Instagram Multi-Photo (carousel) posts let you share multiple photos, videos, or a combination of both in a single post.

This article explains how to schedule Instagram Multi-Photo (carousel) posts in Later and the options available when publishing them.

Before You Begin

A few things to know before scheduling carousel posts:

• Plan availability: Instagram Multi-Photo posts are available on current paid plans (Starter, Growth & Scale)
• Media limit: Carousel posts scheduled through Later can contain up to 10 photos, videos, or a combination of both
• Instagram limitation: Instagram allows up to 20 media items when publishing directly in the Instagram app, but Instagram’s API currently limits third-party partners like Later to 10 items
• Publishing methods: Auto Publish and notification publishing are supported
• Hashtag limit: Instagram allows up to 5 hashtags per post

Schedule a Carousel Post on Desktop

1. From Later for desktop, select your Instagram profile
2. Select Create Post
3. Select Add Media and add up to 10 photos, videos, or a combination of both
4. Rearrange your media if needed 
5. Enter your caption
6. Configure any optional settings
7. Select Schedule Post

Alternatively, select the arrow beside Schedule Post and choose Save as Draft.

Schedule a Carousel Post on Mobile (iOS & Android)

1. Open the Later mobile app
2. Select your Instagram profile
3. Select the create post icon
4. Tap + to add media
5. Select up to 10 photos, videos, or a combination of both
6. Rearrange your media if needed
7. Add your caption
8. Configure any additional post options
9. Select a publishing date and time
10. Tap Schedule Post

Alternatively, tap Save as Draft.

Tip: Carousel posts use Auto Publish by default when it’s available for your Instagram profile. If you prefer to publish manually through Instagram, you can change the publishing method to Send Notification before scheduling.

Additional Carousel Options

Depending on your plan and publishing method, you may also be able to configure the following:

• First Comment: Schedule a First Comment on Instagram
  • Plan availability: Current paid plans (Starter, Growth & Scale)
  • Auto Publish only
• Link in Bio: Add and Edit Post Links in Link in Bio
  • Plan availability: All plans
• Tag People and Locations: Tag Users & Locations in Instagram Posts
  • Plan availability: Current paid plans (Starter, Growth & Scale)
  • Auto Publish only
• Invite Collaborator
  • Invite up to 3 collaborators on supported Instagram posts
• Instagram Shop Product Tagging: Tag Instagram Shop Products
  • Plan availability: Growth and Scale plans
  • Requires an Instagram business or creator profile with an Instagram Shop catalog connected

Publishing Methods

Auto Publish

When you use Auto Publish, Later publishes your carousel automatically at the scheduled time. No additional action is required.

Notification Publishing

When you use notification publishing, Later sends a notification to your mobile device at the scheduled time. You’ll complete the publishing process in Instagram.

For detailed instructions, see Publish Instagram Posts Using Notification Publishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many photos or videos can I include in a carousel post?

Carousel posts scheduled through Later can contain up to 10 photos or videos.

Can I add different captions to each carousel slide?

Carousel posts scheduled through Later use a single caption for the entire carousel post. We’ll update this article when individual carousel captions become available.

Can I publish a carousel with more than 10 items?

Not through Later. Instagram currently limits third-party partners to 10 media items per carousel post.

Can I use trending audio in carousel videos?

We’re working to expand Instagram carousel capabilities in Later, including support for additional Instagram-native features.

For now, trending audio must be added directly in Instagram. Schedule your carousel post using notification publishing if you need to add Instagram-native audio before publishing.