Looking at the best Facebook ad examples is one of the fastest ways to learn about Facebook advertising.
In addition to learning what your competition’s doing, you’ll also get an overview of the latest design innovations and best copywriting hacks used by top brands.
That’s a real treasure chest waiting to be uncovered.
Who knows what you’ll find – Image source
When working on new Facebook advertising campaigns, I’ve made it a habit to always check out what other companies are doing. I’ve also taken screenshots wherever I see an inspiring example of Facebook ads.
If you’re looking to create successful Facebook and Instagram advertising campaigns, take a look at these top Facebook ad examples from successful brands.
Tip: In addition to having the best ad creatives, make sure to also get your Facebook ad campaign structure right.
💎 2021 update! 💎
This year, when browsing the Facebook Ad Library for the best new static Facebook ad creatives, I noticed several trends: a bold use of color and text as well as a more creative and fun approach to visual communication.
Here are the top 5 trends in Facebook ad creatives in 2021:
- All top brands use a mix of video and static ad creatives.
- Advertisers create all their ads in two formats: for the feed and story placements.
- There’s been a shift towards more colorful ads, introducing more flexibility in regards to the brand CVI.
- Many brands use automation tools to customize ads for specific locations or products groups.
- After Facebook removed the 20% text limit, more brands opt for big bold typography with text covering up to 90% of the visual.
The following 15 Facebook ad examples feature the best static ad creatives from some of the world’s leading brands. Hope you’ll find some inspiration for revamping your own ad creatives!
#1 Gorillas
In 2021, the grocery delivery ups sprung up like mushrooms after rain. They all advertise pretty much the same message: Get your groceries delivered in 10 (or 15) minutes.
This ad example by Gorillas is exemplative of several design trends: eye-catching colors, bold typography, and a locally customized messaging.
#2 Nike
Compared to boring product photos on white background (which Nike is also heavily advertising), this creative will attract much more attention in the Facebook feed full of photos and news articles.
If you’re creating ads for an eCommerce brand, test showcasing your products on a colorful backdrop instead of a plain white background.
#3 Canva
This Facebook ad by Canva manages to include two product screenshots AND a headline AND a CTA button. Props to their designers.
#4 Spotify
Spotify has been using colorful illustrations in their ad visuals for years, so they’re rather leading a trend than following it. In 2021, more brands have connected with designers to create custom illustrations to be used in social media and ad visuals.
As a fan of beautiful illustratorial work, I consider such ads to have a positive effect on the long-term brand perception, even if they may not perform as well CPA-wise as more plain and straightforward creatives.
#5 Restream
Restream’s ad comprises several visual trends: 3D illustrations, gradient color schemes, and bold typography. Moreover, the ad copy is short and straightworward, highlighting the top features and benefits of the product.
Discloser: I am currently working with Restream on their Facebook ad creatives and campaign management.
#6 Bolt
The advertising team in Bolt is one of the most performance-oriented that I’ve encountered, so checking their ads is a good way to uncover the latest Facebook advertising hacks and trends.
Bold typography, emphasizing relevant numbers, and customizing the ad to the location that they’re targeting help to attract the viewer’s attention as well as make them click and download the app to get the deal.
#7 Klarna
If you want your Facebook ad to feature a photo, try applying it inside a geometrical shape and adding some colorful background. Much more visible and efficient than a basic picture.
#8 Starbucks
Similar to the Nike ad above, Starbucks is placing their products on backdrops bursting with color. That’s been a strategy used by the coffee brand for several years already, so something about it must work.
#9 Squarespace
This text-only ad by Squarespace inspired me to test a similar aesthetic approach with several of my clients. In most cases, ads with heavy text performed surprisingly well.
Now that Facebook is not disapproving text-heavy ads anymore, it is worth testing a simple ad with colorful background and well-chosen bold fonts. Add some emojis, highlighted words or illustrations to make your ad more interesting.
#10 Revolut
Contrary to most advertisers avoiding dark creatives, Revolut’s going against the flow.
However, I’d recommend to first test dark-shaded ads against light and colorful ones and only doubling down on those once you see that they perform well. In my experience, light-backgrounded and colorful ads outperform very dark creatives.
#11 Snickers
If you’re advertising to millennials and even younger audiences, check out what Snickers is doing with their ads. The creativity of their creative agencies seems to be boundless. Or maybe they just ate a Snickers…
#12 Gorillas
Another strong Facebook ad example by Gorillas, this time centering the visual around number 10 – this is how much it’s supposed to take to get your groceries delivered.
#13 VanMoof
There are three things that make this ad rather smart: the use of strangely positioned bike, light colors, and customized location in the in-image headline. As a combination, I’d assume it performs rather well for them.
#14 COS
Sales ads do not have to look cheap. COS has found a way for to get their -50% sales promotion across in a simple and arguably stylish way.
#15 McDonald’s
We’ll end the 2021 ad example showdown with an ad by McDonald’s. First of all, offering to give anything away for free always gets people clicking. But also, the 3D typography and custom illustrations make the ad look much nicer than a photoshopped burger picture would.
Colors, illustrations, bold typography… What a 2021-trendy ad.
🎈2020 update! 🎈
To keep this article from becoming too heavy to load, we added 18 new Facebook ad examples from 2020 to another page. Check them out here.
⭐ 2019 update! ⭐
We’ve added 20 new screenshots and GIFs of Facebook ads on top of the 142 examples shown already.
Looking for Instagram ad examples instead? Here are 84 best Instagram ad examples and 40 good examples of Instagram story ads.
As you work through this article, you will:
- Have a better sense of what’s working
- Have many new ideas for improving your Facebook ads
- Feel inspired to set up new types of ad campaigns
How to find Facebook ad examples?
If the 162 ad creatives showcased in this guide are not enough for you or you want to see more ads from a specific brand, you can easily do it.
In 2019, Facebook released their Ads Library to create additional transparency around the ads any specific Facebook page is promoting.
You can type in any brand name and pick a location to see what ads they’re running.
See which ads the Facebook pages are running
Truth be told, I’ve tested out the Ads Library on many occasions and seen that only a fraction of all the live ad creatives are visible there (when comparing to the ads I know a brand I’m working with is running or the ads I’ve been shown by specific brand in my Facebook Feed.) But hey, it’s better than nothing!
Also, AdEspresso used to have an Ads Gallery that showed thousands of Facebook ad creatives. As of July 2019, they have closed it down.
All of the Facebook ad examples that you see here are original screenshots from my Facebook feed or from the Facebook advertising audits I’ve done, AdEspresso Ads Gallery and Facebook Ads Library. These Facebook ads’ size is usually 1200 x 628 pixels or 1080 x 1080 pixels for square creatives.
Read more: The Best Marketing Books of All Time
NEW 20 Facebook ad examples, 2019 edition
#1: DoorDash
It’s a growing trend to run creative Facebook ads
#2: Calm
A good example of creating trust in the brand
#3: Oatly
It’s a post, really, but Oatly’s copywriter is amazing
#4: Design Pickle
Test video ads on top of running static ads
#5: Bolt
One of the recent creatives we tested in Bolt
#6: Mailchimp
MailChimp’s ad definitely catches the eye
#7: Finnish Design Shop
Include product prices when advertising your online store
#8: Slack
Slack’s ad emphasizes their app’s benefit
#9: Hired
Hired uses Facebook ads to increase their report’s reach
#10: PayPal
Place the most important copy in the ad image
#11: Lyft
This video ad by Lyft tells a quick relatable story
#12: Blinkist
Test carousel ads in addition to single image ads
#13: Ben & Jerry’s
Sometimes, a high-quality product image may work well
#14: Holini
What makes this ad so good:
Did you notice the “? link” in the ad copy? Adding an extra link for people to click on can increase your Facebook ad’s CTR. + Holini’s also smart about their ad design – use a custom colour filter to turn any stock image into a branded image.
#15: Intercom
Intercom’s ad looks like a website CTA – nice idea
#16: Shopify
Shopify’s ad image is a natural extension to the copy
#17: The New York Times
You can actually place a lot of copy in the ad image
#18: Asana
Asana’s ad mentions a quantifiable benefit of their product
#19: Starbucks
This branding ad is sure to catch the eye in news feed
#20: Warby Parker
Promote a soft sell (e.g. a quiz) before direct a sales offer
When browsing for new ad examples for the 2019 update, I noticed a few things:
- An increasing number of advertisers are running video ads – of all the brands I checked out in the Facebook Ads Library, 9/10 had video ads running.
- Instagram Stories placement is still strongly underused – while Facebook has told that Stories will soon have more views than regular Instagram posts, only 3/10 advertisers had portrait-format Instagram Stories creatives.
- The best practices haven’t really changed – while there’s a growing trend in colorful and “artsy” ads, the main hacks have remained unchanged: add copy in the ad image, keep it short and catchy, have a clear call-to-action, and so on.
142 Facebook ad examples, 2018 edition
#1: MOO
MOO’s Facebook ad is ???
What makes this ad so good:
The bright Facebook ad design immediately catches people’s attention + the ad’s headline says clearly what it is they’re selling. When creating Facebook ad images, it’s always a good idea to use an original photo or animation – it’s an easy way to catch people’s attention and show off your branding.
#2: Pipedrive
Use a CTA in the ad image
What makes this ad so good:
The in-image copy makes sure the most important copy gets immediately seen + a CTA button hints people can click on the ad. Pipedrive’s SaaS Facebook ad also makes it easy to understand what product they’re selling – it’s made loud and clear in the ad image, main text, headline, and link description. (Look at it as an interesting use of repetitive yet efficient messaging.)
#3: MindTitan
Use a carousel ad to tell a story
What makes this ad so good:
This ad example uses the carousel format that lets you add up to 10 images into a single ad (the perfect way of showcasing your products / telling a story) + the ad’s design has an eye-catching contrast to it. You can use Facebook carousel ads to tell a story, showcase your products, or list the benefits to customers (as MindTitan’s ad does).
Full disclosure: MindTitan’s one of my clients ATM.
#4: PayPal
Use icons like PayPal
What makes this ad so good:
The icons help to convey the message and make PayPal’s ad a little more engaging, leading to lower Facebook ads cost. A common line between great Facebook ad examples is their masterful use of colour and minimal design.
#5: Canva
Canva’s ad image is simple yet fun
What makes this ad so good:
Canva’s ad is fun and simple at the same time. When you think about your Facebook feed, it’s usually filled with photos. Using a white colourful Facebook ad design helps to get your ad noticed.
#6: Shopify
Share content instead of selling
What makes this ad so good:
Not all Facebook ads are focused on sales. This example by Shopify is using Facebook to share their blog content and increase brand awareness.
#7: Autopilot
Autopilot created a stunning carousel ad
What makes this ad so good:
Autopilot ad is a great example of SaaS marketing done right. The text lists their product’s benefits while the carousel’s images showcase their product views and features. As a result, this Facebook ad informs the viewer about Autopilot’s product even before they visit the website.
#8: Zendesk
100% minimal ad
What makes this ad so good:
The striking minimalism of this ad makes sure people will immediately realize what the product and offer (Try Zendesk Chat) are about. This ad would make for a great remarketing ad for people already familiar with the brand.
#9: Google
use a video inside a carousel ad
What makes this ad so good:
Did you know you can also add videos to your carousel ads? I’ve seen this approach work well for SaaS Facebook ads as it makes an otherwise boring product screenshot come to life.
#10: GoPro
Offer a trade up
What makes this ad so good:
If you’ve recently launched a new product, you could create a Facebook Custom Audience and advertise it to the existing customer base. How to get them to buy your newest product – offer a trade-up like GoPro.
Read more: How to Set Up Low-budget Facebook Ad Campaigns on Your Own
#11: Hootsuite
Make a limited time offer
What makes this ad so good:
Limited-time offers create a sense of FOMO and make people act quicker (= more signups in a smaller timeframe). When advertising limited-time offers, make sure your campaign budget’s big enough to quickly reach all your audience members.
#12: Teabox
Run a countdown campaign
What makes this ad so good:
Teabox’s Facebook video ad example tells a story while also informing people about their upcoming sale. Presale countdown Facebook ads are a great way to build up some hype and get people to save the date.
#13: Leadpages
Mention the numbers
What makes this ad so good:
If you’ve got some impressive numbers up on your sleeve, why not share these in your Facebook ad. From the no. of users to the no. of people benefitting from your product, mentioning them helps to create more trust in your brand.
#14: OptinMonster
Use visual cues
What makes this ad so good:
OptinMonster’s Facebook ad example gives a visual clue to the benefit of their product. This ad certainly caught my attention.
Tip: if you’re doubting between multiple image options, you can always do some Facebook A/B testing to find out what works best.
#15: AWeber
Replace a sales message with a survey
What makes this ad so good:
This Facebook ad isn’t trying to sell you anything. However, it’s asking people to take a fun survey and to submit their email to get their results. In the long term, this Facebook ad is bringing in many new email marketing leads – another interesting way of using Facebook ads as a PPC channel.
#16: Taxify
Use custom design elements
What makes this ad so good:
Instead of using stock images or screenshots, you can use design tools like Illustrator and Sketch to create an more visual representation of your product. If you consider how crowded Facebook newsfeed is with photos, using a custom design will help you get higher CTRs. And using speed lines wouldn’t hurt, either.
Full disclosure: Taxify’s one of my clients ATM.
#17: Cobiro
Use the halo of big brands
What makes this ad so good:
Cobiro’s Facebook ad is mentioning two well-known brands and even using Google AdWords’ logo. The reason this works is that people will feel more positive about this small brand as they like the bigger brands mentioned.
However, be careful with using other brands’ logos in your ads – you actually need their permission to do so.
#18: IKEA
Staightforward = efficient
What makes this ad so good:
The next time you need to announce your sales, instead of creating a complex ad image, simply lay your message out on a blank colourful background. IKEA’s Facebook ad is stunning in its simplicity and efficiency.
#19: Lyft
Try offering guarantees
What makes this ad so good: Well-chosen contrasting colours + straightforward in-image text. In addition, Lyft’s ad copy explains their offer more in detail for those interested.
#20: Soylent
Advertise good-looking lists
What makes this ad so good: Soylent’s listing all their product’s benefits in the ad copy. You too can use emojis and symbols to add special characters in your ad copy.
Here are some to get you started: ➕ ➡ ✓
#21: GitHub
The perfect gradient ?
What makes this ad so good:
This Facebook ad example by GitHub is one of my favourite latest finds. Maybe it’s just me, but I find the gradient background perfect.
Read more: Instagram Ad Design and Copy – The Beginner’s Guide (2018 Update)
#22: SUMO
Retarget past users
What makes this ad so good:
This ad looks like it’s part of a Facebook retargeting campaign promoting the the product to people who already tested SUMO’s products. If you’re able to create remarketing audiences of at least 100 people, it’s worth setting up a dedicated ad campaign.
#23: Venngage
Include the year for relevancy
What makes this ad so good:
This Facebook ad is sharing an industry report. But before people can download it, they’re asked to submit their email address. + Mentioning the year of your content helps to show it’s relevant NOW.
#24: Drip
Use images with happy people
What makes this ad so good:
In addition to mentioning the magical word FREE, this Facebook ad example by Drip features a happy-person-photo. All things considered, people will feel more positive about the offer and associate the email course with positive results. A similar approach would also work well in Instagram campaigns.
#25: Asana
Bright colours catch attention
What makes this ad so good:
I’ve always been a huge fan of Asana’s colourful Facebook ads – they catch your attention right then and there. When designing your Facebook ads, put it some extra effort as your ad’s image is arguably its most important element (it’s the first thing people will notice).
#26: Allsaints
Place your sales offer’s copy in the ad image
#27: Happy Socks
Advertise a discount offer
What makes this ad so good:
Instead of just promoting their product, Happy Socks is adding a small discount to their offer, making it a lot more attractive to potential buyers. A similar ad could also be used as a remarketing ad – if a website visitor didn’t make a purchase on their first visit, you can offer them a discount to incentivize them to return.
#28: Inkbox
Mention what’s important to your users
What makes this ad so good:
This Facebook ad copy delivers only the most important information. However, Inkbox’s ad text shows that they’ve perfectly understood their product’s key benefits for the customers.
#29: Adobe Stock
Include your logo in the ad image
What makes this ad so good:
Another easy way to add a layer of branding on a stock photo is to darken the background image and place your logo over the image. This way, you’ll also increase people’s awareness of your logo.
#30: Cleanly
Show the “good” and “bad
What makes this ad so good:
This Facebook ad reminds people of a common problem and offers a better solution. Using the “bad” and “good” comparison is a simple way to show people why your product’s beneficial to them.
#31: Hired
Write actionable ad copy
What makes this ad so good:
Hired’s Facebook ad example’s copy is actionable and tells exactly what people will get as they click on the ad.
#32: Kissmetrics
A perfectly symmetrical carousel ad
What makes this ad so good:
This Facebook ad example is all about the customer – you. “Get, keep, grow…” and other actionable verbs explain the products’ benefits. + the carousel’s symmetry is just spectacular.
#33: New Scientist
Offer a free/paid trial period
What makes this ad so good:
When selling subscription services, you might want to first offer people a free or discounted trial period. Once they’re happy with what they see, you can upsell.
#34: Bloomberg Business
Example of a mobile app ad on Instagram
What makes this ad so good:
This example is a little bit different from the rest as it’s a Facebook app install ad.
One of the best practices when promoting a mobile app is to include the name of your app in the ad image. Moreover, to make it clear to people it’s an app, advertisers can include the App Store icons in the design.
#35: Amazon
This could work in remarketing
What makes this ad so good: While this Facebook ad has a really strange headline, it could serve well as a remarketing ad for people interested in this particular product or other toys.
#36: Square
Show how your product works
What makes this ad so good:
Here’s another great example of Facebook carousel ad done right. Square is using the carousel’s cards to explain how their product works.
#37: HubSpot
Make your discount offer visible
What makes this ad so good:
The best way to inform people about a discount is to place the -X% sign in the Facebook ad image. Overall, using numbers in your Facebook ads is always a good idea.
#38: Heap
Use plain text as ad image ?
What makes this ad so good:
Heap’s Facebook ad is another good example of namedropping. One way to explain your new product to people is via another product they already know.
#39: Grammarly
Offer something unconventional
What makes this ad so good:
Grammarly’s Facebook ad makes a big promise: “Your Life’s About to Change.” Using this copy in the headline is sure to spark many people’s curiosity.
#40: Google
Make it about YOU
What makes this ad so good:
Google’s Facebook ad is not really about their products. It’s about YOU. When creating ads, think about your customers instead of your product. What’s the unique value you can add to their lives?
#41: Dropbox
Create trust with numbers
What makes this ad so good:
This Facebook ad mentions the size of Dropbox’s user base. If 90k people are already using it, it must be pretty good, right? When you’ve acquired enough customers, you can test a similar approach.
#42: Adidas
Adidas’s ad is simple yet attractive
What makes this ad so good:
Here’s a great example of how to showcase your product in a simple yet creative way.
#43: Inbound.org
Combine B&W and colour
What makes this ad so good:
This Facebook ad example is noteworthy for two reasons: First, how many Facebook ads have you seen that combine black-and-white with bright colours? Second, the ad’s headline addresses directly their core audience – marketers. A more personalized approach is also preferred when creating highly converting ad campaigns.
#44: The Kooples
The perfect remarketing ad
What makes this ad so good:
This is an example of Facebook dynamic product ads. Here’s how it works: you set up your product catalogue on Facebook and once a person views a particular item on your website, they’ll be shown a personalized retargeting ad with the very item. If you’re in eCommerce, this is your thing!
#45: MailChimp
Custom design is a winner
What makes this ad so good:
In addition to being an amazing email marketing tool, MailChimp’s ads also beam with authenticity. Using a custom design for your Facebook ads is always a preferred option (compared to generic stock images).
See how to set up low-budget Facebook ad campaigns without using boring stock images.
#46: Sleeknote
Mention quantifiable benefits
What makes this ad so good:
Sleeknote’s Facebook ad promises quantifiable results, giving a better sense of how much their product can improve your marketing results.
#47: Asos
Asos’ Facebook ad
What makes this ad so good:
If you’re selling multiple products, use a carousel ad to show people all of them. Moreover, Asos’s ad is super simple, making a light and pleasant impression. Even the SALE sign isn’t too intrusive.
#48: Upwork
Upwork focuses on solving the customer’s problems
What makes this ad so good:
This Facebook ad by Upwork is also focusing on solving a problem for the customers. When writing your Facebook ad headlines, try to use an actionable verb such a “Get” “Try” “Discover” to nudge people to take that action.
#49: ZenHub
Gradient is the new black
What makes this ad so good:
Lately, gradient’s made a comeback and is being used across websites, ads, and other branded material. If you haven’t tried a gradient Facebook ad yet, it’s time to do it.
#50: HubSpot
HubSpot asks a question
What makes this ad so good:
One way to get people read the full ad copy is to pose an interesting questions. HubSpot’s Facebook ad image asks “How well do you rank for SEO?” Now which marketers wouldn’t want to find out the answer?
#51: GetResponse
#52: GraphicStock
#53: Marvel
#54: Packlane
#55: Nike
#56: Trapica
#57: Yesware
#58: Copy Hackers
#59: Flywheel
#60: Leadpages
#61: Moz
#62: Sprinklr
#63: The Econimist
#64: Tubular
#65: WishLoop
#66: AppExchange
#67: AdStage
#68: Blue Bottle Coffee
#69: Groupon
#70: Harvest
#71: Google Cloud
#72: Krowdster
#73: Compass
#74: Drift
#75: Eventbrite
#76: CoSchedule
#77: Dell
#78: Amazon Prime Now
#79: Autopilot
#80: LinkedIn
#81: MailChimp
#82: Plated
#83: Nike
#84: FreshBooks
#85: Amazon
#86: Facebook Blueprint
#87: Jobbatical
#88: Harry’s
#89: Hired
#90: Infusionsoft
#91: Clanbeat
#92: Intercom
#93: Blue Apron
#94: 99designs
#95: 17hats
#96: WeWork
#97: ConvertKit
#98: Try The World
#99: Juicero
#100: Squarespace
#101: Omniconvert
#102: Xero
#103: Adidas
#104: Airbnb
#105: Alexa
#106: Codeable
#107: G suite
#108: MOJO Marketplace
#109: Nespresso
#110: Peakon
#111: Prisync
#112: Shortlist Beauty
#113: Sonarworks
#114: Thrive Market
#115: Topshop
#116: Updatable
#117: Virgin America
#118: Quickbooks
#119: New York Times
#120: Scoro
#121: Tribe
#122: Topman
#123: Dapulse
#124: Allsaints
#125: Bombas
#126: Tableau
#127: Twilio
#128: Grow
#129: App Academy
#130: Vestorly
#131: AppSumo
#132: Ableton
#133: Qwilr
#134: G2 Crowd
#135: HubSpot
#136: AdEspresso
#137: Gusto
#138: Dropbox
#139: Figma
#140: Unbounce
#141: Wix
#142: Thistle
Aaand you’ve reached the end of this rundown.
If you’d like to see your company’s amazingly awesome Facebook ad examples featured in this list, reach out.
+ don’t forget to leave a comment on what’s your favourite ad out of this list!