Do you know how many ads you see on Instagram every day? You probably come across 9-12 ads in just 5 minutes of active scrolling. But we all know that people usually spend much more time than that. Think about how many ads we encounter daily on Instagram.
This is why the platform has become one of the most competitive yet effective places for B2C marketing. Managing your business account on Instagram is a long-term strategy, but running ads can help you easily reach a wider audience in a short period of time. Here are some advantages of Instagram advertising:
- High engagement rates (4-6% compared to <1% on Facebook)
- Strong visual format that drives purchase decisions
- 2.35 billion monthly active users
- High ROI - average ROAS of $2.50 for every $1 spent
So, how do you create Instagram ads that actually perform? Here are some steps to help you get started with ad creation:
- Choose your campaign objective (awareness, reach, traffic, etc.)
- Define your target audience's demographics and interests
- Determine your ad format (Image, Video, Story, Post, etc.)
- Choose the ad templates (or ad type) that fit your needs
Now, we will show you the 10 most effective and some trendy ad templates that work for the Instagram audience!
Template 1 - User Review Spotlight
Nothing builds trust like social proof. A User Review Spotlight template showcases glowing reviews or testimonials from happy customers. It’s great for Instagram because it feels authentic and relatable while still driving conversions.
Ad Layout
Customer quote takes center stage in a big readable font, with product images around. The background is clean to emphasize the text.
Ad Elements
- Image: High-quality photo of your product or customer profile picture.
- Header: “See why [customers] are raving about us!”
- Text: [Quote from your customer]—[customer info]
- CTA: “Shop Now.”
Tips for this format
- Choose authentic-sounding testimonials that highlight specific benefits.
- Use a clean font and make sure the review text is easy to read.
- Keep the quote short to avoid clutter.
- Add a star-rating icon to increase credibility.
User review ad example
Templet 2 - Before/After Image
This template visually demonstrates the transformation your product or service delivers. It’s perfect for Instagram’s scroll-stopping nature because the contrast is instantly eye-catching.
Ad Layout
Split-screen design: one half shows the “before” state, and the other half shows the “after.” Include captions or short descriptions for clarity.
Ad Elements
- Image: Two side-by-side photos, one showing the problem and the other showcasing the solution.
- Header: “See the [benefit] with [product]”
- Text: “From [state] to [state]—experience the transformation yourself.”
- CTA: “Try It Now.”
Tips for this format
- Use high-quality images with consistent lighting for both “before” and “after.”
- Add a line or graphic divider to make the split clear.
- Focus on results that can be achieved in a specific timeframe (e.g., “Results in 30 Days”).
- Use captions to highlight key differences.
Before & after ad example
Templet 4 - Feature Callout
Highlight 3-4 specific features of your product that are the most relevant to your target audience. It’s perfect for tech gadgets, apps, or anything with unique functionalities.
Ad Layout
A close-up product image with a callout text box highlighting the feature.
Ad Elements
- Image: Detailed product photo showing the feature in action.
- Header: “Meet [product’s standout feature]!”
- Text: “[Feature] helps you [specific benefit or solve problem].”
- CTA: “Learn More”
Tips for this format
- Use crisp visuals to highlight the feature.
- Focus on one feature at a time—don’t overwhelm your audience.
- Add an animation or video to show the feature in action.
- Use simple icons to complement the text.
Feature callout ad example
Templet 5 - Problem-Solution Ad
A tried-and-true classic, this template presents a problem your audience faces and positions your product as the solution. It’s straightforward yet effective, especially for brands targeting audiences with clear paint points.
Ad Layout
Top half of the image illustrates the problem; bottom half shows the solution. A single-line question ties it all together.
Ad Elements
- Image: Two contrasting visuals—one showing frustration, and the other depicting relief or satisfaction.
- Header: “Still struggling with [problem]?”
- Text: “Fix [problem] with [product/service] and see results today!”
- CTA: “Learn More” or “Get Started.”
Tips for this format
- Make the “problem” relatable—your audience should immediately see themselves in it.
- Use contrasting colors to differentiate the two halves of the image.
- Ensure the “solution” image feels aspirational but realistic.
- Test variations of the question to see what resonates most.
Problem-solution ad example
Templet 6 - Benefit-oriented Ad
Focus on what your audience gains with your product or service. This template highlights clear, tangible benefits—perfect for Instagram users who like straightforward value.
Ad Layout
A bright, minimalistic background with text overlaid in bold font and a single product image or lifestyle photo.
Ad Elements
- Image: A clean, aspirational photo of your product or service in use. Add additional icons or statistics to support your statements.
- Header: “Get [benefit] today!”
- Text: “[Product] helps you [specific benefit].”
- CTA: “Shop Now”
Tips for this format
- Focus on one or two benefits—don’t overwhelm the audience.
- Use friendly, conversational language in the copy.
- Pair vibrant colors with plenty of whitespace to make the message pop.
- Test various images to see which one clicks best with your audience.
Benefit-oriented ad
Templet 7 - Comparison Chart
This template compares your product to competitors, showcasing how yours is the better choice. It’s ideal for Instagram users who value transparency and hard facts.
Ad Layout
Side-by-side columns with a clean table format. Use checkmarks, icons, or color-coded highlights to emphasize the differences.
Ad Elements
- Image: Simple graphic with clear text, no clutter.
- Header: “How does [product] stack up?”
- Text: “Compare [product] to the competition and see why it’s the smart choice.”
- CTA: “See Full Comparison.”
Tips for this format
- Avoid bashing competitors—focus on your strengths.
- Keep the design simple and uncluttered.
- Highlight the most impactful benefits in the chart.
- Use consistent colors and fonts for a professional look.
Comparison ad example
Templet 8 - Discount & Offer
People love discounts. And that’s why just a simple layout that highlights the offer can usually do the magic. Flashy, urgent, and conversion-driven, it’s designed to get people clicking immediately.
Ad Layout
Big, bold text announcing the discount, with a product image or graphic in the background. Keep it simple.
Ad Elements
- Image: A product image, colorful graphic, or lifestyle photo that complements the sale.
- Header: “Save [X]%”
- Text: “Don’t miss this limited-time offer on [product/service].”
- CTA: “Get started”
Tips for this format
- Use bold fonts and bright colors to grab attention.
- Include a sense of urgency (e.g., “Today Only” or “Ends Soon”).
- Test adding countdown timers or “limited availability” badges.
- Make the discount percentage the visual focal point.
Discount ad example
Template 8 - Google Search Result
This is a more creative, but also widely used format of Instagram ads. Recreate the look of a Google search result, and tie it into your product. It’s an eye-catching and clever way to connect with your audience.
Ad Layout
A search bar graphic with a query related to your product, paired with a product image below.
Ad Elements
- Image: A fake Google search image result that mimics the platform’s design.
- Header: “[Unique selling position of your product].”
- CTA: “Shop Now” or “Learn More.”
Tips for this format
- Keep the search query relatable and specific.
- Use subtle branding to make it feel native.
- Ensure the search result text is easy to read on smaller screens.
- Add your product image below for context.
Google search ad example
Template 9 - Tweet-Themed Visual
Tweet-like ads are getting popular on social media. Recreate a tweet that highlights your brand’s personality or customer experience for maximum engagement.
Ad Layout
A screenshot-style image of a tweet with a branded product shot beneath it.
Ad Elements
- Image: A realistic tweet mockup (username, timestamp, and all).
- Text: “[Witty tweet or relatable customer experience].”
- CTA: “Shop Now”
Tips for this format
- Use humor or relatability for higher engagement.
- Ensure the tweet matches your brand’s tone.
- Add hashtags or trending phrases to mimic real tweets.
- Make sure it’s clear your product is the focus.
Tweet-themed ad example
Template 10 - Meme-Inspired Ad
Memes are universally loved, so why not use them in social media ads? This is the perfect opportunity to showcase your creativity and sense of humor. It's ideal for brands with a playful, modern voice.
Ad Layout
Popular meme format with text overlays and a subtle product mention.
Ad Elements
- Image: Use a trending meme template, but tailor it to your product.
- Text: Be creative and stay relevant to your brand or target audience.
Tips for this format
- Stay current—use trending meme formats.
- Make sure the humor aligns with your brand voice.
- Use subtle branding to avoid overwhelming the joke.
- Don’t force it; ensure the meme feels natural.
Meme ad example
Conclusion and the next step
These templates are just starting points, but with a little creativity, they’ll help you create engaging, high-converting Instagram ads that your audience can’t scroll past. Explore more Instagram ad templates here and give them a shot!
