Have you ever found yourself scrolling through Instagram and noticed those perfectly targeted ads that just seem to know what you’re looking for? Well, that’s no coincidence! Instagram offers a variety of ad formats, each designed to grab your attention in a unique way. But why does it matter to know the difference between them?
Understanding the types of Instagram ads can make a huge difference in how well your campaign performs. Whether you’re aiming to boost brand awareness, drive traffic, or increase sales, choosing the right ad format helps you connect with your audience more effectively. So, let’s dive into the different types of Instagram ads and see which one could be your secret weapon to success!
8 Types of Instagram Ads with Examples and Specs
Photo Ads
These are the classic Instagram ads. They appear in users’ feeds just like regular posts but are labeled as “Sponsored.” You can use high-quality images to showcase your product, service, or brand.
Example: A skincare brand posts a visually appealing photo of their new moisturizer with a call-to-action (CTA) like “Shop Now.”
Specs
- Image Format: JPG or PNG
- Recommended Resolution: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1 aspect ratio) or 1200 x 628 pixels (landscape)
Video Ads
Video ads allow you to share short, engaging videos (up to 60 seconds) in the feed. They’re great for storytelling, product demos, or behind-the-scenes content.
Example: A fitness brand posts a 30-second video showing how to use their workout equipment, with a “Learn More” CTA.
Specs
- Format: MP4 or MOV
- Recommended Resolution: 1080 x 1080 pixels (square) or 1920 x 1080 pixels (landscape)
- Video Length: Up to 60 seconds (in-feed)
- Aspect Ratio: 1:1 (square), 4:5 (portrait), 16:9 (landscape)
Carousel Ads
Carousel ads let users swipe through multiple photos or videos in a single ad. This format is ideal for showcasing different products, features, or a step-by-step process.
Example: An online clothing store showcases different outfits in each carousel card, encouraging users to explore the collection by swiping.
Specs
- Image/Video Format: JPG, PNG, MP4, or MOV
- Recommended Resolution: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1 aspect ratio)
- Max Carousel Cards: Up to 10 images or videos
- Video Length: Up to 60 seconds per card
Story Ads
Instagram Story ads are a huge part of the platform, and story ads appear seamlessly between user stories. These ads are vertical and can include photos or videos up to 15 seconds long.
Example: A travel agency posts a beautiful video of a tropical destination, urging users to swipe up to book a vacation.
Specs
- File Format: MP4 (for video) or JPG (for images)
- Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 aspect ratio)
- Video Length: Up to 15 seconds per story card
Explore Ads
These ads show up in the Explore tab, reaching users who are actively discovering new content. Explore ads are a great way to find fresh audiences who aren’t already following you.
Example: A tech company posts an ad in the Explore section, showcasing their latest gadget with a “Buy Now” CTA.
Specs
- Same as photo or video ads that appear in the feed (1080 x 1080 pixels for images or 1920 x 1080 for videos)
Collection Ads
Collection ads combine video or images with product listings. When users click on the ad, they can instantly browse a selection of products, right within Instagram.
Example: A beauty brand shares an ad featuring a video of makeup tutorials, with products listed below the video for easy shopping.
Specs
- File Format: JPG, PNG for images; MP4 for videos
- Cover Image/Video: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1 aspect ratio)
- Image Size: 600 x 600 pixels (for product listings)
Shopping Ads
Instagram Shopping Ads allow businesses to directly tag products in their posts. When a user taps on the tag, they are taken to a product description page where they can make a purchase.
Example: A fashion retailer posts an image of a model wearing their new collection and tags each item in the image, leading to a seamless shopping experience.
Specs
- Image Format: JPG, PNG
- Video Format: MP4, MOV
- Resolution: 1080 x 1080 pixels for images, 1080 x 1920 for videos (vertical)
Reels Ads
Reels ads are full-screen vertical video ads that appear between user-generated Reels. These ads are perfect for short, snappy content and have a high potential for engagement.
Example: A music app posts a 15-second ad featuring users dancing to tracks available in their app, inviting users to “Download Now.”
Specs
- File Format: MP4 or MOV
- Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 aspect ratio)
- Video Length: 15–30 seconds
Conclusion
Instagram ads offer a diverse range of formats, each tailored to different marketing goals and audience preferences. Whether you’re telling a story with videos, showcasing products in carousels, or driving direct sales through shopping ads, choosing the right ad type is crucial for reaching your audience effectively. By understanding the specs and how each format works, you can create ads that not only capture attention but also deliver results. The key is to match the right ad type to your message, so your brand stands out in the crowded Instagram landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many types of Instagram ads are there?
There are 9 types of Instagram ads: Photo Ads, Video Ads, Carousel Ads, Story Ads, Explore Ads, Collection Ads, Shopping Ads, Reels Ads, and IGTV Ads.
Which Instagram ads are most effective?
The most effective ad depends on your goal. Carousel Ads and Video Ads are great for engagement, while Shopping Ads work well for e-commerce. Reels Ads are popular for viral content due to their engaging format.
Which ad goal is best for Instagram?
The best ad goal varies by business. Brand awareness is good for building an audience, while Conversions or Traffic are ideal for driving sales or website visits.
How much do Instagram ads cost?
Instagram ads typically cost between ₹50 to ₹150 per click or ₹100 to ₹250 per 1,000 impressions, depending on factors like your audience, placement, and competition.
