Do slideshows perform better than videos on TikTok in 2025?
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Slideshows on TikTok have emerged as a powerful content format in 2025, offering creators an alternative to traditional video posts.
While videos still dominate the platform, slideshows have carved out their niche by achieving impressive reach metrics, with many creators reporting views ranging from 50,000 to nearly 1 million per post. The format particularly excels for storytelling, product showcases, and educational content, though it requires strategic optimization to match video performance.
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Summary
Slideshows require 80% retention rates to exceed 1,000 views, compared to the 60-70% typical for videos. Despite higher retention requirements, slideshows can achieve viral reach with proper optimization, particularly when using trending sounds and maintaining 6-10 slides per post.
| Metric | Slideshow Performance | Video Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Average Reach Potential | 50,000 - 1 million views (reported by creators) | Varies widely based on content quality |
| Required Retention Rate | 80% minimum for algorithm boost | 60-70% average completion rate |
| Engagement Rate (Under 100K) | 7.50% average across all content types | 7.50% average across all content types |
| Optimal Content Length | 6-10 slides maximum | 15-60 seconds recommended |
| Monetization Eligibility | Must convert to 1+ minute video format | Direct eligibility for Creativity Program |
| Click-Through Rate | 0.84% average (paid promotions) | 0.84% average (paid promotions) |
| Algorithm Priority Factors | Swipe patterns, time per slide, completion | Watch time, completion rate, engagement |
What's the typical reach difference between slideshows and videos on TikTok?
Slideshows can match or exceed video reach when properly optimized, with creators reporting consistent views between 50,000 to nearly 1 million per post.
The key difference isn't in the maximum reach potential but in the consistency of achieving high views. Videos benefit from more predictable performance patterns, while slideshows experience higher variance based on retention rates. One creator successfully used slideshows to build their account to 10,000 followers before transitioning to monetizable content, demonstrating the format's growth potential.
TikTok actively promotes slideshow content through user notifications, encouraging creators to experiment with the format. This algorithmic support suggests the platform values content diversity and wants to increase slideshow adoption rates.
The reach ultimately depends more on content quality and optimization than format choice. Slideshows incorporating trending sounds and hashtags can achieve similar algorithmic promotion as traditional videos, with the added benefit of standing out in a video-dominated feed.
How does watch time compare between slideshows and video posts?
Watch time calculations differ significantly between formats, with slideshows measuring engagement through swipe patterns and time spent per slide rather than linear viewing duration.
Traditional TikTok videos achieve optimal performance with 15-20 seconds of average watch time on 30-35 second content, representing about 75% completion. Slideshows face unique challenges as users control pacing through manual swiping, making consistent watch time harder to achieve.
The interactive nature of slideshows means viewers might spend more time on compelling slides while quickly swiping past others. This creates uneven engagement patterns that the algorithm must interpret differently than continuous video playback.
If you're struggling to identify what content works in your niche, we can help you figure it out. Success with slideshows requires each slide to provide immediate value, as viewers can exit at any swipe point without the momentum that keeps them watching videos.
What completion rates do slideshows achieve versus short videos?
| Content Type | Average Completion Rate | Key Success Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Videos | 60-70% | Strong hooks, consistent pacing, clear narrative arc throughout the video |
| Slideshow Posts | Requires 80%+ | Compelling first slide, optimal 6-10 slide count, each slide must add value |
| Videos Under 15 Seconds | 85-95% | Brief format naturally achieves higher completion, easier to maintain attention |
| Educational Slideshows | Variable 50-90% | Clear progression, numbered slides, promise of valuable information |
| Story-Based Slideshows | 70-85% | Cliffhangers between slides, emotional engagement, visual consistency |
| Product Slideshows | 45-75% | Before/after reveals, multiple angles, clear benefit demonstration |
| Viral Threshold | 90-100% | TikTok considers this range optimal for pushing content to larger audiences |
How do engagement metrics differ between the two formats?
Both formats achieve similar baseline engagement rates of 7.50% for accounts under 100K followers, but the distribution of engagement types varies significantly.
Slideshows tend to generate higher save rates as users bookmark multi-image content for later reference, particularly for educational or inspirational posts. The swipeable format encourages users to save content they want to revisit, creating stronger long-term engagement signals.
Comments on slideshows often reference specific slides, creating more detailed discussions than typical video comments. Users might ask about "slide 3" or request additional information shown in particular images, generating ongoing comment activity that boosts algorithmic visibility.
The like-to-view ratio for successful slideshows ranges from 1:6 to 1:14, though the algorithm prioritizes retention over raw engagement metrics. Shares carry particular weight in 2025's algorithm, with slideshows performing well when they contain shareable information or visual content that resonates across multiple slides.
What's the follower growth rate per 100K views for each format?
Specific follower conversion data per 100K views remains proprietary to TikTok, but creator reports indicate both formats can drive substantial audience growth when optimized correctly.
The democratized nature of TikTok's algorithm means smaller accounts can achieve significant reach regardless of format choice. The For You page treats content from accounts with hundreds of followers similarly to those with millions, creating equal opportunity for growth.
Slideshows have proven effective for initial account building, with creators successfully using the format to reach monetization thresholds. The key advantage lies in slideshow content's ability to showcase expertise or creativity across multiple images, potentially converting viewers who appreciate the depth of information.
Not sure why your posts aren't converting? Let us take a look for you. Growth rates ultimately depend more on content relevance and audience targeting than format selection.
Do slideshows generate better click-through rates than videos?
Click-through rates for organic content show minimal variation between formats, with both achieving approximately 0.84% on promoted posts.
The platform's average click-through rate outperforms Facebook (0.72%) and Instagram (0.59%), regardless of whether content uses slideshow or video format. This suggests TikTok users are generally more engaged and willing to take action compared to other platforms.
Slideshows may have advantages for product demonstrations and before-after showcases, as users can control viewing pace and examine details more carefully. With 59% of TikTok users making impulse purchases after discovering products on the platform, the format choice matters less than content quality.
TikTok Shop integration works seamlessly with both formats, though slideshows allow for multiple product angles or variations within a single post. The minimum $3 daily spend for TikTok Promote makes testing both formats cost-effective for determining optimal performance.
How does TikTok's algorithm treat slideshows versus videos?
The 2025 algorithm evaluates content based on engagement patterns rather than format, with shares, saves, completion rate, and comments as primary ranking factors.
TikTok's Carousel algorithm has evolved to understand swipe-through behavior, analyzing time spent on individual slides and swipe patterns to determine content quality. The system doesn't discriminate against slideshow format but requires different engagement thresholds for algorithmic amplification.
Initial testing occurs with 300-500 users, where content needs approximately 300 engagement points based on completion rates and interactions to reach larger audiences. Slideshows must maintain higher retention rates to achieve these point thresholds compared to videos.
The algorithm particularly favors content with transitions and trending sounds, giving slideshows incorporating these elements equal opportunity for For You page placement. The key is understanding that slideshow success metrics differ from video metrics while achieving similar algorithmic outcomes.
What's the typical virality ratio for accounts under 100K followers?
- Baseline Engagement Rate: Accounts under 100K followers maintain a 7.50% average engagement rate across both content formats, calculated as total engagements divided by follower count.
- Viral Threshold Requirements: Content must achieve approximately 300 engagement points during initial 300-500 viewer testing to trigger broader distribution, regardless of format choice.
- Slideshow-Specific Challenges: Maintaining engagement across multiple static images requires each slide to provide immediate value, as viewers can exit at any swipe point without video momentum.
- Success Examples: Creators report slideshow posts reaching 200,000 views with strong engagement ratios between 1:6 to 1:14 likes-to-views, demonstrating viral potential when properly executed.
- Format-Agnostic Virality: The algorithm evaluates user behavior patterns rather than content format, meaning both slideshows and videos have equal viral potential when meeting engagement thresholds.
Are there specific times when slideshows perform better than videos?
Optimal posting times remain consistent across formats, with Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday showing strongest performance for both slideshows and videos.
Peak engagement windows include Monday early mornings (1:00, 3:00, 5:00 AM) and mid-week periods (Wednesday 1:00 PM, 5:00-6:00 PM), based on when target audiences are most active. These patterns reflect user behavior rather than format preferences.
No evidence suggests TikTok's algorithm gives preferential treatment to slideshows at specific times. Both formats follow similar optimization patterns based on audience activity rather than platform-specific boosts.
If you feel like your content isn't getting enough engagement, we can help improve that. The key is posting when your specific audience is most likely to engage, regardless of whether you're sharing slideshows or videos.
How do retention curves differ between formats?
Retention patterns fundamentally differ between linear video playback and interactive slideshow swiping, creating unique optimization challenges for each format.
Traditional videos show predictable retention decline curves, typically losing viewers at specific points like weak hooks or content lulls. Creators can identify these drop-off moments and optimize accordingly through editing and pacing adjustments.
Slideshows experience non-linear retention based on individual slide quality and swipe behavior. Users might spend extended time on compelling slides while quickly swiping past others, creating uneven engagement patterns the algorithm must interpret.
Optimal slideshow performance requires 6-10 slides to prevent viewer fatigue while maintaining narrative flow. Each slide must provide standalone value while contributing to the overall story, as users can exit at any point without the momentum that keeps them watching videos.
Do monetized slideshows outperform videos for conversions?
| Monetization Aspect | Slideshow Performance | Video Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Creativity Program Eligibility | Must convert to 1+ minute video format | Direct eligibility with 1+ minute content |
| Affiliate Commission Rates | 5-30% standard rates apply | 5-30% standard rates apply |
| Product Showcase Effectiveness | Multiple angles, before/after comparisons excel | Dynamic demonstrations, lifestyle context strong |
| Impulse Purchase Influence | 59% of users buy after discovery (platform-wide) | 59% of users buy after discovery (platform-wide) |
| Content Production Cost | Lower production requirements, faster creation | Higher production value needed, more time-intensive |
| Conversion Tracking | Clear slide-by-slide journey mapping | Continuous narrative flow tracking |
| Sponsored Tag Impact | May reduce organic engagement when promoted | May reduce organic engagement when promoted |
How do advertising costs compare between formats?
TikTok's auction-based advertising system prices content based on competition and targeting rather than format type, resulting in similar costs for promoted slideshows and videos.
Average advertising metrics in 2025 show $6.21 CPM with $0.31 cost per link click and 2.01% click-through rates across all content types. These rates have grown 12.28% year-over-year, reflecting increased platform competition.
TikTok Promote starts at just $3 daily for both formats, making A/B testing cost-effective. However, promoted content receives a "sponsored" tag that may reduce organic engagement regardless of format choice.
The platform doesn't provide separate CPE reporting for slideshows versus videos in Ads Manager, suggesting similar treatment in the auction system. Success depends more on audience targeting and creative quality than format selection when running paid campaigns.
Conclusion
Slideshows on TikTok represent a powerful alternative to traditional videos, achieving comparable reach and engagement when properly optimized for the platform's unique requirements.
While slideshows demand higher retention rates and face monetization limitations, they excel in product showcases, educational content, and storytelling formats. The key to success lies in understanding each format's strengths and optimizing content accordingly rather than choosing one format exclusively over the other.
Sources
- SocialChamp - How to Make a Slideshow on TikTok
- The Influencer Marketing Factory - TikTok Engagement Rate Calculator
- Planable - TikTok Metrics Guide
- SlideReels - Understanding the TikTok Algorithm 2025
- Sprout Social - TikTok Algorithm Insights
- Reddit - Are Slideshows a Better Format Now?
- Metricool - Best Time to Post on TikTok
- Gupta Media - TikTok Ads Cost Analysis
- Incogniton - TikTok Affiliate Marketing Guide
- Buffer - TikTok Algorithm Resources
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