DB LabsQuick Answer
Open the Photos app, select the photos you want in your slideshow, tap the Share button (square with up arrow), and select Slideshow. Choose a theme and soundtrack, then tap Play. For a shareable video slideshow, use Memories — go to Photos > For You tab, find or create a Memory, customize it, then tap Share to export as a video file. For full editing control with custom transitions and music, use iMovie (free from Apple).
Method 1: Quick Slideshow in Photos
The fastest way to create a slideshow is directly in the Photos app. This method plays the slideshow on your screen but does not save it as a video file.
1 Select Your Photos
Open Photos and navigate to an album or the Library view. Tap Select and choose the photos you want in the slideshow. You can select from 5 to hundreds of photos.
2 Start the Slideshow
Tap the Share button (square with up arrow) and select Slideshow. The slideshow begins playing immediately with a default theme.
3 Customize Theme and Music
While the slideshow is playing, tap Options in the bottom right. You can change the Theme (Origami, Dissolve, Magazine, Push, Ken Burns), pick a Music track from the built-in library or your Apple Music, and adjust the Speed of transitions.
Method 2: Memories (Shareable Video)
Memories creates polished video slideshows that you can export and share with anyone.
1 Find or Create a Memory
Open Photos and go to the For You tab (iOS 17) or Memories section. iOS automatically creates Memories based on dates, locations, and people. To create a custom Memory, go to an album, tap the three-dot menu, and select Play Memory Movie.
2 Customize the Memory
While the Memory plays, tap the screen, then tap the music icon to change the soundtrack. Swipe left or right on the filter options to change the visual style. Tap the three-dot menu to edit the title, add or remove photos, and adjust the length.
3 Export and Share
Tap the Share button to export the Memory as a video file. You can send it via Messages, AirDrop, email, or save it to your camera roll. The exported video includes music, transitions, and any customizations you made.
Method 3: iMovie (Full Control)
For complete creative control, use iMovie (free from Apple on the App Store). iMovie lets you set exact timing for each photo, add custom transitions, overlay text, and use any music track.
- Open iMovie and create a new Movie project.
- Tap + to add photos from your library. Arrange them in the desired order on the timeline.
- Tap each photo on the timeline to adjust its duration (how long it stays on screen). 3-5 seconds per photo works well.
- Tap between photos to choose transition types (dissolve, slide, wipe, fade).
- Tap the + button and add a music track from your library or iMovie's built-in soundtracks.
- When done, tap Done, then tap the Share button to export as a video file.
For more tips on organizing your photo library for slideshow-worthy moments, see our iPhone photo albums organization guide. Learn more about what Memories on iPhone are and how they work.