How to Make a Slideshow on TikTok: Step-by-Step Guide (Photo Mode & Templates)

TikTok offers two ways to make a slideshow: a swipeable Photo Mode carousel and a template-based video slideshow. Both are built inside the app. Which one you use depends on how you want viewers to interact with your content.

How to Make a Slideshow on TikTok (Quick Answer)

Here is the fastest path using Photo Mode:

Tap the + icon → tap Upload → select multiple photos
Tap Next → switch to Photo Mode at the bottom of the screen
Add text, filters, or stickers to individual slides
Tap Add Sound and choose your audio
Write your caption, add hashtags, and tap Post

That is the core process. The sections below cover each step in full detail, along with the template method, PC limitations, and fixes for common issues.

Two Ways to Make a TikTok Slideshow — Pick the Right One First

Not all TikTok slideshows work the same way. Before you start tapping, it helps to know what you are actually building. According to Wikipedia, TikTok hosts user-submitted content ranging from short clips to multi-image posts — and the slideshow formats fall into two distinct categories.

Photo Mode — Swipeable Carousel

Photo Mode creates a post where viewers manually swipe through up to 35 images. The audio plays continuously while they swipe. Because the viewer has to interact with each slide, this format tends to hold attention longer than a standard video. The TikTok algorithm treats that manual interaction as a positive signal.

In practice, creators who use Photo Mode for tutorials, product reveals, or multi-step content typically report stronger comment and save rates than equivalent video posts — though results vary by niche and audience.

Template Slideshow — Automatic Video

Templates turn your photos into an auto-playing video with built-in transitions and preloaded audio. The viewer does not need to swipe. It is simpler to set up but offers less interactivity, and most practitioners find it delivers lower completion rates than Photo Mode.

Photo Mode vs. Template Slideshow — At a Glance

Feature	Photo Mode	Template Slideshow
Format output	Swipeable carousel	Auto-play video
Max images	Up to 35	Template-dependent
Audio behavior	Plays full duration while swiping	Synced to video length
Viewer interaction	Manual swipe required	Passive viewing
Text per slide	Yes — individually editable	Limited by template
Best for	Engagement, storytelling, tutorials	Quick posts, beginners
Desktop support	Mobile only	Yes (via video upload)

How to Make a Swipeable TikTok Slideshow Using Photo Mode

This is the method most creators use. Go through each step in order — skipping Step 3 is the most common reason slideshows post incorrectly.

Step 1 — Open TikTok and Tap the + Icon

Open the TikTok app. Make sure it is updated to the latest version — older versions sometimes do not show the Photo Mode toggle at all. Tap the + button at the bottom centre of the screen.

Step 2 — Tap Upload and Select Multiple Photos

Tap Upload (bottom right of the creation screen). Your camera roll opens. Look for the Select Multiple option and tap it.

Choose up to 35 photos. The order in which you tap them is the order they will appear in your slideshow — so think through your sequence before selecting. For best display quality, use images at 9:16 aspect ratio (1080 x 1920px). Landscape or square images will have black bars or cropping applied.

Step 3 — Switch to Photo Mode (Do Not Skip This)

After tapping Next, TikTok defaults to Video mode. This is where most people go wrong.

Look at the bottom of the screen for a prompt to Switch to Photo Mode. Tap it. You will know it worked when small dots appear below the image preview — each dot represents a separate, swipeable slide.

If you skip this step, your photos will be stitched into a video and posted as a regular video clip. Not a carousel. You would need to start over.

Step 4 — Add Text to Each Individual Slide

This is how you add text to a TikTok slideshow — and it works differently from regular video text overlays.

Tap a specific slide thumbnail at the bottom of the screen to select it. Then tap the Text tool. Whatever text you add applies only to that slide. You can set the font, colour, size, and alignment individually per slide.

A few things that work well in practice: high-contrast text (white on dark backgrounds, dark on light) stays readable as viewers swipe quickly. Keep each slide to one or two short lines. Walls of text cause drop-off.

You can also reorder slides at this stage by pressing and holding a thumbnail and dragging it to a new position.

Step 5 — Apply Filters and Stickers Per Slide

Filters and stickers can be applied to individual slides or across all slides depending on the option selected. If you apply a global filter, preview how it looks across varied photos — what works on a bright outdoor shot may look flat on an indoor image.

Visual consistency across slides keeps the slideshow feeling intentional rather than patched together.

Step 6 — Add Audio

Tap Add Sound at the top of the screen. The audio you choose will play continuously for the entire duration the viewer spends swiping — it does not reset between slides.

One thing worth knowing: you cannot change the audio after the slideshow is posted. If you realise you picked the wrong track, you will need to delete the post and re-upload.

If you are posting as a brand or business account, use audio from TikTok's Commercial Music Library.

Standard trending sounds are often restricted for commercial use, and using them incorrectly can lead to your audio being muted after posting.

Step 7 — Select a Cover Image

Before posting, TikTok lets you choose a cover image — the thumbnail that appears on your profile grid and in search results. By default it uses your first slide, but you can change it.

This matters more than most people realise. Your cover image is what viewers see before they decide to tap. A blurry or uninformative cover can suppress clicks even if the content itself is strong.

Step 8 — Enable Auto-Captions (Optional but Worth It)

TikTok has a native auto-caption feature that generates text captions from your audio. For slideshows, this is useful both for accessibility and for viewers watching without sound.

As reported by TechCrunch, TikTok launched auto-captions to help hard-of-hearing and deaf users engage with content — and the feature has since expanded across languages and content formats. Toggle it on before posting — it takes seconds and is easy to overlook.

Neither method of creating slideshows automatically enables this. You have to turn it on manually each time.

Step 9 — Write Your Caption, Add Hashtags, and Post

Keep your caption short and direct. Include a clear call to action — something like "swipe to see all steps" or "comment below if this helped." Captions that prompt a specific action tend to perform better than descriptive ones.

For hashtags, a mix of niche-specific tags and broader reach tags works better than stacking only high-volume generic ones. Three to five relevant hashtags is a reasonable starting point.

If you are not ready to post, save as a draft. In most current versions of the app, Photo Mode settings are retained in drafts — but it is worth double-checking before you close the app, as this behaviour has varied across app updates.

How to Make a TikTok Slideshow Using Templates

Templates are the faster, simpler route. You get less control but more automation.

Step 1 — Tap the + Icon and Select Templates

Tap + at the bottom of the screen. Along the bottom row of creation options, tap Templates.

Step 2 — Choose a Template That Matches Your Photo Count

Each template is built for a specific number of photos. If you pick a template designed for 6 images and try to use 9, it will not fit correctly. Browse templates and note the photo count shown on each one before selecting.

Step 3 — Add Photos, Adjust Audio and Effects

Once you select a template, add your photos in order. The template applies its own transitions, timing, and audio automatically. You can swap the audio if needed, but the timing is largely fixed by the template structure.

Step 4 — Preview Carefully Before Posting

Watch the full preview before posting. Filters and transitions can look different in motion than they appear on a static thumbnail. A 10-second preview can save you from re-uploading.

Step 5 — Post or Save as Draft

When you are satisfied, post or save. Template slideshows post as video files, so they are compatible with the desktop uploader if needed.

When Templates Work Better Than Photo Mode

Templates make sense when you need a quick post, when you are new to TikTok creation, or when you specifically want automatic transitions without manual swiping. For anything requiring per-slide control or higher engagement, Photo Mode is the stronger choice.

How to Make a TikTok Slideshow on a PC or Desktop

The short answer: you cannot create a swipeable Photo Mode carousel from a desktop. That option only exists in the mobile app.

The Core Limitation

TikTok's desktop browser uploader does not include the Photo Mode switch. When you upload multiple images via desktop, they either post as individual images or get compiled into a video — not a swipeable carousel.

The Workaround — Build a Video Slideshow Externally

Create your slideshow as a video file using external tools — CapCut, Adobe Premiere, PowerPoint, or Keynote all work. Set your own timing, transitions, and text overlays, then export as an MP4.

Upload that file through the TikTok desktop browser uploader. The result looks like a slideshow but functions as a standard video. You lose the swipe interaction, but production quality can be higher since you are working with full desktop editing tools.

Scheduling from Desktop

Third-party scheduling tools can handle video slideshow uploads from desktop. What they cannot do is create or schedule a Photo Mode carousel — that remains a mobile-only feature at the time of writing.

TikTok Slideshow Not Working? Common Fixes

Photo Mode Switch Not Appearing

The most likely cause is an outdated app version. Update TikTok, restart the app, and try again. In some regions or on certain account types, Photo Mode may not yet be available — this is worth checking in TikTok's help centre for your specific region.

Slideshow Posted as a Video Instead of a Carousel

You skipped the Photo Mode toggle in Step 3. There is no way to fix this after posting — delete the post, re-select your photos, and switch to Photo Mode before proceeding.

Slides Appearing Out of Order

Re-tap your photos in the correct sequence from the start, or use the thumbnail drag-to-reorder feature in the editing stage.

Audio Muted or Restricted After Posting

This usually means the audio you used is not licensed for your account type. Business accounts must use the Commercial Music Library. If your audio gets muted post-publish, you will need to re-upload with a permitted track.

Template Out of Sync With Audio

This happens when your photo count does not match the template's design. Re-select a template that matches your exact number of images.

TikTok Slideshow Best Practices to Improve Reach and Completion Rate

Getting the mechanics right is only half of it. How you structure and present the content determines whether people swipe through or scroll past.

Keep Slide Count Between 5 and 10

Longer slideshows see steeper drop-off. In practice, slideshows with 5 to 10 slides consistently see better completion rates than those stretching to 20 or more. The algorithm weights completion, so fewer, tighter slides usually outperform longer ones.

Lead With a Strong First Slide Hook

Your first slide determines whether anyone swipes at all. Bold text with a clear promise or question — "Here is what your landlord does not tell you" or "Swipe to see the before and after" — works better than a decorative opener.

Follow the Hook → Value → CTA Structure

Slide 1: Hook. Middle slides: the actual value or information. Final slide: a specific instruction. This structure keeps the slideshow purposeful rather than a string of disconnected images.

Use Trending, Licensed Audio

Audio that is currently trending on TikTok gets your slideshow surfaced on the sound's discovery page. Check TikTok's trending sounds weekly and pick something appropriate for your content. Brands must use the Commercial Music Library regardless of what is trending.

End With a Clear Call to Action

The last slide should tell the viewer exactly what to do next: "Follow for more," "Comment your answer below," or "Link in bio for the full breakdown." Vague endings waste the engagement you built across the previous slides.

TikTok Slideshow Best Practices — Quick Reference

Practice	Why It Matters	Recommended Action
Slide count: 5–10	Higher completion rate	Cut low-value slides
Strong first slide	Decides whether viewer swipes	Bold text + clear promise
Hook → Value → CTA	Guides viewer through content	Plan order before creating
Trending audio	Increases discovery	Check trending sounds weekly
Visual consistency	Reduces friction while swiping	Use consistent font and palette
Final slide CTA	Drives measurable action	"Comment X" or "Link in bio"
Cover image	Affects profile grid clicks	Pick your most striking slide

Conclusion

Photo Mode gives you a swipeable carousel with per-slide editing and stronger engagement potential. Templates are faster but less flexible. Use Photo Mode for content that benefits from interaction and templates when speed matters more than control.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many photos can you add to a TikTok slideshow?

Photo Mode supports up to 35 photos. Template slideshows support fewer images — the exact number depends on the template you choose.

Why is the Photo Mode option not showing on my TikTok?

Usually an outdated app. Update TikTok and try again. Some regions or account types may have limited access to Photo Mode.

Can I add different text to each slide in a TikTok slideshow?

Yes — in Photo Mode, text is added per slide individually. In template slideshows, text options are more limited and depend on the template design.

Can I change the audio after posting a TikTok slideshow?

No. Audio cannot be edited after posting. If you need to change it, delete the post and re-upload with the correct audio selected.

What is the best image size for a TikTok slideshow?

9:16 vertical orientation at 1080 x 1920px works best for full-screen display. Other ratios will result in cropping or black bars.