TikTok has rolled out a new “Photo Mode” which seems heavily inspired by its arch-rivals Instagram. Find out what the Photo Mode on TikTok is, how it works, and how to use it here.
If you are using the latest version of the TikTok app, you might have noticed a drastic change on the For You Page (FYP). You may have seen carousels or slideshows of images like the ones available in Instagram’s Explore section.
This change may lead TikTok in a new direction as previously it was a solely short-form video-focused platform. Now, users will be viewing stills instead of just TikToks.
What is the new Photo Mode on TikTok?
TikTok has introduced a new “Photo Mode” in a blog post shared on Thursday, October 6, 2022. The new mode allows users to share multiple photos in a post on TikTok alongside a caption that can be up to 2,200 characters and music.
“For when you’d prefer to express yourself in formats other than video, we released Photo Mode, a new carousel format available on mobile for photo content that’s ideal for sharing high-quality images on TikTok,” wrote TikTok explaining the new mode.
Your followers can view the slideshows or carousels you post through Photo Mode at their own pace by simply swiping the pictures. The posts also appear in the “For You” section alongside short videos.
How does TikTok’s Photo Mode work?
The Photo Mode on TikTok works in a very similar manner as Instagram used to work previously. Now owned by Meta, Instagram launched as a photo-only platform where users could only share pictures before it introduced Reels to compete with TikTok.
In a twist of events, TikTok has now introduced a feature inspired by Instagram that allows its users to share images in a carousel. TikTok has remained a primarily video-focused platform but this new mode is going to change it.
The way TikTok users have adopted Photo Mode is SO creative – I’ve never seen anything this engaging in an IG carousel ⬇️ https://t.co/khnhfF66vo pic.twitter.com/8uAnd9e6f5
— Jessie Perlo (@perl0r) October 6, 2022
TikTok users are already using the Photo Mode to share slideshows ranging across different domains including artwork, fashion, photography, stories, and more. Additionally, there’s an ability to add music which makes the feature incredibly good to use.
How to Use the Photo Mode on TikTok to Share Images?
If you have been sharing photos on social media for a long time now, using the new Photo Mode won’t be anything new to you. Make sure you are using the latest version of the TikTok app to access the new feature.
Once ready, launch the TikTok app and tap the “+” icon to create a new post. Now select the pictures from the camera roll/ gallery that you’d like to upload. TikTok will then offer an option to “Switch to Photo Mode.” Select it.
It will then turn the images into a carousel post. You can edit the images using the available tools, apply filters or stickers, and add sound. Finally, you can share the slideshow and it’ll be available to your followers and other TikTok users (if you have a public account).
Is TikTok’s Photo Mode Available for everyone?
TikTok started rolling out the Photo Mode to users in the United States and other regions globally on Thursday. It’s only on the Android and iOS TikTok apps for now. You can’t find it on the website yet. However, the posts in FYP still appear on the website.
If for some reason, the Photo Mode isn’t available on your device yet, don’t worry. Head over to the Play Store or App Store and see if there’s an update available for TikTok. If there isn’t an update available yet, uninstall the app from your device.
Now turn off your device and turn it on after a couple of seconds. Once done, go to the store and install TikTok. You’ll be able to use the new photo-focused mode now.
This isn’t the first time TikTok has introduced a new feature this quarter. They recently launched TikTok Now which is inspired by the BeReal app. The platform has also introduced a more powerful range of editing tools alongside an extended limit for captions.
What do you think about the newest feature on TikTok? Sound off in the comment section.
