Instagram Tests Like Counts For Individual Frames in a Carousel

07/20/25
Source: Social Media Today – Latest News by Andrew Hutchinson. Read the original article

TL;DR Summary of Instagram Tests Frame-Specific Like Counts for Carousel Posts

Instagram is experimenting with showing like counts per individual frame within carousel posts, offering creators detailed insights into audience preferences. This feature attributes likes to the specific image visible when the like was given, providing a rough measure of each frame’s popularity. Although not perfectly precise, this data can help users understand which content resonates most and potentially improve engagement strategies. Additionally, carousel posts tend to get higher reach due to multiple media and Instagram’s algorithm promoting second frames to viewers.

Optimixed’s Overview: How Instagram’s New Carousel Like Metrics Can Transform Your Content Strategy

Understanding Frame-Specific Like Counts

Instagram is piloting a new analytics feature that breaks down the number of likes each frame within a carousel post receives. Unlike traditional total like counts for the entire post, this method attributes each like to the specific image that was displayed when the user tapped “like.”

  • Insightful Data: By analyzing which frames attract more likes, creators can identify the most engaging content within their carousel sets.
  • Not Exact but Indicative: While the system isn’t flawless—some likes may be for the whole carousel rather than a single frame—a significantly higher like count on a particular image signals strong audience interest.

The Advantage of Carousel Posts in Reach and Engagement

Carousel posts inherently encourage more user interaction because they contain multiple media pieces. Instagram’s algorithm favors such posts by:

  • Increasing reach through multiple interactions: Each swipe or tap on a carousel counts as engagement, boosting visibility.
  • Offering a second viewing chance: If a user doesn’t swipe, Instagram may automatically advance to the next frame, enhancing exposure.

Implications for Content Creators

Combining the new frame-specific like insights with Instagram’s existing carousel advantages gives creators powerful tools to refine their content strategy. Understanding which images captivate the audience most can guide future content creation, ultimately helping to maximize engagement and expand reach on the platform.