# Instagram Thread Carousel > Use when the user wants to turn a text thread into an Instagram carousel that looks like tweet/X post screenshots. Generates slide images with profile pic, name, verified badge, handle, and tweet text. Supports embedded images and combining short tweets on one slide. - Skill: `kennyolofsson23-netizen/instagram-thread-carousel` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 8 files) - Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add kennyolofsson23-netizen/instagram-thread-carousel` - Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/kennyolofsson23-netizen/instagram-thread-carousel/raw - Safety review: pending - Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex - Category: Docs & Writing - Author: kennyolofsson23-netizen (https://skillmd.com/u/kennyolofsson23-netizen) - Updated: 2026-09-17 - Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/kennyolofsson23-netizen/instagram-thread-carousel --- # Thread-to-Carousel Generator Convert a text thread into Instagram carousel slides styled as tweet/X post mockups. Each slide renders a clean tweet card with profile picture, display name, verified badge, handle, and the tweet text. Optionally embed images in tweets and combine short tweets 2-per-slide. --- ## Process ### Step 1: Gather the Thread Get the thread content from the user. They may: - Paste a thread of text directly - Provide a topic and ask you to write the thread - Share screenshots or existing tweets to recreate If writing the thread, use the voice and tone from `CLAUDE.md`. Each tweet in the thread should be a self-contained thought that flows into the next. ### Step 2: Gather Profile Info Ask for anything not already known: 1. **Display name** - the bold name shown on each tweet 2. **Handle** - e.g., `@itstylergermain` 3. **Verified** - show the blue checkmark? (default: true) 4. **Headshot** - path to profile photo. List available files with `ls .claude/skills/instagram-thread-carousel/headshots/` and let the user pick, or use the first one found. If `CLAUDE.md` has been personalized (audit has been run), pull the name and handle from there. ### Step 3: Break the Thread into Slides Rules for slide layout: **One tweet per slide (default):** - Any tweet with an embedded image gets its own slide - Tweets longer than ~200 characters get their own slide - The first tweet (hook) always gets its own slide - **The title slide (slide 1) should ALWAYS have an image.** A strong image on the first slide is critical for stopping the scroll. **Two tweets per slide:** - Combine consecutive short tweets (under ~150 characters each, no images) onto one slide - This keeps the carousel compact and scannable - A light gray divider line separates the two tweets Walk through the thread and decide the slide breakdown. Present it to the user before generating: ``` Slide 1: Tweet 1 (hook) - own slide Slide 2: Tweet 2 + Tweet 3 - combined (both short) Slide 3: Tweet 4 - own slide (has image) Slide 4: Tweet 5 + Tweet 6 - combined (both short) Slide 5: Tweet 7 (CTA) - own slide ``` ### Step 4: Handle Images Images make carousels significantly more engaging. For each tweet that could benefit from a visual, determine how to source the image: **User-provided images:** - The user provides file paths or URLs directly - If they provide URLs, download the images to the carousel's `ref/` subfolder first **Search for images with Tavily:** If the user doesn't provide images (or asks you to find them), use the Tavily image search script to find relevant visuals: ```bash python3 .claude/skills/instagram-thread-carousel/scripts/tavily-image-search.py "search query" workspace///ref --count 5 ``` This downloads images and creates a manifest JSON. Review the downloaded images and pick the best ones for each tweet. Good search queries are specific - e.g., "YouTube thumbnail example tech channel" not just "thumbnail". Requires `TAVILY_API_KEY` in `.env`. If not set, skip image search and proceed with text-only slides. **Search for GIFs with Giphy:** When the carousel calls for animated content (reaction GIFs, demonstrations, etc.): ```bash python3 .claude/skills/instagram-thread-carousel/scripts/giphy-search.py "search query" workspace/<date>/<title>/ref --count 5 ``` Downloads GIFs and creates a manifest JSON. The thread-to-carousel script automatically handles animated GIFs by outputting both an MP4 (for Instagram) and a PNG (static preview). Requires `GIPHY_API_KEY` in `.env`. **Website screenshots:** When the carousel is about a website, product, or tool, take a fresh screenshot instead of relying on Tavily (which often returns outdated images): ```bash python3 .claude/skills/instagram-thread-carousel/scripts/website-screenshot.py "https://example.com" workspace/<date>/<title>/ref/homepage.png --width 1280 --height 800 ``` Options: `--width` and `--height` set the viewport, `--full-page` captures the entire scrollable page. Requires `playwright` (`pip install playwright && playwright install chromium`). Always prefer a live screenshot over a Tavily image search result when the carousel is about a specific website or product. **Website recordings with Steel:** When you need a video recording of browsing a website (for animated carousel slides or reference), use the Steel browser: ```bash python3 .claude/skills/instagram-thread-carousel/scripts/steel-browse.py browse-plan.json workspace/<date>/<title>/ref ``` Create a `browse-plan.json` with a list of actions: ```json { "viewport": { "width": 1920, "height": 1080 }, "actions": [ { "action": "navigate", "url": "https://example.com", "label": "Open homepage", "wait": 2000 }, { "action": "click", "selector": "button.cta", "label": "Click CTA", "wait": 1500 }, { "action": "click_at", "x": 960, "y": 540, "label": "Click center", "wait": 1000 }, { "action": "scroll", "y": 500, "label": "Scroll down", "wait": 1000 }, { "action": "hover", "selector": ".card", "label": "Hover card", "wait": 1000 }, { "action": "type", "selector": "input.search", "text": "query", "label": "Type search", "wait": 1000 }, { "action": "keyboard_type", "text": "hello world", "label": "Type text", "wait": 1000 }, { "action": "keyboard_press", "key": "Enter", "label": "Press Enter", "wait": 1000 } ] } ``` Outputs `recording.mp4` and `moments.json` to the output directory. Requires `STEEL_API_KEY` in `.env` and `pip install steel-sdk playwright`. **Image rules:** - Images appear below the tweet text with rounded corners - Tweets with images always get their own slide (the image needs the space) - Prefer landscape or square images - very tall images eat too much slide space - Screenshots, product shots, and UI mockups work best for this format ### Step 5: Generate the Config Each carousel gets its own folder under `workspace/` organized by date and title. Pick a short, descriptive name based on the topic (e.g., `thumbnail-generator`, `claude-youtube`, `ai-agents-101`). Folder structure: ``` workspace/<date>/<title>/ ├── config.json # Slide config ├── ref/ # Reference images used in slides │ ├── screenshot.png │ └── ... ├── slide-01.png # Generated slides ├── slide-02.png └── ... ``` Create the config file at `workspace/<date>/<title>/config.json`: ```json { "profile": { "name": "Display Name", "handle": "@handle", "verified": true, "headshot": ".claude/skills/instagram-thread-carousel/headshots/tyler-headshot.png" }, "theme": "light", "slides": [ { "tweets": [ { "text": "This is the first tweet.\n\nIt can have multiple paragraphs.\n\nUse \\n for line breaks.", "image": null } ] }, { "video": "workspace/<date>/<title>/ref/demo.mp4" }, { "tweets": [ { "text": "Short tweet one.", "image": null }, { "text": "Short tweet two.", "image": null } ] }, { "tweets": [ { "text": "Tweet with an image below it.", "image": "workspace/<date>/<title>/ref/screenshot.jpg" } ] } ] } ``` **Config options:** - `theme` - `"light"` (white background, dark text) or `"dark"` (black background, light text). Default: `"light"`. **Video slides:** - Use `"video": "path/to/video.mp4"` at the slide level (no `tweets` needed) - The script copies the MP4 to the output as `slide-XX.mp4` and extracts a `slide-XX.png` preview - Instagram carousels support mixing images and videos - use video slides for screen recordings, demos, or animated content - Use the screen-demo skill or Steel browser recordings to create polished demo videos, then reference the output MP4 in the carousel config - Video slides do NOT render tweet-style cards - they're raw video files for Instagram **Text formatting tips:** - Use `\n` for line breaks within a tweet - Use `\n\n` for paragraph breaks (adds extra spacing) - Arrow bullets work: `→ Point one\n→ Point two` - Emoji and special characters are supported (font-dependent) ### Step 6: Run the Script ```bash python3 .claude/skills/instagram-thread-carousel/scripts/thread-to-carousel.py workspace/<date>/<title>/config.json workspace/<date>/<title> ``` This generates numbered PNG files: `slide-01.png`, `slide-02.png`, etc. inside the carousel folder. ### Step 7: Present the Results Show the user: 1. How many slides were generated 2. The folder path where everything is saved 3. Offer to adjust - re-run with different text, different slide breakdown, or different images Read and display the generated slide images so the user can see them inline. **Animated slides:** When a slide contains an animated GIF, the script outputs both an `.mp4` (full-color video for Instagram) and a `.png` (a static preview of the first frame). **Always display the `.png` preview** - never try to read the `.mp4` file directly. Tell the user the MP4 version is saved alongside it for posting. --- ## Text Style Guide When writing threads for the user, follow these patterns from high-performing tweet-style carousels: ### Hook Tweet (Slide 1) - The Most Important Slide The hook makes or breaks the entire carousel. A bad hook means zero impressions; a great hook stops the scroll. The thread hook must work as a **standalone tweet** - if it wouldn't perform on its own, it won't perform as a carousel opener either. **Core principles:** - The hook must **stop someone from scrolling**. If it doesn't interrupt, nothing else matters. - The first line and second line must **connect logically**. A disconnected transition kills the hook. - **Match market awareness.** Audiences are desensitized - "I make $10K/month" or "I'm a millionaire" doesn't stop anyone anymore. The claim has to be genuinely surprising for the current landscape. - **Cast a wide net AND deliver on it.** A broad hook only works if the content actually applies to the wide audience you promised. **Proven hook frameworks (master these first, then experiment):** 1. **Borrowed Authority** - Open with a well-known person's name, then follow with a surprising claim or hot take. The name grabs attention; the claim holds it. - "Chris Williamson is undergoing massive toxin-induced mental health issues" - "You can copy Donald Trump.\nYou can copy Barack Obama.\nYou can copy Bill Clinton." 2. **Surprising Statistic** - Lead with a specific, hard-to-ignore number. Stats create instant credibility and curiosity. - "99% of lottery winners go broke within 5 years." - "20+ years of business in a nutshell:" 3. **Direct Listicle** - State exactly what the list is about. No cleverness needed - the format itself stops the scroll. Listicles and how-tos are the two highest-performing written content formats on the internet. - "Signs of high vibration:" - "7 supplements I'm getting my aging parents to take:" 4. **High-TAM "Everyone" Hook** - Cast the widest possible net, but ONLY if the content genuinely delivers for that audience. A bad "everyone" hook claims breadth but delivers niche content. - GOOD: "Everyone on the planet should read this book" - recommends a universally applicable book - GOOD: "Everyone needs to hear this" - shares a universal life lesson - BAD: "Everyone's teaching you tactics" - pivots to niche entrepreneur advice 5. **Numbers Up Front** - Start the hook with a number. Specific numbers outperform vague claims. - "20+ years of business in a nutshell:" - "7 supplements I'm getting my aging parents to take:" 6. **Direct "You" Address** - Point directly at the reader. Make them feel personally called out. - "You have the exact same tax code as Donald Trump." - "You can copy Barack Obama." **What kills a hook:** - **Desensitized claims** - "I'm a millionaire" doesn't stand out anymore. If using a flex, it has to be genuinely extraordinary for the platform. - **Disconnected lines** - The first and second lines must flow. "I'm a millionaire. If you suddenly become rich overnight..." doesn't connect. - **Cliches** - "Playing checkers while a small group is playing chess" means nothing. Everyone can say it. - **Wide net, narrow delivery** - Don't say "everyone" if the content only applies to a niche audience. - **Unlikely scenarios** - "If you suddenly become rich overnight" is more likely to get dunked on than to get authentic engagement. ### Body Tweets - One idea per tweet - Use arrow bullets (→) for lists - Break up dense info across multiple tweets - Numbers and dollar amounts grab attention - Short paragraphs with line breaks between them - **Waterfall structure for lists:** Order list items from shortest to longest sentence length. This creates a staircase/waterfall visual that's aesthetically pleasing and makes people stop to read. ``` → People stare at you → Kids like you → Animals feel safe around you → Strangers tell you their life story → You walk into a room and the energy shifts ``` - **Contrasting pairs work well for frameworks:** Alternate between two categories to create rhythm. ``` Chess: manage their energy Checkers: manage their time Chess: optimize their psychology Checkers: optimize their funnel ``` - **7 is the sweet spot for listicles.** Not too short, not too long - scans well on a carousel. ### CTA Tweet (Last Slide) - Clear call to action: follow, save, share, comment - Can summarize the key takeaway - Keep it short - the carousel already delivered the value --- ## Layout Reference Each slide is 1080x1350px (Instagram 4:5 portrait). **Single tweet slide:** - White background (light theme) or black background (dark theme) - Circular profile pic (80px) - top left - Bold name + blue verified badge + gray handle - next to pic - Tweet text - large, clean sans-serif, generous line spacing - Optional image - full width, rounded corners, below text - Content vertically centered on the slide **Two-tweet slide:** - Same layout, two tweets stacked - Light gray divider line between them - Both vertically centered together --- ## Generating Images for Slides If the user doesn't have enough screenshots or reference images to fill out a carousel, generate them with Gemini. The script produces **16:9 landscape images** designed to embed inside carousel slides below the tweet text. It has a built-in style guide that ensures dark, moody, cinematic results matching the carousel aesthetic. ```bash python3 .claude/skills/instagram-thread-carousel/scripts/generate_carousel_image.py \ --prompt "description of the image you need" \ --output workspace/<date>/<title>/ref/generated-image.png ``` **Options:** - `--reference path/to/screenshot.png` - Pass existing images for context (e.g., a raw screenshot to stylize into a mockup) - `--headshot .claude/skills/instagram-thread-carousel/headshots/tyler-headshot.png` - Include a person in the generated image - `--examples path/to/style-ref.png` - Style inspiration images Then reference the generated image in the slide config: ```json {"text": "slide text here", "image": "workspace/<date>/<title>/ref/generated-image.png"} ``` ### Good prompts for carousel images: - **Product mockups:** "A sleek MacBook screen showing [product UI] floating on a dark cinematic background with subtle blue glow accents" - **Concept illustrations:** "A dark moody illustration showing a terminal prompt on the left with a glowing arrow pointing to a finished YouTube thumbnail on the right" - **Before/after:** "Split image: left side shows a messy manual process, right side shows clean automated output - dark tech aesthetic with cyan accents" - **Process diagrams:** "Three connected nodes on a dark background showing: raw data → AI processing → polished output, with subtle neon connecting lines" - **Styled screenshots:** Pass the raw screenshot as `--reference` and prompt: "Render this UI screenshot on an elegant floating device mockup with dramatic dark lighting and subtle shadow" **Requires `GEMINI_API_KEY` in `.env`.** --- ## Troubleshooting **Fonts look wrong:** The script tries SF Pro → Helvetica → Arial → DejaVu Sans. If none are found, it falls back to Pillow's default. Install a clean sans-serif font for best results. **Text overflows the slide:** Break long tweets into multiple shorter ones. The script wraps text automatically, but very long tweets with images may push content off the bottom. **Images look stretched:** Images maintain their aspect ratio. Very tall images will take up a lot of slide space - crop them to landscape or square before using. **Profile pic not found:** Check the path in the config. Headshots should be in `.claude/skills/instagram-thread-carousel/headshots/`. The script draws a gray circle as a placeholder if no headshot is found. **Animated slides look wrong or crash the session:** The script outputs `.mp4` (via ffmpeg) for animated slides instead of GIF, preserving full color. A `.png` preview is also saved for chat display. If ffmpeg is not installed, it falls back to GIF (which has color limitations). Install ffmpeg with `brew install ffmpeg`. **Emoji rendering:** The script uses `pilmoji` with `AppleEmojiSource` for native Apple emoji rendering. If `pilmoji` is not installed (`pip3 install pilmoji`), emoji will render as blank squares. The emoji vertical alignment is corrected with `emoji_position_offset=(0, -6)` in the script. --- ## Image Fitting Rules When a slide has both text AND an embedded image, the text must be short enough that the image isn't cut off or shrunk too small. Follow these rules: **Slides with images should have SHORT text:** - 1-3 short lines max when an image is present - If the content needs more text, split it across two slides: one image slide with a brief label, and one text-only slide with the detail **When the user provides their own images:** - Always use the user's real screenshots/images over generated ones - Check the image dimensions - landscape images fit best below tweet text - If an image is getting cut off, shorten the text first before resizing the image **Splitting content for image slides:** Instead of cramming a long explanation + image onto one slide, do this: - **Slide A (image slide):** Short punchy text (1-2 lines) + the image - **Slide B (detail slide):** The longer explanation, text-only This keeps image slides clean and readable at carousel-swiping speed.