Digital Marketing Agency | Facebook & Instagram Shop Expert

Facebook Ads vs Instagram Ads: Which Platform is Best for Your Business?

Published January 07, 2025

In today’s digital age, social media advertising is a must for businesses looking to grow their online presence. Two of the most popular platforms for running ads are Facebook and Instagram. But which one is right for your business? In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between Facebook Ads and Instagram Ads, so you can make an informed decision.
Facebook and Instagram are both owned by Meta, but they serve different audiences and offer unique advertising opportunities. Whether you’re a small business owner, a marketer, or an entrepreneur, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each platform can help you maximize your ad spend and achieve your goals.
Facebook Ads vs Instagram Ads

Facebook Ads Overview:

Facebook is the largest social media platform in the world, with over 2.9 billion monthly active users. Its advertising platform is robust and offers a wide range of targeting options, making it ideal for businesses of all sizes.

Key Features of Facebook Ads:

  • Ad Formats: Image ads, video ads, carousel ads, collection ads, and more.

  • Targeting Options: Demographic targeting, interest-based targeting, custom audiences, and lookalike audiences.

  • Placement: Ads can appear in the News Feed, Stories, Marketplace, and right-hand column.

  • Budget Flexibility: You can run ads with as little as $1 per day.

Best For:

  • Businesses targeting older demographics (35+).

  • Lead generation and local businesses.

  • Ecommerce brands with a wide product range.

For more tips on running Facebook Ads for specific industries, check out our guides:

Instagram Ads Overview:

Instagram is a visually-driven platform with over 1.4 billion monthly active users. It’s particularly popular among younger audiences, making it a great choice for brands with visually appealing products or services.

Key Features of Instagram Ads:

  • Ad Formats: Photo ads, video ads, carousel ads, Stories ads, and Reels ads.

  • Targeting Options: Similar to Facebook, with additional options for targeting based on user behavior.

  • Placement: Ads can appear in the feed, Stories, Explore page, and Reels.

  • Engagement: Higher engagement rates compared to Facebook, especially for visually appealing content.

Best For:

  • Brands targeting younger audiences (18-34).

  • Businesses with strong visual content (e.g., fashion, food, travel).

  • Influencer marketing and brand awareness campaigns.

If you’re running Instagram Ads for ecommerce, read our guide on Facebook Ads for Amazon to learn how to drive traffic to your product listings.

Comparison: Facebook Ads vs Instagram Ads:

Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you decide which platform is best for your business:
FeatureFacebook AdsInstagram Ads
Audience DemographicsOlder users (35+)Younger users (18-34)
Ad FormatsMore variety (e.g., Marketplace ads)Focused on visual content (e.g., Reels)
Engagement RatesLowerHigher
CostGenerally cheaperSlightly more expensive
Best ForLead generation, local businessesBrand awareness, ecommerce
For a deeper dive into ad formats, check out our post on Primary Text vs Headlines in Facebook Ads.

Case Studies:

Case Study 1: Facebook Ads for Dentists:

A local dental practice used Facebook Ads to target homeowners within a 10-mile radius. By using demographic targeting and lead generation ads, they increased their appointment bookings by 30% in just 3 months.

Case Study 2: Instagram Ads for Jewelry Brands

A jewelry brand used Instagram’s carousel ads and Stories ads to showcase their latest collection. By targeting users interested in fashion and luxury goods, they achieved a 20% increase in sales within 2 months.

Which Platform Should You Choose?

The choice between Facebook Ads and Instagram Ads depends on your business goals and target audience. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

Choose Facebook Ads if:

  • You’re targeting an older demographic.

  • Your goal is lead generation or local outreach.

  • You have a limited budget.

Choose Instagram Ads if:

  • You’re targeting a younger audience.

  • Your business relies on visual content (e.g., fashion, food, travel).

  • Your goal is brand awareness or influencer marketing.

Still unsure? Learn more about budgeting in our post: How Much Should I Spend on Facebook Ads?

Conclusion:

Both Facebook Ads and Instagram Ads offer unique advantages, and the best platform for your business depends on your specific needs. If you’re still unsure, consider running A/B tests on both platforms to see which one delivers better results.
For more tips on running successful Facebook Ads, check out our guides:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I run the same ad on Facebook and Instagram?

Yes, you can create a single ad campaign and run it on both platforms using Facebook Ads Manager. This is called cross-posting.

Which platform is cheaper: Facebook or Instagram?

Facebook Ads are generally cheaper, but Instagram Ads often have higher engagement rates, which can justify the higher cost.

How do I track the performance of my ads?

Use Facebook Ads Manager to monitor metrics like click-through rate (CTR), cost per click (CPC), and return on ad spend (ROAS). For more details, read our guide on How to Calculate Conversion Rates for Facebook Ads.

Related Posts:

Book your Free Consultation:

Free of charge
This meeting is totally free of charge and you don’t have to pay anything for it
Flexible Hours
I am available all week long, even during the weekend or holidays
Cancel or Reschedule

If for any reason, you couldn’t make it, please feel free to reschedule for your next earliest conviences

Book Your Free Meeting

You Have a question?

Please feel free to contact me here if you have any questions
Scroll to Top