How to Create an Engaging Instagram Story/Reels Slideshows in Just Minutes

Instagram Slideshows are a fun and creative way to share multiple photos or videos in a single post on Instagram. Instead of posting individual photos or videos, you can group them in a single post, and your followers can swipe through them like a slideshow.

The best part about Instagram Slideshows is that it’s an excellent way to share memories or experiences in a visually appealing and engaging way.

Want to get in on the fun? Great! In this blog, we’ll guide you through the steps to creating engaging and captivating Instagram reels and story slideshows on the Instagram app.

What is the Difference Between a Carousel and a Slideshow?

On Instagram, a carousel post allows you to include multiple photos or videos in a single post, which users can swipe through horizontally.

A slideshow, on the other hand, is a feature within Instagram Stories that allows you to add multiple photos or videos to a single story. Each slide can have its text, stickers, and other creative elements, but they are not part of your profile feed and will disappear after 24 hours.

How to Make a Slideshow on Instagram

Creating a slideshow is easy and can be done right from the Instagram app.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make Instagram Slideshows for Instagram Reels and Stories.

How to Make a Slideshow Story for Instagram

Step 1

Open the Instagram app and click the “+” sign on your profile picture (top left-hand corner of your screen.)

Step 2

Tap on the “Select” feature to choose up to 10 photos or videos. It’s an icon with two overlapping squares. Better still, you can take new ones using the Instagram camera. Done? Tap on the arrow located at the bottom right corner.

Step 3

Once you’ve selected your photos or videos, you can edit them by tapping on each one. You can add stickers, text, mentions, or doodles to each photo or video. Once you’re done, Tap on the arrow at the bottom right corner.

Step 4

You can share your slideshow by tapping on “Your Story” or sharing it with your followers through the Direct Message option.

Bonus: 8 Instagram Reels Hacks You Need to Know

Open the Instagram app and click the “+” sign on your profile picture (top left-hand corner of your screen.)

How to Make a Slideshow Reel for Instagram

Step 1

Open the Instagram app and tap the “+” sign at the bottom center of your screen. This will take you to the camera screen, where you can tap on “Reel.”

Step 2

Next, take your photo or video with the Instagram camera or tap on the square icon located at the bottom left corner of your screen to access your gallery.

Step 3

Now, select up to 10 photos or videos you want in your Instagram Story slideshow by tapping the overlapping squares icon. Pick them in the order that you want them to appear in your Reel. Tap on the arrow located at the bottom right corner.

Step 4

Add music, filters, voiceovers, sound effects, special effects, aesthetics, stickers, and text. Tap on the edit button at the bottom of the screen to reorder your photos or videos and adjust/replace the audio.

Step 5

Once you are satisfied with your Instagram Slideshow, tap on the bottom right arrow button to proceed. You can add a caption and hashtags, and tag other users. Then, click on “Share” to publish your Reel.

How to Make a Slideshow For Instagram Using Simplified

Making slideshows on the Instagram app is great, but you know what’s even better? Using Simplified!

This all-in-one content platform allows you to create stunning content for many social media platforms with ease, including Instagram.

With tons of templates, layouts, and design elements readily available, it’s easy to customize your slideshows to fit your brand’s style and messaging.

What’s more, you can add text, graphics, animations, and other effects to your content with just a few clicks, and easily resize and reposition elements to create a polished and cohesive look.

Our easy-to-use interface and drag-and-drop functionality make it easy to create eye-catching slideshows and other visuals that will engage your followers and help you stand out on Instagram.

Features

1. Free!
2. Brand kit (logos, colors, and unique fonts)
3. Interactive animations
4. Captivating transitions
5. Publish directly to Instagram
6. Create and use stunning AI images from text prompts
7. Image Resizer
8. Layers
9. Different images, audio, videos, and GIFs to use (for free!)
10. Fun icons and stickers
11. Voiceover recording option
12. Export your slideshows as high-quality videos

1. Sequential Storytelling

• Use Instagram Slideshows to tell a story in a step-by-step manner. This can be an excellent way to walk your audience through a process, such as a recipe or DIY tutorial, with each slide representing a different step.
  • Example: “Watch how this simple recipe transforms from raw ingredients to a delicious dish, one step at a time!”

2. Before-and-After Transitions

• Showcase transformations by using before-and-after images in a slideshow. Whether it’s a makeover, a product improvement, or progress shots, this format can be highly engaging.
  • Example: “Swipe to see the dramatic transformation! From Day 1 to Day 100 – what a journey!”

3. Client Testimonials or Reviews

• Use slideshows to share client testimonials, customer reviews, or success stories. You can pair each review with a related image, creating a visual testimonial series.
  • Example: “Swipe to see what our customers are saying about us! Each story is unique, but all are filled with love.”

4. Time-Lapse Journey

• Create a slideshow that follows a time-lapse of a journey or project. This could be documenting a trip, the growth of a plant, or the development of a product over time.
  • Example: “Swipe through our project’s progress from idea to reality. It’s been an exciting journey!”

5. Interactive Polling in Slideshows

• Incorporate a poll in your slideshow. You can ask a question on each slide and invite followers to comment or use Instagram’s interactive stickers in stories to gather responses.
  • Example: “Which design do you like best? Swipe through and let us know in the comments!”

6. User-Generated Content (UGC) Showcases

• Feature user-generated content in a slideshow format, highlighting photos or videos submitted by your followers. This helps to build a community and encourages more engagement.
  • Example: “Swipe to see how our amazing community is using our product! Want to be featured next? Tag us in your posts!”

7. Behind-the-Scenes (BTS) Moments

• Show behind-the-scenes moments of how your content or product is made. A BTS slideshow can reveal the work and creativity behind the final polished post.
  • Example: “Ever wondered how we create our magic? Swipe through for a peek behind the scenes!”

8. Countdown to Launch

• Use a slideshow to create excitement for an upcoming launch by counting down with a new reveal on each slide. This builds suspense and engagement.
  • Example: “Swipe through to count down with us… Something big is launching in 3… 2… 1!”

9. Event Recap or Highlights

• Create a slideshow summarizing a recent event or milestone. You can showcase the best moments, highlights, or key takeaways.
  • Example: “Couldn’t make it to our event? Swipe through for the best highlights!”

10. Product or Service Features

Example: “Discover why our product stands out! Swipe through to see each unique feature.”

Dedicate each slide to highlight a different feature or benefit of your product or service. This is a great way to break down information into easily digestible chunks.

How to Create Instagram Slideshows with Simplified

Step 1

Sign up or log in to your Simplified account. On your dashboard, click on “Design.”

Step 2

Click on “Browse Templates” to check out hundreds of Instagram templates for reels and stories. Choose any that catches your eye and click “Use Template.”

Step 3

You’re in! Now, click on the + sign located below on the timeline editor to add more slides.

Step 4

You can add images, videos, and audio to each slide from your device by clicking “My Assets” from the left-hand corner menu.

Or better still, you can browse through photos and videos from Simplified’s library by clicking on “Media.”

You can even use AI-generated images by selecting the “AI Images” option.

Step 5

Now, you can edit your slides by cropping images, adding filters, transitions, animations, special effects, music, and voiceovers.

Step 6

You can readjust the audio by using the timeline editor.

Step 7

Save your masterpiece by clicking “Export.” You can either download the slideshow or publish it directly on Instagram!

Start your free trial with Simplified’s Inbox Feature!