How to Make a Slideshow on TikTok (with 5 Best Practices)

  • 2024-08-26
  • Serra Ardem
How to Make a Slideshow on TikTok (with 5 Best Practices)

TikTok is much more than trending challenges and viral dances, as there are multiple ways to create awesome content on the platform. Picture slideshows are one of them, which can be great for weaving compelling stories through a sequence of images.

In this blog, we will:

  • Explain TikTok’s slideshow feature
  • Guide you on how to make a slideshow on TikTok step-by-step
  • List 10 creative ways to use TikTok slideshows
  • Share best practices on how to make a slideshow on TikTok

Let’s get started.

What is TikTok’s slideshow feature?

TikTok’s slideshow feature allows you to combine and share multiple photos in a single post. It is similar to the carousel posts of Instagram.

A hand holding a smartphone that shows the TikTok logo.

With this feature, users can:

  • Upload photos to create a cohesive slideshow, which can be particularly beneficial for storytelling or displaying a collection.
  • Customize the order of their photos.
  • Apply filters, effects, and text overlays to enhance their slideshows.
  • Add background music or sound effects from TikTok’s library, or use their own audio.

In short, TikTok picture slideshows are not only visually appealing but also dynamic. With customization options, they enable users to add a personal touch and capture their audience’s attention.

How to Make a Slideshow on TikTok Step-by-Step

Now let’s go over the steps on how to make a slideshow on TikTok, which is a very simple process.

1. Open the TikTok app and tap the “+” sign in the middle of the navigation bar.

2. Tap the square icon in the bottom right side of your screen. (It displays the last image in your camera roll and will let you access the photos in your device.)

3. You will be directed to your camera roll. Tap the circle on the images you want to include in the slideshow. Make sure the “Select multiple” option is checked. Then tap “Next”.

4. TikTok will automatically create a slideshow with your images. You can edit it in the following ways:

-To rearrange the order of the photos, just long-press and drag them into your desired sequence.
-To add text, stickers and filters, or crop the photo, use the icons on the right side of the screen.
-To change background music, tap the sound (indicated by a note icon) at the top of the photo.

5. Tap “Next”. You will be directed to the final section, where you can:

-Add a title and description.
-Insert hashtags and location.
-Adjust privacy settings (who can view the post).
-Label the content as AI-generated.

6. Tap “Post” when everything is ready.

Ta-da! That’s how easy it is to make a photo slideshow on TikTok.

Tip: The best way to enrich your TikTok profile is to use a variety of content formats. The good news is that Maestra is now on TikTok App Center, which means that you can log in to Maestra’s editing tools directly from the center when creating videos. Feel free to get AI-powered transcripts, add subtitles, generate voiceovers, or clone your voice to boost the accessibility and reach of your content.

10 Creative Ways to Use TikTok Picture Slideshows

TikTok picture slideshows can be beneficial for a variety of creators and purposes. Let’s take a look at the different ways you can use them:

  • Storytelling: Whether you want to document a day in your life or tell a fictional story, TikTok slides can help you craft a compelling narrative by using a sequence of images. Don’t forget to add text overlays to guide your audience through the storyline.
  • Tutorials: Break down complex processes into easily digestible steps. This works well for DIY projects or any other instructional content where visual demonstration is key.
  • Product showcases: For businesses and influencers, learning how to make a slideshow on TikTok can help them highlight a product. A photo slideshow can display different angles and features of a product, offering a more comprehensive view.
  • Memes and humor: TikTok slideshows are ideal for memes, which thrive on quick and impactful delivery. Use them to share relatable moments that will make people laugh, and insert an element of surprise with the final image.
  • Brand journeys: Document the journey of your brand from its inception to its current success. Celebrate achievements, emphasize values (such as social responsibility or sustainability), and connect with your audience on a more personal level.
  • Mood boards: This is a great way to inspire followers and convey a harmonious visual identity around themes. Utilize slideshows to create mood boards for different topics such as travel, fashion, and lifestyle.
  • Event highlights: Whether it’s a personal celebration or a public gathering, slideshows are excellent for recapping events. Curate the best moments from the event, share user-generated content, or promote future gatherings.
  • Before and after comparisons: Master how to make a slideshow on TikTok to reveal transformations. This is especially powerful in case of fitness journeys, makeup tutorials, and home renovations.
  • Behind the scenes: Why not give viewers a glimpse into your world? Share behind-the-scenes content (it can be the process of creating a product or planning an event), and build transparency and trust.
  • Portfolio showcases: TikTok slideshows can serve as a dynamic portfolio for artists, photographers, or designers. Attract potential clients by presenting your best work with a cohesive, attention-grabbing presentation.
A smartphone showing a TikTok profile.

Best Practices for Making TikTok Slideshows with Pictures

Before we conclude our blog on how to make a slideshow on TikTok, we want to list 5 best practices you can adopt during this process. These will not only help you create more effective content but also enhance your overall TikTok strategy:

  • Keep it concise. TikTok’s fast-paced nature demands brevity. This will ensure that you capture and retain your audience’s attention, delivering your message without dragging it out.
  • Have a logical sequence. Organize your images in a smooth order to guide your viewers. This will make your message easier to follow and keep your audience engaged.
  • Show your unique style. Infuse your TikTok slideshows with your personal brand. A consistent choice of text overlays and color schemes can make your brand recognizable and memorable in this competitive landscape.
  • Optimize your slideshow for engagement. Have a call-to-action (CTA) in the final image to ask your viewers to comment, share, and follow. Feel free to experiment with different CTAs to see what resonates with your audience.
  • Analyze the performance of your slideshow. After posting, review performance metrics such as views, likes, shares, and comments. This will help you refine future slideshows for engagement and reach.
Man holding a smartphone, representing how to make a slideshow on TikTok with pictures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many slides can you use on TikTok?

As of August 2024, you can add a maximum number of 35 photos/slides. However, it’s important to note that TikTok’s limits can change over time, and we may see updates or adjustments to these constraints in the future.

What is the best photo size for TikTok?

For TikTok slideshows, the ideal size is 1080 x 1920 pixels, which corresponds to a 9:16 aspect ratio. This is also the standard for vertical videos on TikTok. Using this size will fit the platform’s format and avoid any cropping or distortion of your images.

Do slideshows do well on TikTok?

Yes, they can definitely perform well. The crucial steps are to choose high-quality images, arrange them in a logical order, and add relevant sound and text. In short, learning how to make a slideshow on TikTok can boost your visibility and contribute to your presence on the platform.

How can I get more views on TikTok slideshows?

To get more views on TikTok slideshows, you can optimize your post for the algorithm by using trending sounds and hashtags. Cross-promotion can also help, so you can share your TikTok slideshow on other social media platforms. Finally, posting the slideshow when your target audience is most active can maximize exposure.

Why can’t I upload photos on TikTok?

There may be several reasons if you can’t upload photos on TikTok. First, make sure TikTok has the necessary permissions to access your photos. See if there are any restrictions on your account that might prevent uploads. It is also possible that the app might be experiencing technical problems. In that case, you can check if other users are facing the same issue.

Summary

This blog shared a step-by-step tutorial on how to make a slideshow on TikTok. It also listed 10 formats for using TikTok slideshows creatively and outlined the best practices to adopt during this process.

Just like videos, it’s crucial to choose high-quality visuals, write engaging captions, and add relevant audio when creating slideshows on TikTok. Yet the most important thing is to express your unique style, which is the key to building a memorable presence on the platform. So have fun with TikTok slideshows and use them to let your imagination run wild.

Serra Ardem

About Serra Ardem

Serra Ardem is a freelance writer and editor based in Istanbul. For the last 8 years, she has been collaborating with brands and businesses to tell their unique story and develop their verbal identity.