You could either…

1. Create a personal Instagram account and start seeing ads
2. Browse online ad galleries
3. Read this article with 80+ Instagram ad examples

While browsing various ad examples, you will eventually reach another question: What makes the best Instagram ads so good?

There are several aspects:

1. Your Instagram ad design must catch the viewer’s eyes.
2. It’s best to follow Instagram ad size and specs best practices and create ads with the size of 1080×1080 px.
3. Create a different ad for your Facebook and Instagram campaign (1200×628 px vs. 1080×1080 px).
4. You must find a strong unique value proposition (USP).

As marketing legend David Ogilvy put it:

“If your advertising fails to get the message to the heads of people, your money’s wasted. And this is happening to millions of advertisers every day.”

So how can you create Instagram ads that won’t fail? – Check out the 84 ad examples in this article to get tens of new ideas for creating irresistible Instagram ads that will increase your sales.

How to use this article:

The first 10 ad examples come with an explanation of what makes them work – so that you can get a better overview of Instagram ad best practices.

While browsing all these examples, analyze:

• What makes the ad’s design good?
• What copywriting hacks could you copy?
• How to apply these best practices to your campaigns?

If you’re in B2B business, you might want to check out these 100+ LinkedIn ad examples by fast-growth brands.

Ok? Let’s roll!

#1: The Economist

What makes this ad good?

The Economist’s Instagram ad example showcases their magazine covers, letting the viewer immediately know what the product is. But instead of just showing the image, they have used ½ of the ad space to include a headline and a pricing point, making the ad more informative.

Key takeaways:

• Showcase your product – people will immediately grasp what it is that you’re selling.
• Add copy in your ad image – Consumer Acquisition found that images are responsible for 75%-90% of ad performance. It makes sense to add your USP in the image.
• Don’t make your ad too text-heavy

#2: HubSpot

What makes this ad good?

HubSpot’s Facebook ad is super simple – You could create it in under 1 minute by using Paint or Photoshop. However, the bright colours and copy will catch many people’s attention in the Instagram newsfeed. Think about it – the newsfeed is full of photos. This makes this ad example with simple background shine out.

Key takeaways:

• Use bright colours – People’s brains are wired to notice bright colours and associate them with positive feelings.
• Use simple ad design – In the crowded Instagram newsfeed, simplicity is often the key. Test ads that include only background + copy.
• Use the correct ad size – We can’t help but wonder how much more efficient this ad would be when created as a square image… It would take up more space in the newsfeed, and draw even more attention.

#3: New York Times

What makes this ad good?

This NYT Instagram ad is similar to the previous example in that it features a monochrome background with copy. However, this ad has taken a couple of steps further, playing with typography and including the brand’s logo. Also, the ad size is 1080×1080 px, which is perfect for Instagram ads.

Key takeaways:

• Use interesting typography – If you’re planning to include a lot of copy in your ad image, use eye-catching fonts to bring your ad to life.
• Include your logo in the ad image – It will help to create higher brand awareness at no extra cost. Moreover, your logo can serve as a design element.
• Use contrasting font colours – When using the background + copy ad design hack, make sure your background colour and font colours contrast each other. Otherwise, it will be difficult to read your ad’s copy.

#4: MeetFrank

What makes this ad good?

MeetFrank’s Instagram ad example uses a simple custom design which is highly efficient when it comes to Facebook and Instagram advertising. Moreover, the ad design features a growth curve which immediately draws the viewer’s attention. Not to mention showcasing numbers – another element that’s guaranteed to get more eyes on your Instagram ad.

Key takeaways:

• Use symbols in your ad design – Including positive symbols such as a growth curve in your ad design will make your audience remember you with positive emotions.
• Include numbers in your ad design – Research shows that by starting your headline with a number, you’re 36% more likely to have people click on your ads. Numbers draw attention.
• Address your users in the ad – By asking “UI/UX DEsigner” in the image, MeetFrank’s ad gets the attention of everyone who feels themselves addressed.

#5: Rains

What makes this ad good?

Being an apparel brand, it’s increasingly important for Rains to show their product in the best light. To showcase their products, Rains has created an Instagram carousel ad that features 3 different images (notice the three blue dots under the ad image). Moreover, the ad image’s size is in an interesting format, resembling a portrait photo rather than square image.

Key takeaways:

• Create Instagram carousel ads – Include more than one image in your ad to show multiple products within a single ad.
• Use professional photographs – If you’re planning to advertise a photo ad image, make sure these look professional. You can hire a photographer to help you out.
• Test portrait images – Instagram allows advertisers to set up ad images in portrait formats. Use this option to take up more space in the newsfeed.

#6: Zaful

What makes this ad good?

This Instagram ad example by Zaful caught our eye due to the original way of dividing the ad image into several pictures, creating a mosaic effect. That’s a smart idea to showcase different sides/elements of your product in a single ad image. You can also use it as a Facebook advertising hack.

Key takeaways:

• Test mosaic images – If you want to show multiple aspects of your product, test dividing your ad image into multiple image blocks.
• Combine mosaics with carousel ads – You could use the mosaic-style image as the first card in your Instagram carousel ad, and then include each mosaic image in a closeup as individual carousel ad images.
• Use hashtags – Instagram is all about hashtags. Did you notice the #FreeShipping hashtag in the ad text? Using hashtags will make your ad feel more like it belongs on Instagram.

#6: The Dots

What makes this ad good?

The Dots’ Instagram ad combines a colourful background image with in-image value proposition. While the in-image copy is a little bit difficult to read due to low contrast, it looks sleek and in balance with other ad elements.

Key takeaways:

• If you use stock photos, use good ones – Sometimes, it pays off to use a stock photo in your Instagram ads. However, do not include an overused free stock photo. Make sure people haven’t seen your ad image before.
• Mention your customers – Listing your well-know business customers’ names in the ad copy helps to increase trust in your brand. Note that this tactic requires the approval from your clients.
• Select the right call-to-action – Instagram allows you to select between several CTAs. Use the call-to-action that’s closest to your goal (if you want people to buy something, use the “Shop Now” CTA, etc.)

#7: The Kooples

What makes this ad good?

Here’s another Instagram ad example featuring apparel. Notice how the photographs have been taken by a professional photographer, showing the clothes in good light. Moreover, the ad copy lets the viewer know that there’s a SALE going on, increasing the ad’s click-through rate.

Key takeaways:

• Use emojis – Include emojis in your ad copy to make your ads more interesting. Read how to use emojis in your Facebook ads.
• Add up to 10 carousel cards – Do not limit yourself to 2-3 carousel ad cards – you can add up to 10.
• Add a different link to each image – When setting up your carousel ads, you can make each image to direct to a different link. Use this option to direct people to the correct product’s landing page.

#8: 8fit

What makes this ad good?

8fit’s Instagram ad image looks like it’s taken directly from a health blogger’s Instagram page. That’s the key to their potential audience’s hearts. If you’re advertising a lifestyle brand, use images that showcase your product in normal settings, so that people can imagine themselves using it.

Key takeaways:

• Copy successful Instagram accounts – No, we’re not suggesting that you copy their posts one-to-one. That would be plagiarism. But do copy them in terms of style.
• Write actionable ad copy – Use words like “Use,” “Get,” “Start,” etc. to indicate that people are supposed to take action on your Instagram ad.

#9: MindTitan

What makes this ad good?

This Instagram ad example by MindTitan is not here to sell – it’s focused on attracting talent and getting them to join the company. Instagram is a great platform for advertising your job offers – an opportunity that’s often overlooked by companies. Moreover, the ad states a question in the ad image, nudging people’s minds to answer “Yes” or “No,” and getting them engaged in the first few seconds.

Key takeaways:

• Test Instagram ads for hiring – In addition to promoting your product on Instagram, you can use it to reach talented people.
• Ask a question in the ad image – This will get more people hooked to your Instagram ad, and they will also read the rest of your ad copy.
• Use branded ad design – If you want your ads to be associated with your brand, it’s a good idea to create Instagram ad images that use your branded colours and design elements.

#10: Facebook Audience Network

What makes this ad good?

Instead of trying to sell you anything, this Instagram ad starts with a content marketing offer – an informative article. Facebook Audience Network is using the Instagram ad to keep their customers – marketers – informed about the upcoming features and changes.

Key takeaways:

• Use Instagram ads for promoting content – Especially in B2B sales, it’s important to start with a soft sell, and slowly turn your leads into paying customers.
• Mix icons and symbols – An easy way to create a custom Instagram ad design is to download some free icons and symbols and use Illustrator or Photoshop to mix them together into a good-looking ad image.

If you want to learn more about Instagram advertising, check out this in-depth guide: Instagram Advertising – Always Up-to-date Guide (2018 Edition)

#11: UsabilityHub

#12: Airbnb

#13: Blinkist

#14: Poketo

#15: Brooklinen

#16: Foreo

#17: Cofounders Lab

#18: Squarespace

#19: Deloitte Baltics

#20: The Dots

#21: Kickstarter

#22: Facebook Marketing Developers

#23: Workplace by Facebook

#24: Ohheygirl Store

#25: Folsom & Co

#26: Freefly Systems

#27: Getdesignrr

#28: Gurushots

#29: Harvard Business Review

#30: Hisuperhi

#31: H&M

#32: Hyatt

#33: Inch2

#34: Jason Squire smm

#35: Jon Loomer

#36: British Journal of Photography

#37: Aceroix

#38: Architonicag

#39: Asanarebel

#40: Alex la Rigato

#41: Udemy

#42: Alexander Wang NY

#43: Azalea’s Boutique

#44: LIFT99

#45: Makery

#46: Masterclass

#47: Flachsmann Watches

#48: Gagosian Gallery

#49: Nortal

#50: Nosto

#51: Olive Clothing

#52: Onelive

#53: Cbyloredanapinasco

#54: Origin

#55: Out in London

#56: Paradise Amsterdam

#57: Parts of 4

#58: Pelacase

#59: Pexel Photos

#60:Black Mirror Fans

#61: Rains

#62: Reserved

#63: Rise of the Kings

#64: Scoro

#65: Frontrow

#66: Shopify

#67: STAC

#68: Stitch and Story

#69: Studio Living

#70: Bold Tuesday

#71: Sugar and Cotton

#73: Taxify

#74: Tentree

#75: The Horse

#76: Trvl

#77: Two Dots

#78: Udemy

#79: Venngage

#80: Vidcon

#81: Mvmforher

#82: Web Summit

#83: Wizzair

#84: Your Plug Clothing

Conclusion

Now that you’ve quickly scrolled through all the Instagram ad examples in this article, you definitely have some great new ideas.

If you want to learn even more about creating efficient Facebook and Instagram ads, check out this guide: 215+ Best Facebook Ad Examples (2025 Update)

The post 80+ Best Instagram Ad Examples (2025 update) appeared first on Marketing Fix blog.

That exactly why in this chapter of the Instagram Advertising Guide, we’ll be focusing on the hacks and tips for creating successful Instagram ad design and writing good ad copy.

After reading this guide, you’ll know the answer to the following questions:

• What are the latest Instagram ad and video specs?
• How to create a winning Instagram ad design?
• How to write good Instagram ad copy?
• What are some of the best Instagram ad examples?
• How to set up your Instagram ad copy?

Ready to nail your first Instagram ad design? In this case, keep reading!

A Quick Overview of Instagram Ad Specs

Like any other advertising platform, Instagram has a set of requirements for its ad creatives. If you want to find even more specific information, see the complete Instagram Ad Specs and Size Guide.

Instagram ad image specs:

• Image ratio: 1:1
• Image size: 1080 x 1080 pixels
• Caption: Text only, 125 characters recommended
• Image ratio: Landscape (1.91:1), Square (1:1), Vertical (4:5)
• Minimum resolution: 600 x 315 pixels (1.91:1 landscape) / 600 x 600 pixels (1:1 square) / 600 x 750 pixels (4:5 vertical)
• Maximum resolution: 1936 x 1936 pixels
• File type: .jpg or .png
• Maximum size: 30MB
• Your image should include minimal text.
• Caption: Max 2200 characters

Instagram ad video specs:

• Instagram videos have to be created at 72px minimum resolution
• Minimum resolution: 600 x 315 pixels (1.9:1 landscape) / 600 x 600 pixels (square)
• Instagram videos must be between 2.5-30 seconds long
• Video aspect ratio: 1.9:1 to 1:1
• File type: .mp4.
• The recommended size limit for your Instagram videos is 50MB
• The maximum size is 4GB
• The caption length text for video ads: text only, max 2,200 characters
• Supported video codecs: H.264, VP8
• Frame Rate: 30fps max
• Supported audio codecs: AAC, Vorbis
• The thumbnail image ratio should match the aspect ratio of your video

Instagram stories specs:

• Format: Full screen vertical ad (9:16)
• Recommended Resolution: 1080 x 1920
• Minimum Resolution: 600 x 1067
• File Types: .mp4 or .mov (Video) or .jpg or .png (Photo)
• Recommended Video Codecs: h.264, VP8
• Recommended Audio Codecs: AAC, Vorbis
• Maximum File Size: 4GB (Video) or 30MB (Photo)
• Video Length: Maximum 15 seconds
• Photo Content: Visible for 5 seconds
• Captions are not currently available. Any text must be part of the video of image file

Up next, we’ll share with you our top Instagram design and copywriting hacks that will help you get more conversions at a lower cost.

Instagram Ad Design Tip #1: Create Colourful Ad Images

Research has discovered that people make up their minds within 90 seconds of their initial interaction with either people or products (or your ads). And guess what: 62%-90% of their decision-making is based on colors alone.

Creating colourful Instagram ad images helps your ads to get noticed. You’ll get bonus points for using bright energetic colours that spark positive emotions and make people more interested in your offer.

Here’s an Instagram ad example by Staples, displaying an image that includes highly colourful details.

‘

Bonus tip: Learn colour psychology to find out which colours appeal to specific audiences and match with your offers.

Instagram Ad Design Tip #2: Include In-image Text

If your Instagram ad image is the first thing people notice, it makes sense to place your key message right there in the image.

However, keep in mind that Facebook doesn’t like ad images with too much copy in them and will start to limit your ads’ reach if they’re heavy on copy.

You can test whether your Instagram ads get a pass by using Facebook’s Text Overlay Tool.

Here’s a good Instagram ad example by Spring, featuring a comment from Vogue.

Bonus tip: You can also use your customer testimonials as in-image ad copy to increase people’s trust in your brand.

Instagram Ad Design Tip #3: A/B Test Your Ad Visuals

Consumer Acquisition found that images are arguably the most important part of your ads — they’re responsible for 75%-90% of ad performance.

This means that changing your Instagram promotion’s image can result in a significant change in your campaign results.

Here are 10 ad A/B testing ideas to start with:

• A/B test your Instagram ad audience – target people in multiple locations, age groups, and having various interests
• A/B test various Instagram ad types – test carousel ads and video ads in addition to regular image ads
• A/B test ad image colours – use the colour psychology to find out which colours to use
• A/B test a stock photo vs. an illustration – some people prefer photos whil others find animated images more eye-catching

• A/B test in-image text vs. no text – create ad images with some copy on it and others without any copy to see what works best
• A/B test your call-to-actions – experiment with several CTAs to know which makes your audience act upon the ad (e.g. make a purchase)
• A/B test your Facebook ad headline – write up to 5 different headlines to see which one is preferred by the most people
• A/B test ad copy with emojis vs. no emojis – some people like emojis in Facebook ads while other
• A/B test you landing pages – instead of sending all ad traffic on a single landing page, set up multiple destinations to see what works
• A/B test your Instagram ad size – You can use several image sizes in your Instagram ads

To make sure your Instagram A/B tests are a success, read this Facebook Ad Testing Guide for Beginners.

Instagram Ad Copywriting Tip #1: Use Short and Catchy Ad Text

People’s attention spam on Instagram is short and that’s why you need to deliver your offer as quickly and straightforwardly as possible.

While Instagram allows a long ad copy, we recommend that you keep your ad text under 200 characters.

Here’s an interesting example by Bloomberg Business. P.S. this is a Facebook App Install ad campaign, so as someone clicks on the ad, they’ll be taken to the App Store.

Bonus tip: Showcase your products in the Instagram ad image to show people exactly what they can buy.

Instagram Ad Copywriting Tip #2: Use Actionable Wording

The decision-making part of our brain also happens to be the most primitive, making it act on simple and actionable words.

That’s why, you should always aim to make your Instagram ad copy highly actionable.

Here’s a quick list of actionable verbs to get your started:

• Try
• Buy
• Get
• Start
• Sign up
• Learn
• Read
• Save

Here’s an Instagram ad example by Chambord that starts with the call-to-action “Buy a limited edition gift set to…”

Bonus tip: Create a sense of urgency by letting your audience know that the advertised offer’s available for a limited time only.

Try these hacks:

• Define clear dates, e.g. “Today only” or “Offer ends in 24h”
• Offer a significant discount, e.g. “Get 60% off today”
• Keep your offer simple and brief

Instagram Ad Copywriting Tip #3: Focus on the Benefit

To most customers, what they’re going to get out of using a product is more important than how it looks.

If your Instagram ad image’s goal is to show people how your product looks, it’s your ad copy that should communicate your product’s greatest benefit to the user.

Here’s an Instagram ad example by Livday.sf that emphasizes the app’s benefits both in the ad image and in the ad copy.

How to Set Up Your Instagram Ads

You can set up your promotions’ copy and images in the Instagram campaign setup process.

Note that when setting up a Facebook ad campaign with multiple placements including the Facebook newsfeeds and Instagram, your ads’ layout will differ according to its placement.

For example, while Facebook newsfeed ads feature a headline and link description, your Instagram ads only have one ad text per ad.

You can review how your ads will look by using the Ad Previews tool.

After you’ve set up your Instagram ad copy and added an image/video, it’s time to publish your ad campaign!

Now that you know everything about Instagram ad specs and design, it’s time to learn more about Instagram ads cost and and bidding.

Additional reading:

• 142 Best Facebook Ad Examples (2018 Edition)
• 28 Facebook Advertising Hacks for Skyrocketing Results
• 25 Facebook Ad Design Hacks to Make More People Click
• Instagram for Business – The Beginner’s Guide (2018 Edition)
• Instagram Ad Targeting – 84-point Guide for Major Success
• Instagram Ads Reporting and Optimization – Guide to 10x Results

The post Instagram Ad Design and Copy – The Beginner’s Guide (2018 Update) appeared first on Marketing Fix blog.