Quick answer: To create a carousel ad, go to the ad level in Meta Ads Manager and choose the Carousel format. Add 2 to 10 cards, each with its own image or video, headline, description and website URL. Write the primary text, choose a call-to-action button, and decide whether Meta should show the best-performing cards first. Then click Publish.
Carousel ads show several images or videos in one ad that people can swipe through. They’re perfect for showcasing multiple products, explaining a process step by step, or telling a story across cards.
Prefer to watch? The 4-minute video above shows every step on screen.
What do you need before creating a carousel ad?
- A campaign and ad set already set up, for example traffic, engagement or sales. See how to create a Meta ad account if you’re starting from scratch.
- 2–10 images or videos, ideally square (1:1) and in a consistent style.
- A headline and a link for each card.
How to create a carousel ad (step by step)
Step 1: Go to the ad level
Open your campaign in Ads Manager and click the ad, or create a new one within your ad set.
Step 2: Choose the Carousel format
Under Ad setup → Format, select Carousel.
Step 3: Add your cards
For each card, upload an image or video, then add a headline, an optional description and a website URL. You can add up to 10 cards.
Step 4: Write the primary text and pick a button
Write one primary text that appears above the whole carousel, and choose a call-to-action button such as Shop now or Learn more.
Step 5: Choose the card options
Decide whether to tick Automatically show the best-performing cards first. Leave it off if your cards tell a story in a set order. You can also add an end card with your profile picture.
Step 6: Preview and publish
Check the preview for Facebook feed, Instagram feed and Stories, then click Publish.
Carousel ad tips
- Use the first card to hook attention. Most people decide on that one card.
- Keep visuals consistent, so the carousel feels like one story.
- Use one product per card, with a clear headline and price if relevant.
- Want motion without filming? Meta can also turn several images into a slideshow video, using the Create video option on a single image or video ad.
Carousel ad problems and fixes
The Carousel option isn’t available
Some objectives and placements limit formats. Check your campaign objective and placements, or create the ad again in a traffic, engagement or sales campaign.
Images look cropped
Use square 1:1 images (1080×1080 px) for every card, so they display consistently across placements.
The order of cards changes
Untick Automatically show the best-performing cards first to keep your own order.
What should you do next?
- Selling many products? Try Advantage+ catalog ads.
- Track results on your site: install the Meta Pixel.
- Retarget visitors: create a website visitor audience.
Frequently asked questions
A carousel ad can have between 2 and 10 cards, each with its own image or video, headline and link.
Square images at 1080 by 1080 pixels (1:1) are recommended, so all cards display consistently on Facebook and Instagram.
A carousel lets people swipe through separate cards, each with its own link. A slideshow is a short video Meta creates from several images, shown as a single video ad.
Let Meta show the best-performing cards first when the cards are independent products. Keep a fixed order when the cards tell a story or explain steps.
Want more step-by-step Meta Ads tutorials? Subscribe to Digital Growth Tutor on YouTube for short, no-jargon guides.