The character limit for carousel description varies depending on the platform you are using. Image carousels are an effective way to showcase multiple images while optimizing page space. When creating carousel descriptions, it’s important to be aware of the character limits to maximize your content within the available space.
On Facebook, the character limit for carousel image descriptions is 100 characters per image. This allows for a concise yet descriptive caption for each image in the carousel. Anything over 100 characters will be truncated with an ellipsis.
Twitter has a 140 character limit for tweets, which also applies to carousel image descriptions posted on Twitter. Each image in the carousel will be able to have a description up to 140 characters. Keep in mind that including links and hashtags will also count toward the character limit.
For Instagram image carousels, also known as Instagram carousel posts, the description character limit is 2200 characters per post. This limit applies to the overall caption for the entire carousel, not each individual image. You can split the 2200 characters however you like across the images.
Facebook Ads
Facebook photo carousel ads have a limit of 125 characters for the individual image descriptions. The overall description for the ad can be up to 300 characters. When creating a Facebook carousel ad, keep in mind the individual image description character limits.
On LinkedIn, which refers to carousels as carousel posts, the description limit is 100 characters per image in the carousel. This allows you to customize each image description within the post while staying concise.
For Pinterest carousels, also called Pinterest carousel pins, the description character limit is 500 per pin. This 500 characters can be used across the entire carousel however you like, rather than per individual image.
YouTube
YouTubeallows up to 5000 characters for the description of each video. This also applies to video carousels. Each video in the carousel can have a description up to 5000 characters. This provides ample room for an in-depth description.
WeChat, the popular Chinese messaging and social media app, has a limit of 200 characters for carousel image descriptions. This limit applies to each individual image in the carousel.
Snapchat
The Snapchat carousel feature allows you to include up to 4 images or videos, with a 30 character limit for the caption of each snap in the carousel. Keep your descriptions short, creative and engaging.
TikTok
On TikTok carousels, each individual video can have a caption up to 150 characters. You can include up to 10 videos in one carousel post.
Twitter Fleets
Twitter Fleets allow 300 characters of text per fleet. This limit applies to any images or videos included in a fleet carousel post. Use this space for a succinct caption.
Reddit Image Posts
Reddit has a 300 character limit for image post titles. This applies to any images shared in a carousel layout. The description or caption section does not have a specific character limit.
WordPress
There are plugins for WordPress that enable carousel features. The Yoast SEO plugin has a recommended description length of up to 156 characters per image. Other plugins may have different limits defined in settings.
Shopify
When using the carousel feature on Shopify, the recommended individual image description length is 20-30 words or around 120-180 characters. This keeps descriptions short and engaging.
Wix
Wix image carousels allow up to 255 characters per image for the description. This character limit enables concise yet descriptive captions.
Squarespace
On Squarespace, there is no defined character limit for descriptions of images within a carousel block. However, they recommend brief captions of just a few sentences.
Weebly
For Weebly image carousels, the recommended character count for image captions is 150-200 characters. This keeps descriptions short and impactful.
Adobe Portfolio
In Adobe Portfolio, the limit for carousel image descriptions is 256 characters per image. This allows for detailed yet succinct captions.
Tumblr
The overall caption limit for a photo post or photoset on Tumblr is 5000 characters. This total limit can be divided between images in a carousel format.
Flickr
Flickr has a 500 character limit per image when uploading photos. This applies to captions on images in a carousel album.
| Platform | Character Limit Per Image | Overall Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 100 characters | N/A | |
| 140 characters | N/A | |
| N/A | 2200 characters | |
| Facebook Ads | 125 characters | 300 characters |
| 100 characters | N/A | |
| N/A | 500 characters | |
| YouTube | 5000 characters | N/A |
| 200 characters | N/A | |
| Snapchat | 30 characters | N/A |
| TikTok | 150 characters | N/A |
| Twitter Fleets | 300 characters | N/A |
| 300 characters | No Limit | |
| WordPress (Yoast SEO) | 156 characters | N/A |
| Shopify | 120-180 characters | N/A |
| Wix | 255 characters | N/A |
| Squarespace | No Limit | N/A |
| Weebly | 150-200 characters | N/A |
| Adobe Portfolio | 256 characters | N/A |
| Tumblr | N/A | 5000 characters |
| Flickr | 500 characters | N/A |
Key Takeaways
Here are some key tips to keep in mind when writing carousel image descriptions:
- Aim for concise captions that highlight the most important details.
- Craft descriptions that entice viewers to engage further with the image or content.
- Adhere to the character limits for each platform to avoid descriptions being cut off.
- Use the overall limits wisely when dividing characters between images.
- Include relevant keywords for SEO but don’t keyword stuff.
- Establish a consistent voice and tone aligned with your brand.
- Leverage links strategically to lead users to related content.
Benefits of Optimized Carousel Descriptions
Putting effort into crafting optimized carousel descriptions provides the following benefits:
- Improved user experience – concise, informative captions enhance users’ understanding and enjoyment of the images.
- Increased engagement – compelling descriptions entice viewers to like, comment, share, or click.
- Higher conversions – clear calls-to-action and links to product pages drive purchases.
- Better SEO – inclusion of relevant keywords targets users’ searches.
- Brand building – consistent tone of voice strengthens brand identity and recognition.
- Higher reach – optimized content leads to more shares and impressions.
Tools to Optimize Descriptions
Here are some useful tools that can help streamline the process of optimizing carousel descriptions:
- Hemingway Editor – improves readability by highlighting complex sentences and phrases.
- Google Keyword Planner – provides keyword suggestions to integrate into descriptions.
- Buffer – schedules carousel posts in advance and analyzes engagement.
- TweetDeck – manages and tracks carousel tweets.
- Canva – creates visual carousel images to complement descriptions.
- Hootsuite – helps collaborate across teams and maintain brand tone of voice.
Examples of Good Carousel Descriptions
Let’s look at some real examples of effective carousel descriptions from top brands:
LinkedIn:
Be better every day. Little improvements eventually add up to big transformations.
Patagonia:
Yosemite’s icons El Capitan and Half Dome stand strong after generations. We must continue to protect our public lands.
Bill Gates on Twitter:
Vaccines are one of humanity’s greatest achievements. Far too many people still lack access. We can create a healthier, more equitable world if we get serious about delivering them everywhere.
Olay on Instagram:
Confidence comes from within. Are you ready to take on the day? Tap to shop our skin-loving picks for glowing skin.
Conclusion
Optimizing carousel descriptions, while staying within platform character limits, is crucial for driving engagement and conversions. Concise, compelling captions enhance user experience, build brand awareness, and boost social media and SEO performance. Invest time in writing strong descriptions and experiment across platforms to determine what resonates best with your audience. With a strategic approach, carousel content presents an impactful opportunity to connect with customers and promote products or services.
