Instagram has become one of the best platforms for advertising in today’s digital economy. With over 2 billion active monthly users, it’s a goldmine for brands—but only if you can create visuals that grab attention and spark engagement. If you’ve been endlessly tweaking your ad designs, trying to figure out why your click-through rates aren’t where you’d like them to be, you’re in the right place.
This blog will uncover the secret to creating good creatives for Instagram ads. Whether you’re a social media marketer juggling multiple campaigns, a digital advertiser looking to optimize ROAS, or an e-commerce business aiming to boost sales, these insights are for you.
Expect solid tips, practical examples, and actionable takeaways to elevate your Instagram ad visuals from “meh” to “must-click.” Let’s dive in.
Why Good Visuals Are the Key to Instagram Success
Instagram is all about visuals. It’s the platform where people come to escape walls of text and immerse themselves in images and videos that entertain or inspire. This is why your ad visuals carry an enormous responsibility—they’re your first (and sometimes only) chance to make an impression.
High-performing Instagram ads do two things exceptionally well:
- Grab Attention Instantly. You’re competing with vacation pics, memes, and aesthetic reels. Your ad has a fraction of a second to stop someone from scrolling.
- Drive Action. A pretty picture isn’t enough. Your visuals should subtly guide users toward your call-to-action (CTA)—whether that’s swiping up, clicking, or shopping.
The roadblock? Instagram is flooded with ads. Mediocre visuals get lost in the mix. But good creatives for Instagram ads? They stand out.
The Anatomy of Good Creatives for Instagram Ads
Not all ad visuals are created equal. Certain elements consistently make creative ads high-performing. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Know Your Audience
Before you even think about colors or fonts, hit pause. Do you really know your audience? If you’re running ads for a wellness brand, you’ll need entirely different visuals than an account selling tech gadgets.
- Who are they? (Age, gender, interests, problems)
- What do they care about?
- What aesthetic speaks to them?
For example, young audiences might engage better with trendy fonts and dynamic edits, while older audiences prefer cleaner, more straightforward visuals. When in doubt—test!
2. Leverage Eye-Catching Colors
Nothing stops a scroll faster than bold, contrasting colors. But be strategic. Use colors that align with your brand identity and evoke certain emotions. For example:
- Warm colorslike red and orange create urgency or excitement.
- Cool toneslike blue feel trustworthy and calm.
Pro tip: Avoid blending into Instagram’s natural pastel-hued feed. Stand out.
3. Focus on Imagery Over Text (But Use the Right Balance)
Instagram is a visual-first platform, but that doesn’t mean ad copy is totally useless. The trick? Text should complement—not overwhelm—the design. Place it strategically and ensure it’s legible even on small screens.
Use sparing text for:
- Short, catchy headlines (e.g., “50% Off Today Only”)
- Overlaying CTAs (“Swipe up to shop!”)
The imagery, though, should do most of the heavy lifting. Whether it’s a striking product photo, a relatable lifestyle shot, or an attention-grabbing animation, make the visual speak louder than words.
4. Use People When Possible
We’re naturally drawn to faces. Including people—especially ones that align with your target demographics—increases relatability and engagement. Bonus points if they’re shown using your product.
For example, if you’re selling skincare, a close-up of glowing skin says more than a plain product shot on a shelf.
5. Add Movement with Video or GIFs
Static images are great, but videos and GIFs? They’re engagement magnets. Instagram’s algorithm tends to favor moving visuals, and so do users. Use short, snappy videos (15-20 seconds max) to demo your product, tell a story, or highlight key features.
Not feeling video savvy? Start with boomerangs or simple animations added to an image. Tools like Canva or Adobe Spark make it easy.
6. Test Multiple Formats
Instagram offers several ad formats—stories, reels, carousels, and feed posts. Each format gives you an opportunity to convey your message in different ways. Experiment to see what drives the best results.
For example:
- Reelswork wonderfully for storytelling and product demos.
- Carousel adsare great for highlighting multiple product benefits or variations.
- Storiesare perfect for quick, interactive CTAs like “Swipe Up.”
Examples of High-Performing Instagram Ad Visuals
Still unsure what a “good” Instagram ad looks like? Here are some real-life examples to inspire your creativity:
- Story Ad: A clothing retailer uses a photo of a model pairing their top and jeans. Hero text reads, “Winter Staples You’ll Wear on Repeat.” The swipe-up button lies on bold, sleek branding.
- Carousel Ad: A tech company shows five slides of their phone’s features, from water resistance to a stunning camera. Each slide has clear text and a cohesive aesthetic.
- Reel Ad: A food subscription box displays a 15-second unboxing video, highlighting the freshness of their ingredients with upbeat music.
Avoid Common Instagram Ad Mistakes
Even good creatives can flop if you make critical mistakes. Here are a few to dodge:
- Poor Quality Visuals. Blurry or pixelated images scream “unprofessional.” Always use high-res visuals.
- Overcomplicated Designs. Simplicity often works best. Don’t cram too much into one visual.
- Ignoring Mobile Optimization. Instagram is a mobile-first app. Always preview your ad on a phone before hitting publish.
Wrapping It Up (And Scrolling It Down)
Creating high-performing Instagram ad visuals doesn’t have to be daunting. By focusing on good creatives for Instagram ads—ones that are visually engaging, audience-centric, and action-driven—you’ll maximize your chances of standing out in a crowded feed.
Remember, it’s all about experimenting and learning. Test different formats, styles, and elements until you figure out what clicks (literally) with your audience.
