Reels, Stories, or Carousels? How to Choose the Best Instagram Format for Your Content
- Amanda Hughes
- Mar 16
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 26
Reels, Stories, or Carousels? How to Choose the Right Instagram Format for Your Content
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at your Instagram drafts wondering, should this be a Reel, Story, or Carousel? You’re not alone. This is a common struggle among small business owners. Creating content that gets seen and drives engagement can be tough. In fact, I recently discussed this topic in this reel.
Choosing the right format can make the difference between a post that flops and one that attracts new followers, nurtures your audience, and even converts to sales. So, let’s break it down and help you decide which Instagram format is best for your content. Planning ahead can simplify this decision!
Instagram Content Formats: What’s the Difference?
Each content type serves a different purpose on Instagram. Here’s a quick rundown:
✔ Reels – Short-form videos designed for discovery. Instagram prioritizes showing Reels to non-followers, making them great for reaching new ideal client followers and increasing visibility.
✔ Stories – Temporary content that disappears after 24 hours, shown to existing followers. Best for real-time updates, personal connections, and interactive engagement (think polls, Q&As, behind-the-scenes clips).
✔ Carousels – Multi-image (or video) posts that allow storytelling and are primarily shown to existing followers. They’re great for educational content, step-by-step guides, before-and-after posts, and showcasing multiple aspects of a product or service.
When to Use Each Format
Now that we know the differences, let’s discuss when to use each one.
📢 Use Reels When:
You want to reach new audiences and grow your following.
You’re sharing entertaining or meaningful content.
You want to hop on a trending audio or topic.
Example: A short video demonstrating a trend that your ideal client finds relatable, like this one.
📸 Use Stories When:
You want to build trust and relationships with your existing audience.
You have behind-the-scenes content or quick updates.
You want to use polls, questions, quizzes, or other interactive tools.
You have an exclusive offer or a time-sensitive promo.
Example: A poll asking your audience to help you choose between this and that is a quick, easy, and effective story!
📖 Use Carousels When:
You need to explain something in depth.
You want to showcase a transformation, tutorial, or step-by-step guide.
You’re educating your audience on an important topic.
You want to increase engagement. Carousels encourage users to swipe, telling Instagram they’re interested in your content!
Example: A step-by-step guide on creating a good carousel, like this one!.
Why Content Planning Solves This Struggle
The biggest mistake I see small business owners make? Posting at the last minute, with no purpose or strategy.
When creating content on the fly, you're more likely to second-guess yourself. Should this be a Reel? Maybe it’s better as a Story? Will a Carousel work better? Before you know it, you’ve wasted an hour with nothing to show for it.
I’ve written about the overwhelm that comes with running a small business. Content creation can definitely contribute to this stress. It can lead to burnout, time management struggles, and even imposter syndrome. If that resonates with you, check out my blog for resources to help with these challenges.
That’s why planning your content in advance is a game-changer. Instead of scrambling to decide what to post, you’ll have a clear strategy for what formats to use and when. You’ll know which pieces of content should be a Reel, which are best as Stories, and which deserve the depth of a Carousel.
How to Plan Your Content Effortlessly
The easiest way to plan your content is by using a dedicated planner. I recommend my Amazon no. 1 Bestseller, the Social Media Planner.
This planner is designed specifically for small business owners who want to take the guesswork out of content creation. Inside the yearly planner, you’ll find:
✔ Weekly content planning pages to map out your posts in advance.
✔ Prompts for Reels, Stories, and Carousels so you know exactly what to post.
✔ Prompts to help you create engaging content that attracts, nurtures, and converts.
✔ A supportive community where you can stay accountable and get feedback.
✔ A video workshop guiding you on how to get the most from your planner.
Make Instagram Work for You
Instagram doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By understanding the purpose of each format and planning ahead, you’ll save time, post with confidence, and see better results.
So tell me, which Instagram format do you struggle with the most? Drop a comment below or DM me on Instagram @amandahughes.uk. I’d love to hear from you!
If you’re ready to stop second-guessing your content and start posting with purpose, grab your Social Media Planner today and take the stress out of Instagram once and for all!
About Me
👋 Hey, I’m Amanda! Instagram Growth Mentor, Apple Top 30 Podcaster & Amazon #1 Bestselling Author.
I help small business owners like you get seen & get sales on Instagram—without the overwhelm.
With 10+ years of experience running small businesses, I know what it’s like to juggle marketing, sales, and all the things. That’s why I’m obsessed with making Instagram simple, fun, and profitable for business owners just like you.
📩 Grab my FREE 30 Content Prompts here for instant content ideas!
Comments