For Google TV & Chromecast owners

Replace Google TV Ambient Mode with your own photos.

Google TV's Ambient Mode shows beautiful stock photography — but it's not yours. PictaCast turns your personal photo collection into a stunning TV slideshow that runs on your Google TV or Chromecast.

Try Free — No Setup Required

10 minutes free every day. One-time payment options available.

Google TV Ambient Mode vs. PictaCast

Both turn your idle TV into something beautiful. Only one uses your photos.

Google TV Ambient Mode

  • Beautiful curated photography and art
  • Works automatically when TV is idle
  • Shows Google's photos — not yours
  • Your personal photos require Google Photos sync
  • No background music, no grid layouts

PictaCast

  • Your own photos — family, travel, events
  • Cast any time with one click from your browser
  • 100% local — no Google Photos account required
  • Background music from your local MP3s
  • Fullscreen or picture wall grid layouts

Works natively with Google TV & Chromecast

No configuration. No sideloading apps. PictaCast uses the standard Cast protocol built into every Chromecast and Google TV device.

1

Open PictaCast

Visit app.pictacast.com on your laptop or desktop. Sign in with Google.

2

Select your photos

Choose a local folder from your computer. Your photos stay on your device.

3

Cast to Google TV

Click the Cast button, choose your Google TV or Chromecast, and your photos appear instantly.

Works with these devices

Chromecast with Google TV
Google TV (built-in)
Chromecast (all models)
Any TV + Chromecast dongle
Related: See how to set up your own photos as a Google TV Screensaver

Google TV Ambient Mode & Screensaver FAQs

Common questions about replacing the Google TV ambient mode screensaver.

Can I show personal photos in Google TV ambient mode?

Yes, but the official support requires you to upload all your images to Google Photos first and select them from there. With PictaCast, you can bypass the cloud entirely and cast your personal photos directly from your computer to the Google TV screensaver.

Does Google TV have official support for a custom screensaver?

The official Google TV ambient mode natively supports Google's curated art gallery or your synced Google Photos. If you want a custom screensaver loop from local files without syncing, a casting tool like PictaCast is the best solution.

Make your Google TV display what matters to you.

Your memories are more meaningful than any stock photo. Try PictaCast free today — no credit card required, no cloud sync needed.

Start Casting Free View all pricing

One-time payment options available. No subscriptions.