How to make a before and after video
By Sure INSTANT team · Updated on Nov 11, 2026
A comparison convinces only when the eye can tell what changed. That depends less on the effect and more on how the two photos were taken.
This guide starts with the shooting, then goes through the effects, sizes and outputs of BeforeAfter, and ends with the steps.
How to shoot the two photos
Comparisons work best for things: a room, a car, a garden, a piece of furniture, a design. Photograph the work, not people.
- Stand in the same spot and hold the camera at the same angle for both photos.
- Shoot in the same light, so the difference comes from the work and not from the time of day.
- Keep the same distance and the same framing.
- Clear away anything that is not part of the comparison.
The four effects and when each works
| Effect | When it works |
|---|---|
| Wipe | Two photos from exactly the same angle, where the change shows as the picture is uncovered |
| Slide | Photos that match in subject but not perfectly in framing |
| Fade | A calm change of colour, finish or lighting over the whole picture |
| Side by side | When the viewer should see both states at the same moment |
Three sizes and photos of different shapes
When the two photos have different shapes, they are placed in the same frame. 'Show all of it' keeps each photo whole, and 'Fill the frame' fills the frame with it.
- Tall 9:16: fills a phone screen held upright.
- Wide 16:9: suits a screen turned on its side and a web page.
- Square 1:1: a balanced shape for a feed.
Video, GIF or side-by-side image
For every size you choose, BeforeAfter gives all three outputs, plus one ZIP.
| Output | Best used for |
|---|---|
| MP4 video | Posts and stories, where the movement shows the change |
| GIF | Sending in a chat: it is smaller and has fewer frames |
| Side-by-side image | Places where a video does not play, such as a printed sheet or a document |
How to make the comparison with BeforeAfter
- Upload the two photos.
- Choose the effect: wipe, slide, fade or side by side.
- Choose the sizes: tall, wide or square.
- Write the two short labels, add a title if you want one, and set your colours.
- Check the free preview, then sign in to get the video, the GIF and the image.