How to Make TikTok Slideshows That Get 2x More Engagement
Learn how to create TikTok slideshows and photo carousels that get 1.9x more likes than video. Step-by-step guide with specs, best practices, and strategies.
TikTok's own data shows that carousels get 1.9x more likes, 2.9x more comments, and 2.6x more shares than video posts. Yet most creators still default to video for every post.
TikTok slideshows (officially called "Photo Mode") let you share swipeable image carousels of 4-35 photos in a single post. They're faster to create than video, get higher engagement, and rank well in TikTok search. Whether you're a creator testing content ideas or a brand showcasing products, slideshows are one of the most underused formats on the platform.
This guide covers how to create both types of TikTok slideshows, the exact specs you need, what the algorithm rewards, and strategies to maximize engagement.
TL;DR
- TikTok slideshows come in two types: swipeable (Photo Mode) and auto-advancing (Template Mode)
- Photo Mode supports 4-35 images at 1080x1920 px (9:16 vertical)
- Carousels get 81% higher engagement rates than video according to Fanpage Karma
- The algorithm tracks swipe-through completion rate as a key ranking signal
- 5-10 slides is the optimal range for most content
- TikTok's native scheduler does not support carousels -- you need a third-party tool
Quick Jump Links
- What Are TikTok Slideshows?
- How to Create a Swipeable Slideshow
- How to Create an Auto-Advancing Slideshow
- Specs and Dimensions
- Carousels vs Video: Engagement Data
- How the Algorithm Treats Carousels
- Best Practices
- Music and Audio
- Business and Marketing Use Cases
- How to Schedule Slideshows
- Going Viral with Slideshows
- Troubleshooting
- FAQ
What Are TikTok Slideshows?
TikTok slideshows are posts made of multiple still images that viewers can swipe through. TikTok introduced the feature as "Photo Mode" in late 2022, and by February 2024 started actively pushing creators to use it with in-app notifications highlighting the engagement benefits.
There are two distinct types:
Swipeable slideshows (Photo Mode) -- Viewers manually swipe through each image at their own pace. This is the format most people mean when they say "TikTok carousel." Best for tutorials, product details, tips, and educational content.
Auto-advancing slideshows (Template Mode) -- Images automatically transition like a video, timed to music. More passive viewing. Best for event recaps, photo dumps, and aesthetic storytelling.
The key difference matters: Photo Mode gives viewers control and generates swipe-through signals that the algorithm tracks. Template Mode plays like a video and is measured by watch time instead.
Want to understand how TikTok decides what to show on the For You Page? Read our deep dive: How the TikTok Algorithm Works in 2026 -- it explains the ranking signals that directly affect your carousel reach.
How to Create a Swipeable Slideshow (Photo Mode)
This is the method that creates the high-engagement swipeable format:
- Open TikTok and tap the + icon at the bottom
- Tap Upload (bottom right of the creation screen)
- Tap Select Multiple at the bottom of your gallery
- Switch to the Photos tab and choose up to 35 images. The order you tap them is the order they'll appear.
- Tap Next
- Critical step: Look for "Switch to Photo Mode" at the bottom of the editing screen and tap it. If you skip this, TikTok defaults to Template Mode (auto-advancing) instead.
- You'll know you're in Photo Mode when you see small dots below the image preview -- these indicate separate swipeable slides
- Add music by tapping "Add sound", add text overlays, stickers, and filters
- Write your caption (200+ characters recommended for TikTok SEO)
- Add 3-7 relevant hashtags
- Tap Post
The most common mistake: forgetting step 6. If you don't explicitly switch to Photo Mode, your slideshow will auto-advance as a video instead of being swipeable.
How to Create an Auto-Advancing Slideshow (Template Mode)
If you want images to transition automatically with music and effects:
- Open TikTok and tap the + icon
- Tap Upload and select multiple photos
- Choose a Template from TikTok's presets -- these come with pre-selected filters, transitions, and timing
- TikTok auto-applies effects to your images
- Customize by adjusting filters, text, and stickers
- The slideshow plays like a video with automatic transitions synced to the audio
- Write your caption, add hashtags, and post
Template Mode is faster to create but gives you less control and doesn't generate the swipe-through engagement signals that Photo Mode does.
Creating from Desktop
TikTok's web interface allows uploading photos but with limited editing -- no music or effects. Workarounds:
- Create your slideshow as an MP4 video file using tools like CapCut, Canva, or Adobe Premiere at 1080x1920 resolution, then upload via desktop
- Use a third-party social media scheduling tool that supports TikTok carousel scheduling from desktop
TikTok Slideshow Specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Recommended dimensions | 1080 x 1920 px (9:16 vertical) |
| Other supported ratios | 1080 x 1080 (1:1), 1080 x 1350 (4:5) |
| Minimum images | 4 |
| Maximum images | 35 |
| Optimal slide count | 5-10 |
| File formats | JPG, PNG |
| Total file size limit | 500 MB |
| Per-image recommendation | Under 500 KB for smooth loading |
| Carousel ads | Max 10 images, no music, individual CTAs per slide |
Always use 9:16 vertical images for full-screen display. Square (1:1) and 4:5 images work but leave black bars on mobile screens, reducing visual impact.
TikTok Carousels vs Video: The Engagement Data
Multiple studies confirm that carousels significantly outperform video on TikTok:
TikTok's own data (shared when pushing the format to creators):
- 1.9x more likes than video posts
- 2.9x more comments than video posts
- 2.6x more shares than video posts
Fanpage Karma's independent study:
- 81% higher engagement rate for carousels vs. video
- 82% more likes than video posts
- Reach was only ~3% higher (similar to video)
Youthforia (skincare brand) case study:
- Carousel posts see 11% higher reach and more views than their usual video posts
The engagement advantage comes from the format itself -- swiping is an active behavior that signals interest to the algorithm. Each swipe is a micro-engagement that passive video viewing doesn't generate.
One caveat: Fanpage Karma's data found that shares for carousel posts were about a third lower than for video. If your goal is specifically virality through shares, video may still be the better format. For overall engagement (likes, comments, saves), carousels win.
How the TikTok Algorithm Treats Carousels
The TikTok algorithm uses specific signals for carousel content:
Key Ranking Signals
- Swipe-through completion rate -- The percentage of viewers who swipe through all slides. This is the carousel equivalent of video watch time -- the single strongest signal.
- Dwell time per slide -- How long viewers spend on each slide. More time = more interest signal.
- Saves -- Saves carry more weight than likes for carousels because they indicate reference-worthy content.
- Shares via DM -- Like Reels, DM shares are a high-value engagement signal.
- Comments -- Especially replies and conversation threads.
Why Carousels Get Discovery Advantages
- TikTok search optimization: Carousels are often text-heavy and informational, making them ideal for ranking in TikTok's search results. TikTok now scans captions, on-screen text, and even file names for keywords.
- Platform promotion: TikTok has been actively pushing carousels through in-app creator notifications since 2024.
- Re-engagement: If a viewer doesn't swipe through all slides, TikTok may resurface the carousel later -- giving it a second chance at engagement.
TikTok Slideshow Best Practices
The First Slide Is Everything
Your first image is your hook. In a feed of auto-playing videos, a static image needs to stop the scroll immediately. Use:
- A bold, high-contrast visual
- An intriguing question or surprising statistic
- Large, readable text (treat it like a thumbnail)
- A "pattern interrupt" that looks different from surrounding content
Structure Your Content
Follow the Hook → Promise → Value → CTA framework:
- Slide 1 (Hook): Grab attention with a compelling opening
- Slide 2 (Promise): Tell viewers what they'll get ("5 tips to..." or "Here's how to...")
- Slides 3-8 (Value): Deliver clear, actionable content -- one point per slide
- Final slide (CTA): Tell viewers exactly what to do -- follow, save, comment, try the method
Design for Mobile
- Use text large enough to read without zooming
- Keep each slide focused on one point
- Maintain a consistent color scheme and font style throughout
- Leave space around text (don't crowd the edges)
- Design at 1080x1920 px for crisp full-screen display
Content Types That Perform Best
- Do's and don'ts -- best practices vs. common mistakes
- Step-by-step tutorials -- sequential how-to content
- Before and after reveals
- Listicles -- tips or ideas broken into digestible slides
- Product showcases -- multiple angles and features
- Behind-the-scenes -- process, packaging, workspace
Need help generating content ideas and captions? Try PostEverywhere's AI Content Generator to draft carousel copy, hooks, and CTAs in seconds. Start your free trial →
Music and Audio Options
Audio Sources for Slideshows
- TikTok's music library -- Browse and add songs directly in the app
- Trending sounds -- Using trending audio gives an algorithmic visibility boost
- Original audio -- Record your own voiceover or narration
- Custom uploads -- Add existing audio from your library
- Auto-generated sound -- TikTok can automatically generate audio to match your images
Music plays continuously as viewers swipe through slides in Photo Mode. Choose audio that complements your content without distracting from it.
Audio Limitations
- Carousel ads (paid) do not support music -- only organic carousels
- Desktop uploads via tiktok.com don't allow adding music
- Business accounts should check commercial music licensing restrictions
TikTok Slideshows for Business
Marketing Use Cases
- Product launches -- Build anticipation with feature reveals across slides
- Seasonal promotions -- Themed collections and holiday deals
- Educational content -- Industry tips, how-tos, and insights that position you as an expert
- Testimonials -- Customer quotes and results across slides
- Behind-the-scenes -- Packaging, shipping, team processes
- Brand storytelling -- Narrative arcs across multiple images
Real-World Results
Sephora ran successful carousel campaigns during the holiday season showcasing top-selling products, beauty bundles, and new releases. Youthforia found their carousels consistently outperformed video in reach.
For TikTok Shop sellers, carousel ads support up to 10 images with individual CTAs per slide -- meaning each product image can link to its own purchase page. 14% of TikTok ad impressions now come from carousel-style ad formats.
Lower Production Cost
Unlike video, carousels don't require filming, lighting, or editing. A well-designed set of images in Canva or even screenshots with text overlays can outperform a polished video. This makes carousels ideal for teams that want to post consistently without a video production workflow.
How to Schedule TikTok Slideshows
TikTok's native scheduler does not support carousel/Photo Mode posts -- it only works with video content. To schedule slideshows in advance, you need a third-party tool.
Tools that support TikTok carousel scheduling:
- ContentStudio
- Vista Social
- Sked Social
- SocialBee
- Metricool (official TikTok partner)
For a scheduling workflow with PostEverywhere:
- Create your carousel images using design tools
- Use PostEverywhere's TikTok scheduler to plan your overall TikTok content calendar at optimal posting times
- Post carousels manually from the TikTok app during your planned content windows
- Schedule your video Reels through PostEverywhere to maintain a consistent mix of formats
- Track performance across both carousels and videos in your analytics
Plan your entire TikTok content calendar in one place: Use PostEverywhere's visual calendar to map out your mix of video Reels and carousels, then schedule your videos to auto-publish at peak times. Start free for 7 days →
How to Go Viral with TikTok Slideshows
Optimize for the Algorithm
- Strong first slide -- This is your only chance to stop the scroll. Make it count.
- Trending audio -- The algorithm gives preference to content using popular sounds
- 200+ character captions with relevant keywords for TikTok search
- 3-7 hashtags -- Mix broad, niche, and trending. Overstuffing hurts engagement.
- Encourage saves -- Add "Save this for later" on your final slide. Saves are weighted heavily by the algorithm.
Maximize Swipe-Through Rate
The completion rate (percentage of viewers who see all slides) is the strongest signal. To increase it:
- Keep slides to 5-10 (shorter = higher completion)
- End each slide with a reason to keep swiping ("Wait until #5...")
- Use visual continuity between slides (consistent style, progressive numbering)
- Put your best content in the middle, not just at the start
Post at Peak Times
Carousel timing follows the same patterns as video. Check our best time to post on TikTok guide for day-by-day breakdowns, but the top windows are:
- Wednesdays 2-5 PM (highest overall engagement)
- Weekday evenings 7-9 PM (entertainment hours)
- Saturday midday 10 AM-6 PM (weekend scrolling)
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Photo Mode Not Showing Up
- Update your app -- Photo Mode requires a recent TikTok version
- Clear cache -- Settings > Cache & Cellular Data > Clear Cache
- Workaround: Search "Creator Search Insights" in TikTok search, then navigate back to the creation screen -- some users report this triggers the Photo Mode option to appear
Slideshow Plays Like a Video (Auto-Advancing)
You missed the "Switch to Photo Mode" step. After selecting your photos and tapping Next, look for this option at the bottom of the editing screen. Without it, TikTok defaults to Template Mode.
Images Look Blurry or Cropped
- Use images at exactly 1080 x 1920 px (9:16)
- Keep file format as PNG for text-heavy slides (better quality than JPG)
- Stay under 500 KB per image for smooth loading
- Don't upload images smaller than 1080px wide
Can't Add Music from Desktop
TikTok's web uploader doesn't support audio for slideshows. Either create your carousel in the mobile app, or pre-edit your images as a video file with audio baked in using CapCut or Canva.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a TikTok slideshow?
A TikTok slideshow (officially called Photo Mode) is a post made of 4-35 still images that viewers can swipe through. It's also commonly called a TikTok carousel or photo carousel. There are two types: swipeable (Photo Mode) where viewers control the pace, and auto-advancing (Template Mode) where images transition automatically like a video.
How many photos can I include in a TikTok slideshow?
You can include between 4 and 35 photos in a single TikTok slideshow. However, the optimal range is 5-10 slides. Shorter carousels have higher completion rates, which is the key metric the algorithm uses to decide whether to promote your content.
Do TikTok carousels get more engagement than video?
Yes. TikTok's own data shows carousels get 1.9x more likes, 2.9x more comments, and 2.6x more shares than video. An independent study by Fanpage Karma found 81% higher engagement rates for carousels. The one exception: shares can be lower for carousels in some studies.
What are the dimensions for TikTok slideshows?
The recommended dimensions are 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 vertical aspect ratio) for full-screen mobile display. TikTok also supports 1:1 (square) and 4:5 ratios, but these leave black bars on screen. Use JPG or PNG format with a total file size under 500 MB.
Can I schedule TikTok slideshows?
TikTok's native scheduler does not support Photo Mode posts. You need a third-party tool like ContentStudio, Vista Social, Sked Social, SocialBee, or Metricool to schedule carousels in advance.
Why can't I find Photo Mode on TikTok?
Make sure your app is updated to the latest version and try clearing your cache. After selecting photos and tapping Next, look specifically for "Switch to Photo Mode" at the bottom of the editing screen. If it's still not appearing, try the Creator Search Insights workaround or reinstall the app.
Can I add music to TikTok slideshows?
Yes, for organic Photo Mode posts you can add music from TikTok's library, trending sounds, original audio, or custom uploads. Music plays continuously as viewers swipe through slides. Desktop uploads and carousel ads do not support music.
How does the TikTok algorithm treat carousels vs video?
The algorithm tracks swipe-through completion rate as the primary signal for carousels, similar to how watch time works for video. Carousels that viewers swipe through completely get stronger distribution. Carousels also benefit from TikTok search ranking because they tend to be text-heavy and informational.
What makes a TikTok carousel go viral?
The biggest factors are: a hook on the first slide that stops the scroll, trending audio, high swipe-through completion rate (keep it to 5-10 slides), a caption with 200+ characters and relevant keywords, and a clear CTA on the final slide encouraging saves and follows.
Should I use Photo Mode or Template Mode?
Use Photo Mode (swipeable) for educational content, tutorials, product details, and anything where viewers benefit from controlling the pace. Use Template Mode (auto-advancing) for aesthetic photo dumps, event recaps, and content where the music/timing adds to the experience. Photo Mode generates stronger engagement signals for the algorithm.
References
Official and Primary Sources
- TikTok Ads Manager -- Carousel Ad Specifications
- PostFast -- TikTok Photo Carousel Size & Dimensions Guide
Research and Data
- Fanpage Karma -- Carousel vs Video Performance on TikTok & Instagram
- StackInfluence -- TikTok's Photo Post Comeback
- Buffer -- Everything You Need to Know About TikTok Carousels
- SocialInsider -- TikTok Carousels for Storytelling
- UseVisuals -- How Does the TikTok Carousel Algorithm Work
- Sprout Social -- TikTok SEO
How-To Guides
- Shopify -- How to Make a Slideshow on TikTok
- Metricool -- How to Make a Slideshow on TikTok
- ContentStudio -- How to Make and Post TikTok Carousels
Next Steps
- Understand the algorithm: How the TikTok Algorithm Works in 2026
- Post at peak times: Best Time to Post on TikTok
- Go viral: How to Go Viral on TikTok
- Schedule your TikToks: How to Schedule TikToks
- Find the best tools: 25 Best AI Tools for TikTok
- Get content ideas: 100 TikTok Content Ideas
- Schedule across platforms: Try PostEverywhere's social media scheduler free for 7 days
Jamie Partridge
Founder & CEO of PostEverywhere
Jamie Partridge is the Founder & CEO of PostEverywhere. He writes about social media strategy, publishing workflows, and analytics that help brands grow faster with less effort.