To make an Instagram slideshow, create a carousel post, add 2–20 slides, edit each, then publish from the app or desktop web.
If you want a post that people actually swipe through, a slideshow (Instagram’s “carousel” post) is the simplest way to bundle photos and clips into one tidy story. This guide shows the exact steps on phone and desktop, the specs that save you from ugly crops, and the quick edits that boost watch time. You’ll also find two handy tables you can scan before posting.
How to Make an Instagram Slideshow Step By Step
Below is the fastest, repeatable workflow. It works whether you’re posting travel pics, product shots, or a mini-tutorial.
On iPhone Or Android
- Open Instagram and tap Create (the “+”). Choose Post.
- Tap Select Multiple, then pick your photos and videos in order. You can reorder later.
- Tap Next. Choose a crop for each slide. Use pinch zoom to fit tall 4:5 images.
- Add filters or tweaks per slide. Adjust brightness, contrast, and warmth sparingly.
- Write one caption for the whole slideshow. Add @mentions and a location if relevant.
- Tap Tag people or Accessibility to add alt text.
- Post. Revisit the post to change the cover image if the first slide isn’t the hero.
On Desktop Web (Mac Or PC)
- Go to Instagram.com and click the “+” button.
- Click Select from computer. Pick your slides. Hold Ctrl/Cmd to multi-select.
- Set the crop ratio (1:1, 4:5, or landscape). Nudge each slide so faces and text stay centered.
- Make quick edits. Keep color consistent across slides so the set feels cohesive.
- Add your caption, tags, and location. Click Share.
Instagram Slideshow Specs And Limits (Quick Reference)
Stick to these settings to avoid surprise crops, soft images, or rejected uploads.
| Item | Recommended Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Slides Per Post | 2–20 | Some accounts may still see 10; rollout varies by region/account type. |
| Photo Aspect Ratios | 1:1 (square), 4:5 (vertical), 1.91:1 (landscape) | Pick one ratio for a clean look across the set. |
| Minimum Width | At least 1080 px | Higher resolution keeps details crisp on modern screens. |
| Video Length (Per Slide) | Up to 60 seconds | Trim clips so the story moves; shorter often plays better. |
| File Types | JPEG/PNG, MP4/MOV | Use H.264 MP4 for reliable compression and playback. |
| Caption Length | Up to 2,200 characters | Front-load the hook; only the first lines show before “more.” |
| Hashtags | 0–5 strong tags | Use relevant, specific tags; skip long lists. |
| Alt Text | Yes | Add per slide for accessibility and clearer context. |
| Cover Image | First slide or custom cover | Pick one that reads at a glance on mobile. |
Plan Your Story Arc
A slideshow wins when it feels intentional. Group related photos, then map an arc:
- Slide 1: The hook. A bold hero image, clear subject, or punchy title frame.
- Slides 2–3: Context. Where, what, who.
- Slides 4–6: Detail. Close-ups, progress steps, before/after.
- Slides 7–9: Payoff. The finished plate, the final look, the result.
- Last slide: Call to action. “Save for later,” “Tap link in bio,” or a clean credits slide.
Keep a single visual language across all slides: same crop ratio, matching white balance, and fonts that repeat on any text overlays.
How To Make An Instagram Slideshow For Different Goals
Tutorials And Step-By-Step Sets
Use numbered title cards, one clear action per slide, and a tight loop from start to finish. If a step needs motion, drop in a short clip instead of 10 photos of the same moment. Add alt text that names the action, not just the subject.
Before/After And Transformations
Lead with a strong “after,” then swipe back to show the stages. Keep framing consistent so the change reads instantly. When using multiple angles, match focal length and distance so the comparison feels honest.
Product Launches And Carousels That Sell
Slide 1 should communicate the offer at a glance. Follow with detail shots, use-case images, and one benefits slide. Finish with a simple CTA. Keep color profiles consistent so the product doesn’t shift tint across slides.
Make Cropping Work For You
Pick one ratio and stick to it. Vertical 4:5 fills more screen on mobile, which usually means better dwell time. Square 1:1 is handy when your assets vary and you need a safe middle ground. Landscape works when the subject truly needs width, like group shots or wide architecture.
Safe Margins
Keep faces and text away from the edges. Place key elements inside a loose “title-safe” box: around 10% padding on all sides. That padding guards against minor crops and keeps captions or stickers from covering faces.
How To Make An Instagram Slideshow That Looks Sharp
Start with clean sources. Export photos at 1080–1440 px width with medium-high JPEG quality. For video, use H.264 MP4 at 1080p, 30 fps, and a moderate bitrate so motion stays smooth without bloating file size. Match exposure and white balance from slide to slide so the set feels intentional.
Text And Overlays
- Use one primary font and one secondary at most.
- Keep font sizes large enough to read on a phone with one hand.
- Use high-contrast text over soft backgrounds or add a subtle shadow.
Color Consistency
Batch-edit your slides. Apply the same base adjustments, then fine-tune per image. If you use filters, stay within a narrow range so the story doesn’t feel like a patchwork of styles.
Posting Tips That Improve Swipe Rate
- Lead with clarity: The first slide should explain itself without reading the caption.
- Front-load value: Give a strong visual or takeaway by slide 2 or 3.
- Trim video slides: Keep clips punchy. Aim for clean cuts and readable motion.
- Mind the cover: If your first slide is a text tile, make it bold and legible at thumbnail size.
- Caption for saves: Summarize steps or add a mini checklist to earn saves.
- Test order: Reorder slides and republish on a different day when a set underperforms.
Rules And References Worth Bookmarking
When sizing images, the safest path is a minimum width of 1080 px and a ratio between 1.91:1 and 4:5. You can read the official guidance in Instagram’s image resolution article. For the exact “multiple photos” flow and platform notes (including web posting), see Instagram Help: share multiple photos or videos.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Mismatched ratios: Mixing landscape, square, and 4:5 in one post creates jarring jumps.
- Over-compressed exports: Heavy artifacts show fast on gradients and skin.
- Tiny text: If it isn’t readable at arm’s length, it won’t get read.
- Busy covers: Crowded first slides get scrolled past. Keep the hook clean.
- Weak ordering: If the best slide sits at #8, many people never see it. Move it forward.
Editing Workflow That Saves Time
Build a repeatable pack: one preset, one font pair, and a set of brand colors. Keep a folder of reusable title tiles sized to 1080×1350. When you shoot, frame with the final 4:5 crop in mind so you aren’t chopping off heads at post time.
Batch Your Steps
- Cull: pick the best 8–12 assets that tell the story without fluff.
- Edit: apply your base preset, then adjust exposure and white balance.
- Sequence: arrange slides so each one earns the next swipe.
- Export: images at 1080–1440 px width; videos at 1080p, H.264.
- Post: add a direct, scannable caption with a single call to action.
Troubleshooting: Crops, Quality, And Upload Errors
Weird Cropping
If faces clip, switch the post ratio and re-position each slide. For set consistency, rebuild the slideshow in 4:5 and re-export.
Soft Images
Export from your editor, not from a screenshot. Avoid double compression by limiting saves. If an image looks crunchy, raise the JPEG quality and keep sharpening light.
Upload Failures
Large or variable-framerate videos often cause issues. Re-encode to H.264, 1080p, 30 fps. Keep duration tight and try again over a stable connection.
Practical Templates You Can Reuse
Drop these into any topic and tweak the wording to fit your style.
| Template | Slide-By-Slide Outline | When To Use |
|---|---|---|
| How-To Mini Class | 1 Hook • 2 Tools • 3–6 Steps • 7 Common Mistake • 8 Result • 9 Recap • 10 CTA | DIY, recipes, makeup, workouts |
| Before → After | 1 After • 2 Before • 3–6 Process • 7 Detail • 8 Side-by-Side • 9 Credits • 10 CTA | Makeovers, renovations, edits |
| Product Showcase | 1 Value Prop • 2 Hero • 3 Feature • 4 Use • 5 Detail • 6 Social Proof • 7 Offer • 8 FAQ • 9 Alt Use • 10 CTA | Launches, promos, ecommerce |
| Travel Story | 1 Hook • 2 Map/Title • 3–7 Highlights • 8 Budget/Tip • 9 Food • 10 Sunset/Wrap | Trips, city guides |
| Portfolio Set | 1 Signature • 2–7 Best Work • 8 Behind The Scenes • 9 Client Result • 10 Contact | Design, photo, video |
| Case Snapshot | 1 Result • 2 Context • 3–6 Process • 7 Metric • 8 Quote • 9 Next Step • 10 CTA | Agency, coaching, freelance |
| Event Recap | 1 Crowd/Hero • 2 Agenda • 3–7 Moments • 8 Speaker • 9 Takeaway • 10 Thank You | Conferences, launches, meetups |
Caption That Drives Saves
Write the hook in the first line. Keep the middle tight with bullets or short lines. End with one ask: save, share to a friend, or tap the link in bio. Add 0–5 specific hashtags tied to the content, not the broadest tag on the platform.
FAQ-Free, Action-Ready Checklist
Here’s a compact list you can glance at before posting:
- Pick one crop ratio for the whole set (4:5 is a safe default).
- Export photos at 1080–1440 px width; videos at 1080p, H.264.
- Lead with your strongest slide; keep the best three up front.
- Add alt text that describes the action in each slide.
- Use 0–5 specific hashtags. Skip long, generic lists.
- Check the cover on your grid. Does it read in a tiny square?
Where This Fits Your Content Plan
Carousels shine when you need more than one image to tell the story but don’t need a full video. They’re great for quick tutorials, small launches, and recaps. If you’re pressed for time, repurpose a slideshow into a Reel by stitching the slides into a 9:16 video with the same first-line hook.
Using The Exact Phrase Naturally
You’ll see the phrase how to make an instagram slideshow in this guide where it serves clarity. You’ll also find it in two headers so searchers who land here know they’re in the right place instantly. That balance keeps the page readable while matching the topic.
Final Pass Before You Hit Share
- Does the first slide tell people why to swipe?
- Are crop ratios consistent and faces centered?
- Did you trim videos to keep pace snappy?
- Caption clear, with one call to action?
- Alt text added for each slide?