How to Convert Images for TikTok Slideshows and Thumbnails
TikTok is no longer just a video platform. Photo slideshows, carousel posts, and custom thumbnails are now core content types. But TikTok's image handling is less forgiving than you might expect. Upload the wrong format or dimensions and your carefully composed slideshow looks cropped, blurry, or stretched.
This guide covers how to prepare images for TikTok's various image-based features, from photo mode slideshows to video thumbnails.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Know TikTok's image requirements
TikTok Photo Mode: JPG and PNG supported, 9:16 aspect ratio (1080x1920 pixels) recommended, up to 35 photos per slideshow. Video thumbnails: JPG or PNG. Profile picture: minimum 200x200 pixels. TikTok does not support HEIC, AVIF, or WebP for direct uploads from desktop.
- Prepare images at 9:16 dimensions
TikTok displays content in a 9:16 vertical format. For photo slideshows, use 1080x1920 pixels. Images with different aspect ratios will be cropped or letterboxed. If your original images are landscape or square, you may want to add a background or recompose for the vertical format.
- Convert to supported formats
Open imageconvert.co and drag your images onto the converter. Select JPG for photographs or PNG for graphics with text overlays. Set quality to 90% for JPG. Download the converted files. If your images are HEIC from an iPhone, this conversion step is essential for uploading via desktop.
- Upload to TikTok
In the TikTok app, select the Photo Mode option when creating a new post. Add your converted images in the desired order. You can add effects, text, and music to your slideshow. For video thumbnails, upload a custom thumbnail from your camera roll during the posting process.
TikTok Photo Mode vs Video Slides
TikTok Photo Mode creates a swipeable carousel that viewers navigate at their own pace. This is different from video slideshows where images advance automatically with music. Photo Mode gives viewers more control and tends to receive longer engagement times since viewers spend more time on each image.
For Photo Mode, each image should stand on its own and tell part of a story. For video slideshows, images can be simpler since they are on screen for only a few seconds each.
Optimizing for TikTok's Compression
TikTok applies compression to uploaded images, similar to Instagram. Starting with high-quality source files minimizes the impact. Use 1080x1920 pixels at 90% JPG quality as your baseline. Avoid uploading images that have already been compressed by other platforms, as each round of compression degrades quality further.
Custom Video Thumbnails
A custom thumbnail can dramatically improve click-through rates on TikTok. Create an eye-catching 1080x1920 pixel image that represents your video content. Use bold text, clear subjects, and high contrast. Convert your thumbnail to JPG at high quality before uploading. Some creators design thumbnails in Canva or similar tools and export as PNG for the sharpest text rendering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What image size does TikTok use?
TikTok uses a 9:16 vertical format. The recommended image size is 1080x1920 pixels for photo slideshows, thumbnails, and all visual content. This matches the full-screen vertical display on mobile devices.
Can I upload HEIC photos to TikTok?
The TikTok mobile app on iPhone can handle HEIC photos directly. However, if you are uploading from desktop or a non-Apple device, convert HEIC to JPG first using a browser-based converter.
How many photos can a TikTok slideshow have?
TikTok Photo Mode supports up to 35 photos per post. For the best engagement, most successful slideshows use between 5 and 15 images that tell a cohesive story.
Convert HEIC to JPG for TikTok