In this article, we’ll cover TikTok carousels – what they are, what they look like, and why you should make them.
An image (or 35) speaks a thousand words. Swiping through a well-made carousel is one of the few pleasures on social media, and TikTok’s is no exception. Even better, theTikTok algorithm seems to have a knack for recommending the perfect carousel, making it a breeze to navigate through the end of your recommendations.
Carousels have been popular on InstagramandLinkedInand are now being prioritized by TikTok, making them a must-add to your content. In this article, we’ll cover TikTok carousels – what they are, what they look like, and why you should make them.
What is a TikTok carousel?
A TikTok carousel (also known as ‘TikTok photo mode’) is a sequence of up to 35 images, usually posted chronologically, that communicates a story or series of events.
Now, TikTok has had the photo format for quite a while – since September 2022, to be exact. So, if you’re wondering how to get TikTok photo mode, you should already have it. But in February 2024, social media expert Lia Haberman shared something users had been seeing on their feeds.
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TikTok is encouraging people to post photos, which they claim, compared to videos, can get: 2.9x more comments 1.9x more likes 2.6x more shares
Interesting move for the app FKA as the short-form video app 📲 pic.twitter.com/U4pWIVdEtu
In an interesting turn, TikTok is pushing “photo posts” more, promising users more visibility in the algorithm andthe coveted For You page. Specifically, they highlight that creators will see “2.9x more comments, 1.9x more likes, 2.6x more shares.”
If your first thought is that it’s odd for a video-first platform to push images so much, I’d wonder if you were in my head. But it’s led to creative exploration and diversified my feed, so as a user, I’m not complaining.
Some users have chosen to repurpose the Instagram photo dump, some to share their daily lives, and others to create platform-specific memes that fully exploitthe new feature.
the-ideal-tiktok-carousel-format-and-dimensions”>What’s the ideal TikTok carousel format and dimensions?
Images for TikTok carousels need to be in PNG or JPG format. TikTok isn’t quite like Instagram and LinkedIn, as you don’t need to do much to your images to get interest and attention – Canva doesn’t need to see you.
You can’t upload videos in the TikTok carousel format. While most photos uploaded from your camera roll will align with the specified dimensions, the ideal size should be 1080 x 1920 pixels with an aspect ratio of 9:16 or 1:1, but a 4:5 ratio will also work.
Why you need to be making TikTok carousels
Creators aren’t a monolith, so TikTok carousels allowing more creative expression beyond video is a great thing.
There’s also the obvious benefit of a boost in the algorithm, at least for now. As we already noted, TikTok's algorithm may prioritize carousels under certain conditions, offering increased exposure compared to other types of content. Leveraging this can be crucial for growth, especially when trying to reach a new audience or boost your presence on the platform.
Here are some other reasons incorporating TikTok carousels into your content can be a game changer:
Increased engagement: Carousels allow you to tell a deeper story than a single post ever could. This narrative style keeps viewers swiping, significantly boosting interaction rates through likes, comments, and shares. And given that TikTok's algorithm favors engagement, carousels can enhance your visibility and keep your content circulating longer on users' FYPs.
Greater creative freedom: Unlike standard video posts, carousels let you mix and match up to 35 images in a single post. This format opens up creative possibilities – from step-by-step tutorials to before-and-after sequences or thematic photo dumps.
Storytelling and emotional connection: TikTok is all about connection, and
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