How To Add A Custom Slider To Your Shopify Store (2025 Guide)

Online shopping consumers need a first-time impact to grasp attention, and attractive sliders deliver that impact successfully. A custom slider becomes an essential ecommerce element on Shopify stores because it displays your products alongside sales messaging or brand narratives through visual content.

In this guide, we will guide you step by step on how to create a custom slider to your Shopify store. Ready to slide into a better storefront? Let’s dive in.

What is an image/content slider?

A webpage element known as the image or content slider enables you to organize multiple items including images, videos and promotional messages in a static display area. The layout elements move through successive items which provides an interactive modern appearance to your store.

Sliders often come with built-in navigation controls like arrows, dots, or thumbnails so visitors can click through manually. Many also include autoplay features that cycle through content automatically, grabbing attention without requiring any user interaction.

Shopify stores use sliders as elements to display highlights such as featured products together with seasonal promotions and testimonials and brand showcases through an easily viewable scroll-stopping format. A slider element placed wisely on your home or landing pages brings valuable benefits whether you want to create visual narratives or conduct strategic upselling tactics.

Benefits of Adding Sliders To Your Shopify Stores

The use of sliders transforms plain decorations into tools that raise both the design and operational effectiveness of a Shopify store. A custom slider integration brings significant value to Shopify stores during the year 2025 for the following reasons:

• Showcase More in Less Space: Sliders help you condense a lot of valuable content, product highlights, promotions, and testimonials into a single section of your page. Instead of overwhelming visitors with clutter, you present your content one slide at a time, making it easier to digest and navigate.

• Grab and Hold Attention: When customers access your site the slider normally appears right before their eyes. A slider combines trendy visuals with compelling text elements and smooth transitions which leads users toward various actions such as button clicks and page exploration and additional scrolling.

• Improve User Experience: Users can manage content display through sliders because they function as user-controlled elements. Each visitor maintains full control to explore the presentation at their convenience while skipping to valuable slides and watching the content automatically advance. The interface supports user interaction and friendliness alongside navigation of essential store messages.

• Shortcut to Key Pages: A properly placed slider function works like a visual menu system. The purpose of sliders is to drive visitors toward new product collections and blog articles or sales pages. Each slide functions as a direct link toward separate pages of your site which transforms your homepage into an entrance point for deep exploration.

• Boost Visual Appeal: People agree that sliders enhance overall website appearance because they appear appealing. Sliders provide smooth motions while offering a range of design options to improve the modern appearance of your store. Your website ascends in visual appeal through a stunning slider which brings attractive impressions to visitors.

• Perfect for Highlighting Content: Have a must-read blog, customer testimonials, or trending products? A slider is the perfect spotlight. You can rotate through featured items or messages without overwhelming your layout or bombarding your visitors with too much info at once.

• Tell a Story, One Slide at a Time: Sliders are fantastic for storytelling. You can use them to walk customers through a product tour, explain your brand’s mission, or visually narrate a promotional campaign. It’s like a mini-presentation, right on your storefront.

4 Methods to Add Sliders to Your Shopify Store

Method 1: Using Your Shopify Theme's Built-in Slider Options

This method uses the built-in slideshow or banner features included in most modern Shopify themes, such as Shopify premium themes, Dawn, Sense, Prestige, or Turbo. These options allow you to create sliders for hero sections, product showcases, or seasonal promotions, without needing third-party apps or coding. It’s ideal for store owners who want a lightweight, integrated solution for showcasing visuals and driving engagement.

Who is it for?

• You are using a modern Shopify theme with built-in slideshow support.
• Prefer a native, no-code approach to design customization.
• Want to avoid third-party app installations that may slow down the site?
• Are looking to create simple, clean sliders like hero banners, promotional slides, or featured collections.

Pros and Cons

How to add

Step 1: Access the Theme Customizer

Go to Online Store > Themes and click Customize on your active theme. For safety, duplicate your theme first.

Step 2: Add or Locate the Slideshow Section

In the sidebar, click Add section and select Slideshow (or edit an existing one). Position it where you want it on the page.

Step 3: Configure the Slideshow Settings

Adjust autoplay, transition effects, height, navigation controls, and mobile settings.

Step 4: Add and Customize Slides

High-resolution images between 1200x600px to 2000x1000px should be uploaded while text content including heading, subheading and CTA gets set before layout adjustments for readability take place. Every image requires addition of alt text to improve accessibility and search engine optimization.

Step 5: Optimize for Mobile and Accessibility

Use device preview tools to ensure responsive design. Verification needs to be done to ensure navigation elements work with the keyboard and text displays properly.

Step 6: Preview and Test the Slideshow

Preview your changes, test links and transitions, and ensure performance is smooth on all devices.

Step 7: Save and Publish

Click Save to apply changes. If you’re working on a duplicate theme, publish when ready.

Step 8: Monitor and Iterate

Track engagement using Shopify Analytics or A/B test using tools like Google Optimize. Adjust based on performance data.

Method 2: Using Shopify Slider Apps

When theme-specific slideshow options do not fulfill your requirements you can increase your Shopify store’s visual appeal and functionality by using slider apps. These apps provide advanced features, like animated transitions, video sliders, testimonial carousels, and more. With an easy-to-use, drag-and-drop interface, Shopify slider apps make it simple to create responsive, customizable sliders for your e-commerce store.

Who is it for?

• For store owners who desire sophisticated slider functionality without knowing how to code, this approach is perfect.
• It’s especially useful for those looking for features like video sliders, product carousels, or testimonial sliders, and it’s suited for Shopify merchants who want to add visually engaging content to their store with ease. 
• It's also a great choice for beginners who are not familiar with code and want a straightforward solution to enhance their website’s design.

Pros and Cons

How to add

Step 1: Choose the Right Slider App

• To locate a slider app that meets your demands, look through the Shopify App Store.
• Look for apps that offer your required slider type (e.g., hero banners, product carousels, or testimonial sliders).
• Consider features like ease of use, responsiveness, SEO, and mobile optimization.
• Recommended apps: POWR Image Slider, Slider Revolution, EComposer, Layer Slider, Reputon Testimonials Slider.

Step 2: Install the Slider App

• Go to the Shopify App Store, select your app, and click Add app or Install app.
• Log in to your Shopify account and authorize the app.
• Backup your theme to avoid any potential issues with theme code changes.

Step 3: Create and Configure Your Slider

• Access the app’s dashboard to build your slider.
• Select the slider type, upload media, add content, and configure transitions.
• Enable mobile optimization and adjust settings like autoplay and navigation.

Step 4: Embed the Slider in Your Store

• Add the slider to your store's homepage or product pages via app blocks, custom HTML, or auto-integration by the app.
• Fine-tune placement based on your store’s design.

Step 5: Customize Design and Settings

• Adjust colors, fonts, and animations in the app’s editor to match your branding.
• Fine-tune the slider’s height, layout, and other settings for mobile optimization.

Step 6: Preview and Test

• Test your slider on different devices and verify navigation, content, and accessibility.
• Use tools like Google Lighthouse to check performance and accessibility.

Step 7: Save and Publish

• Save your slider settings and publish them to make the changes live.
• Consider testing in a duplicated theme before publishing.

Step 8: Monitor Performance and Iterate

• Track engagement via Shopify Analytics and A/B tests.
• Monitor performance using tools like GTmetrix and optimize as necessary.

Method 3: Adding a Slider with Custom Code (Liquid, CSS, JavaScript)

With this method you need to handwrite a custom slider which integrates both Liquid and CSS and JavaScript into your Shopify store. A responsive product carousel function built with Flickity plugin enables users to customize and display products from particular collections.

Who is it for?

• This method is ideal for Shopify users with intermediate to advanced coding skills who want full control over the design, behavior, and performance of their sliders. 
• It's also a great fit for developers building unique themes or advanced store layouts.

Pros and Cons

How to add

Step 1: Sign Up and Log In

• If you don’t have a Shopify store yet, sign up for Shopify or use the $1 for 3 months plan.
• Log in to your admin dashboard.

Step 2: Duplicate Your Live Theme

• Navigate to Online Store > Themes.
• Next to your live theme, click Actions > Duplicate.
• This creates a backup so you can safely edit code without affecting your live site.

Step 3: Add a New Section for the Slider

• From the duplicate theme, click Actions > Edit Code.
• Under the Sections directory, select Add a new section and name it feature-slider. Then, add the code:

Step 4: Add Flickity Scripts to the Theme

• Go to the Layout directory and open theme.liquid.
• Inside the HTML tag, paste the following code.

Step 5: Save and Publish Your Changes

• Save all code changes.
• Return to your Shopify admin, and publish the duplicated theme to go live with your new slider.

Method 4: Using Page Builder Apps (like EComposer)

EComposer - Landing Page Builder functions as the next-generation Shopify app, which enables businesses to create expert online platforms through an interface that requires no coding skills. You can find numerous templates and elements to create various custom pages that Shopify does not offer through this application.

The live drag-and-drop editor in EComposer provides users with effortless website editing capabilities. The page builder enables users to combine various template sections by reproducing everything. Through its professional support team, you can reach them at any time for questions by using the chat platform and get immediate answers.

The slider element of EComposer functions as an outstanding feature that enables its users to create. Users can include every design component in their slider, such as text blocks and images, together with buttons. Furthermore, you can customize individual slider designs. Customers can activate the entire slider background photograph as a clickable area through this beneficial feature.

Who is it for?

• Beginners who want full design control without coding.
• Busy store owners looking for fast implementation with beautiful results.
• Marketers/designers who need to A/B test slider placements, content, and layouts.
• Anyone who wants to build landing pages, homepage sliders, or promotional banners quickly.

Pros and Cons

How to add

Step 1: Install EComposer - Shopify Page Builder

• Click Add App after searching for EComposer Landing Page Builder in the Shopify App Store.
• Installing the app on your Shopify store will enable its use.
• Navigate to Apps from the Dashboard menu, then select EComposer Landing Page Builder.

Step 2: Start building the Shopify Slider

• Open the app and select a template or start from scratch 
• Add Slider Element from the Element category
• Customize Slider (text, image, animation, etc.) using drag and drop editor

Step 3: Save your edit 

• After you are happy with your customization, you may save and publish using the choices in the right-hand corner of the edit page.

The Best Content Type for a Shopify Slider

To make the most of a slider on your Shopify store, the content you include should be visually engaging, informative, and designed to drive user action. Here are the top-performing content types you can feature in your sliders, along with tips and examples:

High-Quality Product Images

Why it works: Crisp and professional visuals instantly grab attention and are perfect for showcasing new arrivals, bestsellers, or limited-edition products.

Best practices: Use images with a width of 1200–2000px and a height of 400–600px (aspect ratio 3:1 or 16:9). Include minimal text or call-to-action buttons like “Shop Now” to keep the focus on the product.

Promotional Banners

Why it works: Highlighting flash sales, seasonal offers, or limited-time discounts can drive urgency and increase conversions.

Best practices: Use bold visuals and contrasting text (e.g., “50% Off – Ends Tonight!”). Keep slides to a maximum of 3–4 and include clickable CTAs like “Explore Deals” or “Buy Now.”

Testimonial Sliders

Why it works: Real customer reviews build trust and provide social proof, especially when paired with images or star ratings.

Best practices: Highlight short, impactful quotes with customer names and photos if available. Use a clean carousel layout with arrows for easy navigation.

Video Content

Why it works: Videos are incredibly captivating and perfect for sharing behind-the-scenes photos, narrating your brand's story, or showing off how to use a product.

Best practices: Keep videos short (15–30 seconds), mobile-optimized, and fast-loading. Use autoplay with mute or allow manual play options for better user control.

Logo Sliders

Why it works: For B2B Shopify stores, a logo slider can build trust by showing existing partners, retailers, or clients.

Best practices: Display evenly sized logos in a clean layout. Link each logo to relevant case studies or client pages if available.

Blog or Content Previews

Why it works: Featuring blog posts, how-to guides, or stories encourages visitors to explore more of your site and increases time spent on the page.

Best practices: Use eye-catching thumbnail images (around 1200x800px), compelling titles, and direct links to full articles. Let users manually navigate instead of autoplay.

Best Practices and Tips for Using Sliders on Shopify

Using sliders effectively on a Shopify store can enhance visual appeal, engage visitors, and drive conversions when implemented thoughtfully. However, poorly designed sliders can harm user experience and site performance. Below are best practices and tips for using sliders on Shopify, synthesized from industry insights and practical recommendations.

Use Sliders Purposefully and Sparingly

Sliders can distract users or overwhelm them with too much information, potentially reducing engagement by up to 60% and conversion rates by 30-50% in some cases

Tip: Avoid using sliders as the primary feature on your homepage. Instead, opt for a single, high-quality hero image with a clear call-to-action (CTA) to guide users toward their goal. Reserve sliders for specific purposes, such as showcasing featured products, testimonials, or promotions.

Optimize for Speed and Performance

High-end sliders together with images or animations reduce website speed and deteriorate both SEO performance and user satisfaction.

Tips:

• Compressing images can reduce file size without sacrificing quality (e.g., use tools like TinyIMG or Shopify’s recommended 800x800px for most images). 
• Enable lazy loading to delay loading off-screen images until needed. 
• Limit the number of slides (ideally 3-5) to minimize resource demands.
• Choose lightweight Shopify themes and slider apps to avoid excessive code bloat.

Ensure Mobile Responsiveness

With 62% of UK online shoppers using mobile devices, sliders must display correctly across all screen sizes.

Tips:

• Test sliders on multiple devices (desktop, tablet, mobile) and browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox) to ensure compatibility. 
• Use Shopify’s focal point control to prioritize key image areas and prevent awkward cropping on mobile. 
• Opt for touch-enabled sliders for intuitive swiping, similar to Instagram’s interface.

Design for Clarity and Simplicity

Users experience problems understanding content when sliders modify too quickly or display dense information because these conditions create misunderstanding about important message points.

Tips:

• Keep text minimal and impactful, using bold fonts and high-contrast colors for readability. 
• Set slide transition speeds to 5-7 seconds to give users enough time to absorb content without feeling rushed. 
• Include navigation arrows and pagination dots for manual control, enhancing user agency. 
• Avoid autoplay unless necessary, as it can overwhelm users or disrupt their browsing flow.

Focus on High-Quality, Relevant Content

Sliders work best when they present captivating images together with specific messages which match user needs.

Tips:

• Use high-resolution images or videos to display products from multiple angles, especially for product sliders (60% of consumers want 3-4 product images before purchasing). 
• Highlight top-selling products, seasonal promotions, or customer testimonials to build trust and drive clicks. 
• Incorporate CTAs (e.g., “Shop Now” or “Learn More”) to direct users to relevant pages, increasing conversion potential.

Leverage Sliders for Specific Use Cases

Sliders are versatile tools that can serve various purposes beyond hero images, such as social proof or B2B credibility.

Tips:

• Testimonial Sliders: Display customer reviews or quotes to build trust (e.g., QuadLock and Laird Superfood use these effectively). 
• Logo Sliders: For B2B stores, showcase client logos to establish credibility (e.g., Beauty Solutions). 
• Promotional Sliders: Rotate multiple offers (e.g., holiday sales or free shipping) to capture attention without cluttering the page. 
• Product Sliders: Users should access featured or related products without effort because this boosts engagement.

Integrate with Shopify Apps for Ease and Functionality

Shopify slider apps simplify setup and offer advanced features without requiring coding expertise.

Tips:

• Use apps like POWR Image Slider, Layer Slider, or Slider Revolution for drag-and-drop customization, responsive designs, and features like video support or animations. 
• Choose apps with SEO-friendly features, such as alt text support and lazy loading, to boost search visibility. 
• Check app reviews for reliability and customer support responsiveness before installing.

Test and Monitor Performance

A/B testing reveals whether sliders improve or hinder conversions, as “best practices” alone may not suit every store.

Tips:

• Run A/B tests to compare sliders vs. static images, tracking metrics like click-through rates, time on page, and conversions. 
• Use tools like Google Lighthouse, GTmetrix, or Shopify’s Online Store Speed Report to monitor the slider's impact on load times. 
• Regularly review Shopify Analytics for insights on user behavior and slider effectiveness.

Match Sliders to Your Brand Aesthetic

Sliders should complement your store’s design to maintain a cohesive and professional look.

Tips:

• Customize slider styles (e.g., colors, fonts, transitions) to align with your theme using apps like Master Slider or CSS tweaks. 
• Avoid overly flashy animations that clash with your brand’s tone. 
• Use consistent imagery and messaging to reinforce brand identity across slides.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I add a slider without coding knowledge?

Yes, you can add a slider without any coding knowledge. Shopify themes often include built-in slider sections, and apps like EComposer, Smart Slider, or POWR let you create and customize sliders with simple drag-and-drop tools, no tech skills needed.

2. Can I add a product slider that automatically pulls from a collection?

Yes, you can add a product slider that automatically pulls from a collection.

Many Shopify themes, apps, and page builders (like EComposer or Fera.ai) offer dynamic product sliders that auto-display items from a chosen collection, great for showcasing bestsellers, new arrivals, or sale items without manual updates.

3. Will a slider slow down my Shopify store?

A slider can slow down your Shopify store, but only if it’s poorly optimized.

Using too many high-resolution images, heavy scripts, or unoptimized apps can affect loading speed. To avoid this, choose lightweight slider apps, compress your images, and limit the number of slides to what’s necessary for a smooth user experience.

4. How do I make my slider mobile-responsive?

Most modern slider apps and themes make your slider mobile-responsive by default.

To ensure it looks great on all devices, use a responsive theme or page builder like EComposer, choose flexible image sizes, and always preview your slider on mobile before publishing. Many apps also let you customize settings specifically for mobile layouts.

5. Can I place a slider anywhere on my Shopify site?

Yes, you can place a slider almost anywhere on your Shopify site. With page builder apps like EComposer or by editing your theme’s code, you can add sliders to the homepage, product pages, collection pages, or even in blog posts. Just make sure the placement fits your design and doesn’t overwhelm your visitors.

Final Thoughts

Shopify stores benefit from custom sliders because they enhance user engagement while promoting excellent products and lead customers towards desired actions. The key elements for an effective slider include speed and mobile compatibility, along with a clear purpose. An effectively positioned and optimized slider will transform random visitors into dedicated customers.