If you spend time scrolling Facebook Stories or Instagram Stories, you’ve probably noticed ads that play in between those cat videos you love—and you may be wondering if you should jump on the Meta Stories advertising bandwagon. We’re here to break it down for you in simple terms. If you’re running digital campaigns, Meta Stories ads offer new possibilities for engaging with your audience. Let’s explore why Stories ads are worth using, what makes them effective, and how they can elevate your marketing game.
What are Facebook Stories and Instagram Stories ads?
Stories ads for Facebook and Instagram are full-screen, vertical videos or images that appear between users’ Stories. These ads can be up to 15 seconds long for video and 5 seconds for images. You can even use carousel ads for a more interactive experience. They’re becoming one of the best ways to reach your audience on mobile, which happens to be the primary way users access Facebook. Hootsuite says that a whopping 81.8% of Facebook users access the platform via mobile devices and Meta reports that 35.21% of the world’s 5.68 billion active mobile phone users access Instagram, which was built as a mobile-first platform.
Why should you use Meta Stories ads?
Here are a few of the benefits of using Meta Stories for your advertising campaign.
- Reach more people, where they are
People are spending more time on Stories—on both Facebook or Instagram. In fact, Facebook Stories now have 500 million active users, and that number is growing. So, if you’re not using Stories ads, you’re missing out on an opportunity to engage with people where they’re spending their time.
- Provide a more immersive experience
The beauty of Stories ads lies in their full-screen design. Unlike traditional feed ads, Stories ads take up your entire screen, grabbing your full attention. They’re visually engaging, which allows you to showcase your brand and message in a compelling way. - Target the right audience
One of the best things about social advertising in general is how precise your targeting can be—and Facebook Stories and Instagram Stories ads are no different. You can target your ads based on interests, demographics, behaviors, and even custom audiences. This means you’re getting your message in front of the people most likely to care about it. - Repurpose creative across platforms
The good news is that you can easily repurpose your creative for Facebook and Instagram Stories. Since the formats are so similar, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel to advertise on both platforms. This saves time and effort and gets you more bang for your buck. - Effective and engaging format
When users swipe through their Stories, your ad blends in seamlessly with their friends’ and family’s content, making it a natural way for people to discover your brand.
Instagram Stories and Facebook Stories creative
What do you need to create successful Instagram Stories and Facebook Stories ads? Here are four things to keep in mind
- Use high-quality visuals
Investing in well-crafted content pays off. Since Stories are full screen, make sure your visuals are high-quality. At GA Creative, we help businesses create visual content that’s designed to grab attention and drive engagement, and can help you build a library of Meta Stories content to use for ads as well as organic social media. - Keep it short and sweet
People’s attention spans are short—so keep your ad message clear and concise. Aim for 15-second video clips or image ads with quick, snappy text for those with sound off. - Include a call-to-action (CTA)
Make it easy for users to take the next step—whether that’s visiting your website, signing up for a newsletter, or making a purchase. A simple “Swipe Up” or “Learn More” button works. - Make it mobile-friendly
Since Stories are viewed on mobile devices, ensure your content is optimized for mobile screens. Use vertical video formats and make sure your text is readable on smaller screens.
What can Facebook Stories and Instagram Stories ads do for your business?
Here’s how Stories ads can help your business grow:
- Increase brand awareness: The more people see your brand, the more familiar they become with it. Stories ads help you reach a wider audience quickly.
- Drive website traffic: With a swipe-up CTA, you can easily direct users to your website or landing page.
- Generate leads: Facebook offers lead-generation forms within Stories, so you can capture potential customers, without users having to leave the social platform.
FAQs about Meta Stories ads
Q: Are Facebook Stories ads different from regular Facebook ads?
Yes, Facebook Stories ads are full-screen, vertical ads that appear in between users’ Stories, which automatically rotate. Regular Facebook ads appear in the News Feed where users manually scroll.
Q: How do I create a Stories ad?
To create a Stories ad, go to your Facebook Ads Manager and choose “Stories” as your placement option. You can upload videos or images, add your CTA, and set your targeting parameters. Or, work with us and our media partner to drive even better results.
Q: Can I use the same content for Facebook and Instagram Stories?
Yes! Facebook Stories ads and Instagram Stories ads have similar formats, so you can repurpose your content for both platforms to save time and effort.
Start leveraging Stories ads today
If you’re looking for a fresh, engaging way to connect with your audience, Meta Stories ads in social media should be at the top of your list. They offer a unique way to reach people in today’s mobile-first world. By using Instagram Stories and Facebook Stories ads, you can increase your brand awareness and drive traffic in ways traditional ads can’t.
