How to Post Then-and-Now Pictures on Facebook

Then-and-now pictures are one of the most engaging post formats you can use on Facebook, tapping into a universal love for stories of growth, change, and nostalgia. This guide covers everything you need to know, from creating a simple side-by-side photo to crafting a dynamic video reveal, plus tips to make sure your post gets the attention it deserves.

Why Do Then-and-Now Pictures Work So Well?

Before jumping into the "how," it's worth understanding the "why." These posts aren't just a comparison, they're a miniature story. Viewers get an instant hit of narrative - they see a clear beginning and an end. This visual storytelling resonates deeply and works for almost any niche:

• Personal Milestones: Celebrate anniversaries, glow-ups, or recreate childhood photos with siblings.
• Business Anniversaries: Show your humble beginnings - your first office, original logo, or founding team - next to where you are today.
• Fitness &, Health Journeys: Visually document progress in a way that’s both inspiring and authentic.
• Home Renovations: The "before" and "after" of a room transformation is incredibly satisfying for viewers.
• Skill Development: Compare your first attempt at baking a cake or painting a portrait with your latest masterpiece.

At their core, then-and-now posts are about transformation, and that's a story everyone can connect with.

Method 1: The Classic Side-by-Side Collage

The most common and straightforward way to post a then-and-now picture is by combining both photos into a single, easy-to-digest image. It’s clean, direct, and perfect for the fast-paced scroll of a Facebook feed. Here's how to create one.

Step 1: Choose Your Photos Carefully

The success of your collage starts with photo selection. To make the comparison as impactful as possible, try to find photos that share common elements:

• Consistent Angles: If the "then" photo was taken from a specific angle, try to replicate it for the "now" photo. This is especially important for recreating old photos or showing home renovations.
• Similar Poses: Posing the same way creates a direct and often humorous link between the two moments in time.
• Good Quality: Find the highest resolution images you can. Even if the old photo is a bit grainy (which adds charm), the "now" photo should be sharp and clear.

Step 2: Use a Simple Collage Maker

You don’t need sophisticated design software. Free web and mobile apps work perfectly for creating a simple side-by-side layout.

For Desktop Users (Free Web Tools):

Canva is king for a reason - it's fast, free, and incredibly user-friendly.

1. Go to Canva and search for "Facebook Post" to start with the perfect dimensions. Click "Create a blank Facebook Post."
2. On the left-hand menu, click "Uploads" and upload your "then" and "now" photos.
3. Go to "Elements" and search for "Grids." Select the two-frame, side-by-side grid. It will automatically fill your design space.
4. Drag your "then" photo from the uploads area and drop it into the left frame. Drag your "now" photo into the right frame.
5. Optional: Add text labels. Click "Text" in the left-hand menu, add headings that say "Then" and "Now" (or the years, like "2014" and "2024") over each photo.
6. Click the "Share" button in the top right, then select "Download." Choose JPG or PNG format and save it to your computer.

For Mobile Users (Free Apps):

If you’re working from your phone, an app is your best bet. PhotoGrid, Pic Collage, or even the layout feature in Instagram Stories are great options. The process is very similar: open the app, select a two-photo layout, import your pictures from your camera roll, and save the final image.

Step 3: Post it on Facebook

With your collage saved, posting it is simple. Head over to Facebook, click "What's on your mind?," select "Add photo/video," and upload your finished collage. The most important step now is writing a killer caption (more on that later!).

Method 2: The Two-Photo Carousel Post

Instead of merging your pictures into one, you can upload them as two separate photos in a single post. This creates a "swipeable" carousel effect, which can increase engagement as it encourages users to interact with your post to see the reveal.

How to Create a Carousel Post:

1. Start a New Post on Facebook: Click "What's on your mind?" and go to the photo uploader.
2. Select Both Photos: Find your "then" and "now" images in your gallery or file browser. It’s important to select your "then" photo first so it appears as the cover image in the post. Facebook typically arranges photos in the order you select them.
3. Check the Preview: Facebook will show you a preview of how the post will look. You should see your first ("then") photo with indicators (like dots or arrows) showing that there's another photo to swipe to.
4. Write a Caption That Creates Curiosity: For this method, the caption is essential. Since people will only see the "then" photo at first, you need to prompt them to see the rest. Use phrases like:
   • "A lot has changed in ten years... swipe to see!"
   • "How it started vs. how it's going."
   • "From our first little office to today. Feels like a lifetime ago! 👉"

This method works especially well on mobile, where swiping is an ingrained behavior. It turns a simple photo reveal into a more interactive experience.

Method 3: The Dynamic Video or GIF Reveal

If you want to really stop the scroll, turn your then-and-now into a short video or GIF. The movement is much more likely to catch someone's eye as they browse their feed. It’s easier than you think and shows you've put in a little extra creative effort.

Option A: Use Instagram Reels and Cross-Post

The Instagram Reels editor is one of the easiest video tools out there. You can create a quick video and share it directly to Facebook.

1. Open Instagram and start creating a Reel.
2. Upload your "then" photo first. Set the duration to a few seconds (e.g., 3-4 seconds).
3. Tap to add another clip and upload your "now" photo. Set its duration as well.
4. Use the built-in transition effects (like a simple fade) between the two clips to make the reveal smoother. Add text overlay with the years or a caption.
5. Add a trending audio track to make it even more engaging.
6. Before posting, ensure the "Share to Facebook" option is toggled on. Your Reel will then appear on both platforms.

Option B: Use a GIF Maker

For something quick and loopable, a GIF is perfect. Websites like Ezgif or GIPHY's GIF Maker are great for this.

1. Visit a GIF maker site like Ezgif.
2. Upload your two images, ensuring the "then" photo is first.
3. Set the delay time. A delay of 2000-3000 milliseconds (2-3 seconds) per frame usually works well, giving people enough time to see each image.
4. Generate the GIF and download it. You can then upload this GIF directly to Facebook just like a photo.

Pro-Tips for Maximum Engagement

Creating the pictures is just the first step. To make sure your post gets the likes, comments, and shares it deserves, follow these best practices.

1. Tell the Story in Your Caption

A picture may be worth a thousand words, but a few well-written ones provide essential context. Your caption is where you connect with your audience. Don't just state the facts, share a reflection, a memory, or an insight about the transformation.

• Personal: "Found this photo of my first day of college from 2014. Feeling so grateful for the journey between that nervous kid and who I am today."
• Business: "We started this business in a tiny rented garage with just two laptops and one big idea. Ten years later, we have an amazing team of 50. Thank you for being a part of our story."

2. Ask a Question to Encourage Comments

End your caption with a question. The more comments you get, the more Facebook's algorithm will show your post to others.

• "What’s the biggest difference you notice?"
• "Anyone else remember this? Share your favorite memory from that time!"
• "What should our next transformation project be?"

3. Use Relevant Hashtags

Hashtags help more people find your content. Use a mix of popular and specific tags.

• Popular tags: #ThenAndNow, #ThrowbackThursday, #TBT, #TransformationTuesday, #GlowUp.
• Community-specific tags: #HomeRenovation, #FitnessJourney, #Anniversary, #[YourCity]History.

4. Tag People, Pages, and Locations

If other people are in the photos, tag them! If you’re at a specific location, tag it. For businesses, tagging former employees (with permission) or client partners can extend your reach to new audiences.

Final Thoughts

Posting then-and-now pictures on Facebook is more than just a trend, it's a powerful form of visual storytelling that creates an instant connection with your friends, family, or customers. Whether you opt for a simple side-by-side collage, a multi-photo carousel, or an eye-catching video, the key is to pair your visuals with a genuine story in the caption.

As we create tools to help people manage their social media, we know that consistency is everything. Planning thematic content like a monthly #TransformationTuesday or a weekly #ThrowbackThursday can feel overwhelming, but using a visual planner makes it simple. With Postbase, you can see your entire content strategy laid out on a calendar, schedule your then-and-now posts far in advance, and publish them across all your accounts at once. This frees you up to spend more time finding those perfect old photos and less time juggling posting schedules.