A live photo wall displays guest photos on a screen in real time as they're uploaded. It's one of the simplest ways to make an event more interactive and memorable — guests love seeing their photos pop up on the big screen.
Here's how to set one up in under 10 minutes, with no technical skills required.
What You'll Need
- A screen, TV, or projector at your venue
- A laptop, tablet, or streaming device connected to it
- Wi-Fi at the venue (guests and the display need internet)
- A Chivent album (free to create)
Step-by-Step Setup
Step 1: Create Your Album
Go to chivent.com and create a free album for your event. Set the event name and date.
Step 2: Open the Photo Wall
In your album dashboard, find the Photo Wall feature. Open the photo wall URL in your browser — this is the page you'll display on the big screen.
The photo wall automatically refreshes as new photos are uploaded. You don't need to do anything once it's running.
Step 3: Connect to Your Screen
Depending on your setup:
- Laptop + HDMI — Connect your laptop to the TV or projector with an HDMI cable. Open the photo wall in full-screen mode (press F11 or use your browser's full-screen option).
- Smart TV — Open the photo wall URL directly in the TV's web browser.
- Chromecast / Apple TV — Cast the browser tab from your laptop or phone to the screen.
Step 4: Share the QR Code with Guests
Print QR code cards or display a QR code near the screen so guests know how to contribute. When they scan it, they can upload photos directly from their phone — no app needed.
Use the free printable templates for professional-looking table cards and signs.
Step 5: Enjoy the Show
As guests upload photos, they appear on the photo wall automatically. It creates a live visual experience that keeps people engaged and encourages more uploads.
Best Use Cases
Weddings
Set up the photo wall at the reception. Place QR code cards on tables. Guest photos from the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception show up in real time. It's a crowd favorite during dinner and speeches.
Corporate Events
Display the photo wall at conferences, team-building events, or holiday parties. It boosts engagement and gives everyone a shared visual recap of the day. Great for lobby screens or presentation breaks.
Birthday Parties
Guests can upload photos throughout the party, and the birthday person gets a live slideshow of memories. Works especially well for milestone birthdays.
Tips for a Great Photo Wall Experience
- Test before the event — Run through the setup once at home. Make sure the photo wall loads, and test uploading a photo to confirm it appears on screen.
- Position the screen where people gather — Near the bar, the dance floor, or at the entrance. The more visible, the more uploads you'll get.
- Use landscape orientation — Photo walls look best on widescreen displays in landscape mode.
- Have a backup plan for Wi-Fi — If the venue's Wi-Fi is unreliable, a mobile hotspot works well for the display device.
- Enable moderation if needed — For corporate events, you may want to review photos before they appear on screen.
Getting Started
Setting up a live photo wall is free. Create your album here and open the photo wall from your dashboard. Check out the features page for more details on what's included.