LinkedIn Carousel Posts 2025: Free Templates & Guide That Convert 4x Better

Want to know the secret weapon that top LinkedIn creators use to get 4x more engagement than regular posts?

LinkedIn carousel posts.

While 87% of LinkedIn users still post basic text and single images, smart creators are using carousels to dominate their feeds and generate serious business results.

Here's what makes carousels so powerful:

• They get 3-4x more engagement than standard posts
• They keep viewers on your content 65% longer
• They position you as a serious expert (not just another poster)
• They convert browsers into followers 73% more effectively

What most people get wrong about carousels:

• They focus on pretty designs instead of compelling content
• They create random slides instead of following proven frameworks
• They don't optimize for mobile viewing (where 78% of engagement happens)
• They skip the strategic elements that actually drive conversions

What you'll get in this guide:

• 15 free LinkedIn carousel templates you can download immediately
• Proven content frameworks that generate 10,000+ views consistently
• Step-by-step design process that works even if you're not a designer
• Real case studies from creators who built 6-figure businesses using carousels
• Advanced optimization techniques that most "experts" don't know

Let's turn your LinkedIn presence into a client-generating machine.

What Are LinkedIn Carousel Posts?

LinkedIn carousel posts are multi-slide documents that users can swipe through directly in their feed. Unlike standard posts that quickly disappear in the feed, carousels encourage deeper engagement through interactive browsing of multiple content slides.

These posts are actually PDF documents uploaded to LinkedIn, displayed as swipeable content that keeps users engaged longer. The format allows you to present information in digestible chunks while maintaining visual consistency across slides.

For agency owners and founders, carousels offer several unique advantages:

• They capture more screen real estate in the LinkedIn feed

• They encourage longer dwell time, which LinkedIn's algorithm rewards

• They allow for comprehensive storytelling that standard posts can't accommodate

• They showcase your design capabilities alongside your expertise

Why LinkedIn Carousels Outperform Standard Posts

Carousel posts consistently generate higher engagement than standard text or image posts on LinkedIn. According to recent analysis by Buffer, carousel posts receive approximately 3x more engagement than standard posts and 20% more click-throughs when they include a call-to-action.

This performance advantage stems from several factors:

1. Extended viewing time: Users spend an average of 20-30 seconds with carousel content versus 3-5 seconds for standard posts

2. Improved algorithm treatment: LinkedIn's algorithm favors content that keeps users on the platform longer

3. Enhanced visual appeal: The slide format stands out in text-heavy feeds

4. Better information retention: Breaking content into slides improves comprehension and recall

For busy professionals, this translates to more efficient content creation-a single high-performing carousel can generate the same engagement as multiple standard posts. Our LinkedIn engagement guide confirms this pattern across multiple industries.

15 Free LinkedIn Carousel Templates (Download & Use Immediately)

Here are proven carousel frameworks you can copy and customize for your industry:

1. The Problem-Solution Framework

Best for: Service providers, consultants, agencies Slides: 8-10 Structure:

• Slide 1: "The #1 problem [target audience] faces in 2025"
• Slide 2-3: Elaborate on the problem with stats
• Slide 4-7: Present your solution step-by-step
• Slide 8: Results/outcomes
• Slide 9: Call-to-action

Example: "The #1 problem SaaS founders face with LinkedIn marketing"

2. The Listicle Template

Best for: Any industry, educational content Slides: 7-12 Structure:

• Slide 1: "X proven strategies for [desired outcome]"
• Slide 2-10: One strategy per slide with specific tactics
• Slide 11: Quick recap
• Slide 12: CTA

Example: "7 LinkedIn post formats that generate 10x more engagement"

3. The Myth-Busting Framework

Best for: Thought leadership, challenging conventional wisdom Slides: 6-8 Structure:

• Slide 1: "X myths about [topic] that are costing you [outcome]"
• Slide 2-6: One myth per slide with truth reveal
• Slide 7: Summary of correct approach
• Slide 8: CTA

Example: "5 LinkedIn algorithm myths that are killing your reach"

4. The Before/After Case Study

Best for: Results-focused businesses, proof of concept Slides: 8-10 Structure:

• Slide 1: "How [client] achieved [result] in [timeframe]"
• Slide 2: Before situation
• Slide 3-4: The challenge/problem
• Slide 5-7: Your solution/process
• Slide 8: Results/after
• Slide 9: Lessons learned
• Slide 10: CTA

5. The Step-by-Step Tutorial

Best for: Educational content, establishing expertise Slides: 8-12 Structure:

• Slide 1: "How to [achieve outcome] in [timeframe]"
• Slide 2: Overview/what you'll learn
• Slide 3-9: One step per slide
• Slide 10: Pro tips
• Slide 11: Common mistakes to avoid
• Slide 12: CTA

6. The Industry Trends Breakdown

Best for: Thought leadership, staying current Slides: 8-10 Structure:

• Slide 1: "X [industry] trends to watch in 2025"
• Slide 2-8: One trend per slide with implications
• Slide 9: What this means for your business
• Slide 10: CTA

7. The Tool/Resource Collection

Best for: Building authority, providing value Slides: 8-12 Structure:

• Slide 1: "X essential tools for [specific goal]"
• Slide 2-10: One tool per slide with use case
• Slide 11: How to get started
• Slide 12: CTA

8. The Mistake Prevention Guide

Best for: Risk-averse audiences, consultant positioning Slides: 7-9 Structure:

• Slide 1: "X costly mistakes [audience] makes with [topic]"
• Slide 2-7: One mistake per slide with prevention tip
• Slide 8: Summary/prevention checklist
• Slide 9: CTA

9. The Personal Story Framework

Best for: Personal branding, relatability Slides: 8-10 Structure:

• Slide 1: Hook about your transformation
• Slide 2-3: Where you started
• Slide 4-6: The journey/challenges
• Slide 7-8: The breakthrough/lessons
• Slide 9: How others can apply this
• Slide 10: CTA

10. The Data-Driven Insights

Best for: Research-heavy industries, credibility building Slides: 8-10 Structure:

• Slide 1: "X surprising stats about [topic] in 2025"
• Slide 2-8: One stat per slide with implications
• Slide 9: What the data tells us
• Slide 10: CTA

11. The Comparison Framework

Best for: Product/service positioning, decision support Slides: 6-8 Structure:

• Slide 1: "[Option A] vs [Option B]: What you need to know"
• Slide 2-3: Option A breakdown
• Slide 4-5: Option B breakdown
• Slide 6: Side-by-side comparison
• Slide 7: Recommendation
• Slide 8: CTA

12. The Quick Win Template

Best for: Immediate value, lead magnets Slides: 5-7 Structure:

• Slide 1: "Get [result] in [short timeframe]"
• Slide 2-5: Quick actionable steps
• Slide 6: Expected outcome
• Slide 7: CTA for deeper content

13. The Behind-the-Scenes

Best for: Transparency, relationship building Slides: 6-8 Structure:

• Slide 1: "Behind the scenes of [achievement/process]"
• Slide 2-6: Step-by-step documentation
• Slide 7: Lessons learned
• Slide 8: CTA

14. The Question & Answer Format

Best for: Addressing common concerns, FAQ content Slides: 8-12 Structure:

• Slide 1: "Your top questions about [topic] answered"
• Slide 2-10: One Q&A per slide
• Slide 11: Still have questions?
• Slide 12: CTA

15. The Vision/Prediction Framework

Best for: Future-focused content, thought leadership Slides: 8-10 Structure:

• Slide 1: "The future of [industry/topic] in 2025"
• Slide 2-7: Predictions with rationale
• Slide 8: How to prepare/adapt
• Slide 9: Opportunities this creates
• Slide 10: CTA

Design Principles for High-Converting Carousels

Now that you have the content frameworks, here are the design principles that make carousels convert:

Visual Consistency Rules

• Use the same color palette throughout all slides (2-3 colors maximum)
• Maintain consistent font sizes (headlines, body text, captions)
• Keep the same layout structure across slides
• Use consistent spacing between elements

Mobile-First Design Requirements

Since 78% of LinkedIn engagement happens on mobile:

• Large, readable fonts (minimum 24px for body text)
• High contrast ratios (dark text on light backgrounds work best)
• Generous white space to avoid crowded appearance
• Simple layouts with one focal point per slide

Engagement-Boosting Elements

• Numbers and statistics in large, bold fonts
• Visual icons to reinforce key points
• Progress indicators (slide 1 of 10, etc.)
• Consistent branding without being overwhelming

How to Create LinkedIn Carousel Posts: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating effective LinkedIn carousels requires planning, design, and strategic thinking. Here's a comprehensive process to create carousels that convert:

Step 1: Plan Your Carousel Content

Before designing anything, develop a clear content strategy:

1. Choose a focused topic that addresses a specific pain point for your target audience

2. Outline your slides with a clear narrative structure (typically 7-12 slides works best)

3. Determine your key message for each slide (limit to one main point per slide)

4. Plan your call-to-action for the final slide

Example structure for a high-converting carousel:

• Slide 1: Attention-grabbing headline and hook

• Slides 2-3: Establish the problem or challenge

• Slides 4-8: Present your solution or insights

• Slides 9-10: Provide evidence or examples

• Slide 11: Summarize key takeaways

• Slide 12: Call-to-action

This approach aligns with our content strategy for business guide, which emphasizes problem-solution frameworks for higher engagement.

Step 2: Design Your Carousel Slides

LinkedIn carousel posts must be created as PDF documents before uploading. You can use design tools like Canva, Figma, or PowerPoint to create your slides:

1. Set up your document with the correct dimensions (1080 × 1080 pixels for square format works best)

2. Establish a consistent design template with your brand colors, fonts, and visual elements

3. Keep text minimal (25-50 words per slide maximum)

4. Use high-contrast colors for better readability

5. Include visual cues like arrows or "swipe" indicators to encourage interaction

6. Number your slides to help users track their progress

7. Export as a PDF when complete

For more specifics on visual optimization, check our guide on LinkedIn banner size and dimensions, which covers best practices for all LinkedIn visual content.

Step 3: Upload Your Carousel to LinkedIn

Once your PDF is ready, posting to LinkedIn is straightforward:

1. Start a new post from your LinkedIn feed

2. Click the "Add a document" icon (or click the "+" and select "Document")

3. Upload your PDF file

4. Add a descriptive title (up to 255 characters)

5. Write an engaging introduction in the post text

6. Add relevant hashtags (3-5 is optimal)

7. Publish your post

Pro tip: The best times to post LinkedIn carousels are Tuesday through Thursday between 8-10 AM or 1-2 PM in your audience's time zone, according to our best time to post on LinkedIn analysis.

LinkedIn Carousel Best Practices for Maximum Conversion

To ensure your carousels not only engage but convert viewers into leads or clients, implement these proven best practices:

1. Create a Compelling Cover Slide

Your first slide determines whether users will engage with your carousel. Effective cover slides typically include:

• A bold, benefit-driven headline

• A clear indication that more content follows ("Swipe to learn...")

• Visual elements that create curiosity

• Your branding elements for recognition

2. Tell a Complete Story

The most effective carousels follow a narrative arc that leads naturally to your call-to-action:

• Begin with a relatable problem or surprising insight

• Build tension by elaborating on challenges or opportunities

• Present your solution or framework

• Provide evidence or examples

• Conclude with clear next steps

This storytelling approach aligns with our findings in LinkedIn content creation for technical agencies.

3. Maintain Visual Consistency

Visual cohesion is crucial for professional carousels:

• Use the same layout structure across all slides

• Maintain consistent typography (limit to 1-2 fonts)

• Use a defined color palette (3-5 colors maximum)

• Include persistent branding elements on each slide

4. Optimize Text for Readability

Since many users view LinkedIn on mobile devices, text optimization is essential:

• Use large, readable fonts (minimum 16pt)

• Limit each slide to one key point

• Use bullet points for easier scanning

• Emphasize key phrases with bold text or color

• Ensure sufficient contrast between text and background

5. Include a Strong Call-to-Action

Your final slide should direct viewers toward a specific next step:

• Make the CTA clear and specific

• Create urgency when appropriate

• Offer something valuable in exchange for action

• Include contact information or direct links

• Consider adding a QR code for mobile users

For more on effective CTAs, see our guide on LinkedIn posts that drive results.

7 Types of High-Converting LinkedIn Carousels

Different carousel formats serve different business objectives. Here are seven proven carousel types that generate results for agency owners and founders:

1. Process Breakdowns

Showcase your methodology or approach by walking through your process step-by-step. This builds credibility by demonstrating your expertise and systematic thinking.

Example structure:

• Slide 1: "Our 5-Step Process for [Achieving Result]"

• Slides 2-6: One step per slide with brief explanation

• Slide 7: Results achieved through this process

• Slide 8: CTA to discuss implementing this process

2. Case Studies

Transform client success stories into visual narratives that highlight your impact.

Example structure:

• Slide 1: Client challenge headline

• Slide 2: Background and specific problems

• Slides 3-4: Your approach and solution

• Slides 5-6: Results with specific metrics

• Slide 7: Client testimonial

• Slide 8: CTA to achieve similar results

3. Data Visualizations

Present research findings or industry data in visually compelling ways that position you as an authority.

Example structure:

• Slide 1: Surprising statistic or finding

• Slides 2-5: Key data points with simple visualizations

• Slides 6-7: Analysis and implications

• Slide 8: CTA to learn more about your research

4. How-To Guides

Provide actionable value through step-by-step instructions related to your expertise.

Example structure:

• Slide 1: "How to [Achieve Desired Outcome] in X Steps"

• Slides 2-7: Detailed steps with specific instructions

• Slide 8: Expected results

• Slide 9: CTA to get personalized help

This format performs particularly well for technical agencies, as outlined in our LinkedIn for consultants guide.

5. Myth-Busting Carousels

Challenge common misconceptions in your industry to position yourself as a thought leader.

Example structure:

• Slide 1: "X Myths About [Industry Topic]"

• Slides 2-7: One myth per slide with correction

• Slide 8: The reality of the situation

• Slide 9: CTA to learn the full truth

6. Comparison Carousels

Contrast approaches, tools, or methodologies to help your audience make informed decisions.

Example structure:

• Slide 1: "[Option A] vs. [Option B]: Which is Right for You?"

• Slides 2-5: Feature-by-feature comparison

• Slides 6-7: Scenarios where each option works best

• Slide 8: Your recommendation

• Slide 9: CTA to discuss your specific situation

7. Resource Collections

Curate valuable resources or tools related to your expertise to provide immediate value.

Example structure:

• Slide 1: "X Essential [Resources/Tools] for [Target Audience]"

• Slides 2-8: One resource per slide with brief description

• Slide 9: How these resources work together

• Slide 10: CTA to access your premium resources

Tools for Creating Professional LinkedIn Carousels

Several tools can help you create professional-quality carousels without advanced design skills:

Canva

Canva offers pre-designed carousel templates specifically for LinkedIn, with drag-and-drop functionality that makes design accessible to non-designers.

Key features:

• LinkedIn-specific templates

• Brand kit for consistent colors and fonts

• Extensive image and icon library

• Easy export to PDF format

According to Sprout Social's analysis, 68% of high-performing LinkedIn carousels are created with Canva.

Figma

For more design flexibility, Figma provides advanced capabilities while remaining relatively user-friendly.

Key features:

• More customization options

• Collaborative design capabilities

• Reusable components for consistent elements

• Professional animation effects

The Figma community offers numerous free LinkedIn carousel templates.

PowerPoint/Google Slides

Don't overlook these familiar presentation tools, which can create effective carousels with minimal learning curve.

Key features:

• Familiar interface for most professionals

• Easy slide duplication and formatting

• Simple export to PDF

• Extensive template libraries

Specialized Carousel Creators

Several purpose-built tools focus specifically on LinkedIn carousel creation:

• Carousel Studio: A Canva application designed to help craft LinkedIn carousels in under five minutes

• Kleo: Offers templates based on high-performing carousel examples

• StoryChief: Provides AI-powered carousel creation capabilities

Measuring Carousel Performance

To optimize your LinkedIn carousel strategy, track these key metrics:

1. Engagement rate: Calculate (likes + comments + shares) divided by impressions

2. Slide-through rate: How many viewers reach your final slide (visible in LinkedIn analytics)

3. Click-through rate: Percentage of viewers who take your desired action

4. Lead generation: Number of inquiries directly attributed to carousel posts

5. Content efficiency: Engagement per hour invested in content creation

Compare these metrics across different carousel types to identify which formats resonate best with your audience. For a more comprehensive approach to performance measurement, see our LinkedIn analytics guide.

How LiGo Supports Your LinkedIn Carousel Strategy

While LiGo doesn't directly generate carousel slides, it offers powerful features that complement your carousel strategy:

Carousel-Optimized Post Creation

LiGo helps you create compelling introductory text for your carousel posts that drive initial engagement and encourage users to explore your slides. The platform's content generation capabilities ensure your carousel introduction aligns with your overall content themes while using language proven to drive higher click-through rates.

Strategic Content Planning

LiGo's content themes feature helps you develop a cohesive content strategy where carousels fit strategically within your broader LinkedIn presence. The platform helps identify which topics would benefit from the extended explanation that carousels provide.

Scheduling and Distribution

Once you've created your carousel PDF externally, LiGo makes it easy to schedule and distribute your carousel with properly optimized accompanying text. The platform's scheduling feature ensures your carousels are posted at peak engagement times for your specific audience.

Performance Analytics

LiGo's analytics dashboard helps you compare carousel performance against other content types, providing insights into which formats drive the most meaningful engagement and conversions for your specific audience.

Complete Workflow Integration

LiGo seamlessly integrates carousels into your broader content strategy:

1. Use LiGo to identify high-potential topics based on audience engagement

2. Create your carousel in your preferred design tool

3. Use LiGo to craft the perfect introductory text

4. Schedule and publish your carousel post through LiGo

5. Track performance alongside your other content

Case Study: Agency Owner's Carousel Success

Michael, an agency owner specializing in digital marketing services, implemented a strategic carousel approach as part of his LiGo-managed content strategy:

Initial Challenge: Limited engagement on text-only posts despite valuable insights

Strategy Implementation:

1. Created a monthly carousel highlighting a different service area

2. Used LiGo to craft compelling introductory text

3. Maintained consistent branding across all carousel slides

4. Scheduled carousels during peak engagement times through LiGo

Results After 90 Days:

• 217% increase in average post engagement

• 12 qualified leads directly attributed to carousel content

• 3 new client acquisitions worth $86,000 in annual revenue

• Established reputation as an industry authority

"The combination of visually engaging carousels with LiGo's strategic content planning transformed my LinkedIn presence," Michael noted. "I'm now generating high-quality leads consistently without spending hours on content creation."

Conclusion: Building a Sustainable Carousel Strategy

LinkedIn carousels represent one of the most effective content formats for agency owners and founders looking to demonstrate expertise and generate leads. By implementing the strategies in this guide, you can create compelling visual stories that not only capture attention but convert viewers into valuable business relationships.

Remember that consistency is key-rather than creating one-off carousels, develop a sustainable approach that allows you to publish carousel content regularly. Start with monthly carousels, then increase frequency as you refine your process and see results.

The most successful LinkedIn carousel strategies combine thoughtful planning, professional design, and strategic distribution-transforming complex expertise into accessible, engaging content that positions you as a leader in your field while driving meaningful business results.

Ready to integrate carousels into your broader LinkedIn strategy? Try LiGo today and discover how our platform can help you create the perfect text companions for your carousel content while ensuring strategic distribution and performance tracking.

Related Resources

Want to further enhance your LinkedIn content strategy? Check out these related guides:

• LinkedIn Post Formatting: A Complete Guide with Templates

• LinkedIn Banner Size Guide: Dimensions, Templates, and Best Practices

• How to Create Engaging LinkedIn Posts That Drive Results (Not Just Likes)

• The Ultimate Guide to LinkedIn Analytics: What Actually Drives Results

• LinkedIn Content Plan: Creating a Strategy That Drives Results