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How to Use the Meta Ads Library: How to See Competitor's Ads on Facebook/Instagram

Writer's picture: Sotirios SeridisSotirios Seridis

If you are looking for a quick and easy way to check competitive ads on Facebook or Instagram, this guide is for you! Keep scrolling to find how to use the Meta Ads Library to see your competitor's ads on the Meta Ads Ecosystem!







How to use the Meta Ads Library:

How do I see competitors' ads on Facebook/Instagram?


  1. Navigate to Meta Ads Library

  2. Select your Country and select "All Ads"

  3. Start typing the name of an Advertiser and select your competitor

  4. Click on "Filters" to choose the platform, media type, dates, and language





How to Make the Most of Meta Ads Library


Get Creative Inspiration 💡

Running out of fresh ideas for your campaigns? The Meta Ads Library is a goldmine of inspiration! Here's what you can do:


  • Browse active ads in your industry to discover trending visuals and messaging approaches. You might find everything from clever memes to engaging user-generated content and interactive quizzes.

  • Look beyond your industry! Sometimes the best ideas come from unexpected places. While you shouldn't copy directly, you can adapt creative concepts to fit your brand and market perfectly.





Competitive Analysis 🔍


Take a close look at what your competitors are doing, and see which areas they are paying the most attention to or areas where they are not paying attention at all.


Check against the following list and questions to ask when analyzing your competitor's ads:


  1. Creative Assets: How are their visuals? What is their style?

  2. Creative Formats: What type of creative formats are they using? Are they using images, carousels, videos, etc? Are they using user-generated content, product shots, feature videos, etc?

  3. Key Messaging: What are their main headlines in the copy and the creative? What are they communicating? Are they talking about USPs, offers, brand values, etc?

  4. Ad Copy: Are they using emojis? Is the text long or short? What is their tone of delivery?

  5. Call to Action: What call to action are they using? How does the copy complement or lead up to the CTA?

  6. Landing Page: Where are the ads directed to on competitors' websites? What is the customer journey like on their landing pages?

  7. Platform: What are the platforms they are using? Where are they showing their ads? Are they advertising only on specific channels?

  8. Target Market: Who is the ad talking to? Are they referring to specific audiences? (e.g. copies like "get code off 1st purchase" are likely to be targeted at prospective customers, whilst copies like "get extra discount on your next purchase" are likely retargeting existing customers)

  9. A/B Testing: What are they testing in all their ad variations? What are the differences in each variation's images, copy, color, style, etc?

  10. Partner Collaborations: Are your competitors collaborating with partners? Who are these people / influencers / brands?

  11. Best Practices: Which of your competitors' ads have been running for a long time? This is an indicator that these ads are working well and you should adapt them into your strategy.


Remember that the goal is not to copy what your rivals are doing. You can take inspiration from their best ads, but ultimately the best strategy to beat your competitors is to differentiate yourself. Analyze all their ads and take notes of the good and the bad, and use this information to advise your marketing strategy.





Stay Ahead of Industry Trends 📈


  • Discover new competitors you might not have known about

  • Spot emerging trends in your industry

  • Identify gaps in the market that you can fill

  • Track what's working (and what's not) in your sector






Frequently asked questions on Meta Ads Library


What is the Meta Ads Library?


The Meta Ads Library is a searchable database that provides access to all active and inactive ads running on Facebook and Instagram over the last 7 years. It includes detailed information about each ad from various advertisers, which allows users to view and analyze these ads, including details about the ad content, demographics, and limited performance metrics.



What types of ads can I find in the Meta Ads Library?


The Meta Ads Library includes all types of ads running on Meta platforms, including promotional ads, political ads, and ads related to social issues. You can view various media types such as images, videos, collection, carousel, and other ads.



What information can I find in the Meta Ads Library?


The Meta Ads Library provides a wealth of information, including:

  • Advertiser's name

  • Ad content and creative

  • Ad format

  • Ad spend and impressions

  • Ad status (active / inactive)

  • Ad dates (start and end dates)

  • Landing page link

  • Target demographics

  • Funding information for political ads



Can I see the performance metrics of ads in the Meta Ads Library?


No, the Meta Ads Library does not provide detailed performance metrics such as click-through rates or conversion rates. It focuses on ad transparency and visibility rather than performance data. However, it does offer some basic information that can help you gauge the effectiveness of ads indirectly.



How long are ads archived in the Meta Ads Library?


Ads are archived in the Meta Ads Library for seven years from their start date. This ensures transparency and allows users to review past advertising strategies.




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