Facebook slideshows turn your photos and videos into a single post that plays automatically
A Facebook slideshow is a feature that combines multiple photos or videos into one post that plays like a short film. Instead of uploading five separate photos, you upload them once and Facebook arranges them in sequence with transitions and music. The slideshow plays automatically when someone scrolls past it in their feed, and they can pause, rewind, or skip through frames manually.
Slideshows work on both desktop and mobile. On mobile, you create them directly in the Facebook app. On desktop, you create them through the web version. The process takes about two to five minutes once you have your photos or videos selected.
Key Takeaways
- Facebook slideshows combine multiple photos or videos into one post that plays automatically with transitions and background music.
- You create slideshows on mobile through the Facebook app by tapping "Photo/Video" and selecting "Create Slideshow," or on desktop by clicking the photo icon in the composer.
- You can add your own music, adjust the speed of transitions, and reorder photos before posting.
- Slideshows are useful for sharing vacation photos, event highlights, or library materials without cluttering someone's feed with separate posts.
Creating a slideshow on your phone
Open the Facebook app and go to your profile or the home feed. Tap the "Photo/Video" button (usually a camera icon or image icon in the composer at the top). A menu appears with options including "Create Slideshow" — tap that option.
Select the photos or videos you want to include. You can choose up to 10 items. Tap each one to add it, or use "Select Multiple" if your phone offers that button. Once you have selected all your photos, tap "Next" or "Create."
Facebook shows you a preview of the slideshow with a default transition speed and music. You can change the music by tapping the speaker icon or music note. Facebook offers a library of royalty-free songs, or you can choose "No Music" if you prefer silence. Adjust the speed of transitions using the slider — slower transitions give viewers more time to look at each photo.
Reorder photos by holding and dragging them. Remove a photo by tapping the X on its thumbnail. When you are satisfied, tap "Post" or "Share."
Creating a slideshow on your computer
Go to Facebook.com and navigate to your profile or the home feed. In the composer (the box where you normally write a post), click the photo icon. A menu appears — select "Create Slideshow" from the options.
Click "Select Photos and Videos" and choose files from your computer. You can upload up to 10 items. Once selected, click "Open" or "Upload." Facebook processes the files and shows you a preview.
The slideshow editor on desktop works the same way as mobile: you can change the music, adjust transition speed, and reorder or remove photos. Click the music icon to browse the music library or select "No Music." Use the speed slider to make transitions faster or slower. Drag photos to reorder them, or click the X to remove one.
When you are ready, click "Post" to share the slideshow to your timeline or selected audience.
Choosing music and adjusting playback speed
Facebook's music library includes instrumental tracks, upbeat songs, and ambient background music. When you tap or click the music icon, you see categories like "Upbeat," "Peaceful," "Energetic," and "Nostalgic." Listen to a preview of each song before selecting it. If none of the options fit, choose "No Music" and the slideshow will play silently with just the sound of transitions.
The speed slider controls how long each photo appears on screen before moving to the next one. A slower speed (left side of the slider) gives viewers more time to look at details. A faster speed (right side) creates a quicker, more energetic feel. You can preview the speed by watching the thumbnail animation before you post.
Reordering, removing, and editing individual photos
Before posting, you can change the order of your photos. On mobile, hold your finger on a photo thumbnail and drag it to a new position. On desktop, click and drag a photo to move it. This is useful if you want to tell a story in sequence — for example, starting with a wide shot of a location, then moving to close-ups.
To remove a photo, tap or click the X button on its thumbnail. The slideshow automatically adjusts to fill the gap. You cannot edit individual photos within the slideshow creator (crop, brighten, or add text to a single frame), but you can remove it and upload a different version instead.
If you want to make changes to a photo before adding it to the slideshow — such as cropping or adjusting brightness — edit it in your phone's photo app or computer before uploading it to Facebook.
Sharing slideshows and controlling who sees them
When you post a slideshow, you can choose your audience the same way you would for a regular post. Before clicking "Post," look for the audience selector (usually showing "Friends," "Public," or a custom list). Click or tap it to change who can see the slideshow.
Once posted, the slideshow appears on your timeline and in the feeds of people in your selected audience. They can like, comment, and share it like any other post. The slideshow will play automatically as they scroll, but they can also click or tap to pause, play, or move between frames manually.
You can delete a slideshow after posting by clicking the three-dot menu on the post and selecting "Delete." You can also edit the audience later by clicking the audience selector on the post itself.
Troubleshooting common slideshow problems
If Facebook will not let you create a slideshow, check that you have selected at least two photos or videos. Slideshows require a minimum of two items. Also make sure your internet connection is stable — a weak connection can interrupt the upload process.
If the slideshow plays too fast or too slow, adjust the speed slider before posting. If the music does not match the mood you want, try a different song from the library. If a photo appears blurry or distorted in the preview, the original file may be low resolution — try uploading a higher-quality version instead.
If you cannot find the "Create Slideshow" option, make sure you are using a recent version of the Facebook app or browser. Older versions may not have this feature. Update your app or try a different browser on desktop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add text or captions to individual photos in a slideshow?
No, the slideshow creator does not include a text tool for individual frames. If you want captions, add them to your photos before uploading using your phone's photo editor or a computer program like Paint or Preview. Then upload the edited versions to the slideshow.
How long can a Facebook slideshow be?
You can add up to 10 photos or videos to a single slideshow. If you have more than 10 items, create multiple slideshows or post some items separately.
Can I use my own music instead of Facebook's library?
No, the slideshow creator only offers Facebook's royalty-free music library. If you want a specific song, you can post the slideshow without music and add the song as a separate audio post, or upload a video with your own audio instead.
What happens if I delete a slideshow after posting it?
The slideshow disappears from your timeline and from other people's feeds. Anyone who shared it will still see it in their own posts, but the original will no longer be viewable.
Can I edit a slideshow after I post it?
No, you cannot edit the photos, music, or order after posting. You must delete the slideshow and create a new one with your changes.