Adding videos to carousel ads can be a great way to capture attention and convey more information, however there are some limitations to be aware of when using videos in carousel ads. In this article we’ll look at whether videos can be used in carousel ads on various platforms, best practices for implementing video carousels, and tips for optimizing video in your carousel ads.
Can You Add Videos in Carousel Ads?
The ability to add videos to carousel image ads varies across ad platforms. Here is the video support for carousel ads on some major networks:
| Platform | Video Support? |
| Facebook/Instagram | Yes |
| Google Ads | No |
| Yes | |
| No | |
| No |
As you can see, Facebook/Instagram and Twitter allow video carousels, while Google Ads, LinkedIn, and Pinterest do not currently support video in their carousel ad formats.
Facebook/Instagram
Facebook and Instagram both allow video in carousel ads. Videos can be up to 120 seconds long in Facebook carousel video ads. For Instagram, videos can be up to 60 seconds long in carousels.
When uploading videos for Facebook/Instagram carousels, keep in mind that the videos will be silent – they do not play audio when users scroll through the carousel.
Twitter also supports video carousels in some ad formats. Videos can be up to 30 seconds long in Twitter carousel ads. As with Facebook/Instagram, the videos are silent when users scroll through the carousel.
Google Ads, LinkedIn, and Pinterest
Google Ads, LinkedIn, and Pinterest do not currently support video in their carousel ad formats. These platforms only allow still images within carousel ads. However, all three platforms do support video ads in other ad formats – just not within the scrollable carousel.
So in summary – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter allow video carousels, while Google, LinkedIn and Pinterest do not. Check the latest requirements on each platform before implementing video carousels in your campaigns.
Best Practices for Video Carousels
If you want to use video carousels for Facebook, Instagram or Twitter ads, here are some best practices to follow:
Keep videos short
Remember the short time limits for videos in carousel ads – no more than 60 seconds for Instagram, 120 seconds for Facebook, and 30 seconds for Twitter. Get your message across quickly in a short, engaging video.
Hook viewers in the first few seconds
Because they are silent, your opening visuals are crucial for capturing attention. Use bold text, interesting visuals or motion in the first 5 seconds to get viewers to stop scrolling and watch.
Highlight key features/benefits
Use your limited video time to focus on communicating your most important features, products, services or offers. Reinforce your major benefits and value proposition.
Use relevant text overlays
Text overlays help further communicate your key messages while people watch. Use brief descriptive titles, slogans, or highlighting important details.
Keep it simple
With limited time and no audio, this is not the place for complex storytelling. Use simple, direct messaging to get your point across quickly.
Align with other creative
Keep your video carousel consistent with your image carousels and other ads. Use familiar branding, colors, and messaging for continuity.
Test different options
Try different videos, frame rates, texts, durations, etc. and continually optimize based on performance data. Test what resonates best with your audience.
Optimizing Video for Carousel Ads
To make sure your videos look great and perform well in carousel ads, keep these optimization tips in mind:
Use high resolution source files
Upload the highest resolution video files possible. This will ensure the video quality is strong when viewed on both desktop and mobile.
Select key frame thumbnails
The thumbnail image users see when scrolling past is crucial. Choose a compelling frame that encapsulates your video.
Play around with aspect ratios
You may want to try both landscape and vertical videos to see which format has the biggest impact.
Pay attention to file size
Keep video file sizes reasonable to ensure fast load times. Larger file sizes run the risk of slow buffering.
Enhance motion and graphics
Bolder graphics and text will help draw attention and make things stand out in silent videos.
Check playback on multiple devices
Test how your video carousel looks on both desktop and mobile to confirm quality across devices.
Refine based on data
Check engagement and conversion metrics and continuously improve your video ads over time.
Conclusion
While adding videos to carousel image ads is limited to a few platforms, it can be a high-impact format when used effectively. Follow best practices like keeping videos short and engaging, presenting clear messaging, optimizing video files properly, and continually refining based on performance. With compelling video content and strong execution, video carousels can stop scrollers in their tracks and communicate more information to potential customers. Just stay up to date on the requirements and limitations for video carousels on each ad platform. Test out video carousel ads with targeted audiences to see if this enhanced multimedia format can benefit your marketing efforts.