How the Facebook Ad Library Will Give You a Competitive Edge

It’s rare in business that you can get insight into the plans and tactics of another company or organization. Typically, everything about how a company is run is kept close to the vest to avoid giving anything away to the competition.  

With the Facebook Ad Library, however, you have an opportunity to gain exciting insights into ads run by anyone on any of the various Facebook properties, making market research for ads much simpler.  

This database of information provides transparency about advertising on Facebook. It gives marketers an exciting opportunity to examine what others are doing on these popular platforms. 

What is Facebook Ad Library? 

The Facebook Ad Library is a tool you can use to gather information about the ads running currently on Facebook and other sites/apps within the Facebook family. So, if you see an advertisement while you are using Facebook, and you would like to know more about that ad, you can visit the ads library to do some research. 

Advertising on Facebook is a powerful thing simply because of the reach that this platform possesses. With billions of users around the globe, it’s staggering how many people can be accessed with a single ad.  

Of course, there are practical concerns around this kind of reach, like potential interference with government elections. Also, the reach is notable for businesses of all shapes and sizes since basically every target audience can be found somewhere in the Facebook ecosystem. 

About Ads Library 

While it may have been created in political transparency, the Facebook Ads Library has had a powerful impact on marketing in the online world. With so much information available after a short search, marketers have been quick to jump on the opportunity to see what their competitors are up to.  

If you do any form of online marketing for your business, even if it doesn’t occur directly on Facebook, this tool is too good to ignore. 

Packed with Information 

A simple list of companies running ads on Facebook properties wouldn’t be beneficial from a marketing perspective. But that’s not what you get here. Instead, you have access to a significant amount of information related to each ad – enough to pull out some valuable insights and apply them to your business (more on that later).  

Whether you just want to find Meta Ads Library or check out ads on other platforms like Instagram and Messenger, you’ll find what you need here. It only takes a few moments to learn how to read the ad library report, and from there, you’ll be off and running. 

Accessible to All 

There are no restrictions on access to the ads library. If you want to see Facebook ads currently running on the platform, you can simply go to the tool and start searching. You won’t need to create an account, log in, or anything like that.  

Not only does this make the device convenient and easy to use, but it also means you can have everyone on your team make it part of their workflow without having to set up a network of accounts, manage access, etc.  

It is worth noting that this ease of access means your competition can put this tool to use, much in the same way you can. So, it’s safe to assume that if you launch a Facebook ad campaign, everyone in your industry will know what you are doing. 

Search Friendly 

The Facebook Ad Library search function is one of the key features that make it such a helpful tool. Given the volume of ads run across Facebook properties each day, you’d never be able to sort through the wild to find what you need manually.  

Fortunately, the search function works wonderfully and will help you zero in on relevant ads in just moments. For instance, you could search for the name of your industry as a starting point.  

Or, you could search the name of a competitor to see their ads specifically. The search tool works just like any other online search, so you won’t need to spend time learning how to use it to get great results. 

Puts Social Issues and Politics at the Forefront 

With the tremendous power of Facebook ads available to anyone who wishes to pay for ad space, there is the potential for political manipulation and other related problems on the platform.  

And, to be sure, these issues have become a significant talking point in some countries during past elections. One of the primary functions of viewing Facebook ads is the transparency that this tool provides.  

With just a quick search, interested parties can see not only what ads are running on Facebook but who is running them. Facebook has prioritized these types of ads within the tool, retaining them for seven years after they have stopped running. 

Critical Information About Ads 

The wealth of information provided about each ad makes FB Ads Library lookup such a worthwhile way to spend your time. By exploring the FB ad archive, you can track down many different data points, including impressions, spending, demographics, and more.  

The pieces of information that you will find helpful will depend on what your goals are with this market analysis. There is a lot to be learned from demographic info, but you can also get an idea of how much competitors are spending when they are spending, and so much more.  

As you gain experience using the Facebook Ads Library and applying it to your organization’s needs, you’ll likely develop methods for sorting, filtering, and analyzing the data to pull out valuable insights. 

Apps Supported 

While it might be called Facebook Ads Library, this tool actually pulls information for ads from across various Facebook properties. That includes Facebook itself, Instagram, Messenger, and the audience network.  

The Audience Network includes digital properties from across the web, as this is a way for publishers to show the FB Ad Library and monetize their content. So, when searching the ads library, you’ll see not only advertisements that are being shown right on Facebook and Instagram but also in countless other locations.  

This broad reach makes the Facebook ads database a practical tool even if you aren’t advertising directly on Facebook. 

How to Use FB Ad Library for Competitive Research 

The discussion we have already had about the Facebook Ads Library should have clarified what an exciting and powerful tool has been made available.  

But how do you actually put it to use in your business when performing competitive research?  

If you would like to complete some Facebook ad competitor analysis, follow the simple steps below to get started. 

1. Visit Ad Library: This is a web-based tool, so nothing to download or install on your machine. Just visit the appropriate URL, and you’ll be off and running. 

1. Select Country: You can pick the country you would like to research from the drop-down menu within the “Search ads” section. 

1. Click “Search All”: After the country field, you’ll be able to pick which kinds of ads you would like to explore. For research purposes, we suggest choosing “All ads” from this menu. 

1. Enter Search Keyword: This is where your search really starts to take shape. Like operating any other kind of search engine, you can enter keywords and phrases in the bar to direct your search appropriately. 

1. Choose Results that Match Search: While the tool works nicely with just a quick search, you can dial in your results through filtering. Available filters include platform, media type, active status, advertiser, and more. 

Even if you aren’t quite ready to get started with your first research project, head over to the tool just to try it out and perform a few sample searches. You’ll quickly get the hang of how it works, and you’ll soon be ready to leverage the power of this database to further your marketing efforts. 

How to Use the Ads Library for an Advantage 

We’d like to turn our attention to how you can put this library to work for you and your business. By looking at Facebook competitors’ ads, you can figure out what others in your industry are doing, what is working and what is not, and much more.  

To help you get started, we will highlight some ways you can use the ad library to your advantage. Of course, this is far from an exhaustive list, so you may find plenty of other beneficial ways to use it as time moves on. 

• Search Your Competitors 

This is the prominent place to start. Go to the ad library on Facebook and enter the name of some of your top competitors in the search field. What kinds of ads are they running across the Facebook network? Are they running ads at all?  

You can analyze everything about their ads, from the timing of when they are displayed to the copy they write, the demographics they target, and on and on. Evaluating the advertising methods of the competition is nothing new in business, but having a tool that will compile their ads all in one place is an excellent opportunity for streamlined research. 

• Emulate, Go Above & Beyond 

So, once you find some ads from your competitors that you like and seem to be working, you should just copy those ads, right? Not so fast.  

Rather than directly copying their ad content, your goal should be to rise above their level to earn your share of the market. So, use the Ad Library Facebook list to get some ideas, and then strive to create better ads in some way.  

For example, you might write sharper copy, take better photos, or offer more appealing deals. See the competition as your baseline, and then work up from there to set the bar higher. 

• Look for Trends 

As you search Facebook ads, remember that marketing is an ever-changing landscape. Don’t mistake thinking that what is working today will still be working tomorrow – or next year.  

Are there any notable trends that you can spot within your industry or within the broader landscape of Facebook advertising as a whole? Keeping up with the trends can help you avoid spending money on outdated ads and being ineffective with your target audience. 

• Pay Attention to Graphics 

It’s easy to focus solely on copy when creating ads, and there is no doubt that copy is essential. But don’t overlook the graphics you use to go along with that written copy.  

Specifically, video is a powerful force in the advertising landscape, as it grabs attention quickly and can deliver a concise message. With the tools available at Promo.com, you can create competitive ad videos that will help your brand stand above the rest in your field.  

You’ll notice that video ads are a trendy option on Facebook platforms. You can create your own by leaning on what Ads Library Facebook has to offer. 

• Look for Ideas Outside of Your Industries 

The scope of advertising on this platform is hard to get your head around. When you do a Facebook ad lookup, you’ll likely get a massive number of results – in the thousands or tens of thousands.  

Given the size of this database, you don’t need to limit yourself to doing research within your own industry. In fact, one of the best ways to innovate is to get away from your industry and find ideas from other areas that seem to be working.  

Try researching markets that are somewhat adjacent to your own, but not exactly the same thing. This approach might reveal ad styles that aren’t yet used in your niche, which would give you a leg up on the competition. 

Look for Time Consistencies in Successful Ads 

Now that you have a place where you can search ads running on the various Facebook platforms, you can get down into the details of the Meta Ad Library on Facebook to see how the best marketers work their magic.  

For example, are the best in your industry running ads at certain times? Do they lead up to big sales or promotions with a run of ads at a specific interval? If patterns show themselves in terms of timing, you can bet those patterns aren’t an accident.  

Instead, they are intentional based on research and testing that has already been done. Instead of reinventing the wheel, use what others are doing as an informed starting point. 

Why Businesses Use Facebook Ads 

It’s easy to understand why businesses are drawn to the Facebook ads platform – reach. There are billions of people available to target through this network of sites and apps. So every business should consider utilizing this marketing channel.  

Also, the ability to publish dynamic video advertisements is appealing for companies that want to engage with the audience and leave a lasting impression. And, thanks to tools like the Promo video maker, it’s easier than ever before to create that type of content.  

Let’s look deeper into some of the specifics of what makes Facebook such a compelling advertising option. 

• Targeted Ads 

Facebook is a powerful advertising tool in large part because of the targeting options available. Since users have provided basic personal information to create their accounts, they can target relevant advertisements.  

Your target audience can be segmented in many ways, including by age, gender, interests, location, and more. Also, if you would like to see how your competition is targeting customers so you can take a similar approach, just open the LinkedIn Ad Library and search for the relevant brand name.  

You’ll have access to valuable data about how others in your space try to find their ideal customers. 

• Measure Performance 

Anytime you spend money on a marketing venture, you need to track the results of that spending to ensure that it is worth it. Of course, it’s easier to track the return on your spending with some channels instead of others.  

On Facebook, it’s easy. You’ll be able to see essential data points like ad impressions, cost per impression, click-through rate, and more. And, thanks to Facebook ads transparency, you can get an idea of how your competitor’s ads are performing, as well as through the ad library. 

• Avoid the Wrong Demographic 

One of the easiest ways to waste money on a marketing initiative is to target the wrong people with your ads. You will pay for all of your advertising activity, so wasting some of that spend on people who won’t be interested in a big mistake.  

The Facebook ads database can help toward this end by helping you see who is traditionally targeted by what kinds of ads. You can block parts of the audience from seeing your ads, which will help you avoid unnecessary spending.  

For example, a product that is only meant for use by women might want to block men from seeing that ad on Facebook. 

• Forecast Results 

You can’t know exactly how your advertising tactics will work. But the ability to forecast results when setting up Facebook ads does help you get an idea of how much you’ll spend and how many people will find you.  

If you see ads on Facebook that you would like to know more about, how they are performing to project your own results, the ad library is the ideal tool. 

• Easy to Set Up 

Setting up a Facebook ad campaign does not take much time. Of course, you will want to invest sufficient thought and effort into planning your campaign properly.  

That said, the platform is user-friendly, and you can begin with a modest budget to better understand how it works and how your ads are likely to perform. Before launching your first ad, it is a good idea to explore the FB Ad Library to ensure your approach aligns with current advertising standards and trends. 

How Promo.com Can Help Your Ads Succeed 

When creating ads, some marketers feel intimidated by video. It often seems simple enough to write compelling copy, add a photo, and publish the ad. However, going through the process of producing a high-quality video can feel like a challenge that is too difficult to overcome.  

While this may have been true in the past, it is no longer the case thanks to the video ad maker available here at Promo. Creating engaging and professional video ads has never been easier. To make the process as smooth as possible for you to get started, we offer a Facebook ad template library.  

Instead of beginning with a blank screen, you can now hit the ground running by selecting one of our existing templates and customizing it to fit your specific needs. With this tool in your hands, using video ads on Facebook becomes an effective and realistic option for your overall marketing strategy. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. How to find ads on Facebook Ad Library? 

The search function makes it quick and easy to find relevant ads within the Facebook Ad Library. When you visit the tool’s webpage, you can select the location you want to search and choose the category of ads you’d like to explore.  

From there, simply enter relevant keywords to generate results tailored to your needs. Within moments, you’ll receive a list of ads that can be reviewed and analyzed. The results page also includes filtering options to help you further narrow down your selections. 

2. How to find an ad on Facebook in a specific industry? 

If you want to understand how competitors in a specific industry are advertising on Facebook, simply enter one or two keywords that describe that industry into the search bar. Start by selecting “All Ads” to ensure you capture every relevant result.  

Then, choose the words or phrases that best represent your industry and run the search. To get a more complete view, it’s a good idea to try a few variations of your keywords to make sure you uncover all relevant ads within that space. 

3. How to use Facebook Ad Library? 

Searching for a single ad or reviewing all ads from a specific company or industry is quite straightforward in the Facebook Ad Library. If you would like a step-by-step walkthrough, the process has been explained earlier in this article.  

Once you understand how it works, you can decide how to use the ad library to your advantage. Whether your goal is to analyze the advertising patterns of a particular competitor or to improve your ad timing by identifying industry-wide trends, these insights and many others are easily accessible through the ads library. 

4. How do I access the Facebook Ad Library? 

To access the Facebook Ad Library and explore ads related to your business and marketing goals, simply visit the tool’s homepage. One of its biggest advantages is that it is open to everyone and does not require an account or any type of membership.  

You can visit the site, enter your search criteria, and begin your research right away. 

5. What is Facebook Ad Library? 

The Facebook Ad Library is a database that contains all ads currently running across Facebook and its associated platforms. It’s important to note that most ads appear in the library only while they are active on Facebook properties.  

Once an ad is discontinued, it is no longer searchable in the database. However, ads related to political, social, and other important public issues remain available in the library for seven years, allowing them to be reviewed and analyzed long after they are no longer running. 

Conclusion 

The Facebook Ads Library not only plays an important role from a social perspective, but it also serves as a powerful resource for marketers who want to keep a close eye on competitors within their industry. 

While you could manually browse different Facebook platforms to look for competitor ads, using the ads library is far more efficient and effective. It takes only a short amount of time to learn how the tool works, and it is completely free to use. 

Because of this, there is little reason to overlook such a valuable data source. Explore it today and discover how it can help you refine and strengthen your organization’s marketing efforts.