What type of content do you primarily create?
TikTok isn’t just for viral short-form videos. With TikTok slideshows, you can give still photos the TikTok treatment, too.
You can create a slideshow with silly captions and quirky emojis to walk your audience through a milestone, process, or entire day, moment by moment.
If you’re new to the TikTok slideshow feature, this simple 6-step guide will show you how to make a slideshow on TikTok that will make people stop and swipe.
3 benefits of slideshows on TikTok
Short videos may be the hottest thing on TikTok, but slideshows are still thriving on the platform. Here’s why.
Easy to produce
Unlike photos or videos, which require the right footage and editing chops, you don’t need advanced tech skills to make slideshows. Just pull multiple images or short clips together, customize them with captions, music, and other effects, and you’ll have a TikTok slideshow in minutes.
For a simple example, Patrick Kelly uses a day-in-the-life TikTok slideshow to describe his morning routine and his DC commute.
Variety of use cases
Whether you want to showcase a process, promote different products, or recap your favorite travels, TikTok slideshows are a versatile format for showing off moments captured in still photos.
You can create captivating photo slideshows for your audience that bring your vision to life, no matter your industry. UK streetwear brand 8azmo, for example, created a TikTok slideshow to showcase vintage football clothes that appeal to its target audience.
High impact
TikTok slideshows give creators an inventive alternative to video to tell stories and connect with their audiences.
They’re an expansive tool that lets you tell longer stories than you’d find in a single photo. Viewers can easily swipe through the slideshow at their own pace as though they’re flipping through a digital photo album. That extra time spent with your content forges a stronger bond between you and your audience.
How to make a TikTok slideshow in 6 easy steps
It’s clear a slideshow video is a fun way to entertain TikTok users. If you want to start on yours, you’ll need the TikTok app, a TikTok account, and some high-quality photos. Then, follow the tutorial below with the app’s native slideshow maker.
1. Open the app
Download and install the TikTok app from the Apple App Store for iOS devices (iPhone/iPad) or Google Play Store if you’re using an Android phone or tablet.
Then, tap on the TikTok icon to launch the app.
2. Tap the “+” button
Next, tap the + (plus sign) at the bottom of the screen to access TikTok’s in-app video editor.
3. Select the "Templates" option
Then, select Templates at the bottom of the screen.
4. Choose a template that you like
Select your preferred template from the available options.
Note: The template you pick should not only be aesthetically pleasing but should accommodate all the photos you want to add to your slideshow. Otherwise, you may have to break up your slideshow into multiple segments.
5. Tap the "Upload photos" button
Next, tap the red Upload photos to select photos from your camera roll to use in your slideshow.
Select all the photos placing them in the order you want them to appear in the slideshow.
6. Customize your slideshow
Like with a TikTok video, you can add filters, stickers, music, voiceovers, and other effects to your TikTok slideshow.
TikTok templates also come with preselected songs, which will play automatically. If you don’t like the sound or music, tap Add sound at the top of the screen to use one that fits your needs.
Select Next.
Add a caption and hashtags, tag people, and manage your post’s viewing and sharing settings. You can also tap the image thumbnail in the right corner of the screen to select a cover for your TikTok slideshow.
Then select the red Post button to publish your photo slideshow on TikTok.
Each photo or video clip in the slideshow will display for a few seconds in a smooth sequence.
TikTok slideshows are ideal for making presentation videos for your audience. They’re especially helpful for beginners who don’t know how to work complex video editing tools and customization features.
📚 Read: From stills to motion: A step-by-step guide on how to make a video with pictures
Create and edit your TikTok videos with Descript
While you can create TikTok videos within the TikTok app, you’re limited to its basic native editing tools. If you want more advanced customization and options to produce your videos, there’s a better way: using Descript’s all-in-one audio and video editor.
With Descript, you can record, edit, and export or publish your videos to YouTube and other platforms. The AI-powered software is easy to use and offers powerful tools, including:
- 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 learn more about Descript’s tools and how you can produce great TikToks in minutes.