Great Instagram ads are those that effectively capture attention, convey a clear message, and inspire action. Here are some examples of brands that have excelled with their Instagram ads:
1. Nike – Inspirational Video Ads
Ad Format: Video Ad
What Makes It Great: Nike often uses high-quality, emotionally charged videos featuring athletes and everyday people overcoming challenges. The ads resonate with their audience by tying into the brand’s “Just Do It” philosophy, inspiring viewers to push their limits.
Key Elements: Strong narrative, motivational messaging, and high production value. The ad ends with a clear CTA, encouraging users to explore more or purchase via the link in the bio.
2. Airbnb – Carousel Ads for Unique Stays
Ad Format: Carousel Ad
What Makes It Great: Airbnb uses carousel ads to showcase multiple properties in a single ad, each with stunning visuals and a brief description of the unique experience offered. The carousel format allows users to swipe through different listings, increasing engagement.
Key Elements: Beautiful, high-quality images, compelling descriptions, and a CTA that encourages users to “Explore More” or “Book Now.”
3. Glossier – User-Generated Content
Ad Format: Photo Ad
What Makes It Great: Glossier leverages user-generated content to build authenticity and trust. They often feature real customers using their products in everyday settings, which helps the audience relate to the brand on a personal level.
Key Elements: Real, unfiltered photos, simple and direct copy, and a CTA to “Shop Now.” The ad feels more like a recommendation from a friend than a traditional advertisement.
4. Headspace – Simple, Mindful Messaging
Ad Format: Video Ad
What Makes It Great: Headspace uses simple, calming animations and concise messaging to promote their meditation app. The ad focuses on the benefits of mindfulness and stress relief, appealing to the target audience’s desire for mental well-being.
Key Elements: Minimalist design, soothing visuals, and a CTA like “Start Your Free Trial” that’s easy to act on.
5. Adidas – Product Launch Teaser
Ad Format: Story Ad
What Makes It Great: Adidas uses Instagram Stories to create hype around new product launches. Their story ads often feature quick cuts of the product in action, combined with text overlays and a swipe-up link to pre-order or learn more.
Key Elements: Dynamic visuals, urgency in messaging (“Limited Edition,” “Pre-Order Now”), and a seamless transition from ad to purchase with the swipe-up feature.
6. Spotify – Personalized Playlists
Ad Format: Story Ad
What Makes It Great: Spotify uses data-driven insights to create personalized ads for users, such as promoting playlists based on listening habits. The ad feels tailor-made for the viewer, increasing relevance and engagement.
Key Elements: Personalization, vibrant graphics, and a CTA like “Listen Now” that directs users straight to the app.
7. H&M – Seasonal Promotions
Ad Format: Photo Ad
What Makes It Great: H&M’s seasonal ads are visually striking, often featuring models wearing the latest trends against a colorful, on-brand backdrop. They use short, compelling copy to promote discounts or new arrivals.
Key Elements: Eye-catching visuals, timely messaging (e.g., “Spring Collection Now Available”), and a clear CTA such as “Shop the Look.”
8. Warby Parker – Engaging Polls in Stories
Ad Format: Story Ad with Poll
What Makes It Great: Warby Parker uses Instagram Stories with interactive polls to engage users directly. For example, they might ask users to vote on their favorite pair of glasses, which not only increases engagement but also provides valuable feedback.
Key Elements: Interactivity, simple and fun design, and a CTA encouraging users to swipe up for more options or to purchase.
9. Apple – Focus on Photography
Ad Format: Photo Ad
What Makes It Great: Apple’s Instagram ads often highlight the iPhone’s camera capabilities by showcasing stunning photos taken with the device. The ads focus on the product’s strengths, with minimal text and a clean, elegant design.
Key Elements: High-quality imagery, a focus on product benefits, and a subtle CTA like “Learn More” that directs users to additional content.
10. Squarespace – Customer Stories
Ad Format: Video Ad
What Makes It Great: Squarespace creates ads featuring real customers telling their stories about how they use the platform to build and grow their businesses. The ads are relatable and inspire potential customers by showing real-world success.
Key Elements: Authentic storytelling, professional yet approachable visuals, and a CTA to “Start Your Free Trial.”
These examples demonstrate how different brands leverage Instagram’s ad formats to create engaging, effective campaigns that resonate with their target audiences. The key to success lies in understanding your audience, delivering high-quality content, and using clear CTAs to drive action.
Instagram has been a powerhouse for advertising due to its visual nature and engaged user base. Here are some successful Instagram ad campaigns from various industries, along with tips on what made them effective:
Nike: “Dream Crazy” Campaign
Nike’s “Dream Crazy” ad featuring Colin Kaepernick generated a lot of buzz and engagement on Instagram. The ad showcased Kaepernick’s face with the slogan “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.” This ad resonated with users by tapping into social issues and promoting a message of empowerment.
Tip: Authenticity and relevance to current events can make your ad stand out. Also, using influential figures can help drive engagement.
Burberry: “TB Monogram” Campaign
Burberry’s TB Monogram campaign utilized Instagram’s carousel ad format to showcase its new monogram collection. The ad featured a series of images displaying the collection’s versatility and luxury appeal.
Tip: Utilizing Instagram’s carousel format to showcase multiple products or aspects of your campaign can increase engagement and provide a more comprehensive view of your offering.
Airbnb: “Live There” Campaign
Airbnb’s “Live There” campaign focused on promoting unique travel experiences through user-generated content. The ads featured stunning images of Airbnb accommodations in various destinations, enticing users to explore new places.
Tip: User-generated content can be a powerful tool for building trust and authenticity. Encouraging customers to share their experiences can create a sense of community and credibility around your brand.
Daniel Wellington: Influencer Collaborations
Daniel Wellington’s Instagram ads often feature collaborations with influencers, who showcase the brand’s stylish watches in their posts. These collaborations leverage the influencers’ large followings to reach a wider audience and drive sales.
Tip: Partnering with influencers who align with your brand values and target audience can help increase brand awareness and credibility.
Sephora: Product Tutorials and How-Tos
Sephora’s Instagram ads often feature short video tutorials demonstrating how to use their products to achieve specific looks. These ads provide valuable content to users while subtly promoting Sephora’s products.
Tip: Providing educational content that adds value to users’ lives can help build brand loyalty and drive sales.
In summary, successful Instagram ad campaigns often leverage authenticity, relevance, user-generated content, influencer collaborations, and valuable content to engage users and drive results. By understanding your audience and crafting compelling visuals and messaging, you can create effective Instagram ads that resonate with your target audience.