# What are carousel ads?

> Carousel ads show 2 to 10 swipeable cards in one Meta ad, each with its own link. Card limits, sizes, when to use them and a worked card-by-card example.
- **Author**: Marxx
- **Published**: 2026-11-14
- **Category**: Meta
- **URL**: https://marxx.ai/library-glossary/carousel-ads

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Carousel ads show two or more images or videos in a single Meta ad that people swipe through. Each card has its own headline, description, link and call to action ([Meta Help Center](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/1114358518575630), checked 2026-10-20).

## The limits

| Placement | Cards | Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Facebook | 2 to 10 | 1:1, 4:5 or 9:16 |
| Messenger and Audience Network | 2 to 10 | 1:1 recommended |
| Instagram Feed | 2 to 10 | 1:1 or 4:5 |
| Instagram Stories | 2 to 3 | 9:16 |

Meta notes that 4:5 on Facebook is only for Advantage+ catalog ads. On Facebook, text is 125 characters, the headline is 40 and the link description is 25.

By default Meta shows the best-performing card first, on Facebook Feed, Instagram Feed and Instagram Stories. Turn off "Highlight carousel card" if your cards tell a story in order.

## A worked example

Say you sell a three-step skincare routine. The steps cost INR 399, INR 599 and INR 499 on their own, which is INR 1,497. You sell all three together for INR 1,199. You build five cards. The copy is ours, written as an example.

| Card | Job | Line |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hook | "Dull skin by 4 pm? Try this routine" |
| 2 | Step 1 | "Cleanse: INR 399" |
| 3 | Step 2 | "Treat: INR 599" |
| 4 | Step 3 | "Protect: INR 499" |
| 5 | Offer | "All three for INR 1,199. Save INR 298" |

The saving on card 5 is 1,497 − 1,199 = INR 298. Each card links to its own product page, and card 5 links to the bundle.

## When to use carousels

- You have several products or steps to show.
- You want one ad to tell a story across cards.
- You run Advantage+ catalog ads, which can use the carousel format with your catalog.

Card 1 does the work of a [hook](/glossary/ad-hook). Make it strong, since it is the first thing people see. Compare [carousel vs single image ads](/compare/carousel-vs-single-image-ads) and see [carousel ad copy examples](/templates/carousel-ad-copy-examples).

## FAQ

### How many cards can a carousel have?

Two to ten on Facebook and Instagram Feed. Meta's design specifications page lists up to three on Instagram Stories.

### Can a carousel mix images and videos?

Yes. Meta says a carousel can show images and videos in the same ad.

### What size should carousel images be?

For 1:1, Meta lists 1080 x 1080 px on Instagram Feed and recommends 1024 x 1024 px on Facebook. See [ad aspect ratios](/glossary/aspect-ratio-for-ads).

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