Instagram Video Ads!

[Nathan Fowler]

Is Instagram placing more emphasis on video ads? I've done market research, and most ads are video ads. My image ads have very low click-through rates. Is this really the case?

 

[ToyBox Marketing]

Most users upload video ads since it might help with watch time. There are post ads, however most users post video ads.

 

[Nathan Fowler]

Most users upload video ads since it might help with watch time. There are post ads, however most users post video ads.

I've already uploaded video ads, and they're definitely getting more views than image ads. I'm observing whether this will be effective.

 

[Badgerz]

From what I’m seeing, Instagram is definitely pushing video ads way harder than image ads right now. Most of the ads showing up in my feed and Reels are videos, and the platform clearly gives them more reach.
Image ads still work in some niches, but overall they get much lower click through rates compared to short videos. People are used to movement, fast hooks, and quick storytelling, a static image just doesn’t grab attention the same way anymore.
If your image ads are underperforming, it’s probably not your fault. IG’s algorithm just favors video at the moment. Reels style ads, simple UGC clips, or even basic motion graphics usually perform way better than still images.

 

[Nathan Fowler]

From what I’m seeing, Instagram is definitely pushing video ads way harder than image ads right now. Most of the ads showing up in my feed and Reels are videos, and the platform clearly gives them more reach.
Image ads still work in some niches, but overall they get much lower click through rates compared to short videos. People are used to movement, fast hooks, and quick storytelling, a static image just doesn’t grab attention the same way anymore.
If your image ads are underperforming, it’s probably not your fault. IG’s algorithm just favors video at the moment. Reels style ads, simple UGC clips, or even basic motion graphics usually perform way better than still images.

Video production typically requires a certain level of technical skill. It's more complex than image production, and I feel it can't be done by one person alone.

 

[Deshalo]

Yes, Instagram heavily prioritizes video. Video ads, especially native-looking Reels, consistently get more reach and engagement than static image ads.

 

[Ralphoton]

Honestly, videos just grab more attention on Instagram, so image ads often get ignored.

 

[AdPotato]

Yeah, video is dominating on Instagram now—image ads barely get noticed unless they’re super eye-catching.

 

[bulkcloudaccs]

Yes, Instagram favors video ads (especially Reels), which usually outperform image ads for reach and CTR, especially on cold traffic.

 

[Kaeron]

Yes. Instagram prioritizes videos (especially Reels).
Videos get better reach and lower CPM.
Low CTR for photos is normal — just suitable for retargeting.

 

[Nathan Fowler]

Most users upload video ads since it might help with watch time. There are post ads, however most users post video ads.

Video advertising is very expensive, but the production process is the main challenge.

 

[Nathan Fowler]

Yes. Instagram prioritizes videos (especially Reels).
Videos get better reach and lower CPM.
Low CTR for photos is normal — just suitable for retargeting.

This means I can use image ads for targeting, and then use video ads to expand my reach and attract more traffic.

 

[Nathan Fowler]

Yes, Instagram favors video ads (especially Reels), which usually outperform image ads for reach and CTR, especially on cold traffic.

However, I found that producing video advertisements is not a job that can be done by one person alone. It's also very resource-intensive.

 

[Nathan Fowler]

Yeah, video is dominating on Instagram now—image ads barely get noticed unless they’re super eye-catching.

Video production requires a specialized team; creativity is crucial, and I need to hire a dedicated production team to complete this project.

 

[Mertz92941]

Yo, man, your market research is 100% accurate: Instagram is heavily prioritizing video ads in 2025, tbh.
Video Dominates: Instagram's focus on Reels and Stories means the algorithm favors the video format. Video posts generate 49% more engagement than static photos, which drives down your image ad's performance
CTR Performance: Reels and video ads generally show a higher average Click-Through Rate (CTR) compared to single image ads, especially when they use UGC (User-Generated Content). Image ads average around 1.11% CTR, which can be easily beaten by a snappy Reel.
The Fix: Don't abandon images completely; use the Carousel format—it drives significantly higher engagement and CTR than a single image because it forces user interaction .

 

[champ1010]

Yes Instagram favors video ads as they get higher engagement. Your low CTR on image ads aligns with this trend

 

[Mcguffien]

That’s why image ads often show lower CTR now — they break the feed flow.
Best approach: UGC-style short videos, fast hook, clear payoff. Images are support, not the main weapon anymore.

 

[Elliot Price]

Video ads are more effective and deliver results faster than image ads, and I've tested many different types of content. Of course, video ads are also more expensive. Image ads are still competitive in certain areas, and you need to adjust your strategy based on your specific needs.

 

[Jicira Sume]

It's not that image ads are bad, it's that Instagram is "addicted to video." If you want a good CTR, you have to cater to it.

 

[blessbless]

Instagram has been prioritizing video formats like Reels and Stories in both its algorithm and ad placements, which is why video ads generally receive higher reach and engagement than static image ads, while image ads now tend to perform well only in very specific niches or retargeting scenarios.