists and step-by-step stories.

A carousel is a post containing multiple images or video clips that viewers swipe through. Platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and Facebook support carousel-style posts, though limits on the number of slides vary and can change.

Carousels work well for content with a natural sequence: tutorials, tips lists, before-and-after reveals, product ranges and mini stories. Each swipe is an interaction, and people often spend longer on carousels than on single images, which many algorithms see as a positive signal.

To make one work, put a strong hook on the first slide, keep one idea per slide, use a consistent design and end with a call to action like "Save this" or "Share with a friend".

Questions about Carousel

Do carousel posts get more engagement?

They often do, because swiping keeps people on the post longer and each slide is another chance to engage. Results vary by audience and platform, so compare carousels with single images and videos in your own analytics.

How many slides should a carousel have?

Use as many as the content needs, within the platform's current limit. Many effective carousels use five to ten slides. Every slide should earn its place, so cut filler and keep the story moving toward a clear ending.

What makes a good carousel post?

A first slide that hooks attention, one clear idea per slide, consistent fonts and colors, easy-to-read text and a final slide with a call to action. Educational and step-by-step content tends to perform especially well.

Keep exploring

More social media terms.

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Caption

The text that goes with a social post. It adds context, personality and a call to action, and often carries hashtags.

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Churn

The rate at which followers or customers leave over a period of time. On social it usually shows up as unfollows.

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