Instagram is at it again—testing a new feature that could reshape engagement as we know it: frame-specific like counts on carousel posts. As part of its ongoing strategy to fine-tune user interaction and boost time-on-platform metrics, this experimental update could give creators, brands, and marketers fresh data points to work with.
So, what does this mean for your Instagram game in 2025?
Let’s break it down, and more importantly—explore how you can optimize Instagram carousels, ride the algorithm, and turn this test feature into a conversion-driving asset.
What is Instagram’s Frame-Specific Like Count?
Currently, when you upload a carousel post on Instagram, all the images or videos are treated as a single unit. Users can swipe through, but only the entire post gets a single collective like count.
But now, Instagram is testing a feature that displays the number of likes for each individual frame—yes, that means each slide in your carousel could show its own like total.
This feature was first spotted by app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi, who shared a sneak peek on X (formerly Twitter). While it hasn’t rolled out globally, the buzz has already started among marketers and influencers.
Why Instagram Carousel Engagement Is Already Powerful
Before diving into the new feature, let’s appreciate why Instagram carousel posts are a go-to for boosting engagement:
- Carousels have up to a 2.2x higher engagement rate compared to single-image posts.
- Instagram’s algorithm tends to re-surface carousels, showing the second slide if the user didn’t engage the first time.
- You can deliver step-by-step tutorials, before/after visuals, or product comparisons all within one post.
If frame-specific likes become a norm, that will add another layer of engagement tracking, helping you see which slide truly performed best.
How Frame Likes Could Help Marketers and Brands
For social media managers, content creators, and ecommerce brands, the implications of individual slide likes on Instagram carousels are huge.
Here’s how:
1. Micro-level Content Insights
Instead of analyzing just overall performance, you’ll know:
- Which product image users loved the most.
- What quote or stat drove the most reactions.
- Whether your call-to-action slide actually got attention.
2. Improved A/B Testing
No more guessing which visuals convert better. Post multiple versions in one carousel and analyze per-frame engagement metrics directly.
3. Smarter Content Creation
Want to learn which style of visuals works best? Frame likes will help you make data-backed content decisions.
4. More Interactive Campaigns
You can gamify content by encouraging followers to “like their favorite slide,” boosting engagement organically.
How This Affects Instagram Influencer Marketing
For influencers and content creators, especially those in fashion, lifestyle, fitness, or travel—frame-specific likes offer a powerful storytelling tool.
Imagine running a “which look is better” carousel with outfits across slides and letting followers vote with likes. Brands can then see which outfit or product drove the most reactions and optimize accordingly.
This not only improves creator-brand collaborations but also strengthens sponsored content performance reports.
How to Prepare for the Carousel Like Count Feature
Whether this test rolls out widely or stays in beta, it signals a trend toward granular engagement tracking.
Here are steps to future-proof your Instagram strategy:
Use High-Performing Hashtags
Incorporate niche-relevant, high-volume hashtags to increase reach for each carousel post. Use tools like Flick or Hashtagify to research trending tags in your niche.
Optimize Carousel Cover Slides
The first slide is still your hook. Add a bold headline, value proposition, or a curiosity-piquing image to make users swipe through.
Diversify Slide Formats
Mix media—use images, quotes, infographics, and reels in one carousel. Instagram favors posts that encourage time spent on them.
Track with Instagram Insights (and third-party tools)
Once this feature is fully released, combine Instagram analytics tools like Later, Metricool, or Hootsuite to measure slide-level performance.
SEO Tips for Better Carousel Visibility
Yes, Instagram SEO is a thing. If you’re using carousels, here’s how to make them more searchable on and off the platform:
Include Keywords in Your Captions
Use relevant terms that people search—like “styling tips,” “best skincare 2025,” “travel itinerary ideas.
Use Alt Text for Each Carousel Slide
Add SEO-optimized alt text to each image in your carousel to increase Instagram’s understanding of your content. This helps in image discovery and improves accessibility.
Creative Ideas for Using Frame-Specific Likes
Need carousel post ideas that make the most of this upcoming feature? Try these:
- Product Drops: Show new arrivals across frames—track what excites users most.
- Before vs. After: In beauty, fitness, or home makeovers.
- Educational Mini-Series: Slide-by-slide tutorials like “5 SEO hacks” or “3 ways to style a blazer.”
- Pick One Challenges: “Which coffee art is your vibe?” with likes as votes.
What This Means for Instagram’s Future
Instagram has been focusing heavily on engagement optimization, especially to compete with TikTok. With updates like:
- Instagram grid editing tools
- Storyline experiments for creators
- Reels blend with friends
- and now this—carousel frame-specific like counts—
the platform clearly wants to keep creators and brands invested.
This feature is likely to roll out to business and creator accounts first. So, if you’re still on a personal account, consider switching to unlock upcoming tools.
Carousel Posts Are About to Get Smarter
The ability to see like counts for individual Instagram carousel slides could change how we design, track, and optimize posts forever.
Whether you’re building a personal brand, running social media campaigns for businesses, or managing influencer partnerships, this update gives you deeper insights into what really resonates with your audience.
Stay ahead by adapting your content strategies now—and you’ll be ready to tap into the power of micro-engagement tracking once this feature rolls out globally.
