How to Post a Carousel on LinkedIn

Scrolling through LinkedIn, we’ve all stopped mid-swipe, captivated by a carousel post that feels like flipping through the pages of a storybook. There’s something about the way it pulls us in—visuals, text, and ideas flowing together seamlessly. But have you ever wondered how to create one of those engaging, swipe-worthy posts yourself?

Carousels aren’t just eye-catching; they’re a powerful way to share ideas, showcase projects, or break down complex concepts in a way that feels interactive. They let us tell a story, one slide at a time, keeping our audience curious and engaged. Whether it’s for personal branding or business outreach, mastering this feature can help us stand out in a sea of static content.

Ready to turn your LinkedIn feed into a creative canvas? Let’s jump into the simple steps to craft a carousel that grabs attention and gets your message across.

What Is a Carousel Post on LinkedIn?

A carousel post on LinkedIn is a document-based post that allows users to share multiple pages of content in a swipeable format. These posts use PDFs to present slides, images, or text, enabling viewers to navigate through each page horizontally. Unlike traditional LinkedIn posts, carousels are designed to encourage interaction by letting users actively scroll through the content.

Carousel posts are versatile. They help explain concepts step-by-step, highlight important data, or tell a visual story. For example, professionals may use carousels to share project updates, marketing campaigns, or industry insights. The format offers flexibility for creatives and businesses to showcase their message dynamically.

LinkedIn carousel posts are distinct from ads, even though both use swipeable visuals. Carousel posts appear organically in a user’s feed and aren’t sponsored unless promoted separately. This makes them an effective tool for individuals and companies to engage audiences authentically without a hard-sell approach.

Benefits of Using Carousel Posts

Carousel posts on LinkedIn provide a unique way to share content that captures attention and encourages interaction. Their swipeable design, combined with rich visuals and concise text, offers multiple advantages for personal and professional branding.

Improved Engagement

Carousel posts naturally invite users to interact by swiping through slides. This interaction increases the time viewers spend on our content, which signals LinkedIn’s algorithm to prioritize it in feeds. For example, a carousel showcasing “Top Marketing Trends” with actionable tips keeps readers engaged longer than a static post. Increased engagement translates to more likes, comments, or shares, amplifying visibility.

Visual Storytelling

Carousels enable dynamic storytelling by combining visuals and text cohesively. Each slide builds upon the previous one, creating sequential narratives instead of overwhelming the audience with all information upfront. For instance, to share a project case study, we can dedicate slides to the problem, process, solution, and results. This approach simplifies complex topics and makes content memorable.

Increased Content Reach

Carousel posts often achieve higher visibility due to their shareable and scrollable nature. Since each slide encourages further interaction, posts are more likely to appear in the connections’ feeds of those who engage. If we create a carousel featuring “Industry Trends,” users may share it, increasing exposure to new audiences. This organic reach strengthens both personal and company branding.

Steps to Create a Carousel Post on LinkedIn

Carousel posts on LinkedIn combine engaging visuals with sequential storytelling to deliver valuable content effectively. Here’s how to create a professional carousel post.

Designing Your Carousel

1. Select a Design Tool: Choose software like Google Slides, PowerPoint, or Canva to design the slides. Tools like Adobe Spark or Visme also work well for creativity.
2. Adjust Dimensions: Set slide dimensions to 1080 x 1080 pixels. This square format fits LinkedIn’s display optimally.
3. Structure Content: Start with an attention-grabbing introduction, include core points supported by visuals or stats, and close with a call-to-action. Use minimal text, vibrant colors, and white space.
4. Plan the Flow: Map out a logical narrative to guide your audience through the slides smoothly.

Saving the Carousel as a PDF

1. Finalize Slides: Review the design and content, ensuring everything is clear, error-free, and visually cohesive.
2. Save as a PDF: Export the slides in PDF format. Different design tools provide a “Save As” or “Export” function for this.
3. File Name: Use a relevant file name, like “LinkedIn_Carousel_Post.pdf,” to keep it organized.

1. Log In: Open LinkedIn and navigate to the main feed.
2. Create a Post: Click “Start a Post”, then select “Add a Document”.
3. Upload PDF: Choose the saved PDF from your device, add a descriptive title, and click “Done”.
4. Draft Caption: Include a brief, engaging caption summarizing the key points of your carousel.
5. Publish: Hit “Post” to share it with your network.

Best Practices for Carousel Posts

Posting a carousel on LinkedIn works best when it’s both visually appealing and easy to follow. Let’s look at strategies to make your posts stand out.

Keep Text Concise

We recommend limiting text to 25-50 words per slide. This keeps your content readable and ensures viewers can quickly grasp key points. Simplify complex ideas into clear, short statements. Use bold headlines and brief captions to guide attention. For example, a marketing strategy carousel might highlight “Goal,” “Tactics,” and “Results” with a few supporting words on each slide.

Use High-Quality Visuals

Using visuals enhances engagement. High-resolution images, clean graphics, and consistent layouts create a professional look. Design tools like Canva or Adobe Express are excellent for crafting visually appealing slides. For instance, if you’re presenting data, use color-coded charts or infographics to make numbers pop. Avoid clutter; ensure visuals support, not overwhelm, your message.

Include a Clear Call-to-Action

Every carousel benefits from a defined next step. Add a call-to-action (CTA) on the final slide to direct viewers. Use phrases like “Learn More,” “Download Our Guide,” or “Contact Us Today.” For example, if you’re sharing LinkedIn marketing tips, your CTA might point users to a detailed blog post or webinar link. Make the CTA actionable and relevant.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common missteps when creating LinkedIn carousel posts improves content clarity and audience engagement. Here are key mistakes and how to prevent them.

Overloading Slides with Information

Overcrowded slides overwhelm viewers and reduce readability. Sticking to 25-50 words per slide, as LinkedIn suggests, ensures content clarity. For example, instead of listing all key points on one slide, break them into smaller, digestible messages across multiple slides. Use visuals like icons or charts to complement text and maintain audience focus.

Ignoring Mobile Optimization

LinkedIn users commonly browse on mobile devices, so unoptimized designs can appear distorted. Create carousels in vertical or square formats to ensure slides display consistently across devices. For example, maintaining a 4:5 ratio for vertical slides prevents cropping on smaller screens. Always preview your PDF post for mobile compatibility before publishing.

Lack of Consistent Branding

Inconsistent branding creates a disjointed viewer experience, reducing engagement. Maintain the same fonts, colors, and layout styles throughout the carousel to build recognition. For example, use your brand’s primary color palette and logo on each slide. This consistency reinforces your visual identity, making the post more professional and memorable.

Conclusion

Carousel posts on LinkedIn are a fantastic way to engage, inform, and inspire your audience. They let us share ideas creatively while boosting visibility and interaction in a natural, authentic way.

By following the steps and tips we’ve shared, we can create scroll-stopping content that stands out in feeds. With thoughtful design, clear messaging, and a strong call-to-action, our carousels can leave a lasting impression.

Let’s embrace the power of LinkedIn carousels to connect with our audience, tell compelling stories, and expand our reach. The possibilities are endless!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a LinkedIn carousel post?

A LinkedIn carousel post is a document-based post that allows users to share multiple pages of content in a swipeable format. Typically uploaded as a PDF, it can include visuals, text, or slides that viewers scroll through horizontally.

Why are carousel posts effective on LinkedIn?

Carousel posts are effective because they combine visuals and storytelling, encourage engagement through interactions like swiping, and often perform better in LinkedIn’s algorithm. They’re great for simplifying complex ideas, sharing data, or telling a step-by-step story while increasing visibility and shareability.

How do I create a carousel post for LinkedIn?

Design your slides using tools like Canva, PowerPoint, or Google Slides, ensure the content is structured and visually appealing, then save it as a PDF. Upload the PDF to LinkedIn, include an engaging caption, and publish it as a post.

What are the dimensions for LinkedIn carousel posts?

LinkedIn carousel slides should ideally follow a 1080 x 1080 pixels square format for optimal display. Ensure all slides use consistent dimensions to avoid distortion and maintain professionalism.

What are some best practices for making carousel posts?

Keep text concise (25-50 words per slide), use high-quality visuals, and maintain a consistent design. Include a clear call-to-action (CTA) on the final slide to guide the viewer on the next steps.

What mistakes should I avoid when creating carousel posts?

Avoid overcrowding slides with too much text or visuals, ignoring mobile optimization, and inconsistent branding. Keep content digestible, use mobile-friendly designs, and maintain a coherent brand style throughout.

Can carousel posts improve engagement on LinkedIn?

Yes, carousel posts naturally boost engagement by encouraging interaction (swiping) and increasing time spent on the content. The LinkedIn algorithm often prioritizes such interactive content, expanding its reach.

What tools can I use to design carousel slides?

You can use Canva, Google Slides, or PowerPoint to design slides. These tools allow for easy customization and provide templates to create visually appealing and professional layouts.

Are LinkedIn carousel posts better than traditional posts?

Carousel posts often outperform traditional text or single-image posts because they are more interactive, visually engaging, and better suited for storytelling or explaining complex ideas step-by-step.

Can I use LinkedIn carousel posts for business purposes?

Absolutely! Carousel posts are ideal for promoting marketing campaigns, sharing project updates, or providing industry insights. Their visual storytelling capabilities make them effective for showcasing data, ideas, and expertise in an engaging way.