According to a Forbes report, 91% of consumers prefer visual content over text-based information.
It’s no surprise, really; why read a wall of text when you can soak in the message with a stunning image or a catchy video?
That’s what makes Instagram such a powerhouse.
This social media platform is built for visuals, serving up content in a way that feels more like scrolling through a curated gallery than navigating an ad jungle.
Now, imagine combining Instagram’s visual appeal with the precision of targeted advertising.
That’s where learning how to run ads on Instagram becomes a game-changer for your marketing strategy.
Ready to turn your creativity into clicks and conversions? Continue reading this guide to find out how you can run ads on Instagram and make them work for you!
And while you’re at it, remember to pair your strategy with an Instagram scheduler to plan, optimize, and ensure your ads reach the right audience at the right time.
Take Your Instagram Ads to the Next Level With Social Champ!
From scheduling to analytics, manage your campaigns effortlessly and watch your brand shine.
Short Summary
- Instagram thrives on eye-catching visuals, which is why it’s one of the best platforms for advertising.
- Ads in Stories and Reels especially grab attention since they show up where people are already hyper-engaged.
- Instagram’s targeting tools let you zero in on your ideal audience, ensuring your ads reach the right people.
- With options like carousel ads, video ads, and shopping ads, you can tailor your campaigns to your marketing goals.
- With Social Champ’s Instagram scheduler, you can seamlessly plan and schedule your Instagram ads, ensuring they go live at the optimal time for maximum engagement.
- Thanks to Social Champ’s Boost Feature, you can turn your top-performing posts into ads with a single click, effortlessly amplifying their reach and impact.
- Social Champ’s Analytics Tools help you gain detailed insights into your ad performance, enabling you to refine your campaigns for better results.
How to Run Ads on Instagram and Why They’re Effective
With over 2 billion monthly active users scrolling through Reels, Stories, and posts monthly, Instagram is a goldmine for reaching your audience.
Running ads here is pretty straightforward.
- First, make sure your account is set up as a business or creator account.
- Then, head to Meta Ads Manager, select Instagram as your placement and create your ad campaign.
- You can choose from multiple formats like photo ads, carousel ads, or Stories ads, depending on what fits your content best.
- Finally, target your audience, set your budget, and let the magic happen.
Now, why are Instagram ads so effective? Let’s break it down:
Unmatched Visual Appeal
Instagram thrives on eye-catching visuals, which is why it’s one of the best platforms for advertising.
Unlike other social media networks where ads often stick out like a sore thumb, Instagram ads are designed to blend effortlessly with the organic content users are scrolling through.
With the option to use filters, engaging captions, and immersive formats like Instagram Stories or Reels, your ad becomes a natural extension of the content people love to engage with.
Instagram’s sophisticated design encourages creativity, meaning your ad can tell a story, invoke emotions, or simply make users stop scrolling for just a second longer, all of which can increase engagement and drive action.
Precise Targeting
Unlike traditional advertising methods, where you might be casting a wide net in the hopes of reaching the right people, Instagram lets you target your audience with laser precision.
You can base your targeting on a range of factors like demographics (age, gender, location), interests (such as fashion, fitness, or food), and behaviors (like online shopping habits or engagement with similar brands).
Let’s say you’re selling quirky cat bow ties, and your goal is to reach cat lovers in Paris—Instagram’s targeting tools can make that a reality.
You can set up your campaign to reach users who have shown an interest in pets, specifically cats, or even follow pet influencers or pages related to cats.
Plus, you can narrow it further by targeting individuals who live in or around Paris, ensuring that your ads are seen by people most likely to be interested and close enough to make a purchase.
The beauty of this hyper-targeting is that you’re not wasting ad spend showing your product to people who have no interest in it.
It’s the ultimate way to make your marketing efforts more effective and cost-efficient while delivering the right message to the right people at the right time.
High Engagement Rates
Instagram boasts some of the highest engagement rates among social platforms.
Ads in Stories and Reels especially grab attention since they show up where people are already hyper-engaged.
Stories, in particular, are a great way to deliver ads since they feel less like traditional advertising and more like a fun, immersive experience.
Instagram’s engagement goes beyond just likes or shares. You can also track how many people clicked on your “Shop Now” button, how many interacted with your story poll, or even how many people saved your post for later.
All this data helps you refine your ad strategy to continuously boost engagement, and let’s face it, who doesn’t love the feeling of seeing those engagement numbers soar?
Diverse Ad Formats
Instagram provides a variety of ad formats that give you the creative freedom to tell your brand’s story in the most engaging and dynamic way possible.
The types of ad formats include Photo Ads, Carousel Ads, Video Ads, Stories Ads, Reels Ads, Collection Ads, and Explore Ads. (We’ll expound on these types of ad formats later)
No matter your objective, Instagram’s diverse ad formats provide the tools to creatively capture your audience’s attention, hold it, and drive action in the most engaging way possible.
Whether you’re making a grand statement with a video or sparking curiosity with a carousel, Instagram lets you choose the format that works best for your brand’s unique style and marketing goals.
Shoppable Features
Gone are the days of users having to leave Instagram and navigate to an external website to complete a purchase.
The platform makes it easier than ever for users to purchase products directly from the platform.
With Instagram’s “Shop Now” buttons, product tags, and in-app checkout, your audience can go from engaging with your ad to buying your product with just a few taps.
This streamlined shopping experience makes impulse buys easier, as users are already in a buying mindset and don’t have to jump through hoops to complete their purchases.
The ability to shop directly from your Instagram ads also builds trust with your audience, as it feels convenient and secure.
Data-Driven Insights
Instagram’s analytics are a goldmine for brands looking to fine-tune their social media campaigns and get the best bang for their buck.
The platform provides detailed insights on reach, impressions, engagement rates, click-through rates, and even conversion metrics. This data helps you understand exactly how your audience is interacting with your ads.
With access to a wide range of data, you can track how well your ads are performing in real time, so you can optimize your strategy and improve results on the fly.
If a particular ad format is generating higher engagement or clicks, you can double down on that format in future campaigns.
Conversely, if an ad is underperforming, you can tweak the targeting, content, or timing to improve its performance.
So, you’ll no longer be guessing what works.
Instagram hands you the information you need to continuously evolve your strategy, maximize your budget, and drive more meaningful interactions with your audience.
Featured Article: 12 Proven Instagram Metrics to Track Your Success in 2025
How Much Do Instagram Ads Cost?
Ah, the age-old question: what’s it going to cost you to get your ad on Instagram?
The good news is that Instagram ads are surprisingly flexible. This means you can tailor your budget to fit your needs, whether you’re working with a tight budget or ready to go big.
Instagram ads work on a bidding system, meaning the cost is influenced by factors like your target audience, the time of year, and the competition for ad space.
You can set your budget on a daily or lifetime basis, and Instagram will work its magic to get your ad in front of the right people.
According to WebFX, you can expect to pay between $0.01 and $0.25 per click (CPC) or $0.01 and $4.00 per 1,000 impressions (CPM), depending on your niche and its competitiveness.
If you’re targeting highly targeted niche markets, your cost might be a little higher, but the trade-off is that your ad will reach the exact people who are most likely to take action.
If you’re just starting out, it’s a good idea to experiment with a smaller budget, analyze the results, and adjust your strategy as you go.
Instagram also offers tools to help you set up ads based on your budget and goals, so you’re not just throwing money into the void.
Types of Instagram Ads Explained
When it comes to Instagram ads, there’s no shortage of options.
With so many formats to choose from, you can create ads that match your goals, whether you’re looking to boost brand awareness, drive traffic, or make a direct sale.
Let’s take a look at the different types of Instagram ads and how they can help elevate your marketing game.
Photo Ads
You’re probably familiar with classic Instagram ads, which are single images that appear in your feed.
Photo ads are simple, effective, and perfect for showcasing a product, service, or event.
A clean, well-designed image can stop people mid-scroll, making photo ads a great way to grab attention.
You can pair your photo ad with a catchy caption and a clear call-to-action (CTA) like “Shop Now” or “Learn More.” This makes it easy for users to take the next step.
Video Ads
If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video can tell an even better story.
Video ads on Instagram are perfect for sharing longer messages or showing your product in action.
Whether it’s a behind-the-scenes look at your business, a product demo, or a customer testimonial, video ads allow you to communicate more and keep your audience engaged.
Plus, Instagram users are more likely to watch a video ad all the way through, especially when it’s captivating and informative.
Carousel Ads
These types of ads allow you to display a series of images or videos in one post. They give you the chance to showcase different products, features, or a step-by-step guide.
Carousel ads are perfect for brands that want to tell a more detailed story or display several items in one go without overwhelming the viewer.
You can tell a more complete story or showcase various aspects of your business in one neat package.
Since users can interact with the ad by swiping, carousel ads tend to drive higher engagement rates.
Stories Ads
Instagram Stories ads are full-screen, vertical ads that appear between users’ Stories.
Because they’re immersive and usually short (15 seconds max), they’re great for grabbing attention quickly.
You can use Stories ads to run time-sensitive promotions, showcase a new product, or even share exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Plus, you can add interactive elements like polls, quizzes, or “Swipe Up” links to drive even more engagement.
Reels Ads
Reels ads take advantage of Instagram’s short-form video format to reach users who are already scrolling through Reels.
These ads appear between user-generated Reels and can be up to 60 seconds long.
These ads are perfect for businesses looking to create eye-catching, engaging videos that align with current trends and are designed to keep users engaged.
If your brand has a fun, creative side, Reels ads are a great way to tap into a younger, trend-savvy audience.
Collection Ads
If you have a product catalog and want to create a seamless shopping experience, collection ads are a fantastic option.
This ad format features a cover image or video with several smaller images beneath it that showcase multiple products from your catalog.
When users tap on the ad, they’re taken directly to a shopping experience where they can browse and purchase products without leaving the app.
It’s the perfect way to make shopping easy for your audience and boost your sales.
Explore Ads
Instagram’s Explore page is where users go to discover new content. Explore ads appear in this section, giving you access to a highly engaged audience.
When someone clicks on your ad from Explore, they’re already interested in discovering new accounts and content, which makes this a great place to show off your brand and gain new followers.
There you have it! From simple photo ads to more interactive Stories and Reel ads, Instagram provides plenty of formats to experiment with.
Now that you know what each ad type can do, you can choose the one that best fits your goals and start seeing results!
How to Run Ads on Instagram: 10 Simple Steps to Set Up
Running ads on Instagram can seem intimidating at first, but it’s easier than you might think.
Whether you want to promote a post directly from the app or set up a full-fledged campaign through Meta Ads Manager, the process is pretty straightforward.
Let’s break it down into two simple methods so you can get your Instagram ads up and running in no time.
Method 1: Boosting a Post From Instagram via Social Champ
If you’re looking for a quick and simple way to get your ad out there, boosting a post directly from Instagram is your best bet.
This method is perfect if you’ve already created a post that’s performing well and you want to give it an extra push.
How do you go about boosting a post from Instagram? Well, using Social Champ is one way to make this process a breeze.
Thanks to Social Champ’s Boost Post feature, your top-performing posts no longer have to rely solely on organic reach to make an impact.
This tool allows you to amplify the visibility of your best content directly from the Social Champ dashboard, ensuring it gets seen by the audience that matters most.
Whether you’re promoting a time-sensitive campaign, showcasing a product, or sharing a story that deserves the spotlight, Boost Post helps you get noticed.
It’s fast, efficient, and designed to maximize your results with minimal effort. Here are the steps to take to boost your Instagram Post with the Boost Post Feature:
- Log in to your Social Champ account.
- Craft the post you want to amplify.
- Scroll down and select the “Boost Post” option.
Select the “Boost Post Option”
- Enter the necessary details to optimize your boosted post.
- Save your settings and schedule it to go live!
With just a few clicks, you can transform an already successful post into a standout piece of content that drives even more engagement and growth.
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Method 2: Using Meta Ads Manager for a Full Campaign
If you want to take a more detailed approach to your Instagram ads, Meta Ads Manager gives you more control over targeting, budget, and ad formats.
This method is perfect for running a comprehensive campaign across Instagram and Facebook.
To turn an existing Instagram Feed, Reels, or Stories post into an ad using Ads Manager, follow these steps:
- Access Ads Manager
Log in to your Meta Ads Manager.
- Start a New Campaign
Click ‘Create’ to set up a new campaign.
- Choose Your Objective
Select a campaign objective that aligns with your goals, such as Awareness, Traffic, Engagement, Leads, or others.
After choosing your campaign objective, click on the ‘Continue’ button.
- Define Your Target Audience
Define your audience based on location, age, gender, and interests.
- Choose Manual Placements
Select Instagram Feed, Stories, or Reels, or opt for Automatic Placements to let Meta decide.
- Budget and Schedule
Set your daily or lifetime budget and the duration of your campaign.
- Choose Your Instagram Account
Choose the account that’s linked to your Ads Manager.
- Select Ad Format
Select an ad format: single image, carousel, video, or collection.
- Set Up Ad Creative
Upload your visuals and write engaging ad copy. Add a call-to-action (CTA) to encourage clicks.
- Review Your Campaign
Double-check all details, including targeting, budget, and ad creatives.
- Publish
Click ‘Publish’ to launch your ad campaign.
Meta Ads Manager will review your ad, and once approved, it will start running on Instagram.
Pro Tip: Monitor your campaign’s performance in Ads Manager and tweak targeting, creatives, or budget to optimize results!
Using Meta Ads Manager allows you to run highly targeted campaigns and optimize your ads for different platforms beyond Instagram, all in one place.
Plus, you get access to more in-depth reporting, so you can track your success and tweak your strategy as needed.
Instagram Ad Optimization Tips for Success
Running Instagram ads is just half the battle; optimizing them for success is what makes the real difference.
Whether you’re looking to boost engagement, drive conversions, or increase brand awareness, there are several strategies you can use to ensure your Instagram ads perform at their best.
Here are some essential optimization tips to take your Instagram advertising game to the next level.
Target the Right Audience
The power of Instagram advertising lies in its ability to reach highly specific audiences.
Take advantage of Instagram’s robust targeting options to make sure your ads reach the people who are most likely to engage with your brand.
Consider demographics, interests, behaviors, and location to fine-tune your targeting. The more precise your targeting, the higher your chances of success.
Create Eye-Catching Visuals
Instagram is a visually-driven platform, and your ads need to stand out in a crowded feed.
Use high-quality images or videos that are visually appealing and align with your brand’s identity.
Experiment with different formats like carousels, Stories, or Reels to see which resonates most with your audience.
Remember, an eye-catching ad is one that grabs attention in just a few seconds, so make sure the visuals are dynamic and on-brand.
Write Compelling Copy
Your visuals might grab attention, but your ad copy is what persuades the audience to take action.
Keep your copy concise, clear, and direct. Focus on the benefits your audience will get from your product or service, and include a strong call to action (CTA).
Whether you want them to “Shop Now,” “Learn More,” or “Sign Up,” make it crystal clear what the next step is.
Leverage A/B Testing
A/B testing is a powerful tool for finding out what works and what doesn’t.
Try different versions of your ads to see which elements perform the best, whether it’s a change in the ad copy, visuals, CTA, or targeting.
Continuous testing enables you to optimize your ads and make data-driven decisions that will improve your ROI.
Monitor and Adjust in Real-Time
One of the biggest benefits of Instagram ads is the ability to monitor performance in real-time.
Use Instagram’s Insights or Meta Ads Manager to track your ads’ performance and make adjustments if necessary.
If something’s not working, don’t be afraid to tweak your budget, targeting, or creatives to improve the results.
Featured Article: Social Monitoring Tools: Analyze and Engage in 2025
Use Instagram’s Shoppable Features
If you’re selling products, Instagram’s shoppable features can significantly boost conversions.
Make your ads more direct by including “Shop Now” buttons that let users buy your products without leaving the app.
The seamless shopping experience can lead to a higher conversion rate and more sales.
Focus on the Mobile Experience
Since most Instagram users access the platform via mobile devices, it’s crucial to optimize your ads for mobile.
Make sure your visuals and text are legible on smaller screens and that your landing pages are mobile-friendly.
Mobile optimization can lead to better engagement and fewer drop-offs.
Utilize Instagram Stories and Reels
Stories and Reels are two of the most engaging features on Instagram.
These formats are highly interactive and allow for more creativity, whether through polls, swipe-up links, or engaging video content.
Stories and Reels also appear at the top of the feed, where users are more likely to see them. They’re perfect for driving attention and engagement with your ads.
Track Metrics That Matter
To truly optimize your Instagram ads, focus on the right metrics.
Engagement, clicks, conversions, and return on ad spend (ROAS) are just a few key performance indicators (KPIs) that will give you insight into your ads’ success.
Tracking these metrics allows you to make data-backed decisions and keep your campaign on track.
Featured Article: 12 Instagram Metrics To Measure Performance in 2025
Common Mistakes to Avoid When You Run Ads on Instagram
Running Instagram ads can be a game-changer for your business, but it’s easy to trip up if you’re not careful.
Even seasoned marketers can fall into the trap of common mistakes that could derail your campaign.
So, before you hit that “Publish” button, let’s go over some of the top blunders to avoid when running Instagram ads.
Not Defining Your Target Audience
A major mistake is not narrowing down who you want to reach.
Sure, your product might appeal to everyone, but that doesn’t mean everyone on Instagram is going to be your ideal customer.
If you’re not targeting the right audience, you’re basically throwing your ad into the abyss, hoping someone will bite.
Ignoring the Power of Visuals
Instagram is a visual-first platform, so don’t neglect the power of eye-catching images and videos.
If your ad looks bland or doesn’t fit Instagram’s high standards for creativity, your audience might scroll past without a second glance.
Using a Weak Call to Action (CTA)
Without a clear and compelling CTA, your ad will lack direction.
It’s a common mistake for marketers to use vague CTAs like “Learn More” without a value proposition.
This mistake leaves your audience unsure of what action to take, leading to lower engagement and missed opportunities for conversions.
Skipping the A/B Testing
One of the easiest ways to optimize your Instagram ads is through A/B testing, yet, many advertisers skip this crucial step.
Skipping A/B testing means you miss out on valuable insights into what resonates best with your audience, potentially wasting your ad budget on ineffective strategies.
Neglecting Mobile Optimization
Instagram is a mobile-first platform, so if your ads aren’t optimized for mobile devices, you’re missing a huge opportunity.
If your potential customers have to wait for a page to load or struggle with a non-responsive design, you can bid that sale goodbye.
Not Using Instagram Stories or Reels
Many businesses overlook Instagram Stories and Reels when running ads, but these formats are highly engaging and drive a lot of attention.
If you’re sticking to just regular feed posts, you might be missing out.
By ignoring Stories and Reels, you’re missing a golden opportunity to connect with your audience in a more dynamic, interactive way, potentially leaving engagement on the table.
Setting a Low Budget and Expecting Big Results
Instagram ads can be a powerful tool, but they require a budget that’s in line with your goals.
Setting a budget that’s too low and expecting massive results is like trying to run a marathon in flip-flops, you won’t get far.
While Instagram ads can be cost-effective, you need to allocate enough funds to reach a large enough audience and test different ad variations.
Forgetting to Monitor Your Ad Performance
Once you launch your ads, it’s tempting to sit back and relax, but this is where many advertisers slip up.
If you’re not monitoring your ad performance regularly, you could miss an opportunity to optimize.
Conclusion
Learning how to run ads on Instagram doesn’t have to feel like navigating a maze. With the right strategies and a focus on engaging visuals, you can connect with your audience and turn casual scrollers into loyal customers.
To make the process even smoother, Social Champ offers intuitive tools to schedule, analyze, and boost your Instagram campaigns effortlessly.
Take Your Instagram Ads to the Next Level!
Start using Social Champ today to schedule, optimize, and track your campaigns like a pro!
