How to Talk Over a Picture on TikTok

Talking over a picture on TikTok is one of the most effective ways to tell a story, share an opinion, or teach something new without needing a full video setup. This guide will walk you through exactly how to do it using two simple methods, from using the Green Screen effect for a single image to creating a multi-photo slideshow. We'll also cover tips to make your content stop the scroll and get new followers.

Why Talking Over Pictures is a Winning TikTok Strategy

You’ve probably seen these videos all over your For You Page: a creator’s face floating over a screenshot of a news article, a funny tweet, an old family photo, or a stock image. This format is popular for a simple reason: it works.

Here’s why it’s so powerful:

• It’s highly personal and direct. The format feels like a FaceTime call with a knowledgeable friend. By putting your face and voice directly over a visual aid, you create a strong connection with the viewer. It's direct, establishes you as the narrator, and builds authority or relatability.
• It's perfect for storytelling. Whether you’re sharing a personal anecdote, breaking down a complex topic, or reacting to a celebrity moment, the image provides visual context while your voice drives the narrative forward. It’s a simple way to create compelling, long-form content using just one static background.
• It's incredibly simple to produce. You don't need a fancy camera, a clean room, or complicated editing software. All you need is your phone, a picture, and your voice. This low barrier to entry means you can quickly create content about trending topics or ideas as they come to you.
• It’s versatile. The "talk over a picture" format can be used for almost any niche:
  • Commentary: Discussing a viral tweet, a Reddit post, or a news headline.
  • Education: Explaining a concept using a diagram, chart, or historical photo.
  • Reviews: Sharing your thoughts on a product, movie, or book with the image in the background.
  • Personal Stories: Recounting a memory with an old photo as your backdrop.

Mastering this simple technique gives you a reliable format for creating an endless stream of engaging content without the normal pressures of high-production video.

Method 1: Using the Green Screen Effect for a Single Picture

The easiest way to talk over a single image is by using TikTok's built-in Green Screen effect. This places a smaller video of you on top of the image, which acts as the background. It's perfect for commentary and reaction-style videos.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open TikTok and Start a New Video
2. Tap the plus (+) icon at the bottom center of the screen to open the camera.
4. Find the Green Screen Effect
5. To the left of the red record button, tap on "Effects." This will open TikTok's extensive effects library. In the search bar at the top, type "Green Screen" or look for the trending green screen icon - it typically looks like a landscape photo with a person outlined in front of it.
7. Select Your Picture
8. Once you select the Green Screen effect, your phone's photo library will appear at the top half of the screen. Scroll through and tap on the picture you want to use as your background. The photo will now fill the screen behind you.
10. Position and Resize Yourself
11. Your face will appear in a floating box over the background image. You can use your fingers to drag this box around the screen to position it wherever you like. You can also pinch to zoom in or out, making yourself bigger or smaller to avoid covering important parts of the picture.
13. Record Your Video
14. Once you’re in position, press the red record button. You can now talk freely over the image. Remember to speak clearly and directly into your phone’s microphone. You can record one long take or multiple short clips by tapping the record button to start and stop.
16. Edit and Polish Your Video After you’re done recording, tap the red checkmark to move to the editing screen. Here, you can:
    • Add text overlays: Tap the "Text" icon to add captions or call out key points.
    • Add background music: Tap "Add sound" at the top. Find a trending sound and use the Volume controls to lower the music so your voice is still the main audio.
    • Trim your clip: Use the "Adjust clips" function to cut any mistakes from the beginning or end.
17. Post Your TikTok
18. Finish up by writing a caption with relevant hashtags, add a cover photo, and hit "Post." You’re done!

Method 2: Creating a Slideshow with a Voiceover

If you want to talk over multiple pictures in a sequence, creating a photo slideshow with a voiceover is the way to go. This is great for chronological stories, step-by-step tutorials, or list-style videos (e.g., "Top 5 Reasons Why...").

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Start a New TikTok and Go to "Upload"
2. Open the TikTok camera by tapping the plus (+) icon. Instead of using the camera, tap the "Upload" button to the right of the record button.
4. Select Your Pictures and Create a Slideshow
5. In the Upload screen, tap on the "Photos" tab. Select all the images you want to use in your video by tapping the circles in the top-right corner of each photo. They will be added to your slideshow in the order you select them. Once you've chosen all your photos, tap "Next."
7. TikTok will automatically create a video slideshow, often adding a default sound. You can leave it or remove it later.
9. Record Your Voiceover
10. This is the important part. On the editing screen that appears, look for the toolbar on the right side. Tap the downward arrow to reveal more options, then find the microphone icon labeled "Voiceover."
12. A new screen will pop up with your image slideshow timeline at the bottom and a big red record button. Drag the white line on the timeline to where you want your voiceover to begin (usually the very start). Press and hold the record button to speak. The slideshow will play as you record, allowing you to time your words with the pictures as they appear.
14. Pro Tip: You can check a box at the bottom that says "Keep original sound" to lower any existing audio or remove it completely to make your voiceover the only sound.
16. Fine-Tune and Edit After recording your voiceover, tap "Save." You'll be returned to the main editing screen. Now you can make final adjustments:
    • Adjust Clip Duration: Tap "Adjust Clips" to change how long each photo stays on the screen. Drag the edges of each photo clip to make it longer or shorter, ensuring it aligns perfectly with your voiceover.
    • Add Text and Background Music: Just like with the previous method, you can add text to support your narration and layer in some quiet background music to add atmosphere.
17. Post Your Finished Slideshow
18. Add your final caption, hashtags, and a cover image, then share your multi-image story with the world.

Tips for More Engaging Voiceover Videos

Just knowing how to make these videos is only half the battle. Here are a few tips to make sure people actually stop and listen.

• Start with a Strong Hook: The first three seconds are everything. Grab attention immediately with a bold statement, a provocative question, or a surprising fact. For example, instead of saying, "Today I'm going to talk about...," try "You're probably making this one huge mistake with your coffee..."
• Quickly Outline Your Thoughts: You don’t need a full script, but a few bullet points on a notepad can keep you from rambling or using too many "likes" and "ums." It helps keep your message clear, concise, and professional.
• Mind Your Audio Quality: You don't need a professional microphone, but you do need clear audio. Record in a quiet room with minimal background noise. Leaning closer to your phone’s microphone while speaking greatly improves clarity. Bad audio is one of the fastest ways to get someone to swipe away.
• Use On-Screen Text Strategically: Many users watch TikTok without sound. Use text overlays to highlight key phrases, list out points, or add subtitles. This makes your content accessible and helps reinforce your message for viewers who have the sound on.
• Mix Background Music Carefully: Adding a low-volume, trending audio track can improve your video's mood and potentially boost its reach. Go to "Add sound," select your music, then tap on "Volume" on the right-side editing menu. Slide the "Added sound" volume down to 5-10% and keep the "Original sound" (your voice) at 100%.

Final Thoughts

Talking over pictures, whether a single image or a full slideshow, is a simple and endlessly flexible format for creating compelling content on TikTok. By following these steps, you can start explaining, commentating, and telling stories that build a real connection with your audience.

Once you get into a rhythm of creating these picture voiceover TikToks, organizing and scheduling them can become a challenge. We built Postbase because we remember the chaos of managing different content formats that legacy social media tools were never designed for. Creating your TikTok is the fun part, let a modern, video-first tool handle the rest, so you can focus on building your brand without fighting your software.