How to Make a Slideshow on TikTok: Complete Tutorial (2025)

Quick Answer: To make a slideshow on TikTok, open the app, tap "+", select "Upload", choose multiple photos, arrange them in order, add music and effects, then post. TikTok supports both swipeable slideshows (users control pace) and auto-play slideshows (automatic transitions) using up to 35 photos.

Last Updated: October 7, 2025

Swipeable vs Non-Swipeable Slideshows

TikTok offers two types of photo slideshows, each suited for different content styles:

Swipeable Slideshows

• User Control: Viewers manually swipe through your photos at their own pace
• Best for: Product catalogs, step-by-step tutorials, text-heavy content, before/after comparisons
• Benefits: Allows viewers to spend more time on important images
• Up to 35 photos supported

Non-Swipeable (Auto-Play) Slideshows

• Automatic: Photos transition automatically like a video
• Best for: Storytelling, aesthetic content, before/after reveals, emotional narratives
• Benefits: Syncs perfectly with music beats for cohesive viewing experience
• Uses TikTok's built-in templates with effects

Which should you choose? Use swipeable for informational content where viewers need time to read or examine details. Use auto-play for entertainment or emotional content where flow and music timing matter most.

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Open TikTok & Start Creating

Launch the app and tap the plus button

Detailed Steps:

1. Open the TikTok app on your phone
2. Tap the "+" button at the bottom center of your screen
3. You'll see the camera screen open up

Make sure you have the latest version of TikTok installed for all features

Step 2: Select Photo Mode

Choose "Upload" and select multiple photos

Detailed Steps:

1. Tap "Upload" at the bottom right of the recording screen
2. Switch to the "Photos" tab at the top
3. Select multiple photos (up to 35) in the order you want them
4. Tap "Next" when you've selected all your photos

Pro tip: Select photos in reverse order if you want to rearrange them easily later

Step 3: Arrange Your Photos

Organize photos in the perfect order

Detailed Steps:

1. Drag and drop photos to reorder them
2. Tap on individual photos to adjust their duration
3. Use the "Sync to sound" option for automatic timing
4. Preview your slideshow before proceeding

Step 4: Add Music & Effects

Choose trending sounds and transitions

Detailed Steps:

1. Tap "Sounds" at the top of the screen
2. Browse trending sounds or search for specific tracks
3. Preview sounds by tapping the play button
4. Tap "Use this sound" when you find the perfect match
5. Adjust the starting point of the music if needed

Step 5: Add Text & Stickers

Enhance with captions and visual elements

Detailed Steps:

1. Tap "Text" to add captions
2. Choose font style, color, and alignment
3. Set duration for each text overlay
4. Add stickers, effects, and filters as desired
5. Use the "Voiceover" option for narration if needed

Step 6: Publish Your Slideshow

Add hashtags and share with the world

Detailed Steps:

1. Add a catchy caption describing your slideshow
2. Include relevant hashtags (5-8 recommended)
3. Tag friends or brands if relevant
4. Choose privacy settings and allow comments/duets
5. Tap "Post" to share your slideshow!

Schedule your post for peak hours using SocialRails for maximum engagement

Pro Tips for Viral Slideshows

⭐ Post During Peak Hours

Post when your specific audience is most active. Common high-engagement times include mornings (6-10am) and evenings (7-11pm), but check your TikTok analytics for your audience's patterns.

🎵 Trending Sounds Strategy

Choose sounds with substantial usage (100K+ uses) to tap into existing trends and improve discoverability through TikTok's algorithm. Browse TikTok's "Trending" sounds section daily.

⏰ Perfect Photo Timing

Set photo duration to 0.5-1 second for energetic, fast-paced content. Use 1-2 seconds for emotional or text-heavy slides where viewers need more time.

📸 Optimal Photo Count

Use 7-15 photos for balanced engagement. Fewer than 7 may feel too brief; more than 15 can lose viewer attention. Match your photo count to your story's natural length.

Popular Slideshow Templates

Before & After

Perfect for transformations, fitness journeys, home makeovers, and skill progression

• Best as: Swipeable slideshow (viewers compare at their own pace)
• Photo count: 4-8 photos
• Tip: Start with "before," show process, end with dramatic "after"

Story Time

Great for narratives, travel adventures, day-in-the-life content

• Best as: Auto-play slideshow
• Photo count: 10-15 photos
• Tip: Sync photo transitions to music beats for emotional impact

Product Showcase

Ideal for businesses, e-commerce, product features

• Best as: Swipeable slideshow (viewers examine details)
• Photo count: 5-10 photos
• Tip: Include pricing, features, and call-to-action text overlays

Tutorial Steps

Educational content, DIY projects, recipes, how-to guides

• Best as: Swipeable slideshow (viewers need time to read)
• Photo count: 6-12 photos
• Tip: Number each step clearly and keep text concise

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using low-quality or blurry photos ❌ Ignoring aspect ratio (9:16 is best) ❌ Too fast or slow transitions ❌ Not syncing with music beats ❌ Forgetting to add hashtags

Common Slideshow Problems & Solutions

Photos Appear Blurry or Pixelated

Cause: Low-resolution images or heavy compression during upload Solutions:

• Use photos with minimum 1080 x 1920 pixel resolution
• Compress images to under 30MB each before uploading
• Avoid over-filtered photos that lose quality in processing
• Export photos at highest quality from your editing app
• Ensure good lighting when taking original photos

Slideshow Won't Upload or Keeps Failing

Cause: File size issues, format incompatibility, or app glitches Solutions:

• Update TikTok app to the latest version in your app store
• Ensure all photos are in JPEG or PNG format (not HEIC or RAW)
• Reduce total file size if uploading many high-resolution photos
• Check your internet connection stability (switch to WiFi if on cellular)
• Clear TikTok app cache: Settings → Clear Cache → Try again
• Restart the TikTok app completely and try uploading again

Music Out of Sync with Photo Transitions

Cause: Manual timing doesn't match music beats Solutions:

• Use TikTok's built-in "Sync to sound" feature for automatic timing
• Preview multiple times and adjust photo duration manually
• Set photo duration to 0.5-1 second for fast-paced songs
• Use 1-2 seconds per photo for slower, emotional music
• Try TikTok templates which have pre-synced timing

Can't Find Slideshow/Photo Mode Option

Cause: Outdated app version or regional limitations Solutions:

• Update to latest TikTok version (Photo Mode added in 2022)
• Look for "Upload" button instead of "Photo" in older versions
• If unavailable, create slideshow in external app (CapCut, InShot) and upload as video
• Check if feature is available in your region

Photos Display in Wrong Order

Cause: Selection order or accidental reordering Solutions:

• Select photos in the exact order you want them displayed
• Use the drag-and-drop feature to reorder before finalizing
• Number your photos before uploading if creating a sequence
• Preview thoroughly before posting (can't edit order after posting)

Advanced Slideshow Techniques

Master Smooth Transitions

Fade Transitions

Best for emotional or aesthetic content. Creates a dreamy flow between images.

Slide Transitions

Perfect for before/after or comparison content. Keeps viewers engaged.

Zoom Transitions

Great for product reveals or dramatic moments. Adds energy to your slideshow.

Beat Sync

Match transitions to music beats for viral-worthy content.

Visual Effects That Pop

Filters

Use consistent filters across all photos for cohesive look

Ken Burns Effect

Add subtle zoom/pan to static images for movement

Speed Ramping

Vary photo duration for emphasis on key moments

Perfect Timing Formula

• Introduction (1-2 photos): 1-2 seconds each
• Build-up (3-5 photos): 0.5-1 second each
• Climax (2-3 photos): 1-1.5 seconds each
• Resolution (1-2 photos): 1-2 seconds each

Compelling Story Arcs

The Transformation Arc

Show a clear before → process → after sequence. Perfect for makeovers, DIY, fitness.

The Journey Arc

Take viewers through an experience chronologically. Great for travel, events, daily routines.

The Reveal Arc

Build suspense leading to a surprise ending. Ideal for product launches, announcements.

Best Practices for Success

1. Choose high-quality photos with good lighting and composition
2. Maintain consistent aspect ratio (9:16 vertical format)
3. Use trending sounds to increase discoverability
4. Keep transitions smooth and synchronized with music
5. Add engaging text overlays to provide context
6. Include relevant hashtags for better reach
7. Post at optimal times when your audience is active

Tools and Apps for Enhancement

In-App TikTok Features

• Built-in photo slideshow creator
• Text and sticker options
• Basic transition effects
• Music library integration

External Editing Apps

• CapCut: Advanced editing with custom transitions
• InShot: Simple slideshow creation with effects
• Canva: Design elements and templates
• VSCO: Professional photo filtering

Frequently Asked Questions

How many photos can I use in a TikTok slideshow?

You can use up to 35 photos in a single TikTok slideshow. However, 7-15 photos typically work best for optimal engagement, as they provide enough content without losing viewer attention.

What's the best photo duration for TikTok slideshows?

Set photo duration to 0.5-1 second for best flow. Introduction photos can be 1-2 seconds, build-up photos 0.5-1 second, and climax moments 1-1.5 seconds for emphasis.

Can I add my own music to TikTok slideshows?

Yes, you can add music from TikTok's library or use original sounds. For best reach, choose trending sounds with 100K+ uses, as these get better algorithm promotion.

What aspect ratio should my photos be for TikTok slideshows?

Use 9:16 vertical format for best results on TikTok. This fills the entire screen and provides the most engaging viewing experience for mobile users.

Why are my slideshow photos blurry on TikTok?

Ensure your photos are high-resolution and well-lit before uploading. Compress images to under 30MB each, and avoid heavily filtered photos that may lose quality during upload.

When is the best time to post TikTok slideshows?

Post during peak hours: 6-10am and 7-11pm for maximum reach. Tuesday through Thursday typically see the highest engagement rates for slideshow content.

Can I edit my slideshow after posting on TikTok?

No, you cannot edit slideshows after posting. You'll need to delete the video and create a new one with your desired changes. Plan your slideshow carefully before posting.

How do I make my TikTok slideshow go viral?

Use trending sounds, create compelling story arcs, post at optimal times, include text overlays for context, and focus on emotional content that encourages sharing and engagement.

What makes a good slideshow story on TikTok?

The best slideshows follow clear story arcs: transformation (before/after), journey (chronological experience), or reveal (building to surprise ending). Keep it emotionally engaging throughout.

Ready to Create Viral Slideshows?

TikTok slideshows are one of the most engaging content formats on the platform. With the right photos, timing, and music, your slideshow can reach millions of viewers and significantly boost your engagement rates.

Start experimenting with different styles and techniques to find what resonates with your audience. Remember, the best slideshows tell a compelling story and connect emotionally with viewers.