TikTok is a popular short-form video app that allows users to create and share 15 to 60 second videos. Since launching in 2016, TikTok has grown to over 1 billion monthly active users worldwide.
In October 2022, TikTok introduced a new feature called Photo Mode that allows users to post multiple still photos in one post, similar to Instagram or Facebook. This provides more flexibility beyond just short videos. Photo Mode lets users combine between 2-35 photos in a single post that viewers can swipe through like a slideshow.
However, some users have found that Photo Mode is not available to them on TikTok. This has led many to ask: Why won’t TikTok let me do Photo Mode?
What is TikTok Photo Mode?
TikTok Photo Mode allows users to create slideshows using images from their phone’s gallery rather than capturing videos (Source: https://moviemaker.minitool.com/moviemaker/how-to-get-photo-mode-on-tiktok.html). Users can upload up to 35 photos and arrange them in the desired order. The images will display one after another like a video when posted. The usual TikTok editing features like music, effects, text, and stickers can be added to create an engaging photo slideshow. Photo Mode provides a convenient alternative to shooting and editing videos for users who want to easily share collections of images.
Why Photo Mode May Be Unavailable
There are a few reasons why TikTok’s photo mode may not be available for some users:
Geo-Restrictions
According to a Reddit thread, photo mode may not be available due to geographic restrictions (source). TikTok has rolled out features to specific regions first before expanding globally. Photo mode appears to be limited to certain countries currently.
Age Restrictions
Per TikTok’s terms of service, you must be over 13 years old to use the platform. Features like photo mode may be restricted for younger users (source). If you are under 13, you will need a parent or guardian to help create an account that provides access to additional features.
New User Restrictions
Some features may be limited for brand new TikTok users, according to reports. After using the app for a period of time, more options may become available (source).
A/B Testing
TikTok appears to use A/B testing for new features, meaning some users randomly gain early access while others must wait. There doesn’t seem to be a way to get photo mode until your account is enabled as part of a gradual rollout (source).
Geo-Restrictions
TikTok’s Photo Mode feature is currently only available in certain countries due to geo-restrictions imposed by TikTok. According to this source, Photo Mode is expected to roll out more widely in 2023, but for now it is limited to certain regions.
Some users may find Photo Mode unavailable if they are located in a country where the feature has not yet been enabled by TikTok. This geographic limitation is likely a temporary measure as TikTok tests the feature and slowly expands availability.
If you are unable to access Photo Mode, the geo-restriction is the most likely reason. You may need to either wait for TikTok to launch the feature in your country, or use a VPN service to route your traffic through another region in order to unlock the option.
Age Restrictions
One of the most common reasons users may find Photo Mode unavailable in TikTok is age restrictions. TikTok requires users to be at least 13 years old to create an account and access all features according to their Terms of Service. This age restriction of 13+ applies to using Photo Mode.
TikTok states in their Privacy Policy that if they learn a user is under 13, they will terminate the account. To comply with child safety protection laws like COPPA in the United States, TikTok restricts access to certain features for under 13 users.
So if you try accessing Photo Mode in TikTok but see a message it’s unavailable, it’s likely because TikTok has identified you as under 13 based on the information provided during sign up. Users under 13 cannot access Photo Mode currently. The only way to get Photo Mode in this case is to have a parent or guardian oversee the account and contact TikTok to update the age, if it was entered incorrectly during sign up.
New User Restrictions
TikTok sometimes limits features for new users as part of a gradual rollout strategy. According to Business Insider, Photo Mode may not be immediately available to users who recently created their account.
This allows TikTok to slowly introduce new features while evaluating how new users interact with the app. Restricting features can prevent overload and help ensure a smooth onboarding experience.
Typically, TikTok begins granting access to additional features like Photo Mode once a new account accrues engagement and followers. New users may need to actively participate on the platform for a period before the option appears.
While frustrating, this restriction is temporary. With consistent use over days or weeks, TikTok will unlock Photo Mode. The exact timeframe varies, but engaging regularly with content is key.
A/B Testing
TikTok regularly tests new features with a small percentage of users before rolling them out more widely. This is known as A/B testing. Photo mode appears to be undergoing A/B testing, meaning some users have access while others don’t.1 If you don’t yet have the photo mode option, it may simply be because TikTok is testing with a limited user group first before expanding availability.
A/B testing allows TikTok to evaluate how new features perform before rolling them out more broadly. It’s a standard practice for app developers. So if photo mode isn’t available to you yet, it may arrive in the future as TikTok expands the test.
How to Get Photo Mode
If photo mode is not showing up for you on TikTok, here are some tips to try and enable it:
Update to the latest version of the TikTok app. New features like photo mode are sometimes only available in the most recent versions of the app. Go to your device’s app store and check for any available TikTok updates.
Check your app settings. In the TikTok app, tap the profile icon and go to Settings > App Settings. Make sure “Photo Mode” is enabled here.
Restart your device. Sometimes simply restarting your phone can help buggy apps recognize new features. Try closing the TikTok app, powering your device off and back on, then launching TikTok again.
Make sure your account meets the requirements. As mentioned in the previous section, TikTok has certain geographic and age restrictions on photo mode. Check that your account satisfies these conditions.
Try deleting and reinstalling the app. As a last resort, uninstalling and re-downloading TikTok can potentially fix issues with missing features.
Be patient. TikTok rolls out features incrementally. If photo mode is not available after trying all troubleshooting steps, it is likely just taking some time to reach your region or account. Check back in a few days.
Alternative Options
If you’re unable to use TikTok’s Photo Mode for any reason, there are plenty of other apps and features you can use instead to create similar photo slideshows. Here are some top alternatives:
Triller – Triller is one of the most popular TikTok competitors, allowing you to create music videos, short clips, and photo slideshows. It has many of the same editing tools and filters as TikTok.
Instagram Reels – Instagram’s Reels feature allows you to create 15-second multi-clip videos that can include photos, audio, effects, and more. Reels has a similar feel and editing process to TikTok.
Snapchat – You can create photo and video Stories on Snapchat that incorporate stickers, text, drawings, and more. Stories disappear after 24 hours like TikToks.
VivaVideo – This free app lets you create slideshows and video stories from your photos, with many effects, transitions, and music options to choose from.
Funimate – Funimate focuses on musical slideshows and video editing. You can create TikTok-style videos with themes, effects, and audio.
Overall, while not exactly the same as TikTok’s Photo Mode, these apps provide alternative ways to produce creative photo slideshows and stories.
Conclusion
Photo Mode is a fun way to explore creativity and make engaging content on TikTok. However, it may be unavailable to you for various reasons. The main restrictions are geo-location, age, and being a new user on the platform. TikTok also runs A/B tests, meaning features are slowly rolled out to different groups of users over time.
If Photo Mode isn’t available yet, be patient and keep checking for updates. Consider using TikTok’s many other creative tools like filters and effects in the meantime. Stick to the community guidelines, actively engage with content, and Photo Mode should unlock after meeting any restrictions. Keep learning how to best leverage the platform to grow your audience and express yourself.
