Instagram is not only a photo-sharing application anymore; it is a strong platform to tell a story, brand, and communicate. However, when you have attempted to post over 10 photos at once, you have hit the irritating limit of Instagram.
The carousel feature currently has a limit of the number of images or videos that can be uploaded at once of up to 10 photos or videos, and it can be limiting, particularly when a travel blogger, content creator, a brand, or any other person with a bigger visual narrative wishes to share.
The good news? Smart and updated ideas are available to share more than 10 photos without violating any Instagram rules. These tricks not only assist you in distributing more content, but also raise the engagement, the potential to tell stories, and the visibility of posts.
We will show you how to go around this limit in this article, with the latest features of Instagram, which are Instagram Guides, Instagram Reels, and Instagram creative posting techniques, both in the year 2025.
Understanding Instagram’s 10-Photo Carousel Limit
The carousel-style feature on Instagram is also one of the most popular tools on the service since it enables users to post several pictures within a single post.
However, as of 2025, it remains at the official limit of 10 photos or videos in a carousel. Instagram has done this to ensure that the platform is performing, is not blurry and its user experience.
The technical limit has, however, remained the same, though Instagram has come up with various new features and creative integrations that have provided the users with more flexibility to post additional photos.
As an illustration, the Guides feature allows users to incorporate multiple posts and media, making it one long scrollable gallery. Equally, you can creatively add Stories, Highlights, and Reels to a post in one carousel and expand your content past a 10-photo limit.
The fact that this limit applies is relevant since you can plan your content strategically, rather than stuffing all your best shots into a single carousel; you can be flexible among the various yet interrelated features of Instagram.
Smart Workarounds to Upload More Than 10 Photos on Instagram
Even though Instagram hasn’t officially increased the 10-photo limit, content creators in 2025 use clever workarounds to bypass this restriction. These techniques not only allow more images to be shared but also improve engagement and storytelling quality. Here are some of the most effective methods:
- Use Instagram Guides: This feature lets you combine multiple posts or carousels into one organized, scrollable format, ideal for travel albums, tutorials, or product showcases.
- Create a Reels + Carousel Combo: Start with a carousel of 10 images, then add a Reel with additional photos or clips to continue the Story.
- Leverage Stories and Highlights: Upload extra photos to your Story and save them as a Highlight that links to your main post, giving followers a seamless visual journey.
- Collage and Layout Tools: Merge multiple images into one slide using apps like Canva or Instagram’s Layout tool, allowing you to show more visuals within the same 10-frame limit.
- Third-Party Scheduling Tools: Some trusted scheduling apps offer creative ways to link posts, making it look like one continuous gallery.
By blending these methods, you can easily share 20, 30, or even more photos in a structured way—without violating Instagram’s posting rules. This is how top creators, influencers, and brands stay ahead of the curve in 2025.
How to Post More Than 10 Photos Using Instagram Guides
One of the most effective and underrated methods to post more than 10 photos on Instagram in 2025 is by using the Instagram Guides feature. Guides work like mini blogs inside Instagram. You can combine multiple posts—each with its own 10-photo carousel—into a single scrollable Guide.
Here’s how to do it step by step:
- Create two or more carousel posts (each with up to 10 photos).
- Go to your profile and tap on the “+” icon.
- Select “Guide” and choose “Posts.”
- Pick all the carousel posts you want to combine.
- Add a title, intro, and optional descriptions for each section.
- Publish your Guide, and your audience can now swipe through dozens of photos in one organized flow.
This method is popular among travel influencers, brands, and content creators because it provides a smooth user experience, keeps your content structured, and allows for better engagement than dumping everything in Stories. Plus, Guides don’t expire like Stories—your extended gallery remains available on your profile.
Using Reels, Stories, and Carousel Combinations for Unlimited Photo Sharing
Another smart strategy for sharing more than 10 photos is combining different Instagram formats. A single post can only hold 10 images, but by linking multiple features, you can tell a complete and visually rich story:
- Start with a carousel post containing your best 10 photos.
- Create a Reel with additional images or clips to continue your narrative.
- Upload remaining photos to Stories and use “Link” or “Mention” stickers to connect them back to your main post.
- Save the Stories to a Highlight so they stay visible on your profile.
This multi-format approach not only bypasses the photo limit but also boosts engagement through increased touchpoints. In 2025, Instagram’s algorithm favors accounts that use multiple features in one content flow. So, if you want to grow reach and keep your audience engaged longer, this strategy works brilliantly.
Pro Tips to Keep Engagement High When Posting More Than 10 Photos
Posting more photos is great—but keeping your audience interested is what truly matters. If you share too many visuals without a strategy, people may lose interest. Here are a few expert tips to keep your engagement strong:
- Tell a story: Arrange photos in a narrative sequence. Start strong, build curiosity, and end with impact.
- Use strong captions: Add context, emotions, or fun facts to every photo or section.
- Leverage hashtags wisely: Mix high-volume and niche hashtags to maximize visibility.
- Post at the right time: In 2025, peak engagement times are typically between 11 AM and 2 PM on weekdays.
- Tag locations and people: This increases post visibility and shares.
- Use CTA (Call to Action): Encourage followers to swipe, save, or comment.
The key is to make your extra-long post feel intentional, not cluttered. The more immersive your post, the longer people will stay engaged.
Final Words
Instagram can continue to show only 10 photos in carousels, but it does not mean that your imagination is restricted. Instagram Guides, Stories, Reels, Highlights, and smart organizational content presuppose the ability to share 20, 30, and even 50 or more pictures without any violations.
In 2025, brands and successful content creators will understand how to collaborate with the platform, not fight against it.
They amalgamate tools, create stories that can engage their audience and present content that they desire to engage with. In case you are interested in making your profile shine, then it is time to employ these tools to the fullest and have your posts more potent than ever.
FAQs
How do I post 20 photos on Instagram?
You can’t upload 20 photos in a single carousel, but you can split them into two carousels and combine them using Instagram Guides. Another smart option is linking Reels and Stories to extend your photo gallery beyond the 10-photo limit.
How do you add more than 10 pictures to an Instagram post?
Instagram only allows 10 photos per carousel, but you can bypass the limit by using Guides, Highlights, or layout tools to merge extra images. You can also upload multiple carousels and connect them through captions or tags for a smooth viewing experience.
How to post 16:9 photos on Instagram?
To upload 16:9 images, crop or resize your photo using editing apps, then select the “expand” icon during upload to keep its original ratio. Instagram automatically adjusts the display, ensuring your widescreen image fits properly without cutting off key parts.
How to get 16 pictures on an Instagram story?
You can add 16 pictures by uploading them to multiple slides, since Instagram Stories allow unlimited frames. Select all 16 photos from your gallery, tap “Next,” and post them sequentially. You can also use Highlights to keep them permanently visible.