# Free Instagram Carousel Maker — Create Swipeable Posts **Source:** https://posteverywhere.ai/tools/instagram-carousel-maker --- Free Instagram Tool # Instagram Carousel Maker — Create Swipeable Posts for Free Instagram carousels get **3.1x more engagement** than single-image posts and the algorithm shows them multiple times in your followers' feeds. Build up to 20 slides below — no signup, no watermarks. ## Quick-Start Templates Educational7 slides: Hook, 5 tips, CTABefore & After5 slides: Hook, Before, Process, After, CTAMyth Busters6 slides: Hook, 4 myths, CTA ## Slides (3/20) + Add Slide1Untitled slide2Untitled slide3Untitled slide ### Editing Slide 1 Slide TitleBody Text ### Design Settings Background ColorApplyFont SizeSmallMediumLargeBranding FooterYour Handle ## Live Preview (4:5 Portrait) 1/3 ### Slide Title @yourhandleCreated with PostEverywherePrevSlide 1 of 3Next ### Export Download All Slides as PNG (1080×1350)**Tip:** Upload all slides at once when creating an Instagram post. Select them in order, write a caption with hashtags, and publish. Use a [scheduler](https://posteverywhere.ai/instagram-scheduler) to post at peak engagement times. 123 ## Why Instagram Carousels Outperform Every Other Format Instagram carousels consistently deliver the **highest engagement rates** of any post format on the platform. Data from multiple studies shows carousels generate **1.4x more reach** and **3.1x more engagement** than single-image posts. The secret is the algorithm. When someone scrolls past your carousel without swiping, Instagram re-shows it in their feed later — this time displaying the second or third slide. This gives you **multiple chances** to capture attention with a single post. No other format gets this treatment. Carousels also drive saves and shares, which are the two engagement signals the [Instagram algorithm](https://posteverywhere.ai/blog/how-the-instagram-algorithm-works) values most heavily. Educational carousels in particular get saved at extremely high rates because people want to reference them later. If you are looking to [grow your social media presence](https://posteverywhere.ai/blog/grow-your-social-media-presence), carousels should be the backbone of your content strategy. With an [Instagram scheduler](https://posteverywhere.ai/instagram-scheduler), you can batch-create your carousels and schedule them at the [best time to post](https://posteverywhere.ai/best-time-to-post) for maximum visibility. ## How to Create an Instagram Carousel Post - **Plan your content.** Start with one key message and break it into 7-10 digestible slides. Use our [AI content generator](https://posteverywhere.ai/ai-content-generator) to brainstorm carousel ideas quickly. - **Create a scroll-stopping hook.** Your first slide determines everything. Use a bold headline with a number, a provocative question, or a relatable statement that makes people stop scrolling. - **Design your slides.** Use the carousel maker above to write each slide. Keep text concise — under 30 words per slide. Choose a background color that pops in the Instagram feed. - **End with a CTA.** Your final slide should tell readers what to do: save the post, share it, follow you, or check the link in your bio. - **Export and upload.** Download your slides as PNG images and upload them all at once when creating a new Instagram post. - **Write a killer caption.** Add context, tell a story, and include a call-to-action. Finish with 20-30 relevant hashtags using our [hashtag generator](https://posteverywhere.ai/tools/hashtag-generator). ## Instagram Carousel Best Practices for 2026 - **Use 7-10 slides.** This is the sweet spot for engagement. More slides means more dwell time, which the algorithm rewards. - **Make slide 1 impossible to ignore.** Use large, bold text with a curiosity gap. Numbers work well (“5 Things Nobody Tells You About...”). - **One idea per slide.** Keep slides scannable. Each should communicate a single point with minimal text. - **Use 4:5 portrait ratio.** Portrait slides (1080x1350) take up more screen real estate in the feed than square (1080x1080), increasing visibility. - **Maintain consistent branding.** Use the same colors, fonts, and style across all your carousels to build recognition. - **Include a “swipe” prompt.** On your first slide, add text like “Swipe →” to train new followers to engage with your carousels. - **Add slide numbers.** This creates progress awareness and encourages people to keep swiping. - **Post at peak times.** Use the [best time to post](https://posteverywhere.ai/best-time-to-post) tool to find your optimal posting schedule. - **Repurpose across platforms.** Your Instagram carousel can become a [LinkedIn carousel](https://posteverywhere.ai/tools/linkedin-carousel-maker) or TikTok photo carousel with minor adjustments. Use [cross-posting](https://posteverywhere.ai/cross-posting) to share everywhere. - **Schedule in advance.** Use a [social media scheduler](https://posteverywhere.ai/social-media-scheduler) with a [content calendar](https://posteverywhere.ai/social-media-calendar) to maintain consistency. ## Instagram Carousel Dimensions & Specs SpecRecommendationSlide dimensions1080 x 1350 px (4:5 portrait, recommended) or 1080 x 1080 px (square)File formatJPG or PNG (each slide uploaded as individual image)Max slides20 slides per carousel postMax file size30 MB per imageRecommended slides7-10 slides for optimal engagementVideo in carouselUp to 60 seconds per video slideColor modeRGB (sRGB for consistent display)For a comprehensive guide to image sizes across all platforms, see our [social media image sizes](https://posteverywhere.ai/tools/social-media-image-sizes) reference. Related Pages [All Tools](https://posteverywhere.ai/tools)[Instagram Scheduler](https://posteverywhere.ai/instagram-scheduler)[Social Media Scheduler](https://posteverywhere.ai/social-media-scheduler)[AI Content Generator](https://posteverywhere.ai/ai-content-generator)[AI Image Generator](https://posteverywhere.ai/ai-image-generator)[Hashtag Generator](https://posteverywhere.ai/tools/hashtag-generator)[Instagram Image Resizer](https://posteverywhere.ai/tools/instagram-image-resizer)[LinkedIn Carousel Maker](https://posteverywhere.ai/tools/linkedin-carousel-maker)[TikTok Carousel Maker](https://posteverywhere.ai/tools/tiktok-carousel-maker)[Best Time to Post](https://posteverywhere.ai/best-time-to-post)[Cross-Posting](https://posteverywhere.ai/cross-posting)[Calendar View](https://posteverywhere.ai/social-media-calendar)[Instagram Algorithm Guide](https://posteverywhere.ai/blog/how-the-instagram-algorithm-works)[Grow Your Presence](https://posteverywhere.ai/blog/grow-your-social-media-presence) ## How to Use the Instagram Carousel Maker 1 ### Add your slides Choose a template or start from scratch. Write a title and body for each slide. Instagram supports up to 20 slides per carousel. 2 ### Customize the design Pick a background color, adjust font size, and add your Instagram handle for branding. Preview changes in real time at 4:5 portrait ratio. 3 ### Export and post Download all slides as 1080x1350 PNG images. Upload them as a multi-image post on Instagram, write your caption, and publish. ## Instagram Carousel Maker FAQ How many slides can an Instagram carousel have?▾What size should Instagram carousel slides be?▾Do Instagram carousels really get more engagement?▾Can I mix photos and videos in a carousel?▾What makes a good first slide?▾How do I schedule Instagram carousels?▾ ## More Free Tools [Instagram Image ResizerResize images for Instagram](https://posteverywhere.ai/tools/instagram-image-resizer)[LinkedIn Carousel MakerCreate LinkedIn carousels](https://posteverywhere.ai/tools/linkedin-carousel-maker)[TikTok Carousel MakerCreate TikTok carousels](https://posteverywhere.ai/tools/tiktok-carousel-maker)[Hashtag GeneratorFind trending hashtags](https://posteverywhere.ai/tools/hashtag-generator)[Caption AnalyzerScore your captions](https://posteverywhere.ai/tools/caption-analyzer) ## Ready to Level Up Your Social Media? Schedule posts to Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube, X, Facebook, Pinterest, Threads, Bluesky, Discord, and Telegram from one dashboard. AI content creation, visual calendar, and smart scheduling included. [Start Free 7-Day Trial](https://app.posteverywhere.ai/signup?utm_source=tools&utm_medium=cta)Cancel anytime