There are many different types of advertising formats on Instagram.
The wide range means that you can choose the best ad type that matches your business strategy. Each ad format has its own selection of call-to-action options, which are listed below.
1. Image
These type of ads are displayed on Instagram in the form of a single image when a company or individual advertises their handle, brand, products and services.
Image ads are best suited for campaigns with compelling visual content that can be conveyed in a single image. These images can be created from high-quality photography or design and illustration.
2. STORIES
Instagram Stories Ads are full-screen image or video ads that appear between Stories. These ads may display audio, text, GIFs, or combination depending on the strategy of their campaign visuals to reach the audience.
It is confirmed that Story Ads can probably reach over 500 million active story viewers who view Instagram stories daily.
Additionally, it is one of the best Instagram advertising types due to its normal display and impromptu popup in a self slide feature on the Instagram story. Engagement is often higher with Stories ads, as the format covers the whole mobile screen and feels much more immersive than in-feed ads.
3. VIDEO
Video is the social media content more consumed by users. It only increases in popularity, especially on Instagram, a platform that was designed with visuals in mind.
Video does a better job of engaging your audience, catching their eye with Instagram’s autoplay feature, and clueing them into your brand.
4. Carousel
Carousel ads feature a series of images or videos that users can swipe through. They can appear both in-feed and within Instagram Stories, with a call-to-action button or swipe up link that lead users directly to your website.
You can use carousel ads to:
Showcase a collection of related products
Tell a multi-part story
Share up to 10 images or videos
5. Collection
Collection ads are a combination between carousel ads and shopping ads. Collection ads showcase products directly from your product catalog.
They are best suited for ecommerce brands, as they allow users to purchase products directly from the ad. When a user clicks on the ad, they’re directed to an Instagram Instant Experience Storefront where they can learn more about the product and proceed to purchase.
6. EXPLORE
Explore ads appear within the Explore tab, an area of the platform where users discover new content and accounts that are based on their Instagram usage habits. More than 50% of Instagram users access Explore every month, so it’s a great place to gain exposure.
7. IGTV
Collection ads are a combination between carousel ads and shopping ads. Collection ads showcase products directly from your product catalog.
They are best suited for ecommerce brands, as they allow users to purchase products directly from the ad. When a user clicks on the ad, they’re directed to an Instagram Instant Experience Storefront where they can learn more about the product and proceed to purchase.
8. SHOPPING
With 130 million users tapping on shopping posts every month, it’s no wonder Instagram has been heavily improving its ecommerce features over the last 1-2 years. With Instagram’s newest Shopping features, users can now view and purchase products without ever leaving the app. Instagram Shopping ads take users directly to a product description page within the Instagram app. They can then purchase through your mobile website.
9. REELS
Reels have been a successful launch for Instagram, and recently the platform announced the possibility of advertising within Reels.
Ads are shown in between Reels, with similar specs to Stories ads (full screen vertical videos), and can be up to 30 seconds. They should include sound or music to be well-integrated with organic Reels.
