How to Project the Live Carousel on a TV or Projector

Want to display your guests' photos on the big screen at your event? The Fotify live carousel works in any web browser, so you just need to get that browser onto your TV or projector. This guide covers all the common ways to do it.

What You Need

An active Fotify event with the live carousel set up
A TV, projector, or external monitor
A device to run the carousel (laptop, tablet, smart TV, or streaming stick)
A stable internet connection at the venue

Step 1: Get Your Carousel Link

You have two options to open the carousel:

Option A — From your dashboard (organizer only):

Go to Photos → Live Photos in your event dashboard
The carousel opens with full controls (settings, moderation, etc.)

Option B — Using the shareable link (recommended for displays):

Go to Photos → Live Photos
Click the Share icon in the top bar
Copy the public link (e.g., dashboard.fotify.app/live/abc123...)

The shareable link is ideal for displays because it doesn't require login, and you can hand it off to your DJ or AV team.

Option 1: Laptop or Tablet via HDMI (Most Reliable)

This is the simplest and most reliable method.

Connect your laptop or tablet to the TV/projector using an HDMI cable (use an adapter if needed — USB-C to HDMI, Lightning to HDMI, etc.)
Open a web browser and go to your carousel link
Click the full-screen button in the carousel controls
Set your display to mirror or extend mode in your device's display settings

Tips:

Chrome or Safari work best
The carousel auto-hides the cursor and controls after 3 seconds in full-screen mode, so the display stays clean
Your device's screen won't go to sleep while the carousel is in full-screen mode

Option 2: Smart TV Built-in Browser

Most modern smart TVs have a built-in web browser.

Open the web browser app on your smart TV
Navigate to your carousel link (tip: use the shareable link — it's shorter and easier to type)
Enter full-screen mode if available

Note: Smart TV browsers can vary in quality. If the carousel doesn't run smoothly, consider using a streaming device or laptop instead.

Option 3: Chromecast / Google TV

On your laptop or phone, open Chrome and go to your carousel link
Click the three-dot menu → Cast
Select your Chromecast device
Choose "Cast tab" to send the browser tab to your TV

Alternatively, use screen mirroring from your phone's settings to mirror your entire screen to the Chromecast.

Option 4: Apple TV / AirPlay

On your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, open Safari and go to your carousel link
Open Control Center and tap Screen Mirroring
Select your Apple TV
Enter full-screen mode on the carousel

On a Mac, you can also use AirPlay Display from System Settings → Displays to extend or mirror your screen to the Apple TV.

Option 5: Amazon Fire TV Stick

On your Fire TV, install the Silk Browser or Firefox app
Open the browser and navigate to your carousel link
Enter full-screen mode

Alternatively, use screen mirroring from your phone or laptop:

Android: Settings → Connected Devices → Cast
Windows: Settings → System → Display → Connect to a wireless display

Best Practices for a Great Display

Test before the event. Run the carousel on your display setup during venue setup to catch any issues early.
Use a stable Wi-Fi connection. The carousel needs internet to receive new photos in real time. If venue Wi-Fi is unreliable, consider using a mobile hotspot.
Use full-screen mode. Always click the full-screen button for the cleanest presentation — no browser bars or toolbars.
Keep the device plugged in. A laptop or tablet running the carousel for hours will need power.
Adjust display duration. In the carousel settings, set the photo display speed based on your event — faster for events with lots of uploads, slower for a more relaxed pace.
Enable the QR code overlay. Showing the QR code periodically on screen reminds guests to upload their photos.
Dark background works best. The default black background provides the best contrast for photos on most projectors and TVs. You can customize this in carousel settings.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Solution
Screen goes to sleep	Enter full-screen mode — the carousel prevents sleep automatically. If using a separate device, disable sleep in its settings.
Photos not appearing	Check your internet connection. Also verify that photos are approved (or enable Auto Approve in the carousel controls).
Carousel looks laggy	Close other browser tabs and apps. Try a different browser. If using a Smart TV browser, switch to a laptop or streaming device.
No audio on videos	Check the device volume and ensure it's not muted. Video audio plays through the connected display's speakers.
HDMI not detected	Try unplugging and reconnecting. Check that your adapter supports your display's resolution. Try a different HDMI port.
Chromecast/AirPlay lag	This can happen with screen mirroring. For the smoothest experience, use a direct HDMI connection or open the carousel link directly on the display device's browser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I display the photo carousel on a TV or projector? A: Connect a laptop or device to the TV/projector (via HDMI, Chromecast, AirPlay, or the TV's built-in browser), open your carousel link, and enter full-screen mode.

Q: Do I need a special app to display the carousel? A: No. The carousel runs in any web browser. Just open the link on any device connected to your display.

Q: Can my DJ or AV team run the carousel for me? A: Yes! Click the Share icon in the carousel to generate a public link. Share this link with your DJ or venue staff — they can open it on their device without needing your Fotify login.

Q: Will the screen stay on during the entire event? A: The carousel prevents your device from going to sleep when in full-screen mode. For extra safety, disable sleep/screen timeout in your device settings.

Q: What's the best connection method? A: A direct HDMI connection from a laptop is the most reliable. Wireless methods (Chromecast, AirPlay) work well but can occasionally have lag or interruptions.

Q: Can I display on multiple TVs at the same time? A: Yes! Share the carousel link and open it on as many devices as you need. See our multiple screens guide for details.

Q: What resolution does the carousel support? A: The carousel adapts to any screen size and resolution. Full HD (1920x1080) or higher is recommended for the sharpest display.