If you’ve seen TikTok posts that users can swipe through like Instagram photo slides, you may be wondering: how do you post a carousel on TikTok? On TikTok, a carousel is usually called a photo post or slideshow, and it allows viewers to swipe through multiple images in a single post.
Carousel posts are popular for travel photos, before-and-after pictures, outfit ideas, tutorials, memes, and storytelling content. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to create a TikTok carousel, add music and text, and troubleshoot common issues.
What Is a TikTok Carousel?
A TikTok carousel is a post that contains multiple photos instead of a single video. Viewers can swipe left and right to move through the images at their own pace.
You can add:
- Multiple photos
- Music or sounds
- Text overlays
- Stickers
- Filters and effects
- Captions and hashtags
This feature is available in most recent versions of the TikTok app.
How to Post a Carousel on TikTok
Step-by-step instructions
- Open TikTok
Launch the TikTok app on your phone.
- Tap the + button
Tap the + (Create) button at the bottom of the screen.
- Select Upload
Tap Upload in the bottom-right corner.
- Choose Photos
Open the Photos tab and select the images you want to include.
You can choose up to 35 photos in one carousel.
- Tap Next
After selecting your photos, tap Next.
- Choose Photo mode
If TikTok gives you the option, select Photo mode instead of video mode.
- Add music
Tap Add sound and choose a song or audio clip.
- Add text or stickers
Use the editing tools to add:
- Text
- Stickers
- Filters
- Effects
- Write a caption
Add a caption and relevant hashtags.
- Post
Tap Post to publish your carousel.
How to Make a Swipeable Carousel (Not a Video Slideshow)
TikTok may sometimes turn your photos into a video automatically.
To create a swipeable carousel:
- Select Photo mode if it appears.
- Avoid using automatic slideshow templates.
- Make sure you’re uploading photos only, not videos mixed with photos.
In Photo mode, viewers can manually swipe through the images.
Best Photo Size for TikTok Carousel
For the best quality, use:
- 1080 × 1920 pixels
- 9:16 vertical format
Vertical photos fill the screen and look more professional.
Avoid horizontal images if possible, as they may appear smaller with black bars.
How Many Photos Can You Add?
TikTok currently allows up to 35 photos in a single carousel post.
For better engagement, many creators use 5–10 photos so viewers are more likely to swipe through all of them.
How to Add Music to a Carousel
After selecting your photos:
- Tap Add sound at the top.
- Search for a song or choose a trending sound.
- Select the part of the song you want.
- Tap Done.
The music will play while viewers swipe through the photos.
How to Add Text to Each Photo
You can place text on individual slides:
- Tap Text.
- Type your text.
- Drag it to the desired position.
- Repeat for other photos if needed.
This is useful for:
- Step-by-step tutorials
- Storytelling
- Product details
- Before-and-after comparisons
Why Can’t I Post a Carousel?
Photo mode is missing
Update TikTok to the latest version.
The app creates a video instead
Select Photo mode manually if available.
Upload button isn’t working
Restart the app and check your internet connection.
Too many photos selected
Reduce the number of images and try again.
TikTok is outdated
Install the latest version from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Tips for a Viral TikTok Carousel
Use a strong first image
The first photo should grab attention immediately.
Tell a story
Arrange the photos in a clear sequence:
- Problem
- Process
- Result
Add curiosity text
Examples:
- “Swipe to see the transformation”
- “The last photo shocked me”
- “Wait until slide 5”
Use trending audio
Trending sounds can help your carousel reach more people.
Keep it concise
Don’t add too many similar photos.
Best Types of Carousel Posts
Carousel posts work especially well for:
- Travel highlights
- Outfit inspiration
- Home makeovers
- Fitness progress
- Recipes
- Tutorials
- Product showcases
- Before-and-after transformations
- Memes and reaction images
ALSO READ: How to pin comments on TikTok
