Social Media Carousel

LinkedIn carousels are uploaded as PDFs. Each page becomes one slide. Use portrait format for maximum screen real estate on mobile.

The 10-Slide Carousel Structure

Slide 1 — Cover (Hook)

Job: Stop the scroll. Earn the first swipe.

• Bold, high-contrast headline
• Clear visual hierarchy: one dominant element
• No more than 7 words in the main headline
• Include a "swipe to learn" or visual arrow indicator
• Must work as a standalone image (shown in feed before swiping)

Slide 2 — Problem or Promise

Job: Confirm why this carousel is worth their time.

• State the core tension: what problem does this solve?
• Or restate the promise more specifically than slide 1
• Keep copy under 20 words

Slides 3–8 — Content Body

Job: Deliver value in scannable, self-contained units.

• One idea per slide (never split a thought across two slides)
• Use consistent layout grid (don't redesign from slide to slide)
• Alternate between text-heavy and visual slides to create rhythm
• Add a slide number (3/8) for progress signaling
• Each slide should hint at the next ("But that's not the hardest part...")

Slide 9 — Summary or Key Takeaway

Job: Reinforce the most important lesson.

• Repeat or synthesize the core message
• "If you remember only one thing from this..."
• Visually distinct from body slides (use accent color or layout shift)

Slide 10 — CTA Slide

Job: Convert attention into action.

• One CTA only (follow, save, comment, DM, visit link)
• Reinforce brand identity: logo, handle, brand color
• Optional: lead magnet hook ("Save this for later")

Visual Consistency Rules

Typography

• Maximum 2 typefaces per carousel (one for headers, one for body)
• Header size: 48–72 pt | Body size: 20–28 pt
• Line spacing: 1.3–1.5x for readability on mobile
• Never use light gray text on white background

Color

• Define a 3-color palette before starting: primary, accent, neutral
• Use the accent color for emphasis only (1–2 elements per slide)
• Maintain consistent background color across body slides
• CTA slide can break palette as a visual interrupt

Layout Grid

• Use a consistent safe zone: 80–100 px margins on all sides
• Align all elements to the same grid across slides
• Avoid elements bleeding off the edge (crop risk on some platforms)

Imagery

• Use consistent image style: all illustrations, all photos, or all icons
• Do not mix photographic and illustrated styles mid-carousel
• Image treatment: consistent filter, saturation, or overlay across all slides

Swipe Hooks (Between-Slide Cliffhangers)

Add a micro-hook at the bottom or edge of each body slide:

"The next one surprises most people →"
"Slide 5 is where most get stuck →"
"You probably do this wrong too →"
"Wait until you see #7 →"
"This changed everything for me →"

These can be small text at the bottom of the slide or embedded in the visual layout.

CTA Placement Strategy

Avoid putting links on mid-carousel slides — viewers rarely stop swiping to click.

Carousel Script Template (AI Prompt)

Create a 10-slide carousel about [topic] for [Instagram / LinkedIn].

Audience: [describe target audience]
Goal: [educate / generate leads / build authority / drive saves]

Output format per slide:
- Slide number
- Headline (under 8 words)
- Body copy (under 30 words)
- Visual suggestion
- Swipe hook (for slides 2–9)

Slide 1 must be a bold hook. Slide 10 must have a single CTA.

Common Carousel Mistakes

• Too much text per slide — Viewers scan, they don't read. Max 30 words per slide.
• Inconsistent layout — Each slide feels like a different designer made it.
• No swipe incentive — Slides 2–3 don't tease what's coming.
• Weak cover slide — The cover must compete with Reels and viral photos in the same feed.
• CTA on every slide — One CTA, on the last slide. More than that = confusion.
• No brand identity — Someone screenshots slide 4 and shares it. Can anyone find you?

Design Checklist

• Cover slide has a bold hook under 7 words
• Platform dimensions correct (square or 4:5)
• Consistent 2-typeface system across all slides
• 3-color palette applied uniformly
• 80–100 px safe zone margins on all slides
• Slide progress indicator present (e.g., 3/10)
• Swipe hook text on each body slide
• One CTA on the final slide only
• Brand handle/logo on cover and CTA slide
• Exported at correct resolution (72 dpi screen, 150 dpi for print-quality PDF)
• Tested on mobile screen at actual size before publishing