Instagram ads have become the modern art gallery of marketing. They’re not just about grabbing attention—they’re about stopping thumbs, sparking interest, and turning curious viewers into loyal customers. In this guide, we’ll explore 10 of the best Instagram ad examples that not only inspire but also deliver results. From photo-perfect image ads to captivating video storytelling, get ready to level up your ad game with practical tips and real-world insights.
Why Instagram Ads Matter for Creative Brands
Instagram isn’t just another social media platform—it’s a playground for creative brands. With over a billion monthly active users, it’s one of the most visually-driven marketing spaces available today. Whether you’re a startup showcasing your first product line or an established company revamping your image, Instagram offers the tools to connect with your audience on a deeper level.
Understanding the Power of Instagram Advertising
The magic of Instagram ads lies in their ability to combine visuals, storytelling, and data-driven targeting. Think of it this way: if social media platforms were a dinner party, Instagram would be the well-dressed guest who knows just how to captivate everyone in the room. For creative brands, this is gold. The platform’s visual nature means you can show off your products, highlight your brand personality, and create meaningful connections—all in one place. But it’s not just about pretty pictures; it’s about strategy. A well-crafted Instagram ad doesn’t just grab attention; it builds trust and invites engagement.
Key Metrics to Track for Effective Instagram Ads
Metrics are the unsung heroes of Instagram advertising. Sure, you want your ad to look good, but how do you know it’s working? By tracking metrics like impressions, clicks, and conversions. For instance, a high engagement rate can signal that your ad is resonating with your audience, while a low click-through rate might mean it’s time to tweak your call-to-action. Think of metrics as your roadmap—they guide your strategy and show you what’s working (and what’s not). The best Instagram ads balance creativity with measurable results, ensuring that every dollar spent delivers value.
The Best Instagram Ad Examples to Inspire Your Strategy
Not all Instagram ads become bangers. Some are bad, others are great, and then there are those rare gems that set the standard for everyone else. These examples are proof that with the right mix of design, storytelling, and strategy, you can create ads that people actually want to engage with.
Scroll-Stopping Instagram Image Ads
Image ads are like the classic little black dress of Instagram advertising: simple, timeless, and effective. But don’t mistake simplicity for lack of creativity. The best Instagram ads in this format are meticulously designed to grab attention and convey a message at a glance. Imagine a vibrant, high-contrast image paired with a witty caption—something that not only catches your eye but also makes you think, "I need to know more about this." For creative brands, image ads offer an opportunity to showcase your design skills and highlight your products in the best possible light.
Instagram Video Ad Examples That Capture Attention
If image ads are the little black dress, video ads are the red carpet gown—dynamic, eye-catching, and impossible to ignore. Instagram video ads allow you to tell a story in ways static images can’t. From quick tutorials to behind-the-scenes looks, these ads pull viewers into your brand’s world. When done well, video ads don’t just entertain—they build trust and drive action.
Here are some successful Instagram video ad examples that have effectively captured attention:
Quip: “Simplifying Oral Care”
Quip’s Instagram video ad is a textbook example of how simplicity can be powerful. The ad begins by identifying a universal problem—ineffective toothbrushing—and follows it up with a clear, step-by-step solution: Quip. Using slideshow-style visuals, the ad breaks down why Quip’s design solves this issue without relying on gimmicks. A standout moment in the video is when a sketch of the toothbrush seamlessly transforms into a sleek product photo, ensuring viewers remember its cool, minimalist design.
Robinhood: “Investing Made Easy”
Robinhood’s video ad proves that sometimes, simplicity is the most effective way to stand out. Set against a plain black background, the ad features stock names in clean white lettering that move sporadically around the screen. This stark and minimalist approach grabs attention precisely because it contrasts with the typically busy, colorful visuals flooding Instagram feeds. The ad’s understated movement adds an element of surprise, keeping viewers engaged without overwhelming them. Robinhood uses this simplicity to reinforce its brand message: making investing straightforward, accessible, and unintimidating.
Wag: "The Perfect Walk, Every Time"
Wag’s video ad masterfully balances functionality with emotional appeal. The video introduces viewers to the app’s design, showcasing its user-friendly interface that feels as intuitive as a ride-sharing app like Uber. As the app's features are demonstrated, playful animations—a puppy icon and a heart-shaped path—add a dose of charm that’s sure to tug at the heartstrings of dog lovers. This combination of practicality and warmth makes the ad effective, leaving viewers with a clear understanding of how the app works and a positive emotional connection to the brand.
Haagen-Dazs: “Without Honey Bees”
Haagen-Dazs demonstrates the power of an intriguing hook with their video ad for Free Cone Day. The ad opens with two simple yet attention-grabbing elements: a mouthwatering image of a strawberry ice cream cone and the cryptic phrase, “Without honey bees…” This incomplete statement piques curiosity, compelling viewers to stick around for the reveal. As the video unfolds, it explains that Free Cone Day is dedicated to supporting honey bee conservation—a clever way to tie a beloved product to an important cause. With studies showing that 94% of consumers are more likely to support a brand aligned with a good cause, this campaign not only entices ice cream lovers but also inspires them to engage with the brand on a deeper level. And let’s be honest—free ice cream doesn’t hurt, either.
Apple Watch: "Close Your Rings"
Apple’s “Close Your Rings” ad grabs attention right from the start with its bright neon colors and a striking slow-motion intro. This change of speed creates a sense of dynamism, immediately setting the ad apart from other, more static content in viewers’ feeds. The ad seamlessly ties its visuals to the product by using the Apple Watch activity rings as the video’s background, symbolizing exercise and progress. As the video zooms out to show the rings displayed on the Apple Watch, viewers instantly grasp their purpose. The ad’s clever use of motion and clear messaging ensures that the audience connects the vibrant visuals to the product’s fitness-tracking capabilities, making the Apple Watch feel like an exciting and essential tool for staying active.
Instagram Carousel Ad Examples for Deeper Storytelling
Carousel ads are like a choose-your-own-adventure book: they invite the audience to engage and explore. Each swipe reveals a new piece of the story, making it an ideal format for showcasing multiple products, features, or benefits. The best Instagram carousel ad examples use this format to take viewers on a journey—whether it’s through a product launch, a creative process, or a brand story. For brands looking to inspire deeper connections, carousel ads are a powerful tool.
Here are a few great carousel ad examples.
Gymshark: Making Athletes the Stars
Gymshark takes a unique approach to carousel ads by shifting the focus away from just their products and putting the spotlight on the people who wear them. One standout campaign features a single horizontal image of athletes, such as MMA fighter Francis Ngannou, split into multiple slides. This creative format encourages users to swipe through to see the entire image, creating a sense of intrigue. Each slide features diverse athletes modeling Gymshark apparel, demonstrating how the brand fits all body types and athletic disciplines. By telling a story that blends inspiration and inclusivity, Gymshark creates ads that are simple, memorable, and engaging.
Dyson: A Personalized Beauty Journey
Dyson’s carousel ad for the Dyson Airwrap cleverly uses the format to cater to a diverse audience with varying hair types and styles. Each slide showcases a different hair color—blonde or black—and demonstrates the product’s versatility with its various attachments. The slides present before-and-after transformations for each styling option, allowing viewers to imagine their own hair care routine. Inspired by TikTok trends, the ad feels fresh and familiar to beauty enthusiasts. By letting viewers “choose their own ad-venture” based on their hair type and preferences, Dyson makes the carousel format feel personal and empowering.
Calm: Sampling Serenity
For a guided meditation app like Calm, it might seem impossible to convey its relaxing features in the typically fast-paced world of Instagram ads. But Calm uses carousel ads to break down its offerings into bite-sized moments of serenity. Each slide showcases a different feature—like sleep coaches or soothing sounds—through 10-second video clips. This format allows users to sample the app’s various features at their own pace, without committing to watching a longer video ad. Calm’s carousel provides an immersive experience that mirrors the app’s functionality, leaving viewers intrigued and ready to explore more.
Canva: Telling a Brand Story
Canva uses carousel ads to bring case studies to life, transforming what could be dry B2B content into an engaging narrative. One example starts with a question: “How do you roll out a global rebrand in six months?” The following slides take viewers through the story, detailing how Canva for Teams solved the challenge step by step. Each slide teases just enough information to keep viewers swiping, while visually showcasing Canva’s user-friendly tools. By using carousel ads to share success stories, Canva turns real-world applications of their product into a compelling advertisement.
Victoria’s Secret: Explaining Complex Promotions
When it comes to promoting complex offers, Victoria’s Secret knows how to leverage the carousel format to simplify the message. For a campaign featuring a tiered discount and a free gift offer, the brand used a series of slides to break down the details. Each slide featured images of different product collections and clearly explained how the promotion worked. The final slide highlighted the free gift, tying the offer together. By spreading the information across multiple slides, Victoria’s Secret avoided overwhelming viewers and created a seamless, visually appealing ad that was both informative and enticing.
These five examples showcase the versatility of carousel ads, whether the goal is to tell a story, simplify complex information, or provide a personalized experience. Gymshark, Dyson, Calm, Canva, and Victoria’s Secret demonstrate how creative use of this format can captivate audiences and inspire action.
Instagram Ad Formats That Drive Results
When it comes to Instagram advertising, format matters. Choosing the right ad format can make or break your campaign. Whether you’re working with Stories, shopping ads, or collection ads, understanding the strengths of each format is key to creating campaigns that deliver results.
How to Use Instagram Stories for Advertising
Instagram Stories are the playground of spontaneity. They’re quick, engaging, and offer a unique way to connect with your audience. Think of Stories as the snackable content of Instagram ads—bite-sized and easy to digest. But don’t let their temporary nature fool you; a well-crafted Story ad can leave a lasting impression. Whether it’s a behind-the-scenes look at your creative process or a limited-time offer, Stories offer endless possibilities for creative brands.
Shopping Ads and Instagram Shop Integration
If Instagram Stories are the appetizers, shopping ads are the main course. These ads make it ridiculously easy for users to go from scrolling to shopping. By integrating directly with Instagram Shop, shopping ads streamline the buying process, creating a seamless experience for the consumer. The best Instagram ads in this category don’t just showcase products; they create an experience that feels personal and effortless.
Collection Ads: Combining Videos and Images
Collection ads are the Swiss Army knife of Instagram advertising. They combine the visual impact of video with the storytelling power of images, creating a format that’s as versatile as it is effective. Imagine a collection ad that starts with a dynamic video teaser and follows up with detailed product images. It’s immersive, engaging, and perfect for brands looking to create memorable campaigns.
Best Practices for Creating Instagram Ads That Inspire
Even the most creative ideas need a solid foundation. By following a few best practices, you can ensure that your Instagram ads are not just visually stunning but also strategically sound.
Writing Ad Copy That Captures Attention
Good ad copy is like a great first impression—it sets the tone for the entire interaction. The best Instagram ads use copy that is clear, concise, and aligned with the brand’s voice. Whether it’s a clever tagline or an emotional call-to-action, your copy should complement your design and amplify your message.
Designing Scroll-Stopping Ads on Instagram
Great design doesn’t just happen—it’s intentional. From bold color choices to clean typography, every element of your ad should work together to draw the viewer’s eye and guide them to take action. The best Instagram ads aren’t just pretty; they’re purposeful.
Aligning Ad Format with Campaign Goals
Different goals call for different strategies. Whether you’re aiming to boost brand awareness, drive sales, or generate leads, your choice of ad format should align with your objectives. By understanding the strengths of each format, you can create campaigns that not only look good but also deliver results.
Top Instagram Ad Campaigns to Inspire Your Next Move
When it comes to Instagram advertising, inspiration is everywhere. From global brands to local businesses, there’s no shortage of creative campaigns to learn from.
Instagram Ads That Drive Engagement and Conversions
The best Instagram ads don’t just attract attention—they drive action. By studying campaigns that have successfully combined creativity with strategy, you can gain valuable insights into what works and why.
Lessons from Facebook Ads for Instagram Success
Instagram and Facebook share a lot more than a parent company. Many of the principles that make Facebook ads effective—like targeted storytelling and data-driven insights—translate seamlessly to Instagram. By looking at successful Facebook campaigns, you can uncover strategies to elevate your Instagram ads.
Creating Instagram Ads That Inspire
Creating Instagram ads that truly inspire isn’t just about trends—it’s about blending creativity with strategy to deliver value in a way that feels authentic. Whether it’s a striking 3D animation, a sleek 2D design, or a perfectly crafted carousel, the right visuals paired with thoughtful messaging can make all the difference. While it’s tempting to go solo, working with professionals ensures your campaign doesn’t just look good but performs exceptionally well.
What are successful Instagram ads?
Successful Instagram ads are those that effectively capture the attention of Instagram users, generate engagement, and achieve the advertiser's goals, such as increased brand awareness or higher return on ad spend. They often use compelling ad creative, whether in the form of a photo ad or video ad, and are strategically placed within users’ Instagram feeds or stories.
Can you provide examples of Instagram ads that work well?
Yes, examples of Instagram ads that work well include photo ads with striking visuals, story ads that leverage the full-screen experience, and branded content ads that promote authentic partnerships. These ads typically stand out because of their creative and engaging design, which resonates with the target audience.
What type of ad is most effective on Instagram?
The most effective type of ad on Instagram depends on your specific goals and audience. Photo ads are great for showcasing products, while Instagram Stories ads can create an immersive experience. Branded content ads are effective for leveraging influencer partnerships, and simple ads can be powerful when the message is clear and direct.
How can I make my ad stand out on Instagram?
To make your ad stand out on Instagram, focus on high-quality ad creative, whether it's an image or video. Ensure that your ad design is visually appealing and aligns with your brand. Additionally, consider using interactive elements like polls or sliders in Instagram Stories ads to engage users.
What is a photo ad and why is it effective?
A photo ad is a type of ad that uses a striking image to capture the attention of Instagram users. It is effective because it allows advertisers to showcase their products or services in a visually appealing way, grabbing attention as users scroll through their Instagram feed.
