Instagram update lets you post up to 10 photos or videos as one swipeable carousel

In order to present its users with a more immersive social media experience, Instagram has introduced a new feature in its classic feed which allows users to share a collection of up to 10 photos or videos as a single carousel post that friends can swipe through. Photo ad carousel, initially launched in 2015, only permitted users to share 5 images or videos. The new thematic Instagram album update will roll out globally on IOS and Android over the next few weeks.

Instagram has been pushing to be recognized as more than just a platform where users only “get to see the highlights”. “You no longer have to choose the single best photo or video from an experience you want to remember,” Instagram wrote.

Instagram’s 600 million monthly users will definitely be pleased at this new feature as it takes the pressure of posting one perfect photo through Stories. Users will be able to select multiple photos while posting on the feed with the help of an updated button. As long as all the photos are in a square format, users will be able to edit up to 10 photos or videos (individually or with a single filter), select the order as well as tag their friends. The entire post can have only a single location and caption, and likes and comments will only apply to the entire post.

By bringing this ability to users, Instagram might be able to normalize the practice of swiping on posts, which could get more users exploring the rest of these carousel ads. And if it makes people feel like they can tell a story without Stories, it’s one more reason not to use Snapchat.

Once posted, a set of blue dots will indicate to friends that the post is a carousel. According to Instagram, you can “Share your favorite moments of your best friend’s surprise birthday party, from setting up to when they walk through the door. Or create a step-by-step cake recipe that people can always find on your profile.”

The new feature allows Instagram users to be able to share their experiences in a more rounded method. The company will hope that it will be able to normalize the practice of post-swiping and get more users interested in exploring carousel ads, as well as reduce users’ dependency on Snapchat.