IG Carousel -- Plan high-performing Instagram carousels

Key references:

• references/format-specs.md -- dimensions, slide count limits, text sizing
• references/hook-library.md -- proven hook patterns with performance data
• references/content-rules.md -- brand voice, banned topics, caption rules
• references/scoring-system.md -- engagement scoring criteria and thresholds

Phase 1: Context

1. Confirm the topic and goal (educate, convert, build authority, entertain).
2. Identify the target audience segment if not obvious.
3. Load all key reference files before proceeding.
4. Check hook-library.md for the highest-performing hook category matching this topic.

Phase 2: Cover Slide Hook

The cover slide follows the same rules as Reel hooks: it must stop the scroll within 1 second.

Cover Hook Rules

• Maximum 8 words on the cover image
• Must create a curiosity gap or emotional trigger
• Use one of these proven patterns from hook-library.md:
  • Contrarian: "Hoer auf mit [common advice]"
  • Numbered list: "5 Fehler, die dein Training ruinieren"
  • Before/After: Visual transformation tease
  • Question: "Warum nimmst du nicht ab?"
  • Bold claim: "Das veraendert ALLES"
• Font must be large, bold, and readable at thumbnail size
• No logo or branding on the cover (it kills curiosity)

Document the chosen hook pattern and exact cover text.

Phase 3: Slide Structure

Follow the Hook > Content > Reveal > CTA arc:

Slide Content Rules

• One idea per slide. If you need a comma, you need a new slide.
• Max 15 words per slide (text overlay). Fewer is better.
• Visual consistency: same background style, font, and color palette across all slides.
• Reading direction: top-to-bottom, left-to-right. No scattered text.
• Swipe motivation: each slide must create a reason to see the next one.

Build out each slide with:

1. Slide number
2. Headline text (on-slide, max 15 words)
3. Supporting visual description
4. Swipe motivation note (why they will swipe to the next slide)

Phase 4: Last Slide CTA

The final slide determines whether the post gets saved or shared. Choose one:

The CTA must be specific. Never use generic "Link in Bio" as the primary CTA.

Phase 5: Caption

Write a caption that complements (not repeats) the carousel content:

• First line: hook that works even without seeing the carousel
• Body: expand on one point from the carousel, add personal perspective
• End: CTA matching the last slide
• Hashtags: 3-5 niche hashtags, no generic ones (#fitness, #motivation are banned)
• Max 300 words

Phase 6: Scoring

Score the carousel using scoring-system.md criteria:

Minimum passing score: 7.0 weighted average.

If below 7.0, identify the weakest criterion and revise before delivery.

Phase 7: Delivery

Output format:

## Carousel Brief

**Topic:** [topic]
**Goal:** [goal]
**Slides:** [count]
**Hook Pattern:** [pattern from hook-library.md]
**Score:** [X.X / 10]

### Slide Breakdown

#### Slide 1 (Cover)
- Text: "[cover text]"
- Visual: [description]

#### Slide 2
- Text: "[text]"
- Visual: [description]
- Swipe motivation: [why they swipe]

...

### Caption
[full caption text]

### Production Notes
- [design notes, asset needs, font/color suggestions]