Published on February 10th, 2025
Instagram is once again evolving its content formats to stay ahead in the social media landscape.
The latest development? Carousel posts within the Reels stream. This new feature, currently being tested with select users, allows multiple images and videos to be shared within a single Reels post.
Given that Instagram and TikTok continuously borrow from each other’s playbooks, this move isn’t entirely surprising.
TikTok has already introduced more ways to share still images within its main feed, and now Instagram is following suit with a similar approach for Reels.
What Are Carousel Posts in Reels?
Carousel posts within Reels will enable users to include multiple frames—either videos, images, or a mix of both—within a single Reel.
This could significantly enhance content storytelling, making it easier for brands, creators, and users to showcase products, experiences, or step-by-step guides in an engaging and dynamic format.
How Will It Work?
- Users will be able to add multiple images and videos to a single Reel.
- Viewers can swipe through different frames within the same Reel post.
- This feature provides a hybrid experience, blending Reels’ immersive video format with the flexibility of carousel posts.
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Why This Matters for Businesses and Creators
1. Enhanced Storytelling
Carousel posts allow brands to create more compelling narratives, making it easier to showcase product features, behind-the-scenes content, or user testimonials without overwhelming the audience with multiple separate posts.
2. Maximizing Engagement and Reach
Instagram’s Reels format is currently the fastest-growing content type on the platform. By integrating carousels, brands and influencers can maintain user interest for longer durations, leading to higher engagement and visibility in Instagram’s algorithm.
3. More Ways to Showcase Products
E-commerce brands can benefit greatly from this feature. Instead of a single image or short video, they can now display multiple angles of a product, step-by-step tutorials, or comparisons within one Reel, improving the shopping experience for potential buyers.
When Will This Feature Be Available?
While Instagram has not officially announced a launch date, reports indicate that some brands are already testing the feature in-stream. Given the polished user interface seen in test versions, a full rollout may be imminent.
The Future of Instagram Reels
Instagram’s focus on Reels aligns with Meta’s broader strategy of pushing short-form video content.
With the integration of carousel posts, the platform is reinforcing its commitment to providing users with versatile and engaging storytelling tools.
Key Takeaways:
- Instagram is testing carousel posts within Reels, allowing multiple images and videos in a single post.
- This feature enhances storytelling and engagement, making Reels even more powerful for brands and creators.
- The rollout timeline is uncertain, but early tests suggest it could be launched soon.
- Businesses should start strategizing how to leverage this feature for product showcases, tutorials, and brand storytelling.
As Instagram continues refining its content features, staying ahead of these updates can help businesses and content creators maximize their impact on the platform.
Keep an eye out for further announcements from Instagram as this exciting new feature nears its official launch!
