How to Make a Then and Now Photo Post on Facebook

How to Make a Then and Now Photo Post on Facebook

A Facebook “then and now” photo post is a simple yet powerful way to capture attention, create an emotional connection, and spark meaningful engagement. By placing past and present moments side by side, you invite viewers into a transformation story—whether it’s about a person, place, event, or project. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make a then and now post on Facebook step by step, from selecting the right images to maximizing reach and interaction.

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Why "Then and Now" Posts Work

Before we create one, it’s worth understanding why these posts get such high engagement:

• Nostalgia factor – People love to reflect on memories and the passage of time.
• Transformation stories – Change fascinates us and inspires conversations.
• Sharability – Viewers often share these posts to connect over shared memories.
• Comment triggers – They naturally invite stories, debates, and reactions.

Done well, this format can significantly increase views, shares, and comments.

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Step 1: Choose Your Core Theme

Identify what your transformation will showcase. Popular angles include:

• People – Growth journeys, style changes, family portraits.
• Events – Anniversaries, milestones, annual celebrations.
• Projects – Renovations, creative progress, makeovers.
• Places – Before-and-after shots of landmarks, towns, or travel spots.

Pick a theme that resonates with your audience’s interests.

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Step 2: Collect Your “Then” Photo

For the past image, explore:

• Digital archives on your devices or cloud services.
• Scanned printed photographs (300 DPI minimum for quality).
• Historical posts from your own profile or relatives’ albums.
• Friends and family collections.

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Step 3: Capture Your “Now” Photo

The present-day shot should be:

• High resolution (minimum 1080×1080 px for Facebook).
• Well lit, preferably in natural and even lighting.
• Shot from a similar location or angle as the original.
• Featuring the same subjects whenever possible.

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Step 4: Match Lighting, Perspective, and Framing

To make the comparison visually satisfying:

• Match camera angle and subject distance to the “then” photo.
• Replicate the lighting conditions when feasible.
• Keep framing consistent for a natural connection.

Bring a copy of the old photo to your shoot for reference.

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Step 5: Choose Your Posting Format

You can present your images in a couple of ways:

Option 1: Side-by-Side Collage

Immediately shows the transformation in one glance.

Option 2: Facebook Themed Frames

Occasionally available on special dates or events; check the “Frames” section when uploading.

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Step 6: Create Your Collage with Free Tools

Popular collage tools include:

Tips:

• Keep borders subtle for a cleaner look.
• Ensure both images have the same aspect ratio.
• Export in high resolution for best Facebook display.

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Step 7: Craft a Compelling Caption

Your caption adds emotional weight and context. Include:

• Story – Why these photos matter to you or your audience.
• Details – The time span, notable changes.
• Tone – Humor, sentimentality, or inspiration.

Example:

> "From our first small garage office in 2010 to our new downtown hub in 2024 — it’s been quite a journey. Grateful for the team and community that made this possible. 💙 #ThenAndNow"

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Step 8: Add an Interactive Call-to-Action

Encourage people to join the conversation:

• “Which do you prefer—then or now?”
• “Share your own throwback in the comments.”
• “Tag a friend you made in this time frame.”

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Step 9: Tag Key People and Places

Tagging:

• Friends and family in the photos.
• Pages representing included businesses or locations.
• Photographers or collaborators.

This boosts visibility through extended audience reach.

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Step 10: Post at Peak Engagement Times

Use Facebook Insights to find optimal posting hours:

This ensures a strong initial response, which can trigger Facebook’s algorithm to promote your post further.

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Step 11: Try Video or Slideshow Transitions

Stand out with dynamic media:

• Fade videos – Gradually transitioning from old to new.
• Slideshows – Multiple photos with captions and music.
• Animated GIFs – Quick visual transformations.

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Step 12: Engage with Early Comments

Respond promptly within the first 24–48 hours:

• Thank commentors and answer questions.
• React to responses to keep the thread active.
• Feature notable user stories if relevant.

Higher engagement in the early window leads to more reach.

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Step 13: Repurpose Across Platforms

Extend your reach by adapting for:

• Facebook Stories/Reels – Vertical video/pan reveals.
• Instagram feed or stories – Slightly re-captioned.
• Twitter/X, TikTok, LinkedIn – If audience-appropriate.

![behindthescenes]()

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Step 14: Review Performance and Improve

After 1–2 weeks, check:

• Reach – Impressions and audience spread.
• Engagement rate – Likes, comments, shares.
• Clicks – For linked content.

Identify what resonated most and refine future posts.

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Extra Tips for a Standout Post

• Preserve authenticity—avoid over-editing images.
• Get consent from people featured before posting.
• Consider a recurring “then and now” series for ongoing engagement.

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Summary & Next Steps

Creating a Facebook then-and-now post is more than just putting two pictures together—it’s crafting a relatable and emotional visual story. By choosing impactful images, matching composition, and optimizing for engagement, you can build posts that your audience will remember and share.

Now it’s your turn: start curating those meaningful before-and-after moments and share your first then-and-now story on Facebook today.