Since then, advertisers have seen carousel link ads drive 30 to 50% lower cost-per-conversion and 20 to 30% lower cost-per-click than single-image link ads.

Given the success of carousel link ads, Facebook is extending the format to mobile app ads. They are also highlighting some of the creative ways advertisers are using the carousel format to meet different marketing goals.

Mobile app ads in the carousel format

Supporting up to five images with links, the carousel format is interactive, attention-grabbing and helpful for both direct response and brand awareness marketing. Now mobile app developers have access to the same ad format for app install and engagement ads.

Using the carousel format to promote its app, foodpanda (and its marketing partner Smartly.io) increased click-through rates by 180% and reduced their cost per impression by 39%.

Using carousel link ads across ad objectives

Advertisers are using the carousel format to highlight their brands and products in lots of different, creative ways.

MINI used the carousel format as a storytelling canvas to take people on a virtual tour of the new MINI Hardtop four-door.

Neiman Marcus used the carousel format to bring its catalog to Facebook, showcasing beautiful imagery from their Spring Shoe and Handbag Collection. Compared to other advertising efforts, the carousel format drove three times more conversions and 85% better click-through rates.

By showing carousel link ads to people that had visited their website; MVMT Watches increased click-through rates by 75% compared to other advertising platforms and saw one of the lowest prices per acquisition the company has ever experienced.

Carousel format insights also tell advertisers which links in the ad are performing best and give the option to let Facebook optimise the order of the links based on engagement and expected performance. Early analysis shows that this optional feature has helped increase click-through rates by an average of 12%.

Availability

Mobile app install and engagement ads in the carousel format are available now through the ads API. The carousel format continues to be available for link ads in the ads API, Power Editor and Ads Create Tool.

For more information, visit the Facebook blog.