Social Media Ad Examples: A Guide to Social Media Ad Formats

Are you aware that the typical internet user dedicates 28% of their online time to social media platforms?These platforms presen

Are you aware that the typical internet user dedicates 28% of their online time to social media platforms?These platforms present a prime opportunity for businesses to engage with potential customers. By examining social media advertising case studies, you can identify various ad types that can captivate your audience across different social media channels.This page delves into the top four social media platforms and showcases the best ad examples available for your business.Social Media Ad Examples: A Guide to Social Media Ad FormatsFor assistance in kickstarting your social media advertising journey, reach out to us online or call 888-601-5359 to consult with a strategist regarding our tailored social media advertising campaigns designed to boost your business.Let’s begin with Facebook ads, a leading social media advertising platform.As the second-largest digital ad spender in the U.S., Facebook ads are highly effective for showcasing your products or services and reinforcing your brand. We’ll explore three ad examples highlighting the different Facebook ad formats.1. Image AdsImage ads are among the most prevalent Facebook ad types. They are straightforward yet highly effective in targeting the right audience. Consider this image ad example. image ad example 771x1024 This ad stands out with its vivid image, highlighting HelloFresh’s free meals and free shipping offer. It’s a limited-time deal designed to prompt users to take advantage of the sale immediately. The ad includes a call to action (CTA) that aligns with the message, encouraging users to “Get Offer.” Those who click are directed to a landing page featuring various plans to complete their order. landing page for social ad 1024x519 This is a fundamental illustration of what you can achieve with an image ad on Facebook.2. Video AdsVideo ads are an excellent format for engaging users and capturing their attention. They are also ideal for quickly conveying a wealth of information. Take a look at this video ad example: video ad example 712x1024 Here, Promo presents a short video highlighting the types of videos they create on their website. The ad includes a CTA directing viewers to learn more about their services, emphasizing the benefits of creating videos on their platform.3. Carousel AdsCarousel ads are a fantastic choice for showcasing multiple products. You can create numerous slides to display your products, allowing users to swipe through their options. Alternatively, you can use a single large image that spans across different cards. Let’s examine a carousel ad example: carousel In this Facebook ad example, Natural Life presents a variety of their products, with each card featuring a “Shop Now” CTA for users to learn more about each item. Before each CTA, there’s a title for each product, making this ad a great tool for marketing multiple products or providing additional information.Twitter is another excellent platform for reaching your audience with ads, offering three primary ad formats.Promoted TweetsPromoted Tweets are the most common ads on Twitter. They often include a photo or video and share relevant information with viewers. twitter promoted tweet example 1024x705 In this example, Shady Ray promotes their sunglasses with a photo and brief description, highlighting the positive features of their product and encouraging viewers to visit their website.Promoted AccountsPromoted Accounts are an excellent way for your business to connect with potential followers on Twitter. These ads are straightforward yet effective in helping users discover your account. promoted accounts example In this example, Amazon promotes its Amazon Prime Video U.S. account to attract more followers. Targeting U.S. Prime Video users, this ad aims to increase brand exposure and followers for Amazon Prime Video.Promoted TrendsTwitter users frequently utilize hashtags. You can promote your hashtags to enhance brand awareness and encourage users to engage with your content. It’s also an effective way to drive users to click on the hashtag, learn more about it, and discover your business. promoted trends This Twitter ad example showcases a Promoted Trend, promoting an upcoming movie release and encouraging users to engage with the hashtag. It’s important to note that, unless you have a substantial budget, you may not be able to utilize Promoted Trends. This option can cost upwards of $100,000. While it’s great to know this option is available, focusing on the other two Twitter ad formats will yield the best results for your advertising budget.Instagram ads are an extremely effective means of connecting with new leads. These visual ads engage your audience and promote your brand. Let’s explore several ad examples for the different types of Instagram ads available.Photo AdsPhoto ads are an excellent way to engage your audience and spark interest in your products or services. This basic ad format captures your audience’s attention. Consider this Instagram ad example using a photo ad. instagram photo ad 593x1024 In this example, Wendy’s promotes their Biggie Bag with a photo of the bag and its contents, driving home their message and enticing users to learn more about the offer.Video AdsVideo ads are extremely popular on Instagram. These ads automatically play when a user scrolls over them, making them an excellent way to showcase your products or services in greater detail. Take a look at this social media ad example featuring a video ad. instagram video ad example 565x1024 This ad focuses on a soccer player working out with Secret deodorant, promoting the product’s effectiveness during a rigorous workout. It’s an engaging video that encourages users to learn more about the company’s products.Stories AdsInstagram Stories ads appear when users click through different people’s stories, making them an easy way to reach people as they browse content. Consider this ad example from BJ’s Restaurants promoting their Pizookie day. stories ads examples 520x1024 This ad entices users to check out the offer and learn more about the free Pizookie day, showcasing how Instagram Stories ads can engage your audience effectively.Carousel AdsLike Facebook carousel ads, Instagram carousel ads allow you to showcase multiple products to your audience. These ads are great for promoting products or highlighting all the benefits of one product. carousel ads on instagram 651x1024 In this ad example, Peak Labs showcases their game and the different types of tests you can take to train your brain. Users can swipe through their ad to explore various offerings, making it an effective ad for engaging their audience and encouraging them to play the company’s game.LinkedIn is an excellent social media platform for networking and connecting with professionals, whether through posting ads or videos.Your LinkedIn ads allow you to reach new individuals who may not follow your business on social media. This professional network is also a valuable resource for generating new leads seeking companies like yours. Let’s explore the three types of paid social media ads available on LinkedIn.1. Sponsored ContentSponsored Content is the most common ad format on LinkedIn. These ads appear in the feed, just like any other LinkedIn post. Let’s examine a social media ad example featuring a Sponsored Content ad. LinkedIn sponsored content 1024x909 This ad highlights Spotify’s services for brands, specifically their global trends report, with a video detailing the report and its benefits for businesses seeking insights into global user engagement with Spotify.2. Sponsored InMailSponsored InMail is an effective way to deliver your message directly to your audience. This sponsored content appears in a user’s LinkedIn inbox, ensuring that your message reaches your audience rather than relying on them to see your ad in their feed. sponsored inmail example 495x1024 In this social media ad example, Canada Post reaches out to individuals about their webinar for growing the business owner’s company in Canada, providing compelling statistics and a CTA button to register for the event.3. Text AdsLinkedIn Text Ads are a simple yet effective way to advertise to potential leads. These ads appear on the sidebar of the LinkedIn homepage when viewed on desktop, featuring a small photo and a brief text description. linkedin text ad example 1024x448 This ad example showcases a LinkedIn Text Ad, offering professionals information on how they and their team can communicate with higher-ups through a free webinar, making it a highly targeted and effective ad.After reviewing these social media ad examples, you can see the diverse possibilities available for your business. There are numerous ad formats to choose from to help your company reach new audiences and grow. However, determining the best ad format for your business can be challenging.For those looking to design ad graphics themselves, check out our video on creating social media graphics.