Make a photo slideshow for Reels or TikTok in vertical 9:16 format at 1080×1920, keep it between 7 and 30 seconds, and hold each photo for 1 to 3 seconds. Put your strongest photo first, keep text away from the bottom of the frame where captions sit, and add the music inside Instagram or TikTok if you want a trending sound.
The right format for each platform
| Where it’s going | Ratio | Pixels | Fliptastic setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instagram Reels | 9:16 | 1080×1920 | 9:16 Reels & TikTok |
| TikTok | 9:16 | 1080×1920 | 9:16 Reels & TikTok |
| YouTube Shorts | 9:16 | 1080×1920 | 9:16 Reels & TikTok |
| Instagram feed post | 4:5 | 1080×1350 | 8:10 Instagram |
| YouTube video | 16:9 | 1920×1080 | 16:9 YouTube |
| Square post | 1:1 | 1440×1440 | 1:1 Square |
8:10 and 4:5 are the same shape. Fliptastic exports H.264 video at 30 or 60 frames per second, which every platform accepts.
Step by step in Fliptastic
- Tap Create Slideshow and add your photos.
- Check the ratio button at the top of the Photos screen. It starts on 9:16, the right shape for Reels, TikTok and Shorts.
- Drag your best photo to the first position. It is the frame people see while deciding whether to keep watching.
- Tap Next. On the Background tab, choose Blur Fill so landscape photos fill the vertical frame instead of sitting between bars.
- On the Duration tab, pick 15s or 30s.
- Tap Share. When the share sheet opens, choose Instagram to save the video and open Instagram, or Save Video to post it to TikTok or YouTube later.
Pacing that holds attention
- 1 to 2 seconds per photo for an upbeat Reel or a beat-matched TikTok.
- 2 to 3 seconds when people need a moment to take in each photo, such as travel shots or detailed scenes.
- Fewer photos, not faster ones. If a 15-second Reel feels rushed, remove photos rather than shortening each one below a second.
The full reasoning, with photo counts for common lengths, is in how long each photo should be in a slideshow.
Keep text in the safe zone
On Reels, TikTok and Shorts, the bottom of the screen is covered by the caption and username, and the right edge by the like, comment and share buttons. Keep titles and other important details in the middle of the frame. Fliptastic text slides can be placed at the top, centre or bottom; centre is the safest for vertical video.
Music: add it before or after?
Both work. Adding a sound inside Instagram or TikTok lets you use their licensed music and trending audio. Adding it in Fliptastic gives you a finished video you can post anywhere or send to family. If you use a commercial song, the platform may mute the video. More in how to add music to a slideshow.
Common questions
What aspect ratio should a slideshow be for Instagram Reels?
Vertical 9:16, which is 1080 by 1920 pixels. The same file works for TikTok and YouTube Shorts. For a regular Instagram feed post, use 8:10 (also written 4:5), which is 1080 by 1350 pixels.
How long should a photo slideshow Reel be?
Between 7 and 30 seconds suits most photo slideshows. Short videos are more likely to be watched to the end and replayed. Use a longer cut only when the story needs it, such as a full trip or a year in review.
Why does my slideshow have black bars on Instagram?
The video was exported in a different shape from the one Instagram expected, usually a 16:9 landscape video posted as a Reel. Export again in 9:16. In Fliptastic, choose the ratio on the Photos screen, and use Blur Fill on the Background tab so landscape photos fill the vertical frame without bars.
Should I add music in Fliptastic or in Instagram?
For Reels and TikTok, adding a sound inside the app you post to usually works better, because their music libraries are licensed for that platform. Export from Fliptastic with no song, then pick a sound when you post. For a video you will share privately, adding music in Fliptastic is simpler.