Before and after video ads: how to make the slider format (and keep it honest)

Few formats explain a product faster than before and after. A divider sweeps across the screen, the old state gives way to the new, and the viewer gets the point without a word of copy. It works for renovations, software redesigns, cleaning products, photo edits, skincare — anything with a visible change.

The structure

1. Before fills the frame, labelled "Before".
2. The sweep: a divider slides across, revealing After underneath.
3. The headline lands: "Same data. New dashboard."

The whole thing takes about six seconds — enough to see both states clearly.

Capture comparable images

The comparison is only convincing if the two images match:

• Same framing, angle and crop. Use a tripod or the same screenshot size.
• Same lighting and colour settings. Different lighting alone can fake a "result".
• Same subject. Never pair a "before" of one thing with an "after" of another.

Keep it honest

Before/after claims are some of the most scrutinised in advertising. Ad platforms restrict them in sensitive categories — Meta, for example, limits before-and-after imagery for weight loss and some health products — and consumer-protection rules treat an exaggerated result as a misleading claim. In practice:

• Use real images of the same subject; never edit the "after" to look better than the product delivers.
• If results vary, say so ("Results vary").
• In regulated categories (health, weight loss, cosmetics), check the platform's policy before running the ad.

Write the headline

Up to seven words that name the change: "Same room. One weekend." "Old report vs. new report." Labels default to "Before" and "After" and can be changed to anything up to two words ("Monday", "Friday").

Make it with Claude Opus 5.5 (or any agent)

The free Before / After Slider Skill renders this format locally:

Make a before/after slider from old-dashboard.png and new-dashboard.png with the headline "Same data. New dashboard."

Your agent confirms the copy, reminds you to use real, matching images, and renders MP4s in 9:16, 4:5, 1:1 and 16:9. For software, try it alongside a what's-new video.

FAQ

Can I change the labels? Yes, up to two words each.

Should the images be the same size? Ideally yes — same aspect ratio and framing gives the cleanest sweep.