What started as a humble format for photo dumps has evolved into one of the most engaging and versatile forms of content on social media today. If you’re an influencer, content creator, or brand marketer in MENA, now’s the time to get on board.
Let’s break down why carousels are trending again, the data behind their rise, and how to creatively use them to drive engagement and conversions in 2025.
Why Carousels Are Suddenly Everywhere
The short answer? Social platforms are pushing them hard, and the audience is loving it.
TikTok has recently prioritized photo carousels in its algorithm. Internal data shows:
- 2.9x more comments
- 1.9x more likes
- 2.6x more shares
…compared to traditional video content.
Youthforia, a Gen Z beauty brand, saw an 11% increase in reach with carousels over videos. Their founder’s “Shark Tank” carousel racked up 6.6 million views.
Instagram is giving carousels a second life in-feed. According to Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri:
- Users first see slide 1
- If they keep scrolling, they get slide 2 later in their feed
- Add music? It might even show up in the Reels tab
The result? More impressions. More saves. More engagement.
Why Creators and Brands Love Carousels
Let’s be honest: videos can be intimidating. Talking to the camera, editing, trends changing overnight, it’s a lot.
Carousels, on the other hand, are:
- Less pressure: No need to show your face or record audio
- Faster to produce: Batch content creation = time saved
- Easier to digest: Users can swipe at their own pace
- Authentic: Today’s best-performing carousels feel raw, messy, and real, like a behind-the-scenes moment, not a curated ad
Read also: How to Blend Influencer Marketing and Paid Social for Maximum ROI
9 Carousel Formats That Drive Results
Whether you’re an influencer or brand, carousels can do more than just showcase photos. Try these proven formats to engage your audience and boost visibility:
1. Tell a Story
Document your journey in parts, founders building a startup, creators prepping for a shoot, designers sketching a new line. Episodic content keeps people coming back.
2. Show the Process
Peel back the curtain. Whether it’s product creation, packaging, or campaign planning, audiences love seeing the “how.”
3. Trend-Jacking (Static Style)
Turn trending audio or video formats into swipeable posts. Same emotional pull, but delivered in a fresh, scroll-stopping way.
4. Behind the Scenes
Ditch the polish. Use quirky captions, candid photos, and team moments to humanize your brand or influencer profile.
5. Something Savable
Think checklists, hacks, guides, or frameworks. When people save your post, the algorithm takes notice.
6. Editorial Vibes
Design it like a magazine spread. Styled product shots + bold typography = high shareability.
7. Team Faves
Put faces behind the brand. Ask team members or collaborators to share their personal product picks or tips.
8. Teach Something
Break down complex ideas into digestible carousels. Think “how-tos,” “why it matters,” or “top 3 mistakes.”
9. Before & After
Still the ultimate trust-builder. Showcase transformations, outcomes, and improvements in a swipe-friendly way.
Influencers: Here’s Why You Should Care
If you’re a creator in MENA, especially in beauty, fashion, or lifestyle, now’s the time to rethink your content mix. Carousels help you:
- Show more personality
- Educate or entertain without needing to speak
- Post consistently without burning out
- Reuse older content in a new format
And with TikTok and Instagram both boosting carousel posts in 2025, you’re getting double algorithm power.
Don’t Sleep on the Swipe
Carousels are more than a visual scroll—they’re a storytelling canvas, a content lab, and a growth hack rolled into one. For brands and creators alike, they offer a rare combo: low lift, high engagement.
As an influencer marketing company, we’ve seen firsthand how carousel-first campaigns deliver results, from higher engagement to increased follower growth and more conversions.
