The easiest way to cast a Chromecast photo slideshow.

Cast a folder of photos from your laptop or desktop to a Chromecast or TV with Google Cast. PictaCast runs an active slideshow without uploading your photos to the cloud.

Keep your computer awake and PictaCast open while your photos stream over the local network. This is an active Cast session, not a replacement for the TV's idle screensaver.

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Local casting, Ambient Mode, or USB?

Ambient Mode

  • Only shows photos from Google Photos — you must upload your personal photos to Google's cloud first
  • No background music support
  • Layouts vary by device; eligible Google TVs also offer Dynamic collages
  • Slideshow controls vary by device; Ambient Mode includes timing options

USB Media Player

  • Have to copy photos to a USB drive every time
  • Many Chromecast devices don't even have a USB port
  • Supported photo formats and controls depend on your TV's media player
  • Check the TV's manual for music, transitions, and slideshow settings

How to cast a photo slideshow from your computer

Before you start, connect your computer and Google Cast receiver to the same local network. Use Chrome or Edge on a laptop or desktop, and switch the TV to the receiver's HDMI input if needed. Internet access may be needed to load the app, sign in, and start the receiver.

1

Open PictaCast in Chrome or Edge

Go to app.pictacast.com on your laptop or desktop. Sign in with your Google account to get started — no separate registration needed.

2

Select a photo folder from your computer

Click the folder picker and choose any folder of photos — your Desktop, Pictures folder, an external drive, or a specific event folder. Photos are never uploaded anywhere.

3

Cast to your Chromecast

Click the Cast icon and select your Chromecast from the list. Your Chromecast photo gallery starts instantly — with smooth transitions, optional music, and multiple display modes.

Also see our guides on Google TV Ambient Mode and how to cast photos to your TV.

Customize your local photo slideshow

Local Photos Only

Your photos stream from your computer over Wi-Fi. Nothing is uploaded to Google, iCloud, or any other cloud service.

Background Music

Add MP3 files from your computer for a soundtrack that plays alongside your photo gallery. Ambient Mode can't do this.

Multiple Display Modes

Fullscreen crossfade, dynamic picture-wall grid, or collage. Far more options than Chromecast's built-in ambient mode.

Custom Timing

Control exactly how long each photo stays on screen — from a few seconds to several minutes.

Use Your Computer

PictaCast casts independently — minimise the tab and keep working on your computer while the slideshow runs on the TV.

Screen Rotation

Support for 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270° rotation — perfect for portrait-mounted Chromecast displays.

Check your Google Cast setup

Use a video-capable Chromecast or TV with Google Cast. A smart TV label alone does not guarantee Google Cast support. Try the free daily session on your own device before buying a pass.

Chromecast (3rd Gen)

Chromecast Ultra

Chromecast with Google TV

Any TV with built-in Chromecast

Chromecast slideshow troubleshooting

Chromecast missing from the Cast list?

Check that the receiver is powered on and your computer is on the same network. Guest Wi-Fi may prevent devices from finding each other. Check your browser's local-network permission and follow Google's device-discovery guide.

Playback stops or photos do not appear?

Keep the computer awake, the app open, and the selected folder or external drive available. Try a small folder of JPEG images to narrow down a file issue. Check whether your 10-minute free daily allowance has ended before troubleshooting the network.

Using a media server today? Compare the Plex Photos alternative for local TV slideshows. For help with your setup, visit PictaCast support.

Common questions

Can I use my own photos as a Chromecast slideshow?

Yes. PictaCast casts a local photo folder from your computer to a Google Cast receiver without a cloud photo upload. Keep the computer awake and the app open during playback. For an automatic idle display using Google Photos, use the receiver's built-in Ambient Mode.

What device do I need for a Chromecast photo slideshow?

Use a video-capable Chromecast or TV with Google Cast, plus Chrome or Edge on your computer. Both devices must be on the same local network. Test your receiver with the free daily session before purchasing.

Do I need to upload my photos to Google Photos?

No. PictaCast reads your photos directly from a local folder on your computer and streams them to your TV over your home Wi-Fi network. Your photos travel to the TV over your local network without a cloud photo upload.

Can I add background music to my photo gallery?

Yes. PictaCast supports local MP3 files as background music alongside your photo slideshow — something Chromecast's built-in ambient mode cannot do.

Ready to try your Chromecast photo slideshow?

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