Instagram’s ability to post multiple photos in a single post is a powerful tool for users looking to share more content at once. Whether you’re an influencer, a brand, or just someone who loves curating your Instagram feed, posting 20 photos in one Instagram carousel post opens up endless possibilities for storytelling and engagement. But how exactly do you use this feature, and what should you know to make the most of it?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to post 20 photos in one post on Instagram, covering everything from the basics of Instagram carousel posts to troubleshooting tips, and offering pro insights on maximizing engagement. Let’s dive in.
What is an Instagram Carousel Post?
An Instagram carousel post (or slideshow) allows users to upload multiple photos and videos in a single post. Previously, Instagram capped the number of photos or videos in a post at 10, but with recent Instagram updates, you can now post up to 20 photos or videos in one go.
This update is especially useful for people who want to share a lot of content without bombarding their followers’ feeds with separate posts. You can use this feature to showcase an event, create a mini-gallery, share tutorials, or tell a story in a sequential, visual way.
Why the Carousel Feature is Popular
- Increased Engagement: Carousel posts encourage users to swipe through, increasing interaction.
- Efficient Storytelling: You can tell a complete story or give more context with multiple images.
- Versatility: The mix of photos and videos in one post creates dynamic content.
Instagram has become more visual and interactive than ever, and the ability to share multiple photos in one post lets users take their content to the next level.
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How to Post 20 Photos in One Post on Instagram
With the recent Instagram update, you can now post up to 20 photos or videos in a single carousel post. Let’s walk through the steps to get this done.
1. Update the Instagram App
First things first—you need to ensure your Instagram app is updated. Without the latest Instagram app update, you won’t be able to access this feature.
How to Update on Android:
- Go to the Google Play Store.
- Search for Instagram.
- If an update is available, tap Update.
How to Update on iPhone:
- Open the App Store.
- Search for Instagram.
- Tap Update if it’s available.
Regular updates ensure you can use the latest features and avoid Instagram post limits or bugs that may prevent you from uploading more than 10 photos.
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2. Select Your Photos or Videos
Now that your app is up to date, it’s time to select the photos or videos you want to upload. Here’s how to post 20 photos on Instagram at once:
- Tap the plus icon at the bottom of your screen.
- Select the ‘Post’ option.
- Tap the ‘Select Multiple’ button (the icon looks like overlapping squares).
- Choose up to 20 photos or videos from your gallery.
- Once selected, you can drag and drop to reorder them.
3. Organizing Your Carousel Post
Sequencing matters. The first image or video in your carousel acts as the “cover” of your post and is crucial for grabbing attention.
Pro Tips for Organizing Photos:
- First Image Strategy: Use your best or most engaging photo first.
- Consistency: Apply a theme or consistent filters across all photos for a cohesive look.
- Storytelling: Make sure the photos flow logically, especially if you’re telling a story or showcasing an event.
4. Applying Filters and Edits
Once you’ve selected your photos, you can apply filters. Instagram allows you to edit each image individually or apply the same filter to all photos.
Editing Tips:
- Individual Edits: Edit each photo separately for better customization.
- Uniform Filters: If you want your post to have a consistent look, apply one filter across all 20 photos.
- Adjust Brightness and Contrast: Ensure your photos look their best on mobile devices.
5. Writing a Compelling Caption
Captions add context to your post and can boost engagement. A thoughtful caption encourages your audience to swipe through all 20 photos and leave comments.
Caption Tips:
- Use storytelling techniques if your photos are part of a sequence.
- Ask questions to spark conversation.
- Use relevant hashtags and tag people for better reach.
Here’s an example of a great caption:
“Swipe to see behind-the-scenes moments from our latest photoshoot! 🌟 What’s your favorite shot? #InstaBTS #BehindTheScenes”
6. Adding Location and Tags
Don’t forget to tag people, businesses, or locations in your post. Tags increase your post’s visibility, and geotagging can improve discoverability for local users.
- Tap Tag People to tag users.
- Add a location by tapping Add Location and selecting where the photos were taken.
7. Previewing Your Post
Before hitting the share button, double-check everything. Instagram doesn’t let you rearrange photos or videos in a carousel after posting, so make sure they’re in the correct order.
8. Posting and Engagement
Now that your post is ready, hit Share. After your post goes live, take a few minutes to engage with comments and likes. The more engagement your post gets early on, the better its performance in the Instagram algorithm.
9. Sharing to Instagram Stories
Once your carousel is live, share it to your Instagram Story for even more visibility. Stories are an excellent way to remind your followers about new content.
Troubleshooting: Why Can’t I Post 20 Photos?
While Instagram has rolled out the feature allowing users to upload 20 photos, not everyone may have immediate access to it. Here’s why:
- Outdated App: Ensure you’re using the latest version of the Instagram app. Older versions may still cap you at 10 photos.
- Regional Rollouts: Instagram sometimes rolls out new features gradually, so the option to post 20 photos might not yet be available in your region.
- Cache Issues: Corrupted cache files can prevent new features from working properly. Clearing your Instagram cache may fix this.
How to Clear Instagram Cache
On Android:
- Go to Settings.
- Select Apps > Instagram.
- Tap Storage > Clear Cache.
On iPhone:
- iOS does not have a direct option to clear the cache, so you may need to uninstall and reinstall the app.
Maximizing Engagement with Instagram Carousel Posts
To make the most out of your 20-photo carousel post, it’s important to think beyond just uploading and forgetting. Here are a few strategies for better engagement:
Use High-Quality Images
Always ensure that your images are clear, well-lit, and visually appealing. Instagram users have high standards for the content they interact with.
- Resolution: Stick to Instagram’s recommended resolution of 1080px by 1080px for the best image quality.
Tell a Story with Your Photos
People love to swipe through multiple photos when there’s a reason behind it. Whether it’s an event recap, a step-by-step tutorial, or a behind-the-scenes look, Instagram carousel posts are an excellent way to engage followers through storytelling.
Include a Call-to-Action in Your Caption
A simple CTA like “Swipe left to see more!” can encourage users to engage with all the images in your post. More engagement often means better visibility in your followers’ feeds.
FAQs
How Many Photos Can You Post on Instagram in One Post?
As of the most recent Instagram update, you can upload up to 20 photos or videos in a single post.
Why Can’t I Post More Than 10 Photos?
If you’re limited to 10 photos, it could be due to an outdated app, a feature rollout delay, or cache issues. To fix it:
- Ensure your Instagram app is updated.
- Clear the cache or reinstall the app.
Can You Edit Instagram Carousel Posts After Posting?
You can edit the caption or tags, but unfortunately, you cannot change the order of photos or videos in the post once it’s live.
Conclusion
Being able to post 20 photos in a single Instagram post adds new dimensions to the way you share your experiences, stories, and content. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to take full advantage of this new feature, creating engaging and dynamic posts that stand out on the platform.
Remember to update your app, curate your content carefully, and always engage with your audience to get the best results. Now go ahead, share that 20-photo post and watch your engagement soar!
Anna Zoee is an experienced blogger at Macs Wind, where she shares her expertise on all things Mac-related. With a passion for technology and a knack for simplifying complex topics, Anna delivers insightful content that helps readers get the most out of their devices. Her years of blogging experience make her a trusted voice in the tech community.
