While crafting this blog post, I reached out to colleagues and friends, asking for screenshots of Instagram ads they genuinely liked. The response was, to put it mildly, underwhelming. When I persisted, most admitted they either encountered only terrible ads or none whatsoever. This got me thinking… The best Instagram ads don’t look like ads at all. They blend seamlessly, appearing just like regular Instagram photos. Think about it: the most captivating movies are those we connect with—the ones where the acting feels authentic and true to life!
Our observations? As social media platforms increasingly favor video content, businesses are seizing the opportunity. We’ve also witnessed a surge in impressive carousel ads, inventive boomerangs, and high-quality photos. Welcome to the Academy Awards of Instagram Ads! Get ready for a star-studded lineup. But that’s not all—we’re going behind the scenes to reveal the secrets behind their award-winning magic.
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Best Actor
Let’s kick things off with a bang! Look at that adorable furry face. You just know he endured countless poses and ear tugs to create this winning ad. This creative cuts straight to the chase—a grooming service showcasing its prowess with a picture of a perfectly groomed pup. Sometimes, the most direct approach yields the best results. Congratulations, Krisers Pets!
Why this Instagram ad hits the mark:
- Adorable animals are irresistible attention-grabbers
- The clear “Call now” call to action makes it easy to take the next step
Best Picture
Look. At. That. Cheesy. Goodness. A well-deserved round of applause for Domino’s! They understand what tempts hungry college students scrolling Instagram late at night: irresistibly delicious pizza at wallet-friendly prices. But it’s more than just a mouthwatering pizza pic. Food photography reigns supreme on Instagram these days. (Fun fact: pizza holds the crown as the #1 most Instagrammed food!) Ads like Domino’s seamlessly blend in while still standing out. They don’t come across as intrusive, and their appeal might just be the nudge someone needs to place an order or head to the nearest store. Why this Instagram ad hits the mark:
- It feels “native” (like an organic Instagram post)
- Strategically placed emojis in the ad text resonate with hungry millennials
Best Director
Prepare to be mesmerized! This artistic masterpiece from Dance and Beyond plays with perception, creating an illusion right on your phone screen. Kudos to their exceptional photography skills—you can bet the photographer (director) meticulously arranged those legs and snapped countless shots to achieve this perfect composition. Don’t be afraid to push creative boundaries on Instagram. If you have a skilled photographer on your team—or if photography is your business—flaunt your talent! Everyone appreciates captivating visuals. Capture your audience’s imagination!
Why this Instagram ad hits the mark:
- Striking, artistic photography practically begs to be “liked”
Best Original Screenplay
Chik-fil-a takes home the award for this heartwarming pregnancy announcement. I’ll admit, the clever play on the “bun in the oven” trope was delightful, but it was the dad’s reaction that stole my heart. The disappointment over only having one mini chicken sandwich? Pure comedic gold! The emotions were relatable and genuine. To recreate Chik-fil-a’s magic, consider how your brand or product can play a part in your customers’ personal milestones. Everyone loves a heartwarming story. Did a customer find love at your boutique? Did your restaurant host a surprise birthday bash? Transform these moments into captivating video ads!
Why this Instagram ad hits the mark:
- It embraces self-deprecating humor—exactly what you’d expect from a fast food brand
- It tells a complete and engaging story within seconds
Best Animated Feature
This delightful Haagen-Dazs ad beautifully combines a realistic ice cream cone with animated bumblebees to commemorate Free Cone Day. They even cleverly incorporated the “busy bee” idiom into their caption! This ad strikes the perfect balance—it’s not overly flashy or cartoonish, yet it effectively raises awareness about endangered honey bees and promotes their free cone event in an adorable way. You can tell they considered using real bumblebees but quickly realized it wouldn’t end well. Smart move, Haagen-Dazs!
Why this Instagram ad hits the mark:
- It taps into a popular event and an important environmental issue
- Creative and effective use of hashtags
Best Adapted Screenplay
While it might seem like a bit of a stretch for an ad, the popular show 13 Reasons Why, based on a novel, found new life on screen thanks to Netflix. This carousel ad features the show’s main characters alongside impactful quotes, creating intrigue.
Why this Instagram ad hits the mark:
- It utilizes an eye-catching carousel format without overwhelming viewers with a full trailer
- It piques curiosity and encourages subscription conversions
Best Cinematography
This ad must have been shot with a high-definition, fisheye drone (or something equally impressive—I’m no photography expert!). The footage is breathtaking! It transports viewers right into the heart of the action, giving them the best seats in the house. With its dynamic mix of fast-paced action shots, glimpses of the energized crowd, and sporadic camera flashes, it never loses its grip on your attention. Got a GoPro and a thirst for adventure? This ad style is perfect for travel agencies, ride-sharing services, boutique hotels—any business that helps people explore the world. Ignite your audience’s wanderlust with compelling fast and slow-motion video compilations.
Why this Instagram ad hits the mark:
- Expertly captured and edited video footage
- It makes viewers feel like they’re part of the experience without feeling like they’re being sold to
Best Costume
This adorable Starbucks ad nabs the award for Best Costume thanks to that incredible camouflage! Beyond its cuteness factor, this image possesses all the qualities of a viral Instagram post. Let’s be real—one of your photography-savvy friends could easily have snapped this for a flood of likes. Don’t underestimate the power of a captivating setting. If your business boasts a unique mural or a stunning view, use it to your advantage! Capture photos that showcase these features, perhaps with your products artfully integrated into the scene. Why this Instagram ad hits the mark:
- Resourceful use of the surrounding environment
- Vivid colors and strong contrast always draw the eye
Best Makeup and Hair
Just one glance at this Glossier ad, and that catchy lyric pops into mind: “My lip gloss is poppin’, my lip gloss is cool!” Glossier has mastered the art of creating impactful ads featuring their products. This one, in particular, resembles those popular makeup tutorials you’d find organically on Instagram. The enhanced sparkle effect draws you in, and with a simple click, you can satisfy that instant gratification urge and order the same gloss.
Why this Instagram ad hits the mark:
- Like many winning Instagram ads, it mirrors the style of popular organic content
- On-point copywriting adds that extra touch of brilliance
Best Comedy
Who can resist a good pet-shaming moment? Not only does this Instagram ad seamlessly blend into a feed filled with mischievous pups and goofy cats, but it also throws in a hilarious plot twist! This mischievous goat headbutting a car door is pure comedic genius and the perfect advertisement for car insurance—because, let’s face it, you never know when a trip to the petting zoo might take a wild turn. Want to recreate this magic? Find a way to incorporate adorable animals into your brand messaging. It’s a recipe for success.
Why this Instagram ad hits the mark:
- It puts a creative spin on the popular pet-shaming meme
- Both the ad copy and the call to action emphasize the next step: Seeking assistance
Best Set Design
Mrs. Meyer’s subtle boomerang ad could easily be mistaken for a post from any parent’s Instagram feed—spilled milk on cookies, hinting at a kitchen covered in flour and sprinkles. However, it’s the clever tagline, “Perfect is Boring,” that steals the show. Let’s be honest, cleaning products aren’t the most exhilarating things to market. If your product falls into the “everyday essential” category, try injecting some fun into your ads! Selling cat litter? Feature playful kittens. Paper products? Find a way to weave in a reference to “The Office.” Get creative and have fun with it!
Why this Instagram ad hits the mark:
- Seamless pairing of image and caption
- It blends seamlessly into an Instagram newsfeed but remains visually engaging enough to capture attention
Best Dance
Give it up for Brooklinen, whose boomerang “jump-into-bed” dance resonates with everyone who craves a cozy haven. #BedGoals, anyone? This ad features a stylish (presumably Brooklyn) loft, a beautifully made bed, and the deeply satisfying “poof” as someone takes a flying leap into it. As many Instagram models can attest, a little skin goes a long way (ahem, Kardashians, ahem). However, I’d recommend replicating the relatable satisfaction showcased in this ad—that irresistible bed jump—think pulling apart a cheesy pizza slice or nailing a water bottle flip.
Why this Instagram ad hits the mark:
- Boomerangs are inherently eye-catching
- The caption cleverly highlights a sale!
Humanitarian Award
And last but certainly not least, our Humanitarian Award goes to Donate Life America! That precious face is guaranteed to stop your scroll. This simple yet powerful ad champions a truly worthy cause.
Why this Instagram ad hits the mark:
- A beautifully captured photo that supports a noble cause Congratulations to all our winners! Did we miss a phenomenal Instagram ad? Share it with us! MORE: We Analyzed 612 of the Best Ads. Here Are 9 Things We Learned