NEW! How To Use Facebook Ads Library for Research (2025) | Spy on Competitors & Find Winning Ads!

How to Use Facebook Ad Campaigns and the Facebook Ad Library for Research: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Facebook Ad Library is an invaluable resource for discovering competitor and industry ads. Here’s a step-by-step guide to utilizing it effectively for free.

Step 1: Visit the Facebook Ads Library

Start by going to the Facebook Ads Library. Navigate to facebook.com/ads/library.

1. Choose Your Country: Select your country from the drop-down menu.
2. Select Ad Category: For general browsing, choose “Ads for General Browsing.”
3. Search by Brand or Keyword:
   • Brand Example: Use well-known brand names like Nike, Canva, or Airbnb.
   • Keywords: Alternatively, input terms related to the product, industry, or niche you’re targeting.

Hit enter to explore the ads currently running.

Step 2: Filter Results

Once you have your search results, it’s time to narrow them down for better insights.

• Platform: Use filters on the left side to select the platform—choose from Facebook, Instagram, or Messenger.
• Media Type: You can filter by the media format, such as image, video, or carousel.
• Language: Select the language relevant to your audience.
• Impression Date: If you want to find the latest viral video ads, choose "Video" only and sort by the most recent.

Step 3: Analyze the Ads

When examining an ad, focus on the following elements:

• Creative Style: Note the design, colors, and overall aesthetic.
• Video Edits: If applicable, take note of the editing style in videos.
• Ad Copy: Review the headline and primary text.
• Offers: Look for elements like discounts, urgency, or unique value propositions.
• Landing Page: Click the call-to-action (CTA) button to discover where it leads.

Consider these questions as you analyze:

• What makes this ad eye-catching?
• What problem is it solving?
• Who is the target audience?

Step 4: Create a Swipe File

As you find ads that resonate or perform well, create a swipe file.

• Take Screenshots: Capture images of the best-performing ads.
• Save Links: Keep track of links to these ads for future reference.

This swipe file will serve as a valuable resource for creative inspiration, copyright ideas, offer structures, and more.

Conclusion

Utilizing the Facebook Ads Library is a smart way to stay informed about competitor strategies and industry trends. By following these steps, you can effectively analyze and gather insights to enhance your own advertising efforts. Thank you for reading!