How to Create a Thumb-Stopping Facebook Ad Creative

A good Facebook ad conveys its offer clearly. An outstanding Facebook ad makes you forget you're even looking at an ad in the first place.

So, what makes achieving good Facebook ad design so tricky in the first place?

In a second, we'll tackle that question head-on. We'll provide 9 best practices for creating outstanding Facebook ads and showcase some examples to inspire your next campaign.

Here we go!

What is a Facebook ad creative?

Since we'll be reviewing best practices and examples of ad creatives, it's critical that we first understand what part of the ad we're discussing.

A typical Facebook ad has several different components:

The primary text is the first text that appears when viewing the ad from top to bottom. It can be short, like in this example, or several paragraphs long.

The creative is the image (or video) aspect of your ad. The creative can include copy (text) in it as well. This part of the ad is what we'll be focusing on today.

The headline appears below the creative, and its job is to cleverly emphasize the CTA. The headline is best kept short (under 40 characters).

The description is right below the headline and should be used to support the offer at hand. You can use this space to add a value proposition or product/pricing information.

Lastly, we have the CTA (or call-to-action) button. The call-to-action buttons are pre-made by Facebook, and what you have available depends on your chosen campaign objective. You should select a CTA button for the offer you're trying to convey. If your goal is a purchase, a CTA like 'Shop now' would be better than 'Learn more.'

The most popular Facebook ad types

The tricky part of developing a solid creative strategy is using the correct Facebook ad formats for your campaign in the first place.

There are 6 basic types of Facebook ads, each with its specific Facebook ad size, specs, and placement requirements.

#1 Image ad

This is the most straightforward and basic type of ad format available. These single-image ads work with all campaign objectives and are relatively easy to create compared to others on this list. They're quick to make and budget-friendly since you don't need video editors or fancy shoots—just a strong visual and compelling copy.

However, since you don’t have a lot of creative real estate to play with, you need to find interesting ways to make your ad pop in a busy feed. Take Curology’s approach, for example—they went all in with a looot of purple, paired with big, bold white text across the creative. Simple, yet impossible to scroll past.

#2 Video ad

Videos shine when explaining more nuanced product details, showcasing before-and-after content, and building excitement and engagement.

Take this Studio Neat ad, for example. The video fully uses the extra creative space, giving the company a minute and a half to sell its nifty craft knife. The approach is slow, playful, and relatable, making it fun and effortlessly engaging.

#3 Carousel ad

Facebook carousel ads are hands down one of the most versatile ad formats—swipeable individual cards bundled together under a single ad. Each card acts like a 'mini ad' on its own, allowing you to showcase different products, tell a story, or highlight various features. Whether you go all-in with images, stick to just videos, or combine the best of both worlds, carousel ads open up endless creative possibilities. 

These are also great for showing off multiple products at once while giving each item space to shine. You can create these cards individually or use Advantage+ catalog ads (formerly “dynamic product ads”) to enable an automated upselling/cross-selling strategy.

Audio Radar is an excellent example of maximizing carousel ads. They kick things off with a demonstrative video showcasing their product in action. And I absolutely love that they added subtitles to the video so no one misses a thing, especially for those who are watching with the sound off. Then, they use the remaining cards to highlight different USPs, keeping the momentum going and giving viewers a clear breakdown of what makes their product stand out.

#4 Collection ad

At first glance, the collection ad format might look similar to carousel ads, but it offers a unique experience. Collection ads feature one main spotlight—whether it’s an image, video, or GIF—followed by a series of supporting images or videos beneath it. For example, you could showcase a lifestyle image of a model in full attire as the primary visual, with the individual pieces displayed below. You can also highlight your best-selling product and showcase its variants in the series below.

But here’s where things get interesting—tapping on a collection ad unlocks an entirely different experience. It opens a fast-loading, landing page-style view where you can feature a product catalog, showcase your items in action, and add extra sales copy to seal the deal. 

One important thing to note: these ads are mobile-only, so ensure you design with a mobile-first mindset.

#5 Slideshow ad

Creating video ads from scratch can be daunting, especially for new businesses with limited resources. Slideshow ads offer a simple, budget-friendly alternative that doesn’t require professional video production skills.

Slideshow ads turn your standard images into a dynamic, animated experience that mimics the feel of a video without the hefty production costs. Facebook makes it easy to create these ads by letting you upload multiple images, add transitions, and even include license-free music to enhance the storytelling. The best part? You can do it all directly within Facebook’s ad setup; no fancy tools are required.

Another considerable advantage of slideshow ads is their practicality. Because they’re much smaller in file size than traditional videos, they load faster and consume up to 5x less data, making them ideal for reaching audiences with slower internet connections or limited data plans.

Whether you’re looking to showcase products, highlight key features, or simply grab attention with engaging visuals, slideshow ads provide a cost-effective way to create eye-catching content that drives results without breaking the bank. 

9 Facebook ad creative best practices

Creating strong ad creatives for Facebook requires a blend of art and science. Here are some best practices to help you craft high-performing ads:

1. Visual appeal

Your ad's visual elements, whether images or videos, are the first things users notice. Ensure your visuals are high-quality, relevant to your product, and eye-catching. Use bright colors, clear images, and captivating videos to grab attention. Consider incorporating your brand colors and logo for consistency. Show emotional connections by featuring people enjoying your products in real-life scenarios, helping your audience envision themselves using and benefiting from your offer.

2. Clear messaging

Keep your primary text concise and impactful. The first few lines should immediately communicate your core message and value proposition. Avoid overwhelming your audience with too much information; focus on delivering a clear, compelling message that speaks directly to their needs. 

3. Strong headlines

Your headline should be short and impactful, ideally under 40 characters. It should complement your primary text and emphasize the call to action (CTA). A strong headline should pique curiosity and encourage users to read more or take action.

4. Compelling call to action

Your CTA isn't just about the button—it's about guiding users to take the next step throughout your ad. While Facebook offers preset button options like "Shop Now" or "Sign Up," you can reinforce your CTA within the ad copy. Use persuasive language in your headline, primary text, and visuals to align with your campaign goal and create a sense of urgency. For example, a headline like “Don't Miss Out – Limited Stock!” or primary text such as “Order today and get 20% off – offer ends soon!” can encourage immediate action.

5. Mobile optimization

With 81.8% of Facebook users accessing the platform via mobile devices, optimizing your ads for mobile viewing is necessary. Ensure your high-quality images and videos are formatted to fit smaller screens without losing impact. Keep your text concise, legible, and straight to the point to capture attention quickly as users scroll through their feeds. A mobile-friendly approach ensures your ads are visually appealing and easy to engage with on any device.

6. Test and iterate

Creative testing different versions of your ad is crucial to understanding what clicks the most with your audience. Try experimenting with various elements like images, headlines, ad copy, and calls to action to pinpoint what drives the most engagement and conversions. Analyzing performance data from these tests helps you make informed adjustments, fine-tuning your creatives for better results over time. 

7. Use captions for videos

Most Facebook users watch videos without sound, so adding captions can help convey your message effectively. Captions make your content accessible to a broader audience and ensure no one misses your message.

8. Incorporate user-generated content

Showcasing content your customers create adds a layer of authenticity and trust that polished ads can’t replicate. Whether it’s reviews, testimonials, or real-life photos, user-generated content (UGC) helps potential buyers see your product in action from a relatable perspective. Plus, it makes your brand feel more genuine and approachable—because nothing sells better than happy customers sharing their experiences.

9. Avoid creative fatigue

Creative fatigue happens when audiences repeatedly see the same ads, causing them to become desensitized or uninterested. As a result, key performance metrics like clicks, engagement, and conversions tend to decline. Refreshing ad creatives regularly helps to combat this and maintain audience interest. Switch up your content with different formats, styles, and messaging.

Experiment with new ideas, seasonal themes, and trending visuals to intrigue your audience. Learn how to use the Facebook Ad Library and check it regularly—it's a goldmine for inspiration and a great way to stay on top of industry trends and see what’s working for others in your niche. 

I know that creating fresh content regularly is overwhelming—and, let’s be honest, costly, too. But here’s where AI comes to the rescue. Madgicx’s AI Ad Generator does the heavy lifting in your entire ad design process, from brainstorming to creation. 

With the AI Ad Generator, you can produce multiple ads quickly and affordably; plus, you never have to worry about the dreaded creative block! Create your Facebook ad variations in three ways: 

• Choose a top-performing ad and let the AI Ad Generator create similar ads.
• Upload a product photo, and our AI will craft ad options with an aesthetic that perfectly compliments your product. 
• Browse Madgicx’s Ad Library, pick an ad that resonates with your brand, and let the AI Ad Generator deliver equally captivating ads. 

Need a final tweak? The AI Editor lets you adjust elements, remove what you don’t need, and add your own text for a personal touch.

See for yourself—start your 7-day free trial now.

Standout Facebook ad creative examples

And now, the fun part! Let’s see examples of how some brands have nailed their Facebook ad creatives. These Facebook ad examples are packed with inspiration to spark new ideas for your campaigns. 

1. True Classic

Remember when we talked about how carousel ads open up endless creative possibilities? Well, True Classic took that idea and turned a simple carousel into a mini action movie. They spoof Ocean’s Eleven with their twist, Outfit’s Eleven, where each carousel card represents a different “movie chapter.” Sure, it’s a little out there, but there are only so many ways to make a basic T-shirt exciting. True Classic chose to think outside the box—and straight into the box office! If you have a bit more budget to play with, why not have fun with your ads, too?

2. Megababe + Supergoop

Now, if you’re not exactly working with a big budget, don’t worry—these two image ads by Megababe and Supergoop prove that a great Facebook ad doesn’t need a massive spend. Both brands use standard product shots and bring energy with bold background colors that instantly grab attention. You can also sneak in fun call-outs for your USPs—a clever way to make the most of the limited space in image ads.

They also hook you with strong, punchy headlines. Megababe’s “It’s a bad day to be a razor bump” adds humor and a cheeky little jab at the common enemy—razor bumps. Supergoop’s “Bestsellers for a reason” brings in some solid social proof, telling you that these products are top-rated for a reason. 

So, if you don’t have fancy product images or the budget for costly lifestyle shots, don’t stress—just come up with the most attention-grabbing headline you can think of.

3. NORD

What I love about this Nord ad is how they’ve kept it simple—no fancy locations or props. Instead, they’ve invested in a quality camera (which, let’s be honest, is probably just the latest smartphone). The ad is shot in a demonstrative POV style, drawing you in and making you feel like you’re experiencing the product. Even though the production looks top-notch, it’s likely filmed in their office by one of their team members. So, if you've got a smartphone, there’s really no excuse not to create a stellar product ad!

4. Peak Design

Speaking of smartphones, I’m willing to bet anyone can replicate this Peak design ad in about 60 seconds. No fancy gimmicks, no fancy crew - Just a product, a smartphone, and some clever, relatable copy. Next time you head out, grab your product, find a spot that makes sense for your brand, and think of something witty to write. It’s that simple to create a Facebook ad that connects.

5. Lelive

If you're running an eCommerce store, take a cue from Lelive’s collection ad strategy. They lead with a demo video showcasing their product range. At the same time, the catalog images highlight their award-winning products—complete with badges—alongside other curated kits tailored to different customer needs. If your product’s racking up rave reviews or winning awards, don’t hold back—show it off in your ads!

And that clever “100% satisfaction guarantee” CTA? It’s the chef’s kiss that gives shoppers peace of mind when they hit that Shop Now button.

Can’t get enough of these Facebook ad examples? Don’t stress; we’ve got an entire Madgicx Ad Library for you to get lost in. Browse top Meta ads of all formats and sizes in your industry.

FAQs

Got questions? We’ve got answers 🔥

How do I change my ad creative on Facebook ads?

Changing your ad creative on Facebook ads is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:

1. Access Ads Manager and log into your account.
2. Locate the campaign that contains the ad you want to edit and click on it.
3. Find and select the ad set that houses the specific ad within the campaign.
4. Click on the "Ads" tab and find the ad you want to change. Click on the ad name to open the ad editing interface.
5. Change the creative: The ad editing interface allows you to modify various ad elements, including images, videos, text, and call-to-action buttons. To change the visual creative (images or videos), click on the media section and upload a new image or video.
6. Review your changes to ensure everything looks correct. Once satisfied, click the "Save" or "Publish" button to update your ad.

What is Advantage+ Creative on Facebook ads?

Advantage+ Creative on Facebook ads automatically creates multiple versions of an ad from a single image or video by adjusting brightness, contrast, filters, and more. It also personalizes the ad for each user based on their preferences. By making these variations and optimizations, Advantage+ Creative simplifies the ad creation process and enhances ad performance with minimal effort from the advertiser. 

How do I turn on Advantage+ Creative?

​​To turn on Advantage+ Creative for your Facebook ads, follow these steps:

1. Login to your Facebook Ads Manager.
2. Create a new ad or select an existing one.
3. Select ad format. You can use a single image or video for your ad.
4. Upload your image or video and fill in the primary text, headline, and description.
5. Proceed to the "Optimize" section. Here, you'll see options to apply Advantage+ Creative enhancements.
6. Turn on enhancements: Click on "Edit" in the Advantage+ Creative section and preview the potential enhancements. You can choose to apply all optimizations or select specific enhancements.
7. Save changes and publish your ad.

Conclusion

Creating thumb-stopping Facebook ad creatives doesn’t have to be a daunting task—it’s all about knowing your audience and delivering a clear, engaging, and on-brand message. Whether it’s a simple image or a video, every ad has the potential to shine if you keep these key strategies in mind. Keep the visuals strong, the messaging concise, and the call to action clear; your audience will be more likely to take the next step.

And remember, creative fatigue is real, so refresh your approach regularly with new ideas and trends to stay ahead. You’ve got this! 💪