Current Carousel Trends You Shouldn't Skip in 2026

Reels get all the attention these days, but carousels are still one of the best ways to keep people on your post longer, get more saves, and drive real engagement.

These five formats are showing up a lot right now and work well across different niches. They're straightforward to make (mostly in Canva) and give your feed some variety.

1

Scrapbook-Style Carousels

How to create: You build this in Canva with a neutral background (beige, light grey, or soft pastels).

Add your main text in a handwriting font, then layer on related image cutouts, stickers, hand-drawn arrows, circles, or underlines.

Pro tip: The bonus is when elements on one page connect seamlessly to the next — it makes people swipe just to see how it continues.

2

Interactive "Hold and Scroll" Carousels

The concept: You start with one full image (like an outfit or product shot), then add on pieces as people swipe — accessories, layers, or alternatives appear bit by bit.

It feels like flipping through a book, and your audience keeps swiping to reveal the full look.

Tip: You can add a small note like "Hold the dots and scroll" if you want, but most people figure it out.

3

Mixed Media Carousels

The approach: You mix photos, simple graphics, and short video clips in the same carousel instead of keeping everything the same format.

The variety keeps people watching and swiping longer. Graphics can be done in-app or in Canva — nothing complicated needed.

Why it works: The format variety creates visual interest and keeps viewers engaged throughout the entire carousel.

4

Grid Carousels

The setup: You use 4 images to create one big square grid, then place your main text (or a screenshot from Notes) right in the middle.

The surrounding photos give context — they can be related shots, mood images, or examples of what you're talking about.

Key insight: The value is mostly in the text, but the grid adds visual interest and makes people stop scrolling.