How to Add Pictures on TikTok

Adding pictures to TikTok is one of the easiest ways to create engaging content without needing to film a full-blown video. Whether you want to share a photo dump in a slideshow, create a side-swiping carousel, or use an image as a background, you have several creative options built right into the app. This guide covers every method step-by-step and offers some pro tips for making your picture-based content stand out.

How to Use TikTok's Photo Mode for a Photo Carousel

TikTok's Photo Mode is its direct answer to Instagram's carousels. It allows you to upload a series of still images that viewers can swipe through at their own pace. This format is great for storytelling, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes looks. Here's how to use it.

Step-by-Step Guide to Photo Mode:

1. Open TikTok and Tap the Plus (+) Icon: Start as you normally would to create any other type of content. The "+" button is at the bottom center of your screen.
2. Go to 'Upload': On the recording screen, look to the bottom right and tap the "Upload" button. This will open your device's camera roll.
3. Select Your Photos: At the top of your camera roll, you'll see tabs for "Videos" and "Photos." Tap the "Photos" tab. Then, tap "Select multiple" to choose all the images you want to include in your carousel. A number will appear on each photo indicating its order.
4. Switch to 'Photo Mode': After selecting your photos and hitting "Next," you'll land on the editor screen. At the bottom, you'll see two options: "Switch to video mode" or "Switch to photo mode." Make sure you have "Photo mode" selected. If it's in video mode, TikTok will automatically turn your pictures into a fast-paced slideshow. For a swipeable carousel, you must be in Photo Mode.
5. Add Music and Effects: Now the fun part. Tap "Add sound" at the top to choose a trending song or an audio clip that fits your vibe. Music plays a big role in photo content on TikTok, it sets the mood even without video. You can also add text, stickers, and filters to your images just like you would with a video. Note that these additions will appear on every photo in the carousel, so keep them unobtrusive, like in a corner.
6. Write Your Caption and Post: After editing, tap "Next." You'll reach the final posting screen where you can write your caption, add hashtags, tag accounts, and select a cover image. When ready, tap "Post."

Pro Tip: Use Photo Mode to tell a progressive story. For example, a "Get Ready With Me" can show step-by-step images, or a recipe can be displayed one photo at a time. This format encourages viewers to swipe through your entire set, increasing their watch time on your post.

How to Make a Classic Photo Slideshow Video

If you prefer a more traditional video format, turning your pictures into an auto-playing slideshow is a great choice. Slideshows are perfect for high-energy photo montages set to fast-paced trending songs. TikTok offers two simple methods: using a template or creating it manually.

Method 1: Using TikTok Templates

Templates are pre-made video formats with music, cuts, and a set number of clips already designed for you. You just need to insert your photos.

How to Use Templates for Your Photos:

1. Start a New Post: Tap the "+" icon to begin.
2. Find and Tap on 'Templates': Instead of selecting "Upload," look for the "Templates" option on the bottom navigation bar of the camera screen.
3. Browse and Select a Template: Swipe through the available templates. Each shows how many photos it requires and previews transitions and music. Choose one with a catchy soundbite.
4. Select Your Photos: Once you've chosen a template, tap "Select photos" to open your camera roll and pick the required images.
5. Preview and Edit: TikTok will automatically arrange your images into the template, sync them to the music, and add effects. You can add extra text or filters before proceeding to the final screen.

Method 2: Creating a Slideshow Manually

For more control, you can build a slideshow from scratch. This lets you set the duration for each photo and choose your own transitions.

How to Manually Create a Photo Slideshow:

1. Tap '+' and Go to 'Upload': Same as before, start by tapping the plus button and then selecting "Upload."
2. Select Your Photos and Switch to 'Video Mode': Choose all the images you want in your slideshow. When you get to the editing screen, ensure it is in "Video mode." If it says "Switch to video mode," tap it. TikTok will convert your selected images into video clips automatically.
3. Adjust Clip Durations: On the editing screen, your photos will be laid out as clips in a timeline at the bottom. To change how long each photo stays, tap "Edit" (the scissors icon). Then, tap on an individual clip and drag its edges to make it longer or shorter. Syncing quick photo changes to the beat of a song is highly effective.
4. Add Transitions: While in the "Edit" timeline view, you'll see small white icons between clips. Tap these to add transitions like "Fade," "Zoom," or "Slide." Good transitions make a simple slideshow look much more polished.
5. Add Music, Text, and Post: Finally, add your sound, text overlays, and filters. When done, write your caption and post your slideshow.

How to Add a Picture into a Video (Green Screen Effect)

Ever wanted to use a photo as your background while talking to the camera? Or place a picture as a small element inside a video you're recording? That’s where the Green Screen effect comes in. It’s one of TikTok's most versatile tools for incorporating still images.

How to Use the Green Screen Effect with a Photo:

1. Open the Camera Screen: Tap the "+" icon as usual.
2. Open the Effects Panel: On the left side of the camera, tap "Effects." An effects tray will appear at the bottom.
3. Find the Green Screen Effect: In the effects tray, locate the "Green Screen" tab. Several versions exist. The most common is a green icon showing a person in front of a picture. Tap it.
4. Choose Your Photo: A small window showing your camera roll will appear above the effects tray. Select the picture you want as your background.
5. Record Your Video: The selected photo becomes your background. Your face and body will be superimposed on top. You can pinch to zoom yourself or drag to reposition. Now record your video with the image as the backdrop.

Alternate Green Screen: There's another Green Screen effect as a sticker. This allows you to place a floating, resizable version of a photo anywhere in your frame while the camera captures the environment behind you. It's perfect for reacting to memes, showcasing a product image while talking, or adding a visual aid to a tutorial.

Tips for Better Picture-Based TikTok Content

Just because you're using static images doesn't mean your content has to feel lifeless. Here are some strategies to elevate your TikToks made with pictures:

• Use High-Quality Photos: This may seem obvious, but it really makes a difference. Grainy or poorly lit photos will be scrolled past immediately. Use clear, bright, and compelling images to catch your audience’s eye.
• Always Add Trending Audio: Sound accounts for about 50% of the TikTok experience. For both Photo Mode carousels and slideshow videos, adding a popular or fitting sound can significantly boost your views and engagement. An image alone is silent, but paired with the right song, it can convey emotion and energy.
• Tell a Clear Story: Don’t just post a random collection of images. Structure your photos with a beginning, middle, and end. For example, show a "process" in a carousel or a week’s montage in a slideshow, ending with a satisfying final shot. Give viewers a reason to stay until the end.
• Sync Your Cuts to the Music: Editing is key for slideshows. Make sure your photo transitions hit on the beat of the song. Quick, rhythmic cuts create momentum and make the video more dynamic and shareable.

Final Thoughts

Whether creating a swipeable photo carousel, a quick slideshow, or using the Green Screen effect, incorporating pictures into your TikToks is an effective way to diversify your content. TikTok provides all the tools needed to produce visually appealing posts that tell a story, educate, or entertain without recording a second of video.

Managing multiple content formats across platforms can seem overwhelming. As our team scaled its social media presence, we realized that planning out our video ideas, photo carousels, and single-image posts visually was a game-changer. That’s why we built a visual content calendar into Postbase. Being able to drag and drop TikTok photo carousel ideas alongside Reels and Shorts helps us identify gaps and keeps our content flow consistent without feeling overwhelmed.