Instagram Carousel

Instagram Carousel Skill

Specialized knowledge base for creating high-performing Instagram carousels. Covers structure selection, slide-by-slide content architecture, visual design rules, algorithm optimization, and engagement mechanics. This skill is consumed by the carousel-designer agent and integrates with the copywriting and platform-mastery skills.

🔒 MANDATORY — Read before generating any carousel

Before producing any carousel structure, read in this order:

1. growthOS/voice/GOLDEN-DOC.md — canonical voice for @melgarafael / AutomatikLabs
2. growthOS/voice/LINHA-EDITORIAL.md — pillars, angulações
3. growthOS/voice/virais/INDEX.md — master viral index
4. growthOS/voice/virais/PATTERNS/{category}.md for the editorial category of the request (viralizacao / lead-capture / saves-retencao / venda)
5. growthOS/design-system/DESIGN-SYSTEM.md — visual DS (default lime-geist variant)
6. brand-voice.yaml sections: voice, anti_slop, viral_intelligence, design_system

Viral intelligence rules:

• Apply patterns tagged voice_fit: aligns and replicable: yes directly
• NEVER copy patterns tagged voice_fit: conflicts
• Patterns with seen_count >= 3 and aligned voice have priority
• Each carousel cites the inspiring viral in a comment for traceability

Trigger Conditions

Use this skill when the user asks to:

• Create an Instagram carousel or carrossel
• Design slide content for Instagram posts
• Optimize carousel posts for engagement
• Build educational, storytelling, or listicle carousels
• Create before/after transformation posts
• Design tutorial or step-by-step carousel content
• Create quote-series carousels
• Adapt content into carousel format for Instagram
• Improve an existing carousel's structure or copy
• Select the right carousel type for a given topic

Brand Voice Integration

MANDATORY: Before generating ANY carousel content, load the brand voice configuration.

pythonCopy code
from growthOS_shared.config import load_brand_voice
brand = load_brand_voice()

Every slide must:

1. Match brand.tone descriptors in headline and body text
2. Avoid all terms in brand.avoid and anti_slop.banned_phrases
3. Follow anti_slop.style_rules — carousels are especially vulnerable to slop because each slide has limited space and every word must earn its place
4. Respect brand.visual_identity for colors, fonts, and logo placement
5. Use the brand's language register (formal vs casual, technical vs accessible)

Anti-Slop in Slide Text

Carousel slides have 50 words maximum per slide. With so few words, a single slop phrase wastes 10-20% of available space. Apply these additional carousel-specific anti-slop rules:

6 Carousel Structures

Each structure below includes a complete slide-by-slide blueprint. The number of slides is flexible (3-10), but the structural logic must be preserved.

1. Educativo (Educational)

Best for: Teaching a concept, sharing expertise, establishing authority. Typical slides: 7-10 Algorithm strength: High save rate (people save to reference later).

Slide-by-Slide Blueprint

Educativo Example Structure (7 slides)

Copy code
Slide 1: "5 erros que matam seu engajamento"
Slide 2: "87% dos perfis cometem pelo menos 3 desses erros"
Slide 3: Erro 1 — Postar sem horario estrategico
Slide 4: Erro 2 — Ignorar os saves como metrica
Slide 5: Erro 3 — CTA generico ou ausente
Slide 6: Erro 4 — Slides sem hierarquia visual
Slide 7: CTA — "Salva pra revisar antes de postar | Segue @handle"

2. Storytelling (Narrative)

Best for: Personal stories, case studies, brand origin stories, lessons learned. Typical slides: 6-8 Algorithm strength: High time-spent (people read through the entire story), high share rate.

Slide-by-Slide Blueprint

Storytelling Narrative Arc

Copy code
Cover: CURIOSITY (stop the scroll)
  ↓
Setup: CONTEXT (ground the reader)
  ↓
Conflict: TENSION (make them care)
  ↓
Turning Point: PIVOT (the aha moment)
  ↓
Resolution: PAYOFF (deliver the goods)
  ↓
Lesson: TAKEAWAY (make it actionable)
  ↓
CTA: CONNECTION (bring them closer)

3. Listicle (List)

Best for: Tips, tools, resources, habits, mistakes, examples. Typical slides: 7-10 Algorithm strength: High save rate, predictable swipe pattern keeps time-spent high.

Slide-by-Slide Blueprint

Listicle Numbering Rules

• Always use the number on every slide — it creates momentum ("3/7" makes people want to reach 7/7)
• The cover number must match the total items (if you say "7 ferramentas", deliver exactly 7)
• Order matters: strongest or most surprising items at positions 1, 2, and last
• The middle items (positions 3-5) should maintain quality — no filler

4. Antes-Depois (Before/After)

Best for: Transformations, results, comparisons, upgrades, redesigns. Typical slides: 6-8 Algorithm strength: High share rate (visual contrast is inherently shareable), high save rate.

Slide-by-Slide Blueprint

Before/After Contrast Rules

• The visual difference between "before" and "after" slides must be immediately obvious
• Use color temperature: cool/gray for before, warm/vibrant for after
• Include at least one concrete metric in the after section (percentage, time, money)
• Never fake results — anti-slop applies to transformation claims too

5. Tutorial (Step-by-Step)

Best for: How-to content, processes, recipes, workflows, setup guides. Typical slides: 7-10 Algorithm strength: Highest save rate of all types (people save tutorials for later execution).

Slide-by-Slide Blueprint

Tutorial Writing Rules

• Every step must be independently actionable — someone following along should be able to execute it
• Use imperative verbs at the start of each step ("Abra o app", "Selecione a opcao", "Digite o valor")
• Include one visual reference per step when possible (screenshot, diagram, icon)
• Number every step — sequential numbering creates a sense of progress
• If a step is complex, split it into two slides rather than cramming

6. Quote-Series (Curated Quotes)

Best for: Motivation, thought leadership, curated wisdom, niche quotes. Typical slides: 6-8 Algorithm strength: High share rate (people share quotes via DM), moderate save rate.

Slide-by-Slide Blueprint

Quote Selection Rules

• Curate for coherence — all quotes should orbit the same theme
• Mix well-known and lesser-known sources for freshness
• Avoid over-quoted cliches ("Be the change you wish to see" is not stopping anyone's scroll)
• Add context when needed: "Sobre disciplina:" or "Sobre comecar:" before the quote
• Attribution is mandatory — unattributed quotes lose credibility

Instagram Rules & Constraints

Hard Limits

Typography Constraints

Content Density Rules

Cover Slide Mastery

The cover slide is the single most important element of your carousel. It determines whether someone swipes or scrolls past. Invest 50% of your creative energy here.

Cover Slide Principles

1. One message, large text. The cover should communicate a single idea that creates a knowledge gap or emotional reaction.
2. 3-7 words maximum. If your cover needs more than 7 words, you haven't distilled the hook enough.
3. Curiosity over information. The cover's job is NOT to inform — it is to make them swipe. The information comes on slides 2+.
4. No metadata on the cover. Never waste cover space on "Slide 1 de 7", "Deslize para o lado", or "Novo post". The user knows how carousels work.
5. Visual dominance. Text should occupy 60-80% of the visual weight of the cover. Background should support, not compete.

Hook Patterns That Work

Cover Slide Anti-Patterns

• "Deslize para o lado" — patronizing, wastes space
• "Novo post!" — zero information, zero curiosity
• "Slide 1 de 7" — metadata, not content
• "Voce precisa ver isso" — vague clickbait
• Using a stock photo as the cover with small overlaid text — text must dominate
• Putting the CTA on the cover — kills curiosity, inverts the funnel
• Using more than 2 fonts on the cover — visual noise

CTA Patterns (Last Slide)

The CTA slide converts passive viewers into engaged followers. Every carousel must end with a clear call to action.

Primary CTA Templates

Double CTA Strategy

Always combine two CTAs for maximum algorithm impact:

Copy code
Primary: Save + Follow
"Salva esse post pra revisar depois e segue @handle pra mais conteudo como esse"

Primary: Share + Comment
"Manda pra um amigo que precisa e comenta qual dica voce vai aplicar primeiro"

Primary: Save + Comment
"Salva pra consultar e me conta: qual ponto mais te surpreendeu?"

CTA Slide Design Rules

• CTA text should be visually distinct from content slides (different layout, centered, or boxed)
• Include the brand handle (@handle) prominently
• Keep the CTA under 25 words total
• Use imperative verbs: "Salva", "Manda", "Segue", "Comenta"
• Optional: include a small visual summary or key takeaway alongside the CTA

Anti-Patterns (What NOT To Do)

Content Anti-Patterns

Design Anti-Patterns

Strategic Anti-Patterns

Palette by Niche

Color palette selection significantly impacts carousel performance. The right palette signals the content niche before a single word is read.

Tech / SaaS

yamlCopy code
palette:
  background: "#0a0a0a" or "#1a1a2e"
  text_primary: "#ffffff"
  text_secondary: "#a0a0b0"
  accent_primary: "#6c5ce7"  # purple
  accent_secondary: "#00cec9"  # teal
  style: dark-premium or gradient
  mood: "innovative, technical, premium"

Health / Wellness

yamlCopy code
palette:
  background: "#ffffff" or "#f5f5f0"
  text_primary: "#2d3436"
  text_secondary: "#636e72"
  accent_primary: "#00b894"  # green
  accent_secondary: "#dfe6e9"  # light gray
  style: clean-educator or minimal
  mood: "natural, trustworthy, calming"

Finance / Business

yamlCopy code
palette:
  background: "#0a1628" or "#ffffff"
  text_primary: "#ffffff" or "#1a1a2e"
  text_secondary: "#8395a7"
  accent_primary: "#d4a574"  # gold
  accent_secondary: "#2c3e50"  # navy
  style: dark-premium or minimal
  mood: "authoritative, premium, trustworthy"

Creative / Design

yamlCopy code
palette:
  background: "#ff6b6b" or "#a29bfe" or "#fdcb6e"  # vibrant solid color
  text_primary: "#ffffff" or "#2d3436"
  text_secondary: varies by background
  accent_primary: contrasting vibrant
  accent_secondary: complementary vibrant
  style: vibrant-creator or bold
  mood: "energetic, bold, expressive"

Education

yamlCopy code
palette:
  background: "#f8f9fa" or "#edf2f7"
  text_primary: "#2d3436"
  text_secondary: "#636e72"
  accent_primary: "#0984e3"  # blue
  accent_secondary: "#74b9ff"  # light blue
  style: clean-educator
  mood: "accessible, clear, professional"

Personal Brand

yamlCopy code
palette:
  background: "from brand-voice.yaml → visual_identity.colors.background"
  text_primary: "from brand-voice.yaml → visual_identity.colors.text"
  text_secondary: derived from text_primary at 60% opacity
  accent_primary: "from brand-voice.yaml → visual_identity.colors.primary"
  accent_secondary: "from brand-voice.yaml → visual_identity.colors.secondary"
  style: auto-selected from brand tone
  mood: "consistent with brand personality"

Palette Application Rules

1. Cover slide: Accent color dominant (background or large text). Maximum visual impact.
2. Content slides: Neutral background, accent for headlines and icons only. Readability first.
3. CTA slide: Accent color returns prominently. Bookend visual consistency with cover.
4. Never use more than 4 colors in a single carousel (background, text, primary accent, secondary accent).
5. Test in dark mode: Many users browse Instagram in dark mode. Ensure colors work on both light and dark device screens.

Narrative Progression Framework

Every carousel, regardless of type, follows a fundamental narrative arc. This framework ensures the swipe experience feels satisfying rather than random.

The 5-Stage Progression

Copy code
HOOK → PROBLEM → SOLUTION(S) → PROOF/EXAMPLE → CTA

Progression Rules

1. Never front-load all value on slide 2. Distribute insights across slides to maximize swipe-through.
2. Create micro-hooks between slides. End each slide with an implicit "and here's another one..." to pull them forward.
3. The middle slides must maintain quality. Slides 4-6 are where drop-off happens. Keep these strong.
4. Slide 2 is the commitment point. If they swipe past slide 1 and read slide 2, they are likely to complete the carousel. Slide 2 must reward the initial swipe.
5. The last content slide before the CTA should be the strongest point. It is the freshest in memory when they reach the CTA.

Engagement Triggers

Specific techniques to increase saves, shares, comments, and swipe-through rate.

Question Triggers (Drive Comments)

Place on slide 2 or the CTA slide to maximize comment engagement:

Data Triggers (Build Credibility)

Concrete numbers stop the scroll and build trust:

Contrast Triggers (Create Visual/Conceptual Tension)

Curiosity Triggers (Increase Swipe-Through)

Emoji as Visual Anchors

Emoji serve as rapid visual cues, not decoration. Rules:

• 1 emoji per headline or key point maximum
• Use consistently: same emoji for same concept type across slides
• Functional emoji: checkmarks for tips, X for errors, arrows for steps, numbers for lists
• Never: emoji chains, random emoji, emoji replacing words entirely
• Recommended set: check, x, arrow_right, brain, bulb, fire, chart, star, warning, point_right

Platform-Specific Optimization

Best Posting Times for Carousels

Carousels need more time-on-content than static posts. Post when your audience has time to swipe, not just scroll.

Important: These are baselines. Always check your own Instagram Insights for your specific audience's active hours.

Caption Strategy

The caption complements the carousel — it does not repeat it.

Caption Structure

Copy code
[Hook line — first 125 characters visible before "...mais"]

[1-2 paragraphs expanding on the carousel's topic. Add context,
a personal angle, or bonus information not in the slides.]

[CTA that mirrors the last slide's CTA]

.
.
.
[Hashtags — in a separate block, visually separated]

Caption Rules

1. First line is the hook. It appears below the carousel in the feed. Must complement the cover slide, not repeat it.
2. Add value beyond the slides. The caption should give a reason to read even after swiping through all slides.
3. Include a CTA in the caption. Reinforce the slide CTA: "Salva esse post" or "Marca alguem".
4. Keep it scannable. Line breaks between paragraphs. No walls of text.
5. Caption length: 300-800 characters for carousels. Longer than static posts, shorter than Reels.

Hashtag Strategy for Carousel Posts

Hashtag Placement

• Option A: At the end of the caption, separated by line breaks
• Option B: In the first comment (cleaner caption, same reach)
• Never: Inline with caption text ("Aprenda #marketing #digital hoje")

Alt Text for Accessibility

Every carousel slide should have descriptive alt text. This also improves discoverability through Instagram search.

Alt Text Rules

• Describe the visual content AND the text content of each slide
• Format: "Slide [N] of [carousel title]: [description of visual] with text reading '[key text]'"
• Keep under 100 characters per slide
• Do not stuff keywords — write for screen reader users first
• Instagram allows alt text per image in the carousel

Alt Text Example

Copy code
Slide 1: Cover slide with dark background and large white text reading "5 erros que matam seu engajamento"
Slide 2: Infographic showing 87% statistic with text "87% dos perfis cometem pelo menos 3 desses erros"
Slide 3: Educational slide with warning icon and text "Erro 1: Postar sem horario estrategico"

Cross-Posting Adaptation

Carousel content can be repurposed, but each platform has different rules.

Cross-Posting Anti-Patterns

• Posting the exact same images on LinkedIn (different audience, different tone)
• Posting Instagram carousels as Twitter images without condensing the message
• Forgetting to adjust aspect ratio for Pinterest (Instagram 4:5 crops wrong on Pinterest)
• Not removing Instagram-specific CTAs ("Salva esse post") when posting elsewhere

Output Contract

Carousel Output Schema

yamlCopy code
output_contract:
  skill: instagram-carousel
  format: structured_slide_plan
  required_sections:
    - slide_plan:
        type: string  # carousel type (educativo|storytelling|listicle|antes-depois|tutorial|quote-series)
        total_slides: integer  # 3-10
        slides:
          - slide_number: integer
            type: string  # cover | content | context | transition | summary | cta
            headline: string  # max 10 words (7 for cover)
            body: string  # max 50 words per slide
            bullets: list  # max 4 items, max 12 words each
            icon: string  # emoji or icon name
            cta_text: string  # for CTA slides only
            cta_action: string  # save | share | follow | comment | link
    - design_spec:
        palette: string  # niche palette name or custom
        style: string  # minimal | bold | gradient | clean-educator | dark-premium | vibrant-creator
        dimensions: string  # "1080x1350" default
        fonts:
          headline: string
          body: string
    - quality_checks:
        cover_words: integer  # must be <= 7
        max_words_per_slide: integer  # must be <= 50
        total_slides: integer  # must be 3-10
        has_progress_indicator: boolean
        has_cta: boolean
        anti_slop_passed: boolean
        brand_voice_matched: boolean
        visual_hierarchy_consistent: boolean
  validation:
    anti_slop: true
    brand_voice: true
    platform_constraints: true
    accessibility_alt_text: true