Learn how to create TikTok videos using stock photos for a video slideshow that will improve your content strategy and engagement.
Every clip on TikTok has the potential to make a splash but, in order to go viral, it has to stand out. That requires a blend of creativity, strategy, and high-quality bite-sized content.
What do you do if you find it hard to keep up?
In this installment of our content series, Best Practices, we’ll take a closer look at TikTok and discuss the role of stock photography in enhancing content.
Plus, we’ll share guidelines to show you how to integrate stock photography into your social posting calendar to boost your online presence.
Understanding Stock Photography on TikTok
TikTok is all about authenticity, creativity, and in-the-moment entertainment. Using stock photography on the platform requires a thoughtful approach. Followers (and anyone who finds you on the For You page) on TikTok expect raw content that usually feels spontaneous and personal.
To be successful with stock images, it’s all about striking a balance between the genuine feel of user-generated content and the polish of professional photography.
By weaving in professional stock photos to tell your narrative, you can maintain a steady posting schedule of high-quality content without constantly wondering what to film next.
But, before you figure out how to make a TikTok with pictures, you need to know what rules to follow.
License these images via ViDI Studio, LightField Studios, and vivat.
Can You Use Stock Photos on TikTok?
Yes, you can use stock photos on TikTok, but there are caveats. You need the right license and should ensure that you’re abiding by TikTok’s Terms of Service.
Those copyright terms state that the platform does not allow posting, sharing, or sending any content that violates or infringes upon another party’s copyrights, trademarks, or other intellectual property (IP) rights.
After paying for a stock image, you typically receive a license. This license provides you with permission to use the image in a variety of ways, often including social media.
Always review your specific license terms before posting TikTok stock images. Once you know you can use stock photos and you understand all the terms, the next question is: “How do I make a video with pictures?”
How Do You Make a TikTok Video with Pictures?
If you’re not sure where to start with TikTok images, we’ve got you covered.
Photo mode launched in October 2022. It allows users to post an image on its own or create in carousel format (which could include a mix of photos and videos).
Follow these steps on how to make TikToks with pictures:
- Launch the TikTok app and click the plus button.
- Tap Upload.
- Select the stock image from your device’s photo gallery. Want to make a slideshow on TikTok? You can easily select more than one photo.
- Once the photos are uploaded, you can shorten or lengthen the viewing time as you see fit, plus add text and sounds.
- Click Next. Add a caption, relevant hashtags, and decide who can view your video (public, friends, or private).
- Finally, tap Post.
From there, sit back and watch your post perform.
4 Best Practices for Using Stock Photos on TikTok
Ready to take a TikTok image and turn it into a piece of content that blends seamlessly into your strategy? Use these best practices to maximize the value of stock photography on TikTok.
1. Pay Attention to Aspect Ratio and Size
TikTok is tailored for mobile and favors a vertical format. The recommended TikTok image size is 1080 x 1920 pixels with an aspect ratio of 9:16.
Follow these guidelines to make sure your content looks as crisp as possible on the platform.
License these images via Look Studio and vivat.
2. Incorporate Movement
TikTok is a platform built around captivating video content.
When leveraging a stock photo, you can breathe life into it by incorporating motion with TikTok’s in-app editing tools. Try zooming in or out or panning to add visual interest and transform the static image.
If you need more help, TikTok also introduced templates for creators to use. This simplifies the process of turning photos into structured videos (plus, these templates handle the music selection for you, too!).
The double exposure template adds an interesting visual effect, while the holiday template may help you put several images together for an upcoming campaign.
You can also try AutoCut to help you find the best places to insert movement without manual editing. This feature uses AI to analyze content and finds the best places for cuts and transitions between images.
3. Align with Trends
Trends impact every corner of our culture, but they dominate TikTok. According to the TikTok speed of culture, trends on the platform range from quick moments to large-scale forces that have the power to drive behavioral change. Regularly explore the trends to get ideas.
You can also use asset-friendly effects to elevate photo mode content. Many of TikTok’s in-built effects are designed for video content (think: the popular “aged” filter), so they’re not always compatible with static images. But there are specific effects, like the green screen and the green screen filter that will work well with stock images.
For example, if you’re a cleaning company wanting to jump into the #CleanTok community, you might use stock photos and the green screen effect to highlight specific problem areas common in many homes. Then, you can give ideas on how to keep them in top shape.
4. Include Sound in Your Narrative
88% of TikTok users said that sound is essential to the TikTok experience, so don’t overlook this element of your post. Pair your stock photo with music or soundbites to capture attention.
Also consider using a voiceover if your goal is to educate. There’s a 120% awareness lift for brands that use TikTok’s music-driven, sound-on ad solutions.
How to Enhance Engagement with Stock Photos on TikTok
Knowing how to make a TikTok video with pictures is a good first step, but you can take your content to new heights when you understand how to encourage engagement.
Use these ideas to get more users to interact with posts on TikTok.
Use Stickers and Effects
Want to introduce an element of fun or drama in your content? Start using effects.
Whether it’s a sparkling effect or an animated sticker, when they’re on brand, these additions can add the movement that TikTok is known for to static images and encourage longer view times.
License these images via ViDI Studio, LightField Studios, miniwide, and vivat.
Experiment with Looping Techniques
The magic of TikTok lies in looping videos. When designing content around a stock photo, consider this and make sure your photo transitions smoothly.
This may help you adjust to the right length for your audience. The ideal duration is thought to be around 20-30 seconds. However, TikTok now allows videos up to 10 minutes, and the platform even wants longer videos.
But, close to 50% of users find videos over a minute long to be stressful. Try out different video lengths to find what viewers respond best to.
Include Text
Use TikTok’s in-built text features to make photo posts more compelling and accessible.
Videos on TikTok often have motion, sound, and other dynamics that can convey a message or story with ease. Adding text to images provides an opportunity to give any missing context.
You may also use annotations to act as conversation starters or provide captions on the screen to make it possible to understand your content without sound.
License these images via ViDI Studio, mnimage, miniwide, and vivat.
It’s Your Turn to Try Out TikTok Stock Images
Stock photos offer an avenue to elevate and diversify your TikTok content. Using the information in this post, you can begin using stock imagery on TikTok and see the effect on your content’s appeal and reach.
Like this post? Stay tuned for our next piece on using stock photos in ads. We’ll show you how to leverage stock images to capture your audience’s attention and inspire the action you want them to take without overextending your resources.
Need a starting point? We’ve got you covered. It’s never been easier to access everything you need in a single subscription. With Shutterstock Flex, you’ll have all-in-one access to our massive library, plus the FLEXibility you need to select the perfect mix of assets every time.
License this cover image via Unknown man.
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