What Works Best On Instagram In 2025?
What Works Best On Instagram in 2025? the ever-evolving world of Instagram, content formats are more than just aesthetic choices—they’re strategic tools. As of 2025, the platform’s algorithm and user behavior have shifted dramatically, making it essential for brands like Lisa Cole Designs to understand which formats drive visibility, engagement, and conversions.
Let’s break down the three major content types—Reels, Carousels, and Static Posts—and explore how each performs in today’s Instagram landscape.
Instagram Reels: The Discovery Powerhouse
Reels are short-form vertical videos (up to 90 seconds) designed for quick consumption and high virality. They dominate Instagram’s Explore page and are favored by the algorithm for reaching non-followers.
Why Reels Win:
• Massive Reach: Reels reach ~36% more users than carousels and 125% more than static posts
• High Engagement: Average engagement rate is around 1.23%, outperforming static posts and rivaling carousels
• Multi-Placement Visibility: Reels appear in Feed, Explore, Reels Tab, and even Stories
• Gen Z & Millennial Appeal: These audiences crave authenticity, trends, and motion—Reels deliver all three
Best Use Cases:
• Product demos
• Behind-the-scenes clips
• Trend-based content
• Teasers for launches
• Influencer collaborations
Instagram Carousels: The Engagement Engine
Carousels allow up to 10 images or videos in a single post, ideal for storytelling, tutorials, and educational content.
Why Carousels Shine:
• Top Engagement Format: Carousels average a 1.92% engagement rate, higher than Reels and static posts
• Swipe Engagement: Users actively interact by swiping, increasing time spent on your content
• High Save Rates: Carousels are twice as likely to be saved compared to Reels
• Ideal for Value-Driven Content: Great for step-by-step guides, brand stories, and educational visuals
Best Use Cases:
• Tutorials and how-tos
• Before-and-after showcases
• Brand storytelling
• Infographics and tips
• Employee or client spotlights
Static Posts: The Classic Format
Static images are the original Instagram format. While still relevant, they’ve taken a backseat in terms of reach and engagement.
Where Static Posts Stand:
• Lower Engagement: Average engagement rate is around 0.70%, significantly lower than Reels and Carousels
• Limited Discovery: Mostly shown to existing followers, not ideal for growth
• Still Useful for Branding: Great for curated visuals, product shots, and aesthetic consistency
Best Use Cases:
• Portfolio highlights
• Product photography
• Inspirational quotes
• Announcements
Strategic Take-aways for 2025
• Use Reels to grow your audience and boost brand awareness. They’re perfect for reaching new followers and going viral
• Use Carousels to deepen engagement and educate your audience. They’re ideal for storytelling and building trust
• Use Static Posts to maintain brand aesthetics and showcase polished visuals—but don’t rely on them for growth