[FAQ]

I’ve been seeing more of those “Photo Mode” or image carousel-style posts on my For You Page lately, and they seem to perform really well. I’d like to try creating some, but I want to make sure I’m doing it in a way that actually gets good engagement like likes, comments, and especially saves.

What are some of the best practices for using this format in 2025? What kind of content works best here – is it for photo dumps, step-by-step guides, or storytelling?

[Jeff Bullas]

TikTok’s “Photo Mode,” which creates a swipeable image carousel, is a versatile format that can be very effective for engagement when used strategically, as it offers a different pacing and experience compared to video.

There are several effective ways to use it. First, the format is perfect for creating step-by-step guides or tutorials. Each image in the carousel can represent one clear step in a process, with a text overlay providing the instruction. This is highly valuable content that encourages viewers to “save” the post for later reference, which is a strong positive signal to the algorithm.

Second, you can use a sequence of photos to tell a compelling story. This could be a “day in my life,” a before-and-after transformation, the story behind a creative project, or a recap of an event. The swipe-through nature allows the user to control the pace at which they consume the narrative, which can be a very engaging experience.

Third, you can create a curated “photo dump” set to a trending or atmospheric sound. A collection of high-quality, aesthetically pleasing photos that share a common theme, such as from a recent trip or a specific photoshoot, is a very popular and shareable format.

Fourth, this format is excellent for showcasing a product or an outfit in detail. You can use the different slides to show various angles of a product, different ways to style a piece of clothing, or to reveal a full collection of items. This provides more detail than a quick video might allow.

To make your Photo Mode posts effective, you must have a strong hook on the first image. Just like with a video, the first slide and its text overlay must be compelling enough to make the user want to start swiping. Posing an interesting question or a bold statement on the first slide is a very effective tactic.

Furthermore, you should always use your caption to add context and ask a question. Your caption should complement the images and be used to prompt a discussion in the comments. You could ask your viewers which slide is their favourite or if they have ever had a similar experience.

Because users control the pace of swiping, they may end up spending more time on your content compared to a video that they might quickly scroll past. This increased “time on post” can also be a positive signal to the algorithm.

In summary, to use Photo Mode effectively, focus on creating high-value, sequential content like guides and stories. Use a strong first image as a hook, choose a fitting sound, and use your caption to spark a conversation.

Cheers,

Jeff

[Author]

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