Just like other Facebook posts, users can react, comment, and share carousel posts. Below, we outline how to create a carousel ad for your Facebook page, as well as why creating one can help diversify your school’s content.
Note: This specific article focuses on how to create a carousel ad for Facebook; to learn how to create a carousel ad for Instagram, read here. The biggest difference between Instagram and Facebook Carousel options is that Instagram allows users to create carousels in both paid formats and organically by offering free carousel templates, whereas with Facebook, one must create a campaign for the carousel ads and must be budgeted for in your paid social campaigns.
What is a Facebook Carousel?
A Facebook Carousel is a special type of Facebook Ad format that allows a combination of up to 10 photos and videos. It’s called a carousel because users can cycle through different images by swiping left and right. The same functionality exists on Instagram as a standard post format.
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Why Creating Facebook Carousels is Good for Your Institution’s Social Media Strategy
With online marketing becoming more and more competitive in our digital world, it’s crucial for marketers to stay up to date on trends and produce more eye-catching content.
According to research, advertisers have seen carousel ads drive 30–50% lower cost-per-conversion and 20–30% lower cost-per-click than single-image link ads. Studies have also shown, on average, carousel ads receive 12% more click-through rates than a regular Facebook ad.
Carousel ads are not only cheap and effective, they are also easy to monitor, manage, and create. There are versatile ways for marketers to create unique carousel ad designs. For example, you can make a split panoramic design, show off multiple products, or even tell a story or promote a guide within the 10 slides available. But let’s begin with Facebook ad sizing and how to start creating one.
A Note About Facebook Image Sizes
Before jumping ahead to creating your Facebook Carousel ad, it’s important that you first understand the best sizes and formats for the images and videos that you’ll be using.
Here are the list of specs you’ll need to use for creating your Facebook carousel:
- File type: PNG or JPG
- Resolution: 1080 x 1080 pixels
- Text: Up to 125 characters; excluding right column
- Headlines: Up to 25 characters
- Link description: Up to 30 characters; excluding Facebook Messenger inbox and right column
- Video link: Up to 240 minutes per image card placed in the carousel; excluding Facebook Messenger inbox
- Video size: Up to 4GB; excluding Facebook Messenger inbox
How to Create a Facebook Carousel Ad
Now that we’ve established Facebook specs for video and photos carousels, let’s dive into the easy step-by-step instructions on how to create a successful carousel post.
Step 1: Download the content you would like to use onto your phone or desktop.
Step 2: Download the Facebook Ads Manager app and log into your business’s Facebook page account.
Step 3: Once you’ve logged into your account, you can begin creating your Facebook Carousel ad by clicking “+ Create” in the middle of the screen.
Step 4: Choose your marketing objective. It can range from Page likes to Website traffic to Video views. You can also name your campaign, ad set, and ad on this page. Once you’ve selected your marketing objective and named your campaign, it’ll bring you to the next page.
Step 5: Create your campaign budget. You can set a daily or lifetime budget, as well as a schedule to run continuously, now or later.
Step 6: Adjust your Facebook carousel adl to your target audience. There’s a variety of options to choose from.
Step 7: Once you select, - “Next,” you’ll be taken to the ads tab. After selecting the carousel option, you can select your images, ad copy, or videos you would like to use for your Facebook carousel ad. For tips on hashtags to use for your caption and the best time to post on Facebook, subscribe to our blog!
Step 8: Last but not least, publish your campaign! Once you’ve reviewed your campaign settings and carousel ads and are ready to schedule your campaign select the ‘Publish’ button.
Top 4 Carousel Content Ideas in Education
While this guide has shown you how to create Facebook carousel ads, here’s a closer look at the types of carousel content that’s most effective for schools.
1. Tutorials or How-To Guides
One type of carousel content that you can use in your social media is a step-by-step visual guide through the financial aid or application process.
Start your carousel with an engaging and informative introduction card. You can use an attention-grabbing headline like "Unlocking Financial Aid: Your Step-by-Step Guide."
In this card, explain the different types of financial aid available, such as:
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Loans
- Work-study programs
Be sure to keep this content engaging by using visuals or icons to represent each type.
2. Behind-the-Scenes
Another option is giving users a peak behind the curtain by showing the inner workings of your admissions process, social media team, or athletics.
Start your carousel with an introduction card using a headline like "Discover How We Select Our Students.”
Offer a glimpse into the application sorting and review process. This could involve showing staff organizing, categorizing, and evaluating applications. You could even share a snapshot of an applicant being interviewed by a member of the admissions team.
No matter what type of content you leverage, be sure to mention the importance of understanding the admissions process.
3. FAQs and Tips (Retargeting)
Answering frequently asked questions or providing valuable tips related to your school can be another effective carousel.
Start your carousel with an introductory card that sets the tone for the FAQs and tips you'll be sharing. You can use a headline like "Your Guide to [School Name]: FAQs and Tips."
Highlight the range of academic programs offered at your school and try to mention any prestigious faculty, cutting-edge research, or unique study opportunities. You can also discuss the various support services available to students, such as counseling, tutoring, and career services. All these aspects explain how these services enhance the student experience.
4. Student Highlights/Testimonials
Don’t be afraid to showcase different features or benefits of your school in each card with student testimonials.
Begin with an introduction card that sets the stage for the student highlights using a headline like "Discover the Success Stories of Our Students."
This content can highlight the academic achievements of your students like scholarships, honors, or outstanding grades. Be sure to emphasize the diversity of your student body and how your campus culture benefits students from various backgrounds and walks of life as well.
Recapping the Carousel Process
Creating a carousel for your school’s Facebook accounts helps create engaging ads and offers a unique look than your typical post. Carousel posts encourage users to actively swipe and see more content of your school’s campus and facilities..
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