What is carousel ads?
Carousel ads let you show multiple images or videos in a single ad unit on social media. Users can swipe through to see different products, features, or parts of a story.
Key points
- Display multiple images or videos in one ad unit.
- Users can swipe through cards, each with its own link.
- Great for showcasing products, telling stories, or explaining processes.
- Found on popular social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Carousel ads are a type of advertisement you see on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. Instead of showing just one image or video, a carousel ad allows you to display several, usually between 2 and 10, in a single ad. Think of it like a mini slideshow where people can swipe or click through different cards, each with its own image or video, headline, description, and even a unique link.
This format is very flexible and lets businesses share more information or showcase a range of products or services within one ad. It's a great way to tell a visual story, highlight different features of an item, or guide someone through a step-by-step process. Because users can interact with it by swiping, carousel ads often grab more attention and encourage more engagement than a static ad.
Why carousel ads matter for your business
Carousel ads are a powerful tool for marketers because they offer several advantages over traditional single-image or single-video ads. They help you communicate more effectively and engage your audience in new ways.
Tell a richer story
Instead of trying to cram all your information into one image, you can use each card in a carousel to tell a part of your story. This is perfect for explaining how a product works, showing before-and-after transformations, or even taking users on a virtual tour.
Showcase multiple products or features
If you sell several items or if a single product has many great features, carousel ads are ideal. You can dedicate each card to a different product, allowing potential customers to browse a selection without leaving their social media feed. Or, you can highlight a different feature on each card, making sure people understand everything your product can do.
Drive more engagement
The interactive nature of carousel ads encourages people to swipe and explore. This interaction often leads to higher click-through rates because users are actively choosing to view more content. When people spend more time with your ad, they are more likely to remember your brand and take action.
How to create effective carousel ads
To get the most out of your carousel ads, it's important to plan them carefully. Here are some tips to make your ads stand out and perform well.
High-quality visuals
Each image or video in your carousel should be clear, professional, and visually appealing. Use high-resolution photos and well-edited videos. Make sure the visuals are consistent in style and branding across all cards to create a cohesive experience.
Compelling ad copy
Write short, engaging headlines and descriptions for each card. The text should complement the visuals and encourage people to swipe to the next card or click on your call to action. The main ad copy above the carousel should grab attention and explain the overall offer.
Clear call to action
Every card in your carousel can have its own call-to-action button, like
Real-world examples
E-commerce product showcase
An online clothing store launches a new summer collection. They use a carousel ad to show different outfits, with each card featuring a model wearing a unique item. Each card links directly to that specific product page on their website, making it easy for shoppers to buy what they like.
Travel destination highlight
A travel agency wants to promote a vacation package that includes a flight, hotel, and tours. They create a carousel ad where the first card shows a beautiful beach, the second a luxurious hotel room, and the third an exciting activity. The final card has a call to action to "Book your dream vacation."
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using inconsistent imagery or branding across different carousel cards, which can confuse the viewer.
- Failing to include a clear call to action on each card or within the main ad text, leading to missed opportunities.
- Having too many cards without a clear purpose or story, causing viewers to lose interest before swiping through all of them.