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.

We’ve done all the hard work for you, spending the past few weeks browsing around Instagram. And we found some inspiring stuff… 💎

This article features the following categories of Instagram stories:

• Bad examples of Instagram stories
• Good examples of Instagram story image ads
• The best Instagram story video ads
• Cool Instagram story examples

But first, a few words on the current state of advertising Instagram stories.

When scrolling through the IG stories to catch cool ad examples, 80% of all the ads were not optimized for the Instagram Story placement

This means that a lot of brands are missing out on the full potential of the IG stories ad placement

What about you?

Have you uploaded all the correct Instagram and Facebook ads size options to your campaigns? And is each of the uploaded formats following the specific placement’s best practices?

Either way, this article will give you plenty of good ideas on how to improve your Instagram story ads. On top of that, you’ll also see some nice examples of Instagram story posts by popular brands.

See more ad examples here:

• 215+Best Facebook Ad Examples
• 84 Best Instagram Ad Examples
• 100+ LinkedIn Ad Examples for B2B Brands

Quick tip: Create Meta ad creatives with AI tools.

Click on the GIF below to try the best AI tool for Meta ads generation. (2023 update & recommendation.)

Bad Instagram ad examples

Let’s start off by understanding how your Instagram ads should not look.

The following examples of the ads running in the Instagram stories use the old Facebook news feed image size (1200 x 628 pixels), others feature a square image with no copy nor clear call-to-action.

This is not to trash any particular brand’s ads.

The goal is to show you examples of ads that could be improved big-time, so that you can better asses your own Instagram (and Facebook) story ads.

Here’s a quick checklist to analyze if your story ads follow the key best practices:

• Are the ads in the correct size (1080 x 1920 pixels)?
• Do the ads have in-image copy and a call-to-action?
• Are you asking the viewer to swipe up – verbally or visually?

Good examples of Instagram story image ads

In general, video ads work better on Instagram than static image ads. 

However, there’s not always time and resources to create a video ad for every single campaign.

That’s ok – there’s also plenty of good examples of IG stories using a static image that are working well. You will see them up next.

#1 Bloomberg

This Instagram story ad example by Bloomberg Businessweek is great for several reasons:

• It has a bright background color that differentiates it from the regular posts from friends
• The text and illustration are placed almost perfectly (the text above could be slightly lower not to be covered by the logo and “sponsored” message)
• It has a clear call-to-action (Subscribe)

#2 Bolt Food

The Bolt food Instagram story example is also visually different from the regular Instagram stories. (I consider it a big success factor when it comes to getting your story ads noticed.)

It’s also clear what the ad is about from the first glance: food, delivery.

On top of that, it mentions the value proposition (cheap delivery) and hints that people are supposed to “swipe up.”

#3 Babbel

Babbel’s ad asks the viewer a question which makes you automatically engage with the ad. Once you answer “yes,” you’ll have enough time to explore the rest of the ad. 

Also, notice the layout of this ad – by mixing a solid color background and stock image background, the ad is split into 2 scenes.

Tip: Splitting your Instagram story ad visuals into 2 or 3 parts is a very convenient hack in case you don’t have a suitable portrait-format image.

#4 Udemy

This Udemy ad is a basic example of a Facebook ad visual adapted to Instagram Stories format.

You can use a similar approach of placing part of your Facebook ad copy in the Instagram story ad image to deliver the message.

#5 Fjällräven

A very simple Instagram story ad that showcases the products in a well-curated portrait format.

Tip: When adding copy to your Instagram story ad creatives, place it on top or in the middle – that’s the part of the ad people will look in the first place.

#6 Acadium

Here’s one good example of a square-format ad used in the Instagram story placement.

The ad image features relevant copy and the background color (added automatically by Facebook when you use an ad image in 1:1 or in landscape format) complements the above image.

#7 Khaite

#8 Dale Ventures

#9 The Economist

#10 The Sill

The best Instagram story video ad examples

Instagram story video ads is a great channel both for building brand awareness and engaging with existing customers.

In case you’lll get inspired by the upcoming video ad example, here’s a list of Instagram ad specs & sizes to follow.

Tip: According to Facebook, 60% of Instagram stories are viewed with sound-on, so add some background music to your video ads.

Read more about various Instagram story ad success stories here.

Let’s get to the best part of this article now – the Instagram story video ad examples.

❗❗❗NB: Due to the big size of GIF files, we have included a static image of each video ad and added a link to the GIF file, so that you can see the video.

#11 Deliveroo

This Instagram story ad is a good example of brand awareness advertising.

Here’s what makes this ad great:

• The colors – branded and differentiated from the regular story posts
• Custom text design that has has a high contrast with the background
• Fast-paced movement – you won’t get bored and swipe right

Tip: If you want people to swipe up after seeing your video, add a 3-5 second ending scene to your video ad with your logo and a clear call-to-action.

See the full video ad here.

#12 iDeal

The iDeal ad is a cool example of an Instagram story video ad split into 2 scenes. 

The first part of the ad is almost static and features the product and special offer message, The second part of the ad shows a fast-paced video that keeps the viewer engaged.

See the full video ad here.

#13, #14 AirBaltic

airBaltic likes to get their messages delivered.

If you won’t get their static image Instagram story ad (which is already a very good example of a brightly-colored ad with a clear message) …

Then you will certainly get the message after seeing their video ad. 🔥

Notice how fast-paced the ad is: a must-have for all Instagram story ads. Also, the font, colors, and content is different enough to keep on looking to the end.

The ad’s final scene has a green arrow icon pointing up that helps to emphasize the “swipe up” suggestion.

See the full video ad here.

#15 Netflix

The main thing I like about this Netflix Instagram story ad example is its plain promotion of the logo.

The ultimate brand awareness ad.

See the full video ad here.

#16 Acne Studios

If you’re lacking good video content to turn into Instagram ads, you can follow the example of Acne Studios. 

The below ad example essentially mixes together a range of product photos and solid typographical elements, creating an engaging video ad.

See the full video ad here.

#17 Artsy

Here’s another example of an Instagram story ad that uses images and typography, but has the effect of a video ad. 

Also, the black text on a white background contrasts perfectly with other posts that you’re scrolling through when browsing stories.

See the full video ad here.

#18 Milkshake

Here’s a list of things that the Milkshake ad gets right:

• Fast movement throughout the video
• Bright colors and well-placed copy
• The app frame (shows immediately it’s a mobile app)
• Logical storytelling throughout the ad
• Final scenes with a solid background and a clear call-to-action

See the full video ad here.

#19 Calm

Calm’s Instagram story asks the viewer to take a break (from anxiously scrolling through tens of stories).

That’s a very cool approach as their meditation app’s key benefit is learning to slow down and be more mindful. And that feeling is already created by their ad, making the perfect introduction to the app.

See the full video ad here.

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#20 H&M

The H&M Instagram story ad is the perfect example of brand awareness videos run by many large consumer brands.

The goal of such ads is generally to stay top-of-mind for a large audience.

The best practice with such ads is to open up by showcasing your logo, show well-filmed scenes in between, and also close the ad by repeating your brand’s name or showing the logo.

See the full video ad here.

#21 Slidequest

See the full video ad here.

#22 Harvard Business Review

See the full video ad here.

#23 Prequel

See the full video ad here.

#24 Favro

See the full video ad here.

#25, #26 KLM

See the full video ad here.

See the full video ad here.

#27 Udacity

See the full video ad here.

#28 Xoom

See the full video ad here.

#29 Vivo

See the full video ad here.

#30 Vogue Business

See the full video ad here.

#31 Biteable

See the full video ad here.

#32 Turkish Airlines

See the full video ad here.

#33 Bolt

See the full video ad here.

#34 Cowboy

See the full video ad here.

#35 The New Yorker

See the full video ad here.

Cool Instagram story post ideas

Last not least, I’ve come across some exceptionally nice branded Instagram stories.

Take a look and collect ideas for using various Instagram story stickers and polling options to engage with your followers. 

#36 Uber

See the full video here.

#37 Jump

See the full video here.

#38 Airbnb

See the full video here.

#39 MeetFrank

See the full video here.

#40 Starbucks

See the full video here.

Thanks for your attention and hope you got some inspiration to put into practice.

If you know some other brands with cool Instagram story ads, send a hat tip to marketing@karolakarlson.com or reach out on LinkedIn.

And if you want help with improving your Instagram ad campaigns, check out this page.

The post 40 Instagram Story Ad Examples in 2024 (Static + Video ads) appeared first on Marketing Fix blog.