TikTok is known for its short-form vertical videos, but the app offers more than that. In 2022, TikTok introduced Photo Mode, a suite of tools that let you turn still images into TikTok slideshows.
With TikTok Photo Mode, you can upload, edit, and share multiple images in a single post. These slideshow-style posts add variety to your feed, breaking up the video stream, and help repurpose content. For instance, your ecommerce brand can use existing product photos to create a slideshow showcasing its merchandise.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make a slideshow on TikTok.
What are slideshows on TikTok?
TikTok slideshows let you upload and sequence multiple photos into a single post. You can customize them with transitions, text overlays, filters, music, sounds, and other effects to make them more engaging.
A slideshow can consist of one photo or many, with a timer controlling the transitions. Viewers can either watch the slideshow play automatically or swipe through at their own pace, depending on how it’s created.
Why create TikTok slideshows for your business
Creating a TikTok slideshow is an easy way to tell a compelling brand story, without shooting or editing a single frame of video. Instead of relying on short-form video content (which can be time consuming and expensive to produce), slideshows help you repurpose what you already have: your product photos, lifestyle images, or customer reviews.
For example, a fashion brand launching a new summer collection could post a TikTok slideshow featuring flat lays, UGC, and editorial shots—all set to a trending audio track.
Here are some other TikTok post ideas to consider:
- Beauty brands showing “before and after” transformations
- Homeware stores walking through styling tips using real customer photos
- Jewelry brands building hype with moodboard-style teasers of upcoming launches to aid TikTok shopping
- Food and beverage brands sharing step-by-step visuals of recipes or serving ideas
Benefits of TikTok slideshows vs traditional videos
While TikTok is built around short-form video, TikTok stats show that slideshows offer some real tactical advantages—especially for brands looking to post quickly and consistently.
Here’s why slideshows can outperform traditional videos:
- Faster load times. TikTok slideshows tend to load quicker than video content, especially for users with slower connections.
- Easier to make. No camera, lighting, or editing software required. You can whip up a slideshow in the TikTok app using carousel images or existing product shots from your Instagram feed or product listings.
- Mobile-friendly viewing. Swipeable slideshows give viewers more control, letting them tap or swipe through at their own pace.
- Repurpose your existing assets. TikTok slideshows give you a way to breathe new life into product photos, lifestyle images, or customer UGC that might sit unused.
- Lower pressure content creation. You don’t need transitions, voice-overs, or perfect lighting. That low-fi, native feel can work really well on TikTok.
TikTok’s algorithm will tell you what type of content performs best, whether that’s slideshows or traditional videos.
Swipeable vs. non-swipeable TikTok slideshows
TikTok supports two types of slideshows: swipeable and non-swipeable. Each format offers a different experience for viewers—and knowing when to use each can help boost engagement.
Swipeable slideshows let viewers tap or swipe through each image at their own pace. You have more control over how long each slide is on screen, and it’s more interactive for viewers.
Best for:
- Step-by-step tutorials. E.g., how to style one item three ways or apply a skin care routine
- Product catalogs or lookbooks. Especially useful for fashion, home décor, or gift guides
- Before-and-after reveals. Popular for beauty, interior design, and fitness brands
- Educational content. Break info into digestible “slides” improves retention
Non-swipeable slideshows play more like a video: the images automatically advance after a few seconds, offering a more passive viewing experience that feels like a traditional TikTok post.
Best for:
- Brand storytelling. E.g., the journey of a product from sketch to shelf
- Moodboard-style content. Visuals and music carry the vibe
- Announcements and promos. Such as “New collection dropping Friday!” with a few teaser images)
- Behind-the-scenes peeks. Pair it with a trending audio
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How to make a TikTok slideshow
- Open TikTok
- Tap the “+” button
- Choose a TikTok slideshow template
- Select your photos
- Choose your TikTok slideshow music
- Edit your slideshow
- Publish your content
Creating a TikTok slideshow is simple with TikTok’s built-in templates and editing tools.
Here’s how to get started:
1. Open TikTok
Launch the TikTok app and create a profile or log in. (You need a TikTok account to post a slideshow.) Grant the app access to your photo library to upload images. If you don’t want to share your entire library, you can grant access to select photos and manually choose the images you want to share.
2. Tap the "+" button
Once the app is open, hit the plus sign at the bottom of the screen to create a post. Select “Photo” from the options above the Record button to enter Photo Mode. You’ll find an upload option to the right of the Record button and a horizontal menu of content formats at the bottom of the screen.
Select the upload option to create your own slideshow from scratch, or tap “Template” on the bottom menu to browse a selection of customizable slideshow examples.
3. Choose a TikTok slideshow template
Using slideshow templates is an easy way to add flair to your post and reduce editing time. They feature preselected filters and other effects, like photo transitions and sounds. TikTok automatically applies these effects to images when you place them in the template.
Select “Template” and use the bottom bar to browse the library, where example videos play automatically. Each template’s name appears above the image, with any restrictions or specifications noted in light gray text below.
TikTok allows up to 35 photos per slideshow, but most templates support a specific number of images—some can support up to 15, while others are for just one photo.
Template specifications can also specify an aspect ratio.
For best results, use high-quality JPG or PNG files cropped to fit the required aspect ratio. TikTok recommends images of at least 1,080 by 1,920 pixels for full-screen slideshows.
Once you’ve found a template you like, tap the red “Upload photos” button below the image to select a template. Make sure your choice can accommodate all of your photos, but don’t stress about details like color or font. You can customize your post and adjust the preselected filters during the editing process.
4. Select your photos
After you tap “Upload photos,” the app automatically displays your photo library—or the photos you’ve given it permission to access. Tap the “+” icon in the upper right-hand corner of each thumbnail to add the photo to your slideshow. Selection order is important—photos will appear in the slideshow in the same order you add them.
After you’ve chosen all the photos you’d like to include, tap “Next.”
5. Choose your TikTok slideshow music
A preview of your slideshow will begin playing. Turn your audio on to watch your post preview with sound.
Most slideshow templates come with a preselected song, but you’re not stuck with it. If it doesn’t fit the mood, just tap “Add sound” at the top of the screen to browse TikTok slideshow music from its massive library of trending audio clips.
TikTok’s trending sounds often come from mainstream music, which may not be licensed for commercial use. Using the wrong track could result in your video being muted, taken down, or even facing a DMCA notice.
To stay safe, always choose your TikTok slideshow music from the Commercial Music Library. This is a curated selection of royalty-free songs that brands and businesses can use without running into copyright issues. Search for “Commercial Music Library” in the Sounds tab, or use the “Commercial use” toggle to filter results.
6. Edit your slideshow
Use the icons on the right-hand side of the preview screen to make additional customizations. TikTok offers simple, built-in tools for adding text, stickers, and filters to your slideshow. You can also apply filters or text elements to individual slides or sections using the editing tool.
Choose additional elements that support or enhance the story you’re trying to tell. Text boxes can capture viewers’ attention or provide more information. Adding animations can make still images more cinematic—the Ken Burns effect, i.e., panning across and zooming in on still photos, is a well-known example of this technique.
Consider adding descriptive alt text or on-screen captions to your slideshow images to make them accessible to all viewers who use screen readers or prefer visual cues.
Once you’re happy with the preview, tap the red “Next” button at the bottom of the screen.
7. Publish your content
Finalize your slideshow for publication by adding a caption in the blank field at the top of the publishing screen. Use descriptive language and relevant keywords.
Tap the buttons under the caption field to add hashtags or tag collaborators. Select “Edit cover” at the bottom of your image preview to choose a thumbnail for your content. You can also use this screen to add a link directing viewers to relevant product or brand information.
Double-check your content before posting. Proofread your caption and text notes and watch your slideshow with the sound on. Attention to these final details can help your video reach the widest possible audience.
📚Read: TikTok for Business: Step by Step Guide for 2025
Troubleshooting common TikTok slideshow issues
Even though TikTok slideshows are a fairly straightforward asset to weave into your social media strategy, you might run into a few issues along the way. Here’s how to fix them.
Photos look blurry or low-quality
This usually happens when the images you upload are too small or get compressed.
Quick fix: Use high-resolution JPG or PNG files (at least 1,080 by 1,920 pixels). Avoid screenshots or downloaded images from social media, which may already be compressed.
Template won’t accept all your photos
Some TikTok slideshow templates have strict photo limits or require specific aspect ratios.
Quick fix: Double-check the small gray text under the template name for limits. If your image count exceeds the limit, switch to a higher capacity template or manually build your slideshow using Photo Mode.
Slideshow isn’t swipeable
If your post plays automatically instead of letting users swipe, you may have selected the wrong format.
Quick fix: Choose the “Photo Mode” feature instead of a template. Templates are typically auto-play (non-swipeable) only.
Music doesn’t match or overlaps
This can happen if the template’s default track clashes with your selected audio or if “Original Audio” is still turned on.
Quick fix: Tap “Add sound” to replace the music, and uncheck “Original Audio” at the bottom-right before posting.
Slideshow won’t upload or gets stuck in processing
TikTok glitches happen. This could be due to app bugs, large file sizes, or poor internet connection.
Quick fix: Force close the app, check your internet, and try again. If it still fails, clear your app cache in TikTok’s settings or update the app to the latest version.
5 pro tips for engaging TikTok slideshows
Once you’ve nailed the basics, it’s time to step up your slideshow game if you want to see results with your TikTok marketing.
- Lead with a strong first image. Just like with regular videos, the first slide is your hook. Use a bold visual, striking product shot, or intriguing text overlay to stop the scroll.
- Tell a visual story. Sequence your images into a narrative like this: intro, context, reveal, CTA. This approach works especially well for product launches, tutorials, or behind-the-scenes content.
- Pair visuals with trending audio. Choose TikTok slideshow music that matches the tone of your images and is trending on the platform.
- Use text overlays. Short captions on each slide can explain what’s happening, add personality, or highlight key information. Stick to simple fonts that don’t distract from the image or cover up focal points.
- Close with a clear CTA. Whether it’s “Tap the link in bio,” “Comment your fave,” or “New drop now live,” give viewers a clear action to take after watching your slideshow.
How to make a slideshow on TikTok FAQ
How do you make a video with pictures and music on TikTok?
TikTok offers built-in tools and templates to turn still images into videos. To make a TikTok video with pictures, upload your image, add animation effects or use a template, select a music track, and preview your video in the app.
Do you need to use a third-party app to make a slideshow on TikTok?
No. TikTok’s native editing tools make it easy to create photo slideshows within the app. Creators can upload images and build a custom slideshow using Photo Mode or choose from dozens of templates with preselected effects—no external software required.
How do you do a slideshow on TikTok?
To create a slideshow on TikTok, tap the “+” button to start a new post, then select “Upload” and choose multiple photos. Use the “Template” option for preset transitions and effects, or select “Photo Mode” to make a swipeable slideshow where viewers tap through each image.
How do you add text to a slideshow on TikTok?
After uploading your photos and before posting, tap “Text” at the bottom of the editing screen to add captions or overlays to each slide. You can adjust the font, color, and timing by tapping the text and selecting “Set duration” to control when it appears during the slideshow.
How do you turn off autoplay on a TikTok slideshow?
To make a slideshow swipeable (not auto-playing), use Photo Mode after uploading your images instead of a template. TikTok doesn’t allow auto swipe to be turned off on slideshows made with Templates—they’re designed to auto-play like a video.
