Beginner’s Guide: How to Make a Carousel On TikTok

Have you ever scrolled through a social feed and discovered a set of eye-catching images you couldn’t resist swiping through?

TikTok now offers that experience with its Photo Mode feature, a new mode that allows users to add more than one image within a single post. In this article, you’ll see how to make a carousel on TikTok, discover tips for creating captivating visuals, and learn strategies for boosting engagement. We’ll also explain how AI-powered platforms like PostNitro simplify the design process so social media marketers, small business owners, and content creators can produce polished carousels without spending hours on manual edits.

Introduction

TikTok carousel posts (also called multiple photos TikTok posts or photo slideshows) are an exciting way to share stories or highlight different campaign elements. Imagine swiping through a short photo album that presents each stage of a cooking recipe or a product launch. The result is a more interactive experience than simply showing one image or a single video.

Carousels help social media teams breathe life into before-and-after shots, highlight a sequence of brand announcements, or walk viewers through step-by-step guides, making them perfect for carousel content strategy. They can also showcase multiple angles of a product, which is especially helpful for e-commerce sellers who want to display variations like color or size. Marketing consultant Jane Doe states, “More images mean more opportunities to engage your audience in a single post.”

Key Takeaways

• You can include up to 35 images in a TikTok carousel.
• The recommended aspect ratio is 9:16 (1080x1920 pixels).
• Make your first image appealing enough that people want to swipe.
• Consistent visuals tell a cohesive story.
• AI-powered platforms such as PostNitro simplify tasks like resizing images or adding branded elements.

Understanding TikTok’s Photo Mode

TikTok’s Photo Mode is designed for users who want to share static images rather than short-form videos. It’s like Instagram’s multi-image feature, letting viewers swipe through each image. TikTok calls it Photo Mode, but it’s essentially a carousel post. This mode is handy for showing high-resolution photos or a helpful sequence of slides without needing movement or audio narration.

Photo Mode offers:

• Multiple image uploads (up to 35 images).
• Text overlays and stickers.
• Background music (optional).
• Adjustable duration for each slide.

Single-photo posts show just one image, while carousels line up several images in a single post. Carousels are best for step-by-step procedures, product comparison carousels, event recaps, or any content that benefits from multiple visuals.

Where can you find Photo Mode?

1. Tap the plus sign at the bottom of your TikTok home screen.
2. Look at the camera options near the top.
3. Swipe left or right until you see the “Photo” or “Image” option.

If you don’t see it instantly, try updating TikTok or checking again later. The feature might not be visible on all devices, but once you locate it, you can create a carousel immediately.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating TikTok Carousels

Below is a straightforward TikTok carousel post tutorial. Assuming you have prepared your images, follow these steps:

1. Open TikTok and tap the plus sign at the bottom.
2. Look for “Photo” or “Image” at the top of the camera interface. Swipe if necessary.
3. Tap the “Upload” button to reach your phone’s gallery.
4. Pick the images you want for your TikTok image carousel. The limit is 35 in one post.
5. Tap “Next.”
6. Add stickers, effects, or text to each image. Tap an image to edit it.
7. Tap the “Text” icon to add text. Then, choose your font and type your message. Finally, position the text where you want it.
8. If you want stickers, tap the sticker icon. Resize and move them as needed.
9. TikTok may auto-select background music. If you’d like different music, tap “Sounds” and pick something from the library.
10. Tap the volume icon or reduce the slider to zero if you don't want any music.
11. Tap “Next” once you’re satisfied with your edits.
12. Write a caption and include hashtags.
13. Tap “Post” to publish your photo carousel.

Still unsure how to keep everything consistent? Think of each image as a frame in a mini-story. For instance, begin with an intriguing hook or a surprising visual, then layer in details, and finish with a conclusive image that prompts people to respond or comment.

Technical Requirements for Perfect Carousels

Since TikTok is primarily a vertical platform, you’ll want tall, rectangular images. Here are the most important considerations:

1. Image size and format:
   The ideal resolution is 1080x1920 pixels. JPG, PNG, or WebP formats work.
2. Aspect ratio:
   A 9:16 aspect ratio fits the screen best. TikTok automatically adds a blurred border if your images don’t fit 9:16.
3. File size:
   Each image can go up to around 20MB.
4. The number of images:
   TikTok requires at least two images per carousel and supports up to 35.
5. Quality tips:
   Use crisp, well-lit images. Blurry or pixelated images discourage viewers from swiping.

While you can resize images, AI tools like PostNitro can handle resizing and optimization through AI carousel generation. This approach saves time and keeps your feed looking consistent.

Best Practices for Carousel Design

Want to keep people sliding through your photo carousel TikTok guide? A little planning goes a long way:

1. Make the first image pop.
   The opening image acts as your cover. If it’s bland, people might scroll right past.
2. Keep carousel color schemes consistent across slides.
   Use a consistent filter, similar imagery, or matching color palettes to make your carousel feel professional.
3. Be mindful of text overlays.
   Use text sparingly. It should be easy to read and not overpower the main image. Subtle placement works best.
4. Slip in branding without overdoing it.
   Include a small logo, brand colors, or a consistent font style to boost brand awareness. If you need help, PostNitro’s brand management features can automate these elements.
5. Think like a storyteller.
   Arrange your slides in a logical sequence. You can use a how-to method, a chronological set of product photos, or a beginning-middle-end format.
6. Pick high-quality visuals.
   Sharp, clear pictures with perfect image quality make your content a joy to view. Dimly lit or cluttered images might cause users to lose interest.
7. Try different content formats.
   You can post a before-and-after comparison, a product line display, or a step-by-step tutorial. Variation keeps viewers interested.

“It’s all about crafting a visual narrative,” social media speaker Sarah White notes. “When you tell a story, you entice your audience to keep swiping.”

Tips for Maximizing Carousel Engagement

Ready for more interaction on your TikTok slideshows? Here are some pointers:

1. Write engaging captions.
   Spark curiosity, ask a thought-provoking question, or share a brief insight. Remember to include relevant hashtags like #TikTokCarousel, #PhotoCarouselEditingTikTok, and any trending hashtag that applies to your topic.
2. Explore a mix of hashtags.
   Aim for some popular hashtags and some more specialized or niche ones. This broadens your reach while maintaining a targeted audience.
3. Include calls to action.
   Encourage users to comment, share, or click the link in your bio. Prompts like “Swipe to see the final reveal!” can be surprisingly effective.
4. Post at good times.
   Use TikTok analytics to spot peak engagement hours. Different audiences have different habits, so test various times.
5. Reply to comments and build connections.
   When you appear in the comments section, people are more likely to return to your future posts.
6. Track performance.
   Monitor carousel analytics, comments, and likes. Spot patterns: Is a particular type of carousel design gaining more views?
7. Cross-promote.
   Share your cross-platform carousels on social media and direct people to your TikTok post. Previewing your best slide may pique your curiosity.

You can also use PostNitro’s AI-powered analytics. It scans data from your TikTok profile, suggests the best times to post, and helps you refine your hashtags.

FAQs About TikTok Carousels

Q: Can I rearrange my images after uploading them?
A: TikTok doesn’t let you shuffle the order of photos once you’ve uploaded. You’ll need to remove them and re-upload them in the correct order.

Q: Why is TikTok adding blurred borders to my images?
A: Your images likely aren’t 9:16. You can fix this quickly using PostNitro or a similar tool to resize images before uploading.

Q: How do I remove music from my carousel?
A: Tap the volume icon and reduce it to zero. You can tap an “X” next to the sound in some TikTok versions.

Q: Can I include videos in a Photo Mode carousel?
A: Not currently. You’ll need the standard video feature for video uploads.

Q: How many seconds does each image show?
A: About five seconds by default, but you can choose a shorter or longer duration during editing.

Tools like PostNitro help avoid headaches with format, aspect ratio, and branding consistency. Using an AI-powered solution, you can streamline the entire process of creating a carousel post design that TikTok users will love.

Have you been waiting to dazzle your followers with more than one image?

Try experimenting with TikTok carousels to showcase your brand from different angles or provide an entertaining set of slides that keep viewers hooked. Following these Tiktok slideshow tutorial guidelines, you’ll be prepared to create carousel posts that resonate with your audience and make them want to see more. And if you need an extra hand perfecting your images or scheduling your posts, PostNitro has you covered with automated tools built for busy creators. Happy posting!

Try out our platform for carousel post-generation for TikTok.