To post photos on TikTok, tap the Add post + button, tap Photo, then tap Upload to pick photos from your device. You can add up to 35. Tap Next to edit them, tap Next again for your description and settings, then tap Post to publish or Drafts to save it for later.
You don't need to make a video to post on TikTok. A photo post works like a swipeable set of slides, and the whole thing takes a couple of minutes. Here's each stage, from picking your pictures to hitting Post.
Stage one: getting your pictures in
- In the TikTok app, tap the Add post + button at the bottom.
- Tap Photo.
- Tap Upload and select the photos you want from your device.
One post can hold up to 35 photos, so you've plenty of room for a full carousel.
Stage two: editing each slide
Tap Next and you'll land on the edit screen. Swipe between your photos and make whatever changes you like:
- Add a filter
- Add a sound
- Add text
- Add stickers
- Crop a photo
If you'd like a photo behind you instead of on its own, our guide to using green screen on TikTok with a photo background covers that different effect.
Stage three: caption, cover and settings
Tap Next again. This screen is where your post gets its details. You can edit the cover, add a description and hashtags, tag people, add a location or link, and manage your privacy settings.
Check the privacy setting here every time. Each new post keeps the privacy setting from your previous post, so if your last one was set to Only you, this one will be too unless you change it.
Stage four: feed, Story or drafts
You've got three ways to finish:
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- Tap Post to publish it to your feed.
- Tap Your Story to post it to your Stories instead of the feed.
- Tap Drafts to save it. Drafts are visible only to you on your profile.
Want to take a fresh shot inside the app instead? A live photo is taken with the Record button, then posted with Your Story or the Done button. Timing your post? Here's when to post on TikTok for the best chance of being seen.
Why it might not show on your profile
If your photo post seems to have disappeared, it's almost always the privacy setting. Only public posts appear under the posts tab on your profile. Private ones sit behind the Lock icon, so tap that and you'll likely find it there.
The quick verdict on photo posts
Upload, edit, add your caption, post. The one thing that catches people out is privacy carrying over from the last post, so glance at that setting on the final screen before you tap Post, and you won't end up with a post nobody else can see.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I see my new photo post on my profile?
Check its privacy setting. Only public posts show under the posts tab, and private ones are found by tapping the Lock icon on your profile.
What if the camera screen is black?
The camera and mic may not be enabled. Open your device settings, tap the TikTok app, and turn on both Camera and Mic.
