How to Design Instagram Ads: Steps, Tips, and Iconic Templates

As Instagram has reached three billion monthly users, brands are making serious efforts to acquire more leads and generate demand through Instagram ads. Similarly, the demand for professional Instagram ad designers has rapidly increased in 2025. Hence, hiring a professional designer becomes an expensive investment for small businesses. 

So, if you’re a solopreneur or operate a micro-agency, you must know how to design Instagram ads to target the massive audience for your business on Instagram.

In this blog, I’ll tell you how to become a pro IG ad designer with essential details and a step-by-step design guide to attract Instagram’s massive audience. Moreover, I’ll showcase the magic of DocHipo’s Instagram ad maker that can make your creative journey stress-free. 

What is Instagram Advertising

It’s a paid social media marketing strategy that targets Instagram users for brand promotion, product feature demonstrations, and pitching sales. 

When you design Instagram ads, you’re creating sponsored posts that appear in the Instagram feed. Instagram post ads look like the regular ones in your feed, except they contain a “sponsored” tag. For effective IG advertisements, you need a concrete campaign strategy and prominent ad design skills. 

In simple terms, you’re paying to get your message seen by people who matter most to your business. Whether you want to promote a product, boost brand awareness, or drive website traffic, Instagram ads help you reach them where they already spend a lot of time scrolling.

Are Instagram Ads Worth It

In 2025, the number of Instagram ad audience has reached over 1.47 billion users globally. Whereas the number of daily Instagram users is close to 500 million, and that’s constantly growing. Moreover, Instagram is a sweet spot for a younger audience, a generation that loves to search, explore, and purchase everything on the internet. 

From small businesses to global names, everyone’s moving its ad strategies to the visual-first social media platform, Instagram. In some cases, Instagram ads even brought more ROI than other platforms. So, if you’re thinking about targeting a vast audience and seizing more impactful marketing opportunities over time, you must try Instagram ad campaigns.

5 Details You Need to Know Before Designing Instagram Ads

If there’s anything you would want to know about the most effective instagram ads, here are the five essential tips that will help you create Instagram ads that generate conversions for your business.

1. Have a Specific Goal for the Instagram Ad Design

Every ad campaign has a particular objective. So, define your Instagram ad’s purpose; whether it’s for brand awareness, product engagement, or lead conversions.

When you know what results you’re expecting from such ads, you can chalk out a reasonable strategy and match your visuals with ad objectives.

2. Know Your Target Audience

The second most important thing while designing an Instagram ad is targeting the right audience. Carefully segmenting your IG advertisement audience based on demographics, location, interests, behaviors, and lookalike targets will help you create meaningful visuals that consistently receive engagement and conversion nudges. 

3. Know Various Instagram Ad Types

When you’ve set a specific marketing goal and researched the target audience, you can finally choose an Instagram ad format for the campaign.

• Instagram image ads: Use compelling photos and sharp text to create a visually stimulating campaign. If designing ads feels taxing, you can use a bold and intriguing instagram ad template, like the following, to spread a clear message that can’t go unseen.

Get This Template and More

• Instagram video ads: You can create up to 120-second video ads in square format for peak visual delight. Moreover, you can use raw footage of product demonstrations to capture the real side of your brand. People on the internet like to see authenticity, and such video ads can subtly enhance your branding and engagement. 

• Reels: Instagram is becoming increasingly popular day by day for its reels; with nearly tens of billions of views for IG reels, it has become one of the most in-demand Instagram ad options. 

• Instagram story ads: If you want to blend smartly with organic content, story ads on Instagram are the most underrated gems. Though you’ll find the “sponsored” tag in the ad content, it blends so seamlessly with other IG stories that one might not recognize it as an ad at first glance. 

• Instagram carousel ads: Carousel ads for instagram are perfect for showing new launches, product features, and the latest offers. With numerous slides of videos and photos, you can create a unique brand story that develops on each side. 

• Collection ads: If you like collage style, you can create a similar aesthetic with IG collection ads, where you can present videos and pictures in a grid-like structure.

• IG explore ads: The Explore section on Instagram is like a window into everything new and trending. It’s where people head when they’re curious to find fresh content or dive into topics beyond the accounts they already follow. For brands and creators, it’s a golden chance to join the conversation around what’s popular and culturally relevant.

4. Know Accurate Instagram Ad Sizes

You need to be careful about Instagram ad sizes according to their different formats. Here’s a basic guideline for getting started with the instagram ad size:

• Instagram Image Ad: Vertical images (9:16), Landscape images (1.91:1), and Square images (1:1), at least 1080 X 1080 pixels.

• Instagram Ad Video Size: 1080 X 1080 pixels, video file size within 4 GB.

• Instagram Story Ad Size: 1080 X 1920 pixels or the aspect ratio of 9:16.

• Instagram Carousel Ad Size: 1080 X 1080 pixels or 1:1 aspect ratio.

• Instagram Explore Ad Size: 1080 X 1080 pixels.

• Instagram Reels Ad: At least 720 pixels, between 1.91:1 and 9:16 aspect ratio.

5. Required Set Up for Publishing Instagram Ads

As Instagram is now a part of the Facebook family, all Instagram advertising runs through the Meta ad platform. So, first, you need a Facebook account to create and manage your Instagram ad campaigns. You also need to set up a professional Instagram account to set up Instagram ads. 

Once you get the basics done, let’s figure out how to design Instagram ads like a skilled marketing professional. 

How to Design Instagram Ads with Actionable Steps

Making a high-converting Instagram ad can be difficult if you don’t know how to design Instagram ads with the following steps. While working with diversified businesses, I’ve seen companies lose the opportunity to build a strong brand image due to unskilled ad designers. Sometimes it’s not just about tools but also the design fundamentals that help you go a long way! 

1. Make Eye-catching Visuals for Instant Attention

If you want to design Instagram ad creatives that stop time for the usual IG scrollers, start with striking, high-quality visuals that instantly draw the eye. Make sure every image or video reflects your brand’s tone and feels relevant to your message. 

If you’re not sure how to use visuals to woo your leads, you can use a professionally designed template! Check out the following footwear IG ad template that not only gets seen but also gets remembered.

Get This Template and More

2. Add Clear, Bold Text

Instagram ad copy is one of the most crucial parts of designing Instagram post ads. Text should guide your viewer, not overwhelm them. Use readable fonts and highlight only what matters to convey your promotional message. So, let your visuals do the talking while your words seal the deal, just like shown in the template below.

Get This Template and More

And remember the simple rule of using 20% text in the ad design to let crisp, short, and wise words create a prominent brand narrative. When it comes to Instagram ad designs, less is always more! 

3. Balance Color and Contrast for a Pleasing Experience

Colors can make or break your ad design. So, use shades that match your brand personality and create contrast to make key elements pop. The trick is to grab attention without overwhelming the viewer with a balanced color combination.

Look at the perfect example of using a balanced contrast palette in an Instagram ad with the following ad template. 

Get This Template and More

4. Tell a Visual Story to Drive Actions

People connect with stories, not sales pitches. So, your IG ad should not be about selling your product but providing an experience that your audience is crazy for. You can use relatable visuals and genuine expressions for a spot-on emotional marketing trick, like the following beauty ad template. 

Get This Template and More

An emotionally driven narrative not only gets visible but also inspires clicks, shares, and organic conversations.

5. Maintain Brand & Visual Consistency

Consistency builds trust, and that’s why you should never miss a spot to add brand elements in the ad design. Gain online visibility with stunning brand palettes, exclusive IG filters, and a visual style so your audience recognizes you instantly. 

Also, pair fonts that complement each other to weave the design in an aesthetic tale. Also, keep the typography consistent across every ad, like a signature visual rhythm. Here’s a travel ad template that spreads the freshness and excitement of a retreat presented through a fun font pairing.

Get This Template and More

6. Keep the Ad Creative Neat and Clean with Clutter-Free Visual Arrangements

Your Instagram ad design should be elegant and persuasive enough to compel IG users to gaze at every element of the ad. Your audience will be able to grasp the visually inspiring content only if the design is simple, sober, and easily scannable. 

To achieve an impactful and clutter-free visual ad, use white space strategically and focus on delivering one message. Check the eye-catching food IG ad template that smartly utilizes the white space in the canvas, neatly arranging the beautiful graphics to grab attention in the right places.

Get This Template and More

7. Add a Compelling CTA (Call-to-Action) 

Always use a clear, short, and strong CTA so that your ad viewers don’t have to second-guess. Your CTAs should align with the Instagram ad design so that the audience can take the next step. If you use the right call-to-action for your ad design, you can turn your leads into loyal customers. 

For inspiration, look at the following fashion ad for Instagram for choosing a bold CTA and placing it at a visible spot. 

Get This Template and More

8. Experiment with Video and Animation

Static Instagram ads are very popular and obviously engaging, but motion and strategic movement in visual ads will get you more clicks. Video ads and short reels are marketers’ favourites because they conquer everyone’s attention with stronger persuasive techniques. 

Using animations and story-driven videos within 15 seconds can increase brand awareness, as motion videos may compel your audience to visit your website or make a purchase.

9. Make Mobile-Responsive Instagram Ad Designs

With over 1.5 billion monthly active users scrolling Instagram mostly on their phones, a mobile-first design is non-negotiable. To make your ad designs mobile-friendly, be careful with Instagram ad sizes, readable visual displays, and square formats. Check out an Instagram ad template that’s already in high-resolution, mobile-friendly format for boosting engagement and sharability. 

Get This Template and More

If you follow the above steps one by one, you’ll be able to create ad creatives more efficiently. Now that you’ve got the comprehensive design guidelines, it’s time to explore a new tool that can change your design experience. 

How DocHipo Makes Instagram Ad Design Effortless

If you want a tool that meets all your Instagram ad design needs without any hassle of complex software, then try the new design tool. Once you sign up for DocHipo, you can explore various Instagram ad templates equipped for all types of businesses.

1. Pre-designed, Professional Instagram Ad Templates that Save Time

DocHipo makes challenging tasks of designing Instagram ads a cakewalk with premium-quality, professionally designed templates. 

From business to beauty, fashion to footwear, food ventures to hotels, and real estate to the travel industry, choose amazing IG ad templates to create a striking visual story for your brand. 

The best part is that you don’t have to bore yourself with doom-scrolling for free and paid templates in the library, as they’re well-segmented for ease of use. 

Watch the video below to find templates in DocHipo with a click.

2. Customization Made Easy with Well-Sorted Design Assets

What makes DocHipo the disruptor in the realm of graphic design and Instagram ads makers is its simple, stress-free, and beginner-friendly UI with an intuitive drag-and-drop editor that makes customizing templates as smooth as butter. 

If you want captivating visuals, try the free, unlimited stock images and videos in high resolution to build a story that’s unforgettable for the viewers. Let’s take a look at the picture below, as I choose to edit an Instagram ad for business template with a dynamic stock image.

A relevant stock image can transform the graphics with a power-packed punch of personality and pleasing aesthetics.

You can explore feature-rich design widgets and try vibrant background colors, patterns, and high-quality, theme-specific vector graphics to mold your story into an engagement magnet. 

You can also customize your design with personalized visuals by uploading them to DocHipo. Check out the video to learn how to upload photos in DocHipo.

3. Perfect Scoop of Persuasive Scripts and Copies with AI Writer

It gets really nerve-wracking when you have too many deadlines and multiple campaigns going on side-by-side. Crafting heart-spinning ad scripts and scroll-stopping copies can look like a far-fetched thing. That’s why DocHipo AI Writer can be your best friend in writing persuasive texts for Instagram ads. 

Now, I’ll show you how to design Instagram ads smoothly and quickly with the AI tool. I’ll edit the following template to include an impactful description that upholds a strong brand voice.

With simple prompts and several tones, such as excited, friendly, professional, and more, you can craft engaging content within minutes.

Watch the video below to learn more about the AI Writer. 

4. Get Compelling Visual Stories with AI Image

Using AI to create instagram ads is the latest hype, and if you’ve been missing out on that, DocHipo’s AI Image tool will help you catch up with it. Additionally, using a powerful image generation tool has become indispensable for overcoming generic visuals and creating unique pictures that are hard to find on the internet.

So, let’s pick a travel Instagram ad template to showcase how easy it is to create a top-notch, polished ad design with DocHipo’s AI image. 

Now, I’ve edited this template to make it suitable for an IG ad design for promoting a safari adventure package. Let’s create an appealing visual story with the intuitive text-to-image AI tool by adding a simple, descriptive prompt and choosing trending styles, such as realistic, nostalgic, cinematic, 3D, cartoon, and more. 

Watch the video below to learn more about the AI image tool. 

5. Effortless Branding with DocHipo Brand Kits

Adding brand assets one by one can be frustrating because it’s time-consuming and tedious! So, use DocHipo Brand Kits to store every brand element you’ll ever need in one place and use them with one click. 

Watch the video to learn how to use DocHipo Brand Kits for cohesive branding in every design.

After editing the template, simply go to the top-right corner and click on the download button to save it on your device.

With such convenient and essential customization features in DocHipo, creating ads for Instagram becomes a cakewalk for busy professionals and emerging social media marketers. 

Conclusion

Now you know the basics of how to design Instagram ads, and if you follow the pro Instagram ad tips, your brand will become a juggernaut of online sensation. Moreover, if you want to make IG ads quickly like a design wizard and promote your brand story with dynamic aesthetics, consider using DocHipo’s smart editing features and head-turning IG ad templates. Sign up for an effortless design experience!

FAQ

1. What is Instagram ad?

Instagram ads are sponsored content that you get to see on your IG feed. It can be seen in many forms, such as Instagram post ads with images, IG video ads, reels, carousels, collections, story ads, etc. You can design ads and pay to publish them on Instagram so that your targeted audience can receive your brand’s message. 

If you want to make stunning Instagram ads easily and quickly without hiring professional designers, consider using DocHipo’s IG ad templates and intuitive editing features!

2. What does an instagram ad look like?

An Instagram advertisement can come in many different formats. You can create IG image ads, videos, and reels, story ads, or carousels to promote your brand. Millions of IG users view these ads, so make sure you use eye-catching graphics and professional copy. 

In that case, DocHipo’s AI Writer and AI image tool, along with vibrant templates and powerful customization tools, can make your job less stressful and more impactful without taking an extra minute. 

3. How to create Instagram ads?

You can use Instagram ad makers like DocHipo to create mesmerizing visual stories with premium-quality templates, stock images and videos, vector graphics, AI tools, and brand kits. Such intuitive and flexible tools, including a drag-and-drop editor, will help you design Instagram ads in a jiffy. 

4. How to make instagram ads for business?

You can follow the steps below to make Instagram ads for a brand:

• Set your IG ad’s objective
• Find the right audience to target on Instagram
• Create a professional Facebook and IG account
• Design eye-catching visuals with appealing graphics and colors
• Use clear, brief, bold text for the ad
• Balance out the color contrast
• Create a visual story with art and marketing data
• Focus on branding with brand logo, colors, typography
• Keep the IG ad design clutter-free
• Select bold CTAs
• Use videos and animation formats for more engagement
• Make mobile-responsive designs 

5. Which picture format is best for instagram?

JPEG and PNG formats are best for making Instagram image ads.