Running Instagram ads is one of the most effective ways to connect your brand with the right audience. But in a scroll-heavy feed, capturing attention is no small task. Your ad creative needs to be eye-catching, informative, and perfectly tailored to your target audience.
Whether you're promoting a product, service, or brand initiative, it helps to see what successful Instagram ads look like. In this guide, we’ll share top-performing Instagram ad examples, analyze what makes them work, and provide creative insights you can apply to your next campaign.
What Types of Instagram Ads Can You Run?
Instagram supports a variety of ad formats to suit your objectives:
- Image Ads: Square, landscape, or vertical formats that appear in-feed.
- Video Ads: Square or landscape videos placed in feed or Reels.
- Carousel Ads: Swipeable cards in square or vertical format—ideal for storytelling or showcasing multiple products.
- Story Ads: Full-screen vertical videos or images that appear in the Stories feed.
- Reels Ads: Full-screen vertical format for short-form video content.
Each placement has different technical specs, so optimizing visuals and copy for each is essential.
The Formula Behind Winning Instagram Ads
No one-size-fits-all formula exists, but high-performing Instagram ads typically share a few critical elements:
- Movement: Use motion graphics or short-form video to stop the scroll, especially for Stories or Reels.
- Mobile-first Design: Prioritize mobile viewing with vertical formats and native platform aesthetics.
- Strong CTA: Guide users clearly to the next step.
- A/B Testing: Always experiment with variations in copy, layout, visuals, and CTAs.
- Authenticity: Content that looks native to Instagram tends to outperform overly polished ads.
Now, let’s dive into standout examples across different Instagram ad types.
Instagram Video Ad Examples
1. Glowtint Beauty
Why It Works: This skincare brand uses quick cuts and close-ups of product application to create satisfying, visually engaging content. A mix of influencer UGC and branded motion graphics helps balance authenticity with brand consistency.
2. TechNest
Why It Works: A B2B SaaS company, TechNest uses a simplified screen capture walkthrough of their dashboard, overlaid with animated text. It educates and builds trust in under 15 seconds.
3. LivelyFit
Why It Works: The fitness gear company showcases their resistance bands in action using fast-paced, energetic editing, set to upbeat music. They highlight benefits without voiceover—perfect for sound-off autoplay.
Instagram Image Ad Examples
4. BoldBooks Stationery
Why It Works: Bright colors and a minimalist background showcase their custom notebooks with clarity. Simple copy and a visible discount code deliver value quickly.
5. Nutriplan Meals
Why It Works: A clean flat lay image of a colorful, ready-made meal catches the eye. The copy taps into health-focused lifestyle goals—"Eat Clean. No Prep. Just Heat."—to drive interest.
Instagram Carousel Ad Examples
6. EcoCrate Home Goods
Why It Works: Each frame in the carousel tells a step of the brand's sustainability journey—from sourcing to packaging. Cohesive visuals and soft earth tones reinforce the eco-friendly message.
7. Edify Learning
Why It Works: The EdTech startup walks users through their app's core features. The first slide grabs attention with a bold claim, followed by a step-by-step tour ending in a call to download.
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8. FreshThreads Apparel
Why It Works: This brand uses native-feeling Stories that mimic influencer content. Fast transitions, stickers, and user tags give it an organic feel that fits right into the Stories feed.
9. MediGlow Skincare
Why It Works: Animations zoom in on before-and-after transformations, followed by a limited-time discount code. Simple visuals with bold typography make the message pop.
10. PulseHR
Why It Works: A professional services brand might not scream "Instagram," but PulseHR’s Story ad makes it work by focusing on short success stats and real testimonials with bold overlays.
Want help building Instagram ad campaigns that actually perform? DolFinContent’s design and strategy teams create scroll-stopping content tailored to your brand, with expert support across every platform and placement.
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