Let’s be real—Instagram ads are no longer optional in 2025. They’re non-negotiable. If your brand isn’t showing up on your audience’s feed, stories, or Reels, you might as well be invisible. The good news? Mastering how to run ads on Instagram in 2025 isn’t rocket science. You just need the right strategy, a splash of creativity, and this blog post.

So grab your coffee (or Red Bull—we don’t judge), and let’s break it all down step-by-step, with all the latest updates, tools, and tricks that actually work in 2025.

Why Instagram Ads Still Rule in 2025

Before we get into the how, let’s address the “why.” Why is everyone and their cat still advertising on Instagram?

Here’s the deal:

• Over 2.5 billion active users scroll through Instagram every month.

• Engagement is still through the roof, especially with Reels and Stories.

• Meta’s AI targeting has gotten scary-good (in a good way).

• Instagram’s integration with Facebook Ads Manager makes campaign management smoother than ever.

Bottom line? If you’re wondering how to run ads on Instagram in 2025, it’s because it’s still one of the most cost-effective, eyeball-grabbing platforms in the digital space.

Step 1: Set the Foundation (Don’t Skip This)

Before you blow your entire budget on poorly targeted Reels ads about scented candles or protein shakes, let’s cover the basics.

🔧 Create a Business or Creator Account

If you’re still using a personal account to run ads—bless your heart. But seriously, switch to a Business or Creator account. It unlocks features like Insights, Ad Tools, and in-app shopping.

Just go to Settings → Account → Switch to Professional Account.

Boom. You’re in.

🧩 Connect to Facebook Business Manager

Why? Because Meta (aka the artist formerly known as Facebook) owns Instagram. And their ad platform still runs through Facebook Ads Manager.

To unlock full control and powerful targeting, connect your Instagram account to a Facebook Business Page and set up a Meta Business Manager.

Step 2: Know Your Audience (Like, Really Know Them)

If you don’t know who you’re talking to, how are you supposed to grab their attention?

Start by asking:

• Who is my ideal customer in 2025?

• What problems do they have?

• What kind of content do they engage with?

• Which memes make them laugh?

Seriously—how to run ads on Instagram in 2025 starts with understanding your audience on a borderline creepy level.

Use tools like:

• Instagram Insights

• Meta Audience Insights

• Google Analytics

• TikTok Trends (yep, cross-platform stalking helps)

Step 3: Choose Your Ad Type Like a Boss

Instagram offers several ad formats. In 2025, they’ve gotten smarter, slicker, and even more immersive. Here’s a cheat sheet:

🎥 Reels Ads

These are full-screen vertical videos that blend in with organic Reels. Perfect for fast-paced, engaging content.

📢 Pro Tip: Add trending audio and captions. And please, no boring voiceovers unless you’re Morgan Freeman.

🖼️ Photo Ads

Still relevant, especially for products. Use high-quality images and clean design.

🎞️ Carousel Ads

Let users swipe through multiple images or videos. Great for product showcases, tutorials, or mini-stories.

🧠 Story Ads

These appear between Stories and are often highly engaging. Use stickers, polls, or swipe-ups (now “Links”) to drive action.

🌐 Explore Page Ads

Planted on the “Discover” tab, these are golden for brand visibility.

Step 4: Craft Scroll-Stopping Creative (Yes, You Need Good Content)

No one—and I mean no one—is going to pause their endless scroll for a boring ad.

So, here’s how to win the creative game:

• Hook fast: The first 3 seconds matter more than your logo.

• Keep it vertical: Design for the full mobile screen (9:16 ratio).

• Add movement: Even subtle animations can make a static post pop.

• Use native features: Stickers, music, filters—they increase engagement and lower ad costs.

Don’t just promote. Entertain, educate, or make your audience laugh (or cry, if that’s your thing).

Step 5: Build Your Campaign in Ads Manager

Alright, time to get technical—but I’ll keep it simple.

Go to Meta Ads Manager

Click “Create Campaign” and choose your objective:

• Awareness – for reach or brand recall

• Traffic – drive visits to your site or app

• Engagement – likes, comments, and follows

• Leads – collect contact info directly from IG

• Sales – convert, convert, convert

Name your campaign, set A/B testing if needed, and hit Next.

Set Your Targeting

Now for the secret sauce.

• Demographics: Age, gender, location

• Interests: Hobbies, behaviors, purchase intent

• Custom Audiences: Upload email lists or retarget website visitors

• Lookalike Audiences: Reach people similar to your current customers

Budget and Schedule

• Start with a daily budget of $10–$20 (scale as you learn).

• Let ads run for at least 3–5 days before judging performance.

Choose Placements

In 2025, we recommend choosing Manual Placements so you can focus strictly on Instagram. Select:

• Feed

• Reels

• Stories

• Explore

(Unless you want to test cross-platform on Facebook and Messenger too.)

Step 6: Launch, Monitor, and Optimize (aka The Fun Part)

Click Publish, then take a deep breath. You’re live!

Now comes the real hustle.

Monitor Your Ads Daily

Use Ads Manager or Instagram’s Professional Dashboard to track:

• Reach

• Click-through rate (CTR)

• Cost per click (CPC)

• Conversions

Watch for signs your ad is tanking—like high spend with no clicks or engagement lower than a potato.

A/B Test Like a Scientist

Test different creatives, captions, calls-to-action, and even ad formats. You’ll quickly learn what your audience loves (and ignores).

Scale What Works

Once you find a winning combo, increase your budget or duplicate the ad and test with a new audience.

What’s New in 2025: Must-Know Instagram Ad Trends

So you know the basics of how to run ads on Instagram in 2025, but what about the shiny new stuff?

Here’s what’s trending this year:

1. AI-Powered Ad Creatives

Meta’s AI can now generate suggested captions, headlines, and even video edits. Use it, but always add your personal flair. (AI doesn’t know your brand voice like you do.)

2. Reels Dominate, Still

Short-form is still king. Make content that looks native, not salesy. Think UGC (user-generated content), influencer-style ads, and behind-the-scenes footage.

3. Interactive Ads

Story polls, clickable Reels, and shopping tags = higher engagement. The more interactive, the better.

4. Creator Partnerships

Collaborate with influencers who already have your target audience. Even micro-influencers can deliver massive ROI.

Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

If you’re Googling how to run ads on Instagram in 2025, you’re already smarter than the average marketer. But don’t fall for these rookie moves:

• Skipping audience research: It’s not all about you. Know who you’re talking to.

• Using one-size-fits-all creatives: Customize by placement.

• Neglecting your caption: A great visual needs an equally strong caption and CTA.

• Turning off ads too soon: Patience. Give it time to optimize.

• No retargeting strategy: Don’t let warm leads go cold. Retarget website visitors and IG engagers.

Final Thoughts: The Instagram Ad Game Is Yours to Win

So there you have it. Everything you need to know about how to run ads on Instagram in 2025—without pulling your hair out, burning your budget, or wondering if your cat photos count as “content.”

Remember, Instagram is a visual playground. People are there to discover, escape, and be inspired. If your ad can do one of those things and convince someone to click that magical “Shop Now” button—you’re winning.

Just start small, keep testing, and stay consistent. Because in the end, the only bad ad is the one you didn’t run.