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Photo Slideshows - Turn Your Displays into Dynamic Photo Frames

Transform any FamilyCast display into a beautiful, ever-changing photo gallery. Show family memories, kids' artwork, vacation photos, and special moments throughout your home.

What Are Photo Slideshows?​

Photo slideshows let you display a rotating collection of images on your FamilyCast screens. Unlike static photo frames, slideshows automatically cycle through your chosen photos, keeping your displays fresh and engaging.

Perfect For:

  • 📸 Family photo galleries (vacations, holidays, everyday moments)
  • 🎨 Kids' artwork rotation (showcase their creativity)
  • 🎉 Birthday and celebration memories
  • 👵 Grandparents' photo displays (rotating grandkids photos)
  • 🏡 Home memory walls (digital scrapbooks)
  • 🎓 Milestone celebrations (graduations, achievements)

Available in: All FamilyCast plans (Free, Standard, Premium)

Why Families Love Slideshows​

Bring Memories to Life​

Instead of choosing just one photo for a frame, display hundreds of your family's best moments. Relive vacations during breakfast, see the kids' artwork while cooking dinner, or enjoy memories of loved ones in the living room.

Celebrate Everyone​

Create slideshows for each family member's room showing their personal photos, rotate through extended family photos in shared spaces, or dedicate a display to grandparents' photos to brighten their day.

Keep It Fresh​

Automatically rotate through seasonal photos, add new memories from recent events, and never see the same photo twice in days (with large collections).

Mix Content Sources​

Combine photos from Google Photos, directly uploaded kids' drawings, printed photos you've scanned, and even family recipe cards or handwritten notes.

Photo Sources - Where Your Photos Come From​

FamilyCast supports multiple ways to get photos onto your displays:

Best For: Your primary family photo library

Connect your Google Photos account to automatically sync albums to FamilyCast. When you add new photos to albums in Google Photos, they appear on your displays within a few hours.

Key Benefits:

  • ✅ Automatic sync - Add photos once, they appear everywhere
  • ✅ Huge photo collections - Display thousands of family photos
  • ✅ Smart albums - Google's facial recognition, places, and things
  • ✅ Shared albums - Family members contribute photos
  • ✅ No manual uploads - Photos already in Google Photos

Setup: See Google Photos Integration for complete setup guide

Family Use Cases:

  • Morning routine: Display "Last 3 Months" album with recent family activities
  • Kitchen: "Family Favorites" album with best memories
  • Kids' rooms: "Emma's Photos" album (just their photos)
  • Living room: "All-Time Best" curated collection
  • Grandparents' display: "Grandkids Growing Up" shared album

2. Direct Upload (Kids' Art & Scanned Photos)​

Best For: Kids' drawings, printed photos, certificates, artwork

Upload photos directly from your computer or phone to FamilyCast. Perfect for content that isn't in Google Photos yet.

Key Benefits:

  • ✅ Instant upload - Drag and drop files
  • ✅ Kids' artwork - Photo their drawings and upload
  • ✅ Scanned photos - Old family photos digitized
  • ✅ Screenshots - Save images from anywhere
  • ✅ No external account needed

How to Upload:

  1. Go to Content Library in FamilyCast
  2. Click Upload Photos
  3. Drag and drop files or click to browse
  4. Add tags (like "Emma's Art" or "Vacation 2024")
  5. Photos available immediately for slideshows

Supported Formats:

  • JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP (images)
  • MP4, WebM (short video clips)
  • Max file size: 50MB per file

Family Use Cases:

  • Kids' artwork rotation: Photo each drawing, upload, display in their room
  • Scanned old photos: Digitize grandparents' photo albums
  • Printed school photos: Scan and add to family gallery
  • Event programs: Upload birthday party invitations, programs
  • Recipe cards: Display Grandma's handwritten recipes

3. URL Import (Photos from Websites)​

Best For: Photos hosted elsewhere (family websites, shared galleries, photo services)

Import photos by providing a URL. FamilyCast fetches and displays the photo.

Key Benefits:

  • ✅ No file downloads needed
  • ✅ Link to existing photo hosting
  • ✅ Display photos from family websites
  • ✅ Share photos across multiple systems

How to Import:

  1. Go to Content Library
  2. Click Add from URL
  3. Paste photo URL (must be direct link to image file)
  4. Photo added to library

Family Use Cases:

  • School photo packages (if provided as URLs)
  • Family website photos
  • Shared photo galleries
  • Professional photography (if photographer provides URLs)

Requirements:

  • Must be publicly accessible URL
  • Direct link to image file (ends in .jpg, .png, etc.)
  • HTTPS recommended for security

4. Google Slides (Structured Presentations)​

Best For: Curated photo presentations with captions, layouts, or storytelling

Create a photo presentation in Google Slides, then display it on FamilyCast. Great for vacation recaps, family history presentations, or milestone celebrations.

Key Benefits:

  • ✅ Add captions and text to photos
  • ✅ Control exact layout and design
  • ✅ Tell a story with photos + text
  • ✅ Collaborate with family on presentation
  • ✅ Auto-updates when you edit slides

Family Use Cases:

  • Vacation recap: Photos with captions about each destination
  • Birthday milestones: "Emma's First 10 Years" presentation
  • Family tree: Photos of relatives with names and relationships
  • Recipe display: Photos + ingredients + instructions
  • Event announcements: Birthday party details with photos

Setup: See separate Google Slides Integration documentation

Creating Your First Photo Slideshow​

Step 1: Gather Your Photos​

Decide What to Display:

Think about which display you're setting up and what content fits:

Kitchen Display:

  • Recent family photos (last 3 months)
  • Everyday moments (dinner time, game nights)
  • Kids' recent artwork
  • Upcoming events (via Google Slides)

Living Room Display:

  • All-time favorite family photos
  • Vacation highlights
  • Extended family gatherings
  • Seasonal memories

Kids' Bedroom Display:

  • Individual child's photos
  • Their artwork and achievements
  • Friends and activities they enjoy
  • Age-appropriate content only

Entryway Display:

  • Mix of old and new family photos
  • Welcome messages (via Google Slides)
  • Rotating seasonal photos
  • Extended family photos (for visitors)

Grandparents' Display:

  • Grandkids' recent photos
  • Shared family album (everyone contributes)
  • Milestones and achievements
  • Large, clear photos (easy to see)

Step 2: Choose Your Photo Source​

Pick one or mix multiple sources:

Option A: Start with Google Photos (Easiest)

  1. Create an album in Google Photos
  2. Add 50-100 favorite family photos
  3. Name it "FamilyCast - Kitchen" (or your display location)
  4. Connect Google Photos in FamilyCast
  5. Select the album to sync
  6. Photos available on displays in 5-10 minutes

Option B: Upload Kids' Artwork

  1. Take photos of kids' drawings with your phone
  2. Transfer photos to computer (or upload from phone)
  3. Go to FamilyCast Content Library
  4. Upload all artwork photos
  5. Tag them "Emma's Art"
  6. Create slideshow using uploaded photos

Option C: Mix Multiple Sources

  1. Sync Google Photos album (50 family photos)
  2. Upload 10 kids' drawings
  3. Create Google Slides with vacation captions (10 slides)
  4. Combine all in one slideshow
  5. Total: 70 items rotating

Step 3: Create a Slideshow​

In FamilyCast Dashboard:

  1. Go to Layouts → Create New Layout
  2. Choose starting template or start blank
  3. Add Slideshow Area to canvas (drag to resize)
  4. Click the slideshow area to configure

Slideshow Configuration:

Content Sources:

  • ✅ Select Google Photos album
  • ✅ Select uploaded photos (by tag or folder)
  • ✅ Select Google Slides presentation
  • ✅ Mix all sources in one slideshow

Timing Settings:

  • Duration per Photo: 10 seconds (recommended)
    • Quick (5-8 sec): High energy, more photos shown
    • Standard (10-15 sec): Balanced, comfortable viewing
    • Leisurely (20-30 sec): Slow pace, fewer photos

Transition Effects:

  • Fade: Smooth cross-fade (recommended for families)
  • Slide: Photo slides in from edge
  • Zoom (Ken Burns): Slow zoom and pan (cinematic)
  • Instant: No transition, immediate change

Playback Options:

  • Shuffle: Random photo order (keeps it fresh)
  • Chronological: Oldest to newest (tell a story)
  • Loop: Restart from beginning when finished (always on)
  • Auto-advance: Automatically move to next photo (enabled)

Photo Fit:

  • Fill Screen: Crop to fill entire display (no black bars)
  • Fit to Screen: Show entire photo (may have black bars)
  • Original Size: Display at actual resolution

Step 4: Add to Display Layout​

Slideshow as Main Content (Full Screen):

┌─────────────────────────────┐
│                             │
│                             │
│      Slideshow (100%)       │
│     Family Photos           │
│                             │
│                             │
└─────────────────────────────┘

Slideshow + Widgets (Split Screen):

┌─────────────────────────────┐
│ Time & Weather (20%)        │
├─────────────────────────────┤
│                             │
│      Slideshow (70%)        │
│     Family Photos           │
│                             │
├─────────────────────────────┤
│ Family Calendar (10%)       │
└─────────────────────────────┘

Slideshow + Info Sidebar:

┌───────────────────┬─────────┐
│                   │ Time    │
│                   ├─────────┤
│   Slideshow       │ Weather │
│   (70%)           ├─────────┤
│   Family Photos   │ Events  │
│                   ├─────────┤
│                   │ Chores  │
└───────────────────┴─────────┘

Step 5: Assign to Your Display​

  1. Go to Displays in FamilyCast
  2. Select your display (e.g., "Kitchen Display")
  3. Click Active Layout
  4. Choose your new slideshow layout
  5. Save

Your slideshow starts playing immediately!

Family Use Cases & Examples​

Morning Routine Display (Kitchen)​

Goal: Start the day with family memories and daily info

Setup:

  • Main Area (60%): Photo slideshow
    • Google Photos: "Last 3 Months" album
    • 10 second duration per photo
    • Fade transitions
    • Shuffle mode
  • Top Bar (20%): Date, time, weather
  • Bottom Bar (20%): Today's calendar events + family chores

Photos Include:

  • Recent family dinners
  • Weekend activities
  • Kids' sports/activities
  • Family game nights
  • Everyday happy moments

Why It Works:

  • Fresh, recent content (last 3 months)
  • Starts day with positive family memories
  • Combines photos with practical info (weather, schedule)

Kids' Artwork Rotation (Kids' Room)​

Goal: Celebrate their creativity and make them feel proud

Setup:

  • Full Screen: Kids' artwork slideshow
    • Direct upload: Photos of drawings
    • 20 seconds per artwork (time to appreciate)
    • Zoom transitions (dynamic feel)
    • Chronological (newest first)

Content:

  • Photo each drawing with phone camera
  • Upload to "Emma's Art" tag
  • 20-30 pieces displayed
  • Update monthly with new artwork

Tips:

  • Let kids pick which art to display
  • Include 3D projects (photo them on display)
  • Add captions with Google Slides ("Made on [date]")
  • Rotate out old art quarterly

Why Kids Love It:

  • Validates their creativity
  • Shows you value their work
  • Visitors see and compliment their art
  • Builds confidence and pride

Grandparents' Photo Display (Living Room)​

Goal: Keep grandparents connected with grandkids' lives

Setup:

  • Full Screen: Grandkids photo slideshow
    • Google Photos shared album: "For Grandma & Grandpa"
    • 15 seconds per photo
    • Fade transitions
    • Shuffle mode

Photo Content:

  • Kids' activities and milestones
  • School photos
  • Sports and hobbies
  • Family gatherings
  • Kids' artwork (photos of it)
  • Video messages from grandkids

Sharing Method:

  1. You create shared Google Photos album
  2. Add grandparents to album
  3. Everyone in family can add photos
  4. Photos appear on grandparents' display automatically
  5. Grandparents see new photos within hours

Why It's Special:

  • Grandparents feel connected despite distance
  • See grandkids growing up in real-time
  • No tech skills needed (just watch the display)
  • Family contributes photos easily

Family Memory Wall (Hallway)​

Goal: Digital scrapbook of family history and special moments

Setup:

  • Full Screen: All-time favorites slideshow
    • Google Photos: "Family Favorites" curated album
    • 20 seconds per photo
    • Ken Burns zoom effect (cinematic)
    • Chronological order (oldest to newest)

Photo Content:

  • Mix of old and new photos (10+ years)
  • Major milestones (weddings, births, graduations)
  • Extended family gatherings
  • Vacations and trips
  • Scanned old photos (grandparents' generation)
  • Historical family photos

Curation Strategy:

  • 100-200 carefully selected photos
  • Highest quality/meaningful moments only
  • Remove duplicates or similar shots
  • Update quarterly with new favorites
  • Balance all family members (not just kids)

Vacation Memories (Living Room)​

Goal: Relive favorite family vacation with captions and storytelling

Setup:

  • Full Screen: Vacation presentation
    • Google Slides: "Disney World 2024" presentation
    • 15 seconds per slide
    • Fade transitions
    • Loop continuously

Content Strategy:

  • Select best 20-30 vacation photos
  • Create Google Slides presentation
  • Add captions: "Day 1: Magic Kingdom", "Emma meets Mickey"
  • Include maps or itinerary slides
  • End slide: "Can't wait to go back!"

When to Display:

  • First month after vacation (relive it)
  • Seasonally (summer vacation in summer)
  • When planning next trip (inspiration)
  • For guests (conversation starter)

Birthday Celebration Display (Party Room)​

Goal: Celebrate birthday child with milestone photos and messages

Setup:

  • Full Screen: Birthday slideshow
    • Google Slides: "Emma Turns 10" presentation
    • Direct upload: Birthday party photos
    • 10 seconds per slide
    • Fun transitions (slide, zoom)

Content:

  • "Emma Through the Years" (baby to now)
  • Photo from each birthday (1-10)
  • Recent photos with friends
  • Favorite activities and hobbies
  • Birthday wishes from family (text slides)
  • Party photos (updated during party)

Interactive Element:

  • Take photos during party
  • Upload immediately from phone
  • New photos appear on display within minutes
  • Kids love seeing themselves on the screen

Recipe & Kitchen Display (Kitchen)​

Goal: Display family recipes with photos while cooking

Setup:

  • Main Area (70%): Recipe slideshow
    • Google Slides: "Family Recipes" presentation
    • Mixed with family photos
    • 30 seconds per slide (time to read recipes)
  • Sidebar (30%): Cooking timers + family calendar

Content:

  • Grandma's handwritten recipe cards (scanned)
  • Photos of finished dishes
  • Step-by-step cooking instructions
  • Family photos related to food (baking together)
  • Seasonal recipe rotation (summer grilling, holiday cookies)

Practical Features:

  • Voice control: "Show chocolate chip cookie recipe"
  • Timers for cooking steps
  • Shopping list widget
  • Rotate recipes by season

Configuration Options Explained​

Slide Duration - How Long Each Photo Shows​

5 Seconds (Quick):

  • Feel: High energy, fast-paced
  • Good For: Large collections (200+ photos), entryway displays
  • Downside: May feel rushed

10 Seconds (Standard - Recommended):

  • Feel: Comfortable, balanced pace
  • Good For: Most family displays, mixed content
  • Best Balance: Enough time to see photo, not too slow

15-20 Seconds (Leisurely):

  • Feel: Relaxed, contemplative
  • Good For: Living room, curated collections, artwork
  • Best For: Smaller collections (50-100 photos)

30+ Seconds (Very Slow):

  • Feel: Meditative, almost static
  • Good For: Recipes (time to read), artwork appreciation
  • Downside: Feels repetitive with large collections

Recommendation: Start with 10 seconds. Adjust based on how it feels.

Transition Effects - How Photos Change​

Fade (Recommended):

  • Look: Smooth cross-fade, professional
  • Feel: Gentle, non-distracting
  • Best For: All family displays
  • Performance: Smooth on all displays

Slide:

  • Look: Photo slides in from left/right/top/bottom
  • Feel: Dynamic, directional movement
  • Best For: Kids' displays (more engaging)
  • Variations: Random direction each time

Zoom (Ken Burns Effect):

  • Look: Slow zoom in + pan across photo
  • Feel: Cinematic, documentary-style
  • Best For: Curated collections, high-quality photos
  • Performance: Requires good device (may stutter on old tablets)

Instant (No Transition):

  • Look: Immediate change, no fade
  • Feel: Simple, direct
  • Best For: Fast rotations, minimal style
  • Performance: Fastest, lowest resource usage

Family-Friendly Choice: Fade or Slide (avoid Instant - too jarring)

Shuffle vs. Chronological Order​

Shuffle (Random):

  • ✅ Every viewing is different
  • ✅ Keeps display feeling fresh
  • ✅ Good for large collections
  • ✅ Less predictable (more surprising)
  • ❌ No narrative flow
  • ❌ May show old + new photos next to each other

Best For: Daily family displays, large collections

Chronological (Oldest to Newest):

  • ✅ Tells a story over time
  • ✅ See kids growing up in order
  • ✅ Seasonal flow (summer → fall → winter)
  • ✅ Predictable pattern
  • ❌ Same order every time
  • ❌ Can feel repetitive

Best For: Milestone displays, "year in review" slideshows

Reverse Chronological (Newest First):

  • ✅ See recent photos first
  • ✅ Older photos after
  • ✅ Good for Google Photos "recent" albums

Best For: Always-current displays

Family Recommendation: Shuffle for daily displays, Chronological for special occasion displays

Photo Fit Options - How Photos Fill the Screen​

Fill Screen:

  • Result: Entire screen filled, no black bars
  • Trade-off: Photos may be cropped slightly
  • Best For: Professional look, no distractions
  • When to Use: Most family displays

Fit to Screen:

  • Result: Entire photo visible, may have black bars on sides
  • Trade-off: Black bars on portrait photos
  • Best For: Preserving full photo composition
  • When to Use: Artwork, important photos where cropping isn't acceptable

Original Size:

  • Result: Photo displayed at actual resolution
  • Trade-off: May be too small or too large for screen
  • Best For: Technical accuracy (rarely needed)
  • When to Use: Almost never for family displays

Family Recommendation: Fill Screen (looks best)

Ken Burns Effect (Zoom + Pan)​

What It Is: Slow, subtle zoom in and pan across photos (like documentaries)

Settings:

  • Speed: Slow (15 seconds), Medium (10 sec), Fast (5 sec)
  • Zoom Level: 110% (subtle) to 150% (dramatic)
  • Pan Direction: Random or fixed

Best For:

  • High-quality photos (1920x1080 or higher)
  • Landscape/scenery photos
  • Portrait photos (close-ups)
  • Living room displays (cinematic feel)

Avoid With:

  • Low-resolution photos (pixelates when zoomed)
  • Busy photos (zoom makes them harder to see)
  • Text-heavy content (recipe cards, signs)
  • Very fast durations (disorienting)

Family Recommendation: Enable for curated "favorites" collections, disable for everyday displays

Best Practices for Family Slideshows​

Photo Selection Tips​

Include Variety:

  • ✅ Mix of people, places, and activities
  • ✅ Close-ups and wide shots
  • ✅ Indoor and outdoor photos
  • ✅ Candid and posed photos
  • ✅ Everyday moments + special events
  • ✅ All family members equally represented

Photo Quality Matters:

  • ✅ Clear, well-lit photos
  • ✅ Good color and contrast
  • ✅ High resolution (1920x1080 minimum)
  • ❌ Avoid blurry shots
  • ❌ Avoid very dark photos
  • ❌ Avoid duplicate similar shots

Content Guidelines:

  • ✅ Positive, happy memories
  • ✅ Age-appropriate for all viewers
  • ✅ Consider who will see the display (guests?)
  • ❌ Embarrassing photos (especially of kids)
  • ❌ Private family moments
  • ❌ Bath time, potty training, etc.
  • ❌ Photos kids would find embarrassing

How Many Photos?​

Small Collection (20-30 photos):

  • Pros: Carefully curated, all high-quality
  • Cons: Repetitive, see same photos often
  • Best For: Special event displays (birthday, vacation)
  • Duration: 15-20 seconds per photo (stretch viewing time)

Medium Collection (50-100 photos - Recommended):

  • Pros: Good variety, not repetitive, manageable
  • Cons: Still requires curation
  • Best For: Most family displays
  • Duration: 10-15 seconds per photo

Large Collection (200-500 photos):

  • Pros: Tons of variety, rarely repetitive
  • Cons: May include lower-quality photos, slower sync
  • Best For: "All Family Photos" displays, long-term displays
  • Duration: 5-10 seconds per photo (more to show)

Very Large (1000+ photos):

  • Pros: Never repetitive
  • Cons: Very slow sync, hard to curate, may overwhelm
  • Best For: Digital photo frame replacing printed albums
  • Recommendation: Use Google Photos filters (last 6 months, people, etc.)

Organizing Photos in Google Photos​

Create Dedicated FamilyCast Albums:

Instead of syncing entire library, create purpose-specific albums:

"FamilyCast - Kitchen" Album:

  • Last 3 months of photos
  • Everyday moments + special events
  • 75-100 photos
  • Update monthly

"FamilyCast - Kids Safe" Album:

  • G-rated, age-appropriate
  • Family activities
  • Kids' friends and school events (with permission)
  • No embarrassing content

"FamilyCast - All-Time Favorites" Album:

  • Curated best 100 photos ever
  • Major milestones
  • Extended family
  • Oldest to newest

"FamilyCast - Grandparents" Shared Album:

  • Grandkids' recent photos
  • Everyone in family can contribute
  • Update weekly

Mixing Photo Sources Effectively​

Combine for Best Results:

Example: Kitchen Display Slideshow

  • 60 photos from Google Photos (recent family photos)
  • 15 kids' drawings (direct upload)
  • 5 Google Slides (recipes, weekly schedule)
  • Total: 80 items, 10 seconds each = 13 minutes before repeat

Example: Kids' Room Display

  • 30 photos from "Emma's Photos" album
  • 20 pieces of Emma's artwork (uploaded)
  • 5 Google Slides (achievement certificates, awards)
  • Total: 55 items, 15 seconds each = 14 minutes before repeat

Balance Sources:

  • 70% Google Photos (automatic sync, low maintenance)
  • 20% Direct uploads (artwork, special items)
  • 10% Google Slides (structured content, captions)

Updating Slideshow Content​

Monthly Maintenance:

  • Add new favorites from recent events
  • Remove outdated photos (old news, past events)
  • Update seasonal content (winter → spring)
  • Refresh kids' artwork with new pieces

Quarterly Deep Clean:

  • Review entire collection
  • Remove duplicates or similar shots
  • Add archived favorites (old photos you forgot about)
  • Reorganize albums by theme

After Big Events:

  • Add vacation photos immediately
  • Update birthday child's slideshow
  • Add holiday photos while still relevant

Set Reminders:

  • "Update kitchen slideshow" - 1st of each month
  • "Refresh all displays" - Start of each season
  • "Add recent photos" - After family events

Performance & Loading Speed​

Keep Slideshows Running Smoothly:

Photo Resolution:

  • 1920x1080 (Full HD) ideal for most displays
  • 4K photos work but load slower
  • Compress large photos before upload (use Google Photos automatic compression)

File Sizes:

  • Target: 500KB - 2MB per photo
  • Max: 5MB per photo
  • Use JPG for photos (PNG only for graphics with transparency)

Collection Size:

  • Optimal: 50-100 photos per slideshow
  • Max recommended: 200-300 photos
  • Very large collections (500+) may have slower initial load

Internet Speed:

  • Google Photos requires 5+ Mbps for smooth loading
  • Direct uploads are cached locally (faster)
  • Slow connection? Use smaller collections or lower-quality setting

Troubleshooting​

Slideshow Not Playing​

Check These:

  1. Content Added to Slideshow?

    • Open layout editor
    • Verify slideshow area has content assigned
    • Check that albums/uploads are selected

  2. Display Online?

    • Go to Displays in dashboard
    • Check display status (should be green "Online")
    • Refresh the display browser if offline

  3. Layout Assigned?

    • Verify display has active layout assigned
    • Check that slideshow area is visible (not hidden or zero size)

  4. Photos Actually Available?

    • Google Photos: Check sync completed
    • Direct uploads: Verify files uploaded successfully
    • Check Content Library to confirm photos exist

Solutions:

  • Reassign layout to display
  • Force sync Google Photos (Integrations → Sync Now)
  • Refresh display browser (Ctrl+F5)
  • Check display connection status

Photos Not Showing (Blank Screen or Black Squares)​

Possible Causes:

  1. Google Photos Not Synced:

    • Go to Integrations → Google Photos
    • Check sync status and last sync time
    • Click Sync Now to force immediate sync

  2. Photos Not in Selected Album:

    • Verify photos are IN the album FamilyCast is syncing
    • Photos in library but not in album won't show
    • Add photos to album in Google Photos

  3. Broken Image URLs (URL imports):

    • Check if URL is still accessible
    • Re-import photo if URL changed
    • Use direct uploads instead

  4. Permissions Issue (Google Photos):

    • Reconnect Google Photos account
    • Grant all requested permissions
    • Verify album is accessible (not deleted)

Slideshow Not Advancing (Stuck on One Photo)​

Check:

  1. Auto-advance Enabled?

    • Edit layout
    • Click slideshow area
    • Verify Auto-advance is ON

  2. Duration Set Too Long?

    • Check slide duration setting
    • Should be 5-30 seconds (not minutes)

  3. Only One Photo in Slideshow?

    • Verify multiple photos selected
    • Add more content to slideshow

  4. Browser Frozen?

    • Refresh display browser
    • Check device performance (old tablet may struggle)

Solutions:

  • Enable auto-advance in slideshow settings
  • Set reasonable duration (10-15 seconds)
  • Refresh display browser

Photos Cropped Incorrectly (Important Parts Cut Off)​

Cause: Portrait photos on landscape display, or vice versa

Solutions:

  1. Change Photo Fit Setting:

    • Edit layout → Slideshow settings
    • Change Photo Fit to "Fit to Screen"
    • Accept black bars to see full photo

  2. Use Correct Orientation Photos:

    • Landscape photos (horizontal) for most displays
    • Portrait photos (vertical) only if display is portrait-mounted
    • Filter out wrong orientation in Google Photos

  3. Crop Photos in Google Photos:

    • Edit photos to 16:9 aspect ratio before syncing
    • Ensure important content is in center of frame
    • Use safe zones (avoid important content at edges)

  4. Mount Display Differently:

    • If mostly portrait photos, mount display vertically
    • FamilyCast auto-rotates layout to match display orientation

Google Photos Not Syncing (New Photos Not Appearing)​

Check:

  1. Last Sync Time:

    • Integrations → Google Photos
    • "Last Synced" should be within 6 hours
    • If longer, may be connection issue

  2. Photos in Synced Album?

    • Verify you added photos to album FamilyCast is syncing
    • Not just in library - must be in album

  3. Integration Still Connected?

    • Check connection status (green "Connected")
    • If red "Disconnected", reconnect account

  4. Sync Interval:

    • Automatic sync: Every 6 hours
    • Manual sync: Click Sync Now for immediate update

Solutions:

  • Click Sync Now to force update
  • Reconnect Google Photos account
  • Verify photos in correct album
  • Wait 6 hours for automatic sync

Duplicate Photos Appearing (Same Photo Multiple Times)​

Cause: Photo appears in multiple synced albums

How FamilyCast Handles Duplicates:

  • Each album's photos are treated separately
  • If photo is in 2 synced albums, it may appear twice

Solutions:

  1. Remove from Duplicate Albums:

    • Check which albums are synced
    • Remove duplicate photo from one album

  2. Sync Only One Album per Display:

    • Instead of syncing multiple albums to one display
    • Assign only one primary album
    • Reduces duplicate likelihood

  3. Use Filters:

    • If using "All Photos" or multiple albums
    • Enable de-duplication in slideshow settings
    • FamilyCast will show each photo only once

Slideshow Loading Slowly or Stuttering​

Causes:

  1. Slow Internet Connection:

    • Google Photos streams photos from cloud
    • Requires 5+ Mbps for smooth playback
    • Test speed: speedtest.net

  2. High-Resolution Photos:

    • 4K photos (3840x2160) are large files
    • Take longer to load than 1080p
    • May stutter on older displays

  3. Old/Slow Display Device:

    • Older tablets or Fire TV Sticks struggle
    • Ken Burns effect requires processing power
    • Too many photos in queue

Solutions:

  1. Lower Photo Quality:

    • Display Settings → Photo Quality: Medium or Low
    • Faster loading, less bandwidth usage
    • Still looks great on most displays

  2. Smaller Photo Collections:

    • 50-100 photos instead of 500+
    • Faster initial load
    • Smoother playback

  3. Simplify Transitions:

    • Use Fade instead of Zoom (Ken Burns)
    • Less processing required
    • Smoother on older devices

  4. Use Direct Uploads Instead:

    • Upload photos to FamilyCast directly
    • Cached locally (faster)
    • No streaming from cloud

  5. Upgrade Display Device:

    • Modern devices handle high-res photos better
    • Fire TV 4K, newer tablets recommended

Wrong Photos Showing (Unexpected Content)​

Possible Causes:

  1. Wrong Album Synced:

    • Double-check which albums are synced
    • May have selected wrong album
    • Go to Integrations → Google Photos to verify

  2. "All Photos" Setting:

    • If set to sync "all albums"
    • Will show everything in library
    • Change to specific albums only

  3. Shared Album with Unwanted Content:

    • Someone else added photos to shared album
    • Review album contents in Google Photos
    • Remove unwanted photos or stop syncing that album

Solutions:

  • Verify correct album assigned to display
  • Use specific albums, not "All Photos"
  • Review and curate album contents
  • Remove unwanted photos from album in Google Photos

Enhance Your Photo Displays​

Add Context to Photos:

More Photo Sources:

Display Setup:

Family Safety:

Next Steps​

Ready to Create Your First Photo Slideshow?

  1. Choose Photo Source:

  2. Create Album:

    • Curate 50-100 favorite family photos
    • Name it clearly ("FamilyCast - Kitchen")

  3. Build Slideshow:

    • Create layout with slideshow area
    • Assign photos/albums
    • Configure timing and transitions

  4. Assign to Display:

    • Select your display
    • Set as active layout
    • Enjoy your memories!

Questions? Contact us at [email protected] or check Common Issues

Share Your Setup: Tag us on social media with photos of your FamilyCast displays! @FamilyCastApp