LinkedIn carousels are an effective way to share visual content and catch users’ attention. But how many images do you really need to include to optimize engagement? Here’s a closer look at ideal carousel image counts on LinkedIn.
The Basics of LinkedIn Carousels
LinkedIn carousels allow you to include up to 10 images or videos in a swipeable, horizontal scroll format. They appear in the main feed and help break up blocks of text while enabling visual storytelling.
Carousels garner 2X more engagement than regular photo or video posts on LinkedIn. And engagement metrics like likes, comments, and shares are critical for extending your reach.
That’s because the LinkedIn algorithm favors content that spurs interaction. Posts that get engagement show up higher in followers’ feeds and get shared to a wider audience.
Ideal Number of Images for LinkedIn Carousels
So what’s the sweet spot for the number of images to include in your LinkedIn carousels?
While you can upload up to 10 images, that doesn’t mean you should max out the image count every time. Here are some best practices:
- 3-5 images is ideal in most cases. This provides enough visual content to capture attention while avoiding overwhelm.
- For pictorial step-by-steps or progressions, 5-8 images can work well.
- Avoid just 1-2 images unless telling a very simple visual story. And more than 8 images risks losing viewers.
Tips for Optimizing LinkedIn Carousel Image Counts
When determining how many images to include in your LinkedIn carousels, keep these tips in mind:
- Focus on quality over quantity. A few strong, eye-catching images will do more for your engagement than lots of repetitive or unimpactful ones.
- Use images to illustrate key points. Each visual should move the narrative or message forward vs. just filling space.
- Avoid cramming too much in. Give viewers a chance to digest each image before scrolling to the next one.
- Pay attention to relevance. Every image included should directly relate to and support your central topic or story.
Examples of LinkedIn Carousels With Optimal Image Counts
To give you a better idea of how to execute LinkedIn carousels with the right number of images, here are some real examples from brands using 3-5 visuals effectively:
Microsoft – 4 Images
Microsoft uses 4 photos in this carousel promoting its Surface Laptop 4. The images highlight the product’s key features and design in a clean, easy-to-consume way:
HP – 5 Images
HP utilizes 5 images to walk through its new personal wellness app step-by-step. The carousel format is perfect for this pictorial progression:
Forbes – 3 Images
Forbes sticks to 3 photos in this carousel announcing its Best Startup Employers list. The images are clean and focused on reiterating the key details:
Tips for Writing Strong Carousel Captions
In addition to optimizing your image count, don’t forget about the other key component of high-performing LinkedIn carousels – great captions!
Write clear, succinct captions that add context and enhance the images. Here are some best practices:
- Keep captions under 125 characters to avoid truncating.
- Summarize the key point or story of each image.
- Use an active voice and descriptive language.
- Add your own perspective or commentary vs just describing the visuals.
- Use captions to transition smoothly between images.
maximizing LinkedIn Carousel Engagement
Nailing your image count and captions are two of the best ways to create engaging LinkedIn carousels.
Here are some additional tips for maximizing carousel performance:
- Use high-quality, eye-catching photos.
- Leverage relevant hashtags like #industry, #product, etc.
- Post at optimal times based on your audience’s usage patterns.
- Test different image counts and content types to see what resonates best.
- Analyze engagement metrics to refine your approach over time.
Conclusion
Finding the ideal number of images for your LinkedIn carousels involves balancing visual storytelling with avoiding overload. In most cases, 3-5 quality images will be your sweet spot for optimizing engagement.
Pay close attention to relevance, captions, visual impact, and how each image builds on the next. This will ensure your LinkedIn carousels stand out, spark interaction, and deliver results.