Carousel image ads are a popular and effective ad format on many advertising platforms. They allow advertisers to showcase multiple images or pieces of media within a single ad unit, creating a slideshow or “carousel” effect. When creating carousel image ads, it is important to follow the recommended specifications and requirements to ensure your ads display properly and achieve optimal performance.
Ad Dimensions
The specific dimensions required for carousel image ads vary depending on the advertising platform. Here are the standard specs:
| Ad Format | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Single Image | 1200 x 628 pixels |
| Carousel | 1200 x 628 pixels (per image) |
On Facebook, carousel image ads can contain 2-10 images or videos. Each image should be 1200 x 628 pixels to fit the news feed image layout.
| Ad Format | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Single Image | 1080 x 1080 pixels |
| Carousel | 1080 x 1080 pixels (per image) |
On Instagram, carousels can include 2-10 images or videos per ad. Square 1080 x 1080 pixel images are recommended.
Google Ads
| Ad Format | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Responsive Ad | 600 x 314 pixels (recommended) |
| Carousel Ad | 600 x 314 pixels (per image) |
For Google Ads responsive and carousel image ads, the recommended image dimension is 600 x 314 pixels. Carousels can include 2-10 images.
| Ad Format | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Single Image | 1024 x 512 pixels |
| Carousel | 1024 x 512 pixels (per image) |
On Twitter, carousel image ads can have 2-6 cards with images sized at 1024 x 512 pixels each.
So in summary, carousel image dimensions are generally around 600-1200 pixels wide and 500-600 pixels tall per image, depending on the platform. Square 1080 x 1080 images are also commonly used. Refer to each ad platform’s current specifications when creating your ads.
Image Formats
The approved file formats for carousel image ads also vary by platform:
- Facebook and Instagram: JPG, PNG, BMP, WEBP, and GIF (less than 3MB per image)
- Google Ads: JPG, GIF, PNG, and WebP (less than 150KB per image)
- Twitter: JPG, PNG, and GIF (less than 5MB per image)
Aim for high-quality, compressed JPG or PNG files at 72 dpi when possible. GIFs can also perform well in carousel image ads if animated thoughtfully.
Here are some image optimization best practices:
- Use images with little text or overlay
- Pick visually striking, high-contrast images
- Include people and faces in images where relevant
- Optimize and compress images to reduce file size
- Use landscape orientation (wider than taller)
- Ensure any text is big and legible
Optimized images will help your ad load faster and get approved more easily across different platforms.
Length and File Size
In addition to image dimensions and formats, most ad platforms limit the number of images and overall file size for carousel ads:
- 2-10 images per carousel ad
- Under 3MB per image
- Under 30MB total for all images
- 2-10 images per carousel
- Under 30MB total for all images
Google Ads
- 2-10 images per carousel
- Under 150KB per image
- Under 1.5MB total for all images
- 2-6 images per carousel
- Under 5MB per image
- Under 25MB total for all images
Keep the number of images on the lower end (2-5) when possible and optimize/compress files. Too many high-res images can lead to excessively large file sizes.
Image Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio, or ratio of width to height, also matters for carousel image ads. Here are the recommended aspect ratios:
- Facebook and Instagram: 1.91:1
- Google Ads: 1.91:1
- Twitter: 2:1
Horizontal rectangle images are ideal for fitting each ad platform’s layouts. Square images (1:1 ratio) also work for Instagram carousel ads.
Text Limitations
When including text overlays on your carousel images, follow these limits:
- Facebook and Instagram: 125 characters
- Google Ads: 90 characters
- Twitter: 1,000 characters per card
Keep text short, punchy, and legible on carousel ads. Avoid overcrowding images with text.
Video Specs
In addition to static images, carousel ads can incorporate video:
- Facebook and Instagram: Up to 60 seconds per video
- Google Ads: Up to 15 or 30 seconds per video
- Twitter: Up to 30 seconds per video
Follow each platform’s recommended video codecs, dimensions, file size limits, and aspect ratios when including video in carousels. Square 1:1 dimensions often work well for social video.
Creative Tips
When designing your carousel image ads, follow these best practices:
- Tell a story – Use the images to communicate a narrative or theme
- Include branding – Show logo/branding on at least first image
- Limit text – Let images tell the story, minimal text
- Rotate creatives – Test different image combinations
- Match audience – Tailor visuals to your target audience
- Use sequentials – Label images #1, #2, #3 if needed for storytelling
Align images around a common style, color palette, and creative direction for visual cohesion.
Ad Caption Text
The ad caption or description text that appears beside or below your carousel images has these limits:
- Facebook/Instagram: 125 characters
- Google Ads: 90 characters (2 headlines at 30/60 chars each)
- Twitter: 1,000 characters max
Use the caption space to highlight your key selling proposition, value proposition, or call-to-action. This text appears on every slide, so keep it consistent.
Linking
You can link your entire carousel ad unit to one webpage or link each image to a different page:
- Facebook/Instagram: One link per ad
- Google Ads: Two links per ad
- Twitter: One link per card
Link to relevant landing pages or product/service pages on your site. Send traffic to pages optimized for conversions.
Design Tools
You can design carousel image ads using various graphic tools:
- Canva
- Crello
- Adobe Creative Suite
- PicMonkey
- Snappa
- Bannerbear
Use templates, drag-and-drop design, custom layouts, and stock photos/graphics to easily create on-brand carousel ads.
Conclusion
Following the recommended specifications for dimensions, file size, aspect ratio, text limits, video length, and more will help your carousel image ads look polished and deliver optimal visibility. Focus on striking, cohesive visuals tailored to your audience. Take advantage of each platform’s available links and keep your caption text clear and concise. Well-designed carousel ads can capture attention and tell dynamic stories that convert.
