How to Use the Facebook Ads Library

If you’ve ever wanted to know what ads your competitors are running, or simply study successful advertising strategies, Facebook Ads Library is one of the most powerful free tools available. Launched in 2019, it offers complete transparency into the ads running across Facebook and Instagram.

What is the Facebook Ads Library?

The Facebook Ads Library is a searchable database that allows anyone to view active ads running on Facebook and its connected platforms (like Instagram and Messenger). It was initially created to provide transparency around political ads, but it quickly expanded to include all types of ads.

You can search by brand, keyword, or topic and see information such as:

• The ad creative (images, videos, text)

• When the ad started running

• Platforms where the ad is active

• If it’s a political or social issue ad, extra data like spend and audience targeting

Why Use the Facebook Ads Library?

Here are a few reasons why the Ads Library is incredibly useful:

• Competitor Research: See what campaigns your competitors are running.

• Ad Inspiration: Find ideas for your own ad designs, offers, and messaging.

• Market Research: Understand how brands communicate in different industries.

• Transparency: Check who is behind certain ads, especially political or controversial ones.

• Optimization: Spot trends like ad formats and messaging that perform well.

How to Access the Facebook Ads Library

Accessing the Ads Library is very simple:

1. Go to https://www.facebook.com/ads/library/.

2. Select the country you want to search in (you can view ads by country).

3. Type a keyword, advertiser name, or page name into the search bar.

How to Search and Navigate

Here’s how to make the most of your search:

1. Basic Search
   Simply type in a brand name like “Nike” or a keyword like “fitness supplements.” Press Enter, and the library will pull up all matching ads.

2. Filter Your Results
   After your initial search, use filters such as:

   • Platform: Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, Audience Network

   • Media Type: Image, Video, Carousel

   • Active or Inactive: View only currently active ads or also see those that have ended (some categories like politics will let you see inactive ads too).

3. View Ad Details
   Click on an ad to see more:

   • Exact text, images, or videos used

   • Start date

   • Multiple versions of the ad if the advertiser is A/B testing creatives

4. Political Ads
   If the ad is political or about social issues, Facebook also shows:

   • Amount spent

   • Who paid for the ad

   • Audience demographic targeting (age, gender, location)

Tips for Using Facebook Ads Library Effectively

• Study Patterns: Look at ads that have been running for a long time. Longevity often means the ad is performing well.

• Take Notes: Observe ad copy styles, offers, designs, and call-to-actions.

• Track Competitors: Regularly check your competitors’ ads to spot promotions, new product launches, and marketing strategies.

• Analyze Top Brands: See how the biggest brands in your industry structure their ad funnels and creatives.

• Get Creative Ideas: Use the Library as a mood board for your own marketing ideas, especially when you’re stuck on how to promote your products.

The Facebook Ads Library is an incredible free tool that gives you an insider look at how brands, influencers, and political groups are advertising across Facebook and Instagram.