Observed Signal · Feb 10, 2025 · Technical Release · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
New Instagram Reels Carousel Ad Format in Test
Instagram is testing a new carousel ad option within Reels, discovered by app researcher Radu Oncescu. The feature presents sponsored carousel ads in Reels with four visuals—two stills and two videos—within the suggested-video area. It remains unclear when this option will be widely rolled out and may currently be limited in scope. Advertisers already have Carousel Ads in Instagram Reels to convert image-based creatives into Reels-like video ads, with up to ten images per carousel. Meta also offers Advantage+ tools to optimize campaigns and convert ads, and the company recently announced additional Advantage+ features. The article suggests this carousel format could enable a powerful combination of carousel creativity and Reels engagement to improve CTR and conversions, while noting that broad availability and rollout timing are still uncertain.
New ad format in testing on Instagram Reels; potential impact on ad formats
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- App Researcher Radu Oncescu discovered a new sponsored carousel ad option in Instagram Reels.
- The example shows four visuals in the carousel: two stills and two videos.
- It is unclear when the option will be rolled out broadly and may be limited in testing.
- Advertisers can already use Carousel Ads in Instagram Reels to convert image ads into Reels-like video ads, with up to ten images per carousel.
- Meta Advantage+ campaigns exist to optimize ads, with new Advantage+ features announced.
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Instagram tests reordering carousels after posting
Instagram is piloting a feature that would let creators reorder slides in carousel posts even after they have been published. The test follows earlier experiments in late 2024 that allowed adding visuals to published carousels, though not a full reorder capability. App researcher Alessandro Paluzzi identified the new function and demonstrated how it would work in a video on Threads. At present, the feature is not publicly accessible to users as Instagram has not announced an official rollout. Proponents argue that the ability to rearrange carousels could improve engagement and time spent in the feed and enhance content reuse for brands and creators. The format remains a high-engagement option on Instagram, with carousels traditionally performing well in engagement terms but competing with Reels for reach. If the feature becomes available, it could influence content optimization strategies and post-grid presentation, while exact rollout timing remains unclear.
Instagram Tests Skippable Reels Ads
Meta is testing skippable ad formats within Instagram Reels in a limited trial, with a countdown shown before ads and a choice for users to skip or continue watching. Creators do not earn revenue during this test. Meta argues the format could help users discover new businesses and balance monetization with user experience. The test is being monitored in the context of broader industry shifts toward paid media, with Gartner’s 2025 CMO Spend Survey noting paid media averaging 30.6% of marketing budgets, up about 10% year over year. Analysts and industry observers weigh potential benefits for brands against creator monetization challenges, while Meta promotes potential gains in reach and brand recall via formats like Reels Trending Ads, which Meta says could boost brand awareness by up to 20%. The initiative reflects Meta’s ongoing experimentation with ad formats on Instagram to optimize the advertising ecosystem.
Grok Bot Searches X, Integrates Rival AI Models
SpaceXAI has enhanced its AI agent Grok Bot with the ability to continuously search and analyze the entire X platform. Users can now deploy the agent for 24/7 social listening, brand monitoring, and trend analysis, similar to Google's Information Agents. Grok Bot will also integrate other AI models from competitors, such as Claude Opus 5.5, Midjourney, and Suno, depending on the task. This move signals a shift towards multi-model AI agents and expands the capabilities of AI-driven social media analytics.
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