Guide
How much to charge for an Instagram carousel
Figures and workflows here are illustrations, not financial, tax, or accounting advice. Talk to a tax or finance specialist in your jurisdiction before you invoice, set payment terms, or treat a number as a rate you should charge.
Slide-count ladder (vs $800 Reel)
| Deliverable | Multiplier vs Reel | Example organic price |
|---|---|---|
| Static feed still (1 image) | 0.40× | $320 |
| Carousel 3–4 slides | 0.55× | $440 |
| Carousel 5–7 slides | 0.65× | $520 |
| Carousel 8–10 slides (up to 20 allowed) | 0.75× | $600 |
| Reel 15–45s | 1.0× | $800 |
Original graphics and product education carousels sit at the high end. Simple photo dumps sit lower — still above a single still.
Worked quote: education carousel + ads
| Line | Amount |
|---|---|
| Carousel 8 slides (organic) | $600 |
| 1 revision round | Included |
| Paid usage 90d | +$450 (75%) |
| Total | $1,050 |
If they also want a Reel, quote both — do not throw the carousel in free because “we already have photos.”
What carousel pricing is not
- Not “Instagram post” mush — say carousel or static.
- Not automatically included with Reel rights.
- Not unlimited slide redesigns inside one round.
Format compare
Need Reel vs static side-by-side philosophy? Use the Reel vs feed guide, then park carousel dollars here.
Saves
Carousels often win saves over views — mention that in the kit; still price production honestly.
Related guides
Platform rates & formats
Instagram carousel pricing questions
+Is a carousel just a static post with more photos?
No. Design, sequence, and swipe time make it a third product. Price it between a single static feed post and a Reel — or as its own ladder by slide count.
+How much is a 5–10 slide carousel if my Reel is $800?
A working band is ~0.65–0.75× the Reel before usage — e.g. $520–$600 on an $800 Reel (matches the 5–7 and 8–10 slide rows). A single static might sit ~0.35–0.45×. Do not sell a designed carousel as a $50 “grid post.”
+Do carousel rates include paid usage?
Organic feed only unless stated. Brands screenshot carousels into ads constantly — put paid usage on a separate line.
+How many revisions for a carousel?
One round for the set. Reordering plus full redesign of every slide after approval is closer to a new SKU.
+Carousel vs Reel — which should be my middle tier?
Usually the Reel. A carousel-only middle tier trains brands to underbuy video. Offer carousel as a side SKU or top-tier add-on.
Put carousel on the format menu
BlueRateCard packages can list Reel, static feed post, and carousel as separate SKUs. Free for creators.