Photos deserve the spotlight on TikTok too. While everyone's busy making videos, TikTok's slideshow feature lets your still images steal the show—often with better results than video.

Turn ordinary moments into swipe-worthy stories by combining images with captions, music, and those perfectly weird emoji combinations. Whether you're documenting a DIY disaster, showcasing before-and-afters, or just proving why your pet deserves internet fame—slideshows let your photos breathe.

Here's how to make a TikTok slideshow in 6 straightforward steps—because nobody should have to watch a 10-minute tutorial to learn a 2-minute process.

3 Key Benefits of Creating a Slideshow on TikTok

Short videos may dominate TikTok, but slideshows remain a popular way to share engaging content. Here's why they continue to thrive.

Quick and Simple to Create

Unlike traditional videos, which require filming and editing skills, TikTok slideshows are easy to create. Simply select multiple images or short clips, enhance them with captions, music, and effects, and you’ll have a TikTok slideshow ready in minutes.

For a simple example, Patrick Kelly uses a TikTok slideshow to share his morning routine and DC commute, demonstrating how effective slideshows can be for storytelling.

Multiple Ways to Use TikTok Slideshows

Whether you want to illustrate a step-by-step process, showcase products, or highlight travel memories, TikTok slideshows offer a versatile way to present still images in a dynamic format.

You can create engaging TikTok slideshows that bring your vision to life, regardless of your industry. For example, UK streetwear brand 8azmo created a TikTok slideshow to showcase vintage football apparel, resonating with its target audience.

Engage Your Audience with Visual Impact

TikTok slideshows offer creators an innovative way to tell stories and connect with their audience beyond traditional video content.

Slideshows allow for more detailed storytelling than a single photo. Viewers can swipe through at their own pace, similar to flipping through a digital photo album, fostering deeper engagement with your content.

How to Make a Slideshow on TikTok in 6 Easy Steps

A TikTok slideshow is a fun and engaging way to entertain your audience. To get started, install the TikTok app, log into your account, and gather high-quality photos. Then, use TikTok’s built-in slideshow maker by following the steps below.

1. Open the TikTok App

Download and install the TikTok app from the Apple App Store (for iOS devices) or Google Play Store (for Android).

Tap the TikTok icon to open the app.

2. Tap the "+" Button to Start

Tap the + (plus sign) at the bottom of the screen to open TikTok’s in-app editor.

3. Select the Templates Option

Select Templates at the bottom of the screen.

4. Choose Your Preferred Slideshow Template

Choose a template that best fits your slideshow style and content.

Note: Choose a template that accommodates all your photos to avoid splitting your slideshow into multiple parts.

5. Upload Your Photos for the Slideshow

Tap the red Upload photos button and select images from your camera roll for your slideshow.

Arrange the selected photos in the desired order for your slideshow.

6. Add Music and Effects to Your Slideshow

Just like with TikTok videos, you can enhance your slideshow by adding filters, stickers, music, voiceovers, and other effects.

TikTok templates come with preselected music, but you can change it by tapping Add sound at the top of the screen to select a track that fits your slideshow.

Tap Next to proceed.

Add a caption and hashtags, tag people, and adjust your post’s privacy settings. You can also tap the image thumbnail in the right corner to select a cover for your TikTok slideshow.

Tap the red Post button to publish your TikTok slideshow at the best times to post on TikTok.

Each photo or video clip in your slideshow will display for a few seconds in a seamless sequence.

TikTok slideshows are perfect for how to make presentation videos for your audience. They are especially useful for beginners who are unfamiliar with how to edit TikTok videos or other complex video editing tools.

📚 Read: From stills to motion: A step-by-step guide on how to make a video with pictures

Troubleshooting Common Slideshow Issues

Creating a slideshow on TikTok can sometimes face hiccups, such as app glitches or upload issues. Here are some tips to tackle these problems:

• App Glitches: Ensure your TikTok app is updated to the latest version.
• Photo Compatibility: Photos should be in JPEG or PNG format and at least 1080x1080 pixels.
• Upload Errors: Restart your device or check your internet connection if uploads fail.

These steps can resolve most common slideshow issues effectively.

Swipeable vs. Non-Swipeable Slideshows

It's important to understand the types of slideshows TikTok offers:

• Swipeable Slideshows: Allow users to manually swipe through images, enhancing interactivity.
• Non-Swipeable Slideshows: Automatically transition between photos, ideal for storytelling.

Choosing the right slideshow type can enhance user engagement and content flow.

Edit Your TikTok Slideshow Videos with Descript

While TikTok’s built-in tools allow basic slideshow creation, for more advanced customization and editing options, Descript’s AI-powered video editor provides a seamless way to enhance your TikTok slideshows.

With Descript, you can record, edit, and publish your videos across platforms like YouTube. The AI-powered software offers powerful tools such as timeline editing, audio enhancements, and seamless media integration.

• Automatic transcription: Generates a transcript of your audio along with captions and subtitles
• Filler Word Removal: Detects and removes awkward phrases and pauses
• Studio Sound: Removes background noise for better audio quality
• AI features, like Chapter Generator, YouTube Descriptions, AI Voices, and more
• Video montage maker: Converts multiple videos into highlight reels that showcase key moments
• Time-lapse video maker: Turns still images or clips into stunning time-lapse videos
• Built-in media library: Offers stock photos and footage, effects, transitions, and background music to make engaging content

Take a free tour today to explore Descript’s advanced tools and see how you can create high-quality TikTok slideshows in minutes.

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FAQs

What are the optimal photo formats and sizes for TikTok slideshows?

For the best results on TikTok, use JPEG or PNG formats for photos. Ensure that the photos are at least 1080x1080 pixels in size. This helps maintain high quality and clarity in your slideshows.

How can I enhance my TikTok slideshows using Descript?

Descript offers advanced editing features for TikTok slideshows, such as timeline editing for precise control over photo sequence, audio enhancements, and seamless media integration. These tools can significantly improve the quality of your content.