Make Slideshows with Music in iOS 12 Photos

The Photos app in iOS 12 includes a built-in feature that transforms your favorite photos and videos into animated slideshows set to background music. Without downloading any third-party software, you can curate specific pictures, apply transition themes, adjust the display speed, and choose tracks directly from your personal music library.

Step 1: Select Your Media

  1. Open the Photos app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Tap the Albums tab to select an existing album, or go to the Photos tab and tap Select in the top-right corner.
  3. Tap each photo and video you want to include in your presentation. A blue checkmark will appear on selected items.

Step 2: Start the Slideshow

  1. Tap the Share button (a square with an upward-pointing arrow) located in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
  2. Scroll through the bottom row of action icons and tap Slideshow.
  3. Your media will immediately begin playing as a slideshow with default transitions and music.

Step 3: Customize the Music and Presentation Options

  1. Tap anywhere on the playing slideshow to reveal the on-screen playback controls.
  2. Tap Options in the bottom-right corner.
  3. Change the Theme: Tap Theme to choose from presets like Origami, Dissolve, Magazine, or Ken Burns. Changing the theme automatically changes the default soundtrack.
  4. Select Custom Music: Tap Music to change the audio. You can choose from built-in theme tracks or tap Music Library to pick any locally downloaded song from your Apple Music or iTunes collection. To mute the audio entirely, tap the green toggle next to "Music."
  5. Adjust Playback Settings:
    • Move the slider between the turtle and rabbit icons to decrease or increase the duration each photo stays on screen.
    • Toggle the Repeat switch on if you want the slideshow to loop continuously.

Step 4: Play the Slideshow

Once you have configured your preferences, tap Done in the top-left corner. Your custom settings will apply immediately, playing your selected photos with your chosen music and pacing. Tap the screen and press Pause or tap Done at any time to exit.