{"id":52097,"date":"2025-05-16T09:45:17","date_gmt":"2025-05-16T07:45:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swat.io\/?p=52097"},"modified":"2025-05-16T09:45:19","modified_gmt":"2025-05-16T07:45:19","slug":"tiktok-photo-posts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swat.io\/en\/publish\/tiktok-photo-posts\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Practices: How to Use TikTok Photo Posts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>TikTok = videos? Not quite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With the\u00a0<strong>introduction of photo posts<\/strong>, the platform has created a new content format that opens up\u00a0<strong>exciting opportunities for creators and brands<\/strong>. Especially for those who love visual storytelling, it offers a refreshing alternative to classic videos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But how do TikTok photo posts work? What can they be used for &#8211; and how do you get the most out of the new format?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we&#8217;ll take a closer look at what TikTok photo posts are, how you can create them and which best practices will help you to inspire your audience even without moving images.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are TikTok photo posts?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>TikTok photo posts are reminiscent of Instagram carousels. Instead of moving images, you present a\u00a0<strong>series of up to 35 photos<\/strong>\u00a0that automatically play as a slideshow. Users can swipe through the images or simply let the slideshow run. You can recognize photo posts by the special symbol at the top right of the preview image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"428\" height=\"520\" data-id=\"51692\" src=\"https:\/\/swat.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/ScreenShot-Tool-20250424004502.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-51692\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swat.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/ScreenShot-Tool-20250424004502.png 428w, https:\/\/swat.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/ScreenShot-Tool-20250424004502-300x364.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 428px) 100vw, 428px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"433\" height=\"536\" data-id=\"51690\" src=\"https:\/\/swat.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-4.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-51690\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swat.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-4.png 433w, https:\/\/swat.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-4-300x371.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 433px) 100vw, 433px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@burberry\/photo\/7475761007382629634?lang=de-DE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@burberry\/photo\/7475761007382629634?lang=de-DE<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Particularly exciting: With the TikTok photo mode, you can&nbsp;<strong>add music to&nbsp;<\/strong>your&nbsp;<strong>pictures, add captions and use filters and effects&nbsp;<\/strong>&#8211; just like with videos. This allows you to tell stories, showcase products or share personal insights without having to edit a video.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The format was introduced in mid-2022 and has been growing in popularity ever since &#8211; partly because it offers new creative freedom and often makes content creation quicker and easier. You can also use it for ads.&nbsp;<strong>TikTok Carousel Ads&nbsp;<\/strong>work on the same principle as Photo Posts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>How do you create photo posts on TikTok?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Photo posts can be created directly in the TikTok app. Here&#8217;s how it works step by step:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Tap on \u201c+\u201d<\/strong><br>Start as usual by tapping on the plus symbol to create a new post.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Select photos from the gallery<\/strong><br>Instead of recording a video, select the \u201cPhoto\u201d tab at the bottom right or tap directly on your gallery. You can now select up to 35 images.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Set the order<\/strong><br>Sort your pictures by moving them around. This allows you to determine the order in which they are displayed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Add effects and music<\/strong><br>Choose a soundtrack, add filters or text and adjust the timing of the slideshow. The photo mode gives you lots of opportunities to let off steam creatively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Write and post a caption<\/strong><br>Add a suitable caption &#8211; ideally with hashtags &#8211; and share your post with your community as usual.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-advice\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"advice__inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"advice__text text text-rich\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n<p>You can also create TikTok photo posts with Swat.io. Simply create a TikTok post in the Publisher and select \u201cPhoto(s)\u201d as the format.<\/p>\n\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>What are TikTok photo posts suitable for?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>TikTok itself describes photo posts as the ideal way to \u201ctell a\u00a0<strong>story in pictures\u201d.<\/strong>\u00a0In fact, the carousel posts are suitable for much more than just beautiful landscape photos or throwback moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <strong>Behind the scenes<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Show your followers\u00a0<strong>what happens behind the scenes\u00a0<\/strong>&#8211; at events, productions or in everyday working life. You can document processes and developments authentically with a photo series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <strong>Product and brand presentation<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Photo posts are ideal for\u00a0<strong>visually showcasing products or new collections<\/strong>. Multiple images allow for detailed shots and different perspectives.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"462\" height=\"567\" src=\"https:\/\/swat.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-5.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-51694\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swat.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-5.png 462w, https:\/\/swat.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-5-300x368.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 462px) 100vw, 462px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <strong>Before and after posts<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether an interior makeover, DIY project or transformation story &#8211; a slideshow can be used to\u00a0<strong>showcase\u00a0a\u00a0development in an emotional way<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. <strong>R<strong>ecipe or DIY instructions<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Step-by-step photos also work on TikTok, especially if you show each step as a separate element and add explanatory text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. <strong>Mood <strong>boards and visual inspiratio<\/strong><\/strong>n<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Collages, mood boards or visual collections<\/strong>\u00a0can also be shared as photo posts &#8211; ideal for creators from the fashion, design or lifestyle sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"496\" height=\"492\" src=\"https:\/\/swat.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-6.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-51696\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swat.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-6.png 496w, https:\/\/swat.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-6-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/swat.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-6-300x298.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 496px) 100vw, 496px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. Customer testimonials<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Present quotes and successes from your customers in a series of images &#8211; for example, as a mini case study. This creates trust and has a lively effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. <strong>Team <strong>introductions or recruiting content<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Use photo posts to introduce new employees or provide insights into the team. This makes employer branding visual and approachable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. <strong>C<strong>ampaign support<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Accompany social media campaigns with suitable image series, for example for the launch of a new product or to draw attention to a cause as an NGO.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"460\" height=\"569\" src=\"https:\/\/swat.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-7.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-51698\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swat.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-7.png 460w, https:\/\/swat.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-7-300x371.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-advice\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"advice__inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"advice__text text text-rich\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n<p>Creating videos for TikTok or Instagram doesn&#8217;t have to be rocket science either. Find out now how to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/swat.io\/en\/publish\/creating-social-media-videos\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">create social media videos with little effort.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Best practices for TikTok photo posts<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To ensure that your photo posts not only look good but also perform well, it&#8217;s worth keeping a few success factors in mind. Here are a few tips, some of which come from TikTok itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Use visual storytelling<\/strong>: Think in terms of stories, not individual images. Think in advance about which sequence of images will create a common thread &#8211; be it a process, a sequence or a real story with a beginning, climax and conclusion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Make the first slide eye-catching<\/strong>: First impressions count and your first image often decides whether someone sticks with it or scrolls on. Pay attention to strong motifs, clear messages or a visual cliffhanger. Sometimes curiosity can be aroused with simple means.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"244\" height=\"310\" src=\"https:\/\/swat.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-8.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-51700\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Use text in a targeted way<\/strong>: Short texts or overlays can reinforce the image message, provide orientation or deliver additional information. Important: Not too much text per image &#8211; less is more. Remember: TikTok is all about visual information.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Choose the right music<\/strong>: The soundtrack also makes a big difference to photo posts. Choose music that matches the mood of your post and picks up on trends. This can boost your reach.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Use hashtags and captions cleverly<\/strong>: The same applies to photo posts: a well thought-out caption and suitable hashtags improve visibility. Use keywords, but keep the language natural.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pay attention to formats &amp; image quality<\/strong>: Photos in portrait format (9:16) work best. Ensure good resolution, clean composition and consistent colors &#8211; especially for carousels with multiple images.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Encourage interaction<\/strong>: Ask a question at the end or ask for feedback, for example \u201cWhich picture do you like best?\u201d or \u201cHave you tried it?\u201d. This increases the chance of comments and interactions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">TikTok photo posts provide room for creative content<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>No, TikTok is unlikely to turn into a pure photo app. But TikTok photo posts are an exciting format for anyone who\u00a0<strong>wants to tell stories in pictures<\/strong>, quickly, creatively and without complex video production. They open up new opportunities for brands, creators and organizations to present visual content in a varied way and engage with their community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether for product showcases, behind-the-scenes insights or tutorials, with the\u00a0<strong>right idea and a few proven best practices<\/strong>, photo posts are a breath of fresh air in your TikTok feed.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-advice\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"advice__inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"advice__text text text-rich\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n<p>Whether TikTok or Instagram, video or photo posts, Swat.io makes your social media management clear and transparent. Try it out now for free!<\/p>\n\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-cta-form wp-block-cta-form--demo\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"cta-form__container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<header class=\"cta-form__header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"cta-form__title headline-medium\">Efficient Social Media Communications With Swat.io<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/header>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<footer class=\"cta-form__footer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"cta-form__button button button--primary\" href=\"https:\/\/swat.io\/en\/pricing\/\">Start a free trial<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/footer>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>TikTok = videos? Not quite. With the\u00a0introduction of photo posts, the platform has created a new content format that opens\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":59,"featured_media":52090,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[510],"tags":[1120,875],"class_list":["entry","entry--post"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/swat.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52097","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/swat.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/swat.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swat.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/59"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swat.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=52097"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/swat.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52097\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":52101,"href":"https:\/\/swat.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52097\/revisions\/52101"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swat.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/52090"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/swat.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=52097"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swat.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=52097"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swat.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=52097"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}