Social Media Trend Alert: Animated Carousels with Cut-Out Layers + White Outlines

Static carousels are out. ✌️ Or at least should not be the only type of carousels you post on Instagram…

Layered, animated, cut-out goodness is very much in.

What our aesthetic animated carousel templates look like! Get there here!

This week’s Social Media Trend Alert is all about one of the most aesthetic, engaging, and brand-flexing formats we’ve seen this year: animated carousels featuring layered, cut-out images with white outlines.

It’s part scrapbook, part editorial — and it’s everywhere right now.

Why This Trend is HOT 🔥

This trend has range. It’s not just about looking good (although, yes, it absolutely does). It’s about movement, depth, and intention — making your content feel dynamic without overwhelming your audience.

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A post shared by Kar Brulhart | Brand Builder & Marketing Strategist (@karbrulhart)

Look how Kar Brulhart use this trend. We partnered with her to bring these carousels in Canva form for you!

Here’s what it does really well:

✨ Grabs attention with subtle motion that feels modern and elevated
🖼️ Frames your content with bold white outlines that guide the eye
🎨 Blends brand + aesthetic — the mix of cut-outs, type, and texture screams cool and curated
📚 Tells a story — with layered slides that flow together like pages in a zine
🙋‍♀️ Establishes authority — the editorial feel makes your message feel polished and pro

Whether you’re a coach, content creator, or small biz owner, this style instantly signals “I know what I’m doing.”

How to Create the Look (Yes, Even in Canva)

You don’t need to learn After Effects to ride this trend.

With Canva Pro, it’s totally doable using the animation tools, image background remover, and layering tricks. Here’s how:

✅ Cut out your photos: Use Canva’s Background Remover tool to isolate your subject — ideal for headshots, products, or lifestyle images.
✅ Add bold white outlines: Select your image, go to edit, remove the background and then go to shadows to create your own while outline. Learn it here:

✅ Layer intentionally: Stack your images, text, stickers, and highlights for a dimensional look — think scrapbooking meets magazine layout.
✅ Animate with purpose: Use subtle entrance animations (like “rise” or “pan”) or slide transitions to keep the movement smooth and professional.
✅ Keep it consistent: Maintain your brand fonts and color palette so the aesthetic stays elevated, not chaotic.

Want to skip the DIY part? 👇

Try It With Our Trendy Animated Carousel Pack

We built this month’s template pack around this exact trend — because it’s not just cute, it converts.

📦 Inside this pack, you’ll get:

• 10 animated Canva carousel templates with done-for-you layouts

• A mix of styles: modern editorial, aesthetic storytelling, playful & clean

• Built-in white outlines and layered cut-outs (so you just drag + drop)

• Slide-to-slide flow for expert-level storytelling

• Easy animation settings already baked in

They’re perfect for promoting offers, sharing tips, or turning one idea into a moment on Instagram.

Final Takeaway

These carousels do more than look good — they build trust. The layered, animated style makes your content feel thoughtful and on-trend, while still being easy to consume. And in a sea of samey graphics, this is a visual format that helps you stand out without shouting.

🎯 Want to try it? Grab the Trendy Animated Carousels pack here.
💡 And follow our Social Media Trend Alert series to stay on top of what’s next in content design — from gradients to grain to genius layouts.

Because trends aren’t just for Reels — they’re for your whole brand presence.

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Want better content without hiring a Professional designer?

Check out our latest packs of Canva templates or Instagram here.

Content doesn’t need to be overwhelming or going viral. Just grab templates and styles that make your brand look good and stay consistent!

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Manu Muraro is the founder of Your Social Team, which helps small entrepreneurs grow their business through content marketing, especially email and Instagram.

In 2021 Manu launched Your Template Club, one of the first Canva Template for Instagram subscriptions in the world to provide social media managers and small business owners with content templates designed for engagement.

Manu has also more recebtly started the first Instagram Reels Award Show, The Reelies Awards and an email marketing membership, Your Inbox Team.

Born and raised in Brazil, Manu moved to the U.S. in 2000 right out of college to work for Cartoon Network, where she made an award winning career in creative and strategy.

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