Photo mode and carousels: a beginner's look

What photo mode actually is

Photo mode turns a group of pictures into a single post that viewers swipe through, like a mini slideshow. You can add a sound, text on each image and a caption that is often allowed to be longer than on a video.

It sits in the same feed as videos, so your carousel competes for attention with clips. That is why the first image matters most: it has to make people want to swipe.

Why people like carousels

Carousels let viewers control the pace. Someone reading a five-step skincare routine can stop on step three as long as they need, which is harder with a fast video.

They are also easier to make. If you are camera-shy or have no time to film and edit, a few clear photos and short text can still tell a useful story.

Good ideas for a first carousel

Try a before-and-after of a room, a recipe with one photo per step, a packing list, or a ranked list such as your three favourite local cafes. Each image should carry one idea, with big readable text.

Put the hook on slide one and the payoff on the last slide. Many creators end with a slide that invites comments, such as asking which option viewers would choose.

Limits to keep in mind

The maximum number of images, text length and available sounds can change, and some features differ between phones and regions. Check the upload screen in your app for the current limits before you plan a long series.

Only post photos you took or have permission to use. Using someone else's images without permission can get your post removed and is unfair to the original creator.

Frequently asked questions