In a significant update to its platform, Instagram has announced an increase in the number of photos and videos users can share in a single carousel post. The limit has been expanded from 10 to 20, allowing users to showcase more content in one go. This new feature is being rolled out globally, including in India, and aims to enhance the user experience by providing more flexibility in content sharing.

The New Feature: What’s Changed?

Previously, Instagram’s carousel post feature allowed users to upload up to 10 images or videos in a single grid post. With this update, users now have the option to include up to 20 items in their carousel, offering a more comprehensive way to share moments and stories. Instagram noted that the enhancement aligns with the increasing demand for more versatile content-sharing options. The change comes at a time when users are looking to share their end-of-summer experiences, making it a timely update.

According to Instagram, “The update comes as people look for easier ways to express themselves on Instagram and share more fun content with their friends—just in time for end-of-summer ‘photo dumps.’” This change reflects Instagram’s commitment to adapting its features to meet the evolving needs of its user base.

New Music Integration and Metrics Update

Since the introduction of carousel posts in 2017, Instagram has continually enhanced the feature. Users can now add music to their carousel posts, further enriching the multimedia experience. This addition allows users to accompany their photos and videos with soundtracks, making their posts more engaging and dynamic.

In addition to the carousel update, Instagram is also refining its performance metrics. The platform will now use “views” as the primary measurement for all content formats, including Reels, Stories, and photos. This shift aims to simplify how users and creators understand their content’s performance.

Instagram chief Adam Mosseri explained, “Historically we’ve shown different metrics for Reels vs. other posts, but we want to evolve this so it’s easier to understand how your content is doing regardless of the format.” Mosseri emphasized that while views will be the headline metric, tracking “sends per reach” will also be crucial for evaluating content effectiveness.

The update to consolidate metrics and focus on views is part of Instagram’s broader strategy to provide a more unified view of content performance. By prioritizing views, the platform seeks to offer creators a clearer understanding of their audience engagement and content impact.

Impact on Users and Creators

The expanded carousel limit and streamlined metrics are expected to have a significant impact on both casual users and content creators. For everyday users, the ability to share more photos and videos in a single post means they can capture and display more aspects of their lives in one place. This enhancement is likely to make Instagram more appealing to users who enjoy detailed and multifaceted posts.

For creators and businesses, the updated metrics system provides a more consistent way to gauge content performance across different formats. By focusing on views and simplifying performance analysis, Instagram aims to help creators better understand their audience’s engagement and optimize their content strategies accordingly.

Conclusion

Instagram’s latest updates reflect its ongoing efforts to enhance user experience and adapt to changing content-sharing trends. The increase in carousel post limits and the shift in performance metrics are set to offer users and creators more flexibility and insight. As these features roll out globally, including in India, they promise to enrich how users engage with the platform and share their stories.