How to Do Slides on TikTok

Creating a viral TikTok doesn't always require an elaborate video shoot, sometimes, all you need are a few great photos. The photo slideshow feature is a powerful, simple way to tell stories, share information, and hop on trends without ever hitting the record button. This guide will walk you through exactly how to create photo slideshows, share ideas to get you started, and offer tips to make your content stand out.

So, Why Should You Use Photo Slideshows on TikTok?

In a world of short-form video, it feels a little counterintuitive that simple photo carousels perform so well, but they do. Their effectiveness comes down to a few reasons.

First, they’re incredibly fast to make. You can repurpose existing photos from your camera roll into an engaging piece of content in minutes. This is perfect for when you're short on time but still want to maintain a consistent posting schedule. They are also amazing for storytelling, allowing you to walk your audience through a chronological event like a vacation recap, a project build, or a "day in the life" summary.

But the real power of photo slideshows lies in engagement. Unlike a video that plays automatically, slideshows (or "carousels") require the viewer to manually swipe through the images. This active participation keeps them on your post longer, signaling to the TikTok algorithm that they’re interested in your content. Longer view times and active engagement often lead to your content being pushed out to a wider audience on the For You page.

How to Make a Slideshow on TikTok: The Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to create your first photo-based masterpiece? TikTok’s built-in editor makes the process straightforward. Here’s a breakdown of every step, from selecting your photos to hitting publish.

Step 1: Open TikTok and Tap the Plus (+) Icon

Just like creating any other TikTok, start by opening the app and tapping the plus (+) icon at the bottom center of your screen to open the creation camera.

Step 2: Select Your Photos from the "Upload" Menu

In the bottom-right corner of the camera screen, you'll see a button labeled "Upload." Tap on it. This will open your phone’s camera roll. At the top of your camera roll, you'll see tabs for "All," "Videos," and "Photos." Select the "Photos" tab to filter your gallery and make finding your pictures easier.

Step 3: Select Multiple Photos and Turn It Into a Carousel

Now, start tapping on the photos you want in your slideshow. You'll see a small circle in the corner of each image, tap it to add a checkmark and select it. You can select multiple photos in the order you want them to appear. As you select them, a button in the bottom right will pop up saying "Next". A little above that, make sure you've selected "Photo mode." Oftentimes, TikTok defaults to "Video mode," which will stitch your photos into a video with automatic transitions. "Photo mode," in contrast, creates the swipeable carousel that gives the viewer control.

It's generally better to choose Photo mode over Video mode for these posts. The swipe interaction is a big reason they perform so well.

Step 4: Edit Your Slideshow

This is where the creativity comes in. Once you hit "Next," you’ll be taken to the main TikTok editing screen, where you have a ton of options to bring your slideshow to life.

• Add Music: Tap the "Add sound" button at the top of the screen. This is one of the most important steps. Using a trending song can significantly boost your video's reach. Browse the "Recommended" songs or search for a specific track that fits the vibe of your slideshow. Time the reveals in your photos to the beat drops for extra impact.
• Add Text: Tap the "Aa" text icon on the right-hand panel. You can add text overlays to each photo individually to tell a story or provide context. Experiment with different fonts, colors, and backgrounds to make your text easy to read. You can set the duration for each text box, making words appear and disappear as needed.
• Stickers and GIPHYs: Tap the "Stickers" icon to add polls, quizzes, or fun animated GIFs to your post. This is another great way to encourage engagement.
• Filters and Effects: Use the "Filters" icon to adjust the color and mood of your photos. The "Effects" button (to the left of the record button) lets you add creative overlays and animations, though it's best to use them sparingly in a photo slideshow to avoid looking cluttered.

Step 5: Write a Captivating Caption and Add Hashtags

After you’re done editing, tap "Next." Now you're on the final posting screen. Your caption is your chance to hook the viewer and give them a reason to engage. Ask a question, finish the story from your slideshow, or include a clear call-to-action (like "Check the link in my bio!").

Add 3-5 relevant hashtags. Include a mix of broad hashtags (like #DIYproject), niche-specific hashtags (like #ikeahacks), and potentially a trending hashtag if it fits your content. A good starting point is always to include #fyp to signal you're trying to get on the For You page.

Step 6: Adjust Settings and Post!

Before you hit the final "Post" button, you can choose a cover image for your slideshow, tag other accounts, and add a location. Once everything looks good, go ahead and post it.

Creative Ideas for Your First TikTok Slideshow

Knowing how to make a slideshow is one thing, knowing what to make is another. Here are some proven ideas that work across nearly any niche to get your creative juices flowing.

Idea 1: The "Before & After"

This format is pure gold for showing transformation. It works for an incredible range of topics:

• Fitness: Before and after a workout program.
• Home Improvement: The state of a room before and after renovation.
• Beauty: A "no makeup" photo followed by a finished look.
• Business: An old logo or website vs. the new design.

Use the first photo to show the "before," then build suspense with a text overlay like "wait for it..." before revealing the final result in the subsequent photos.

Idea 2: Teachable Listicles or Mini-Tutorials

Photo slideshows are perfect for education. Because viewers can swipe at their own pace, it’s a great way to deliver step-by-step instructions or bite-sized tips. For example:

• Chef/Foodie: A slideshow showing the key ingredients for a recipe, followed by each step of the process.
• Marketing Expert: "5 Common Mistakes Businesses Make on Social Media," with each mistake getting its own slide.
• Photographer: "3 Quick Tips for Better Smartphone Photos," where each slide explains a different technique with an example photo.

Idea 3: The Photo a Day or "Photo Dump" recap

These formats are low-stress and highly relatable ways to share your life or brand journey. Gather a series of seemingly candid photos from a specific day, week, or event and pair them with a trending sound. Think of it as a mini-photo album that captures a feeling or a moment in time.

Examples include "My weekly camera roll," "Photos from our marketing summit," or "A cozy weekend in photos." This casual style helps build a personal connection with your audience.

Idea 4: Meme and Text-Based Trends

Many TikTok trends are based on text overlays set to a specific viral sound. Photo mode is perfect for these since you can just use a plain background and let the text and music do the work. Keep an eye on your For You Page for sounds that are paired with stories or commentary and create your own version that relates to your niche.

Quick Tips to Make Your Slideshows Better

You've got the how-to and the ideas. Now, here are a few pro tips to make sure your slideshows stop the scroll and get the engagement they deserve.

1. Prioritize High-Quality Images

This can't be stressed enough. Blurry, poorly lit, or low-resolution images will make people swipe away instantly. Make sure your photos are sharp, clear, and visually appealing. You don't need a fancy camera - modern smartphone cameras are more than capable - but pay attention to lighting and composition.

2. Stick to the 9:16 Vertical Format

TikTok is a vertical platform. For the best viewing experience, crop your photos to a 9:16 aspect ratio before you even upload them to the app. Photos in horizontal or square formats will have awkward black bars around them and won't fill the screen, taking away from the immersive feel.

3. Use Sound to Drive the Narrative

Music on TikTok is more than just background noise, it's a core part of the content. Use a trending sound to increase your chances of being discovered, and try to match the pacing of your photo reveals to the beat of the music. A satisfying photo transition timed perfectly with a beat drop can make all the difference.

4. Tell a Simple Story

Your slideshow should have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Start with a hook in the first photo that grabs attention and makes people want to see what's next. Build up the narrative in the middle slides and deliver a punchline, reveal, or satisfying conclusion in the final photo.

Final Thoughts

There you have it - everything you need to master the art of the TikTok photo slideshow. It’s an incredibly versatile format that lets you create compelling content quickly, making it a valuable addition to any content strategy. Experiment with different styles and ideas, pay attention to what resonates with your audience, and have fun with it.

Once you get into a groove with creating content like slideshows and videos, keeping your posting schedule consistent is the next challenge. We built Postbase specifically for the modern world of social media, with a visual calendar that makes planning your TikToks, Reels, and Shorts feel organized and effortless. Instead of scrambling for what to post next, you can schedule everything in advance - video, carousels, and all - and feel confident that your content is going out exactly when it should.