Instagram Tests Like Counts For Individual Frames in a Carousel
Instagram’s testing a new addition to its post analytics which would show how many likes each specific frame within a carousel post has garnered (sort of), which could give you more insight into what your audience is most interest in.
As reported by Lindsey Gamble, Instagram’s new carousel frame data allocates like counts based on whatever frame was on screen when the like was applied, which is then attributed to a like count for each image.
As you can see in this example (shared by Adina Jipa), the counter on each image theoretically gives you an indicator of that specific frame’s popularity.
So it’s not an exact science, as maybe someone has given you a like based on the entirety of the collection. But a significantly higher like count on a single image would likely point to that being a more popular and engaging frame within the broader set.
I mean, you’d have to apply some level of discretion here. A higher like count on the first frame probably doesn’t mean a lot, as that’s more likely to be a generic like. But again, maybe, for a single image within the extended set, there is some interesting data there, which could then help to inform your approach.
It’s also worth noting that carousel posts can help to increase your reach in the app, which Instagram itself noted last October.
As per IG chief Adam Mosseri:
“Why [do] carousels often get more reach than photos? Two main reasons. One, multiple pieces of media are going to mean more interactions with your carousel posts, and more interactions is going to mean more reach on average. And two, if someone sees your carousel post but they don’t swipe, we’ll often give that carousel a second chance and automatically move to that second piece of media for the viewer.”
So more content to check out, and a second chance to re-engage.
Combine that with this new insight into frame-specific popularity, and maybe there’s something there that could help to push your IG content over the top.
Originally published at Social Media Today
