22 real Story ads from brands like Popsa, Stepprs and VOVIA, sorted into 8 types you can copy. Each one has the hook, a short script and a button that makes the ad for your product.
Eight Story ad types from 22 real ads: the reaction shot, "I thought it was overhyped", problem to demo in 3 seconds, the POV text hook, the offer, the personalising, expert to camera and the gift story.
Every one is full-screen 9:16 and puts the hook in the first second, because people tap past fast.
Most of them show a person or text on screen, not a polished brand film.
Keep text and buttons out of the top and bottom edges, where Instagram's own UI sits, and design for sound off.
22 real adsfrom 19 brands, each linked to its Meta Ad Library page
We pulled these from the Meta Ad Library: Instagram video ads, all full-screen 9:16, sorted by how many people saw them. Tap a video to play it. Each type has a script you can follow, and the button opens the inReels agent with the idea ready, so you only add your product.
UGC video ad · 9:16
1. The reaction shot
A real face reacting to the product is the strongest hook in Stories. People stop to see what made someone gasp or cry, and the product gets the credit.
Hook“I told him to stop buying me flowers…”
The script
Close-up of a face reacting, with one line of text on top
Cut to the product being opened or revealed
Show the detail that caused the reaction
End on the product and "Shop now"
Tip: Put the reaction in the first second. Start on the emotion, not on the box.
Real ads using this idea
Swaveo Jewelry· Running since Jun 2026
A creator in her car tells boyfriends what to buy. The text "if you have a girlfriend" picks the viewer out in one line.
A person who looks like they know the subject builds trust fast, especially for skincare, health and tech. Facing the camera feels personal in full-screen Stories.
Hook“I help people with this every day”
The script
Presenter to camera in a real work setting
The problem they see all the time
Why this product helps, in plain words
Where to get it
Tip: Only show real credentials. Don't dress someone up as a doctor; ad platforms and buyers both punish it.
Real ads using this idea
Navaro· Running since Jul 2026
A presenter in a clinic setting opens with who she helps. Speaking to one group makes the right people listen.
1080 × 1920 pixels, a 9:16 vertical frame. Keep text and buttons out of the top 14% and bottom 20%, where Instagram shows its own profile bar and call-to-action button.
How long can an Instagram Story ad be?
Video Story ads can be up to 60 seconds per card. Most ads that work are much shorter: aim for 6–15 seconds and put the hook in the first second.
How do I create an Instagram Story ad?
In Meta Ads Manager, create a campaign, and at the ad set level choose Manual placements and tick Instagram Stories (or leave Advantage+ placements on). At the ad level, upload a 9:16 video or image, add your text and link, and pick a call-to-action button like Shop Now.
What is the difference between Story ads and Reels ads?
Both are full-screen 9:16. Story ads appear between friends' Stories and are tapped through quickly, so the hook has to land in a second. Reels ads appear between Reels and people watch a little longer. The same video usually works in both.
Should Instagram Story ads be video or image?
Video usually holds attention better in Stories, but a strong static image with one clear offer can work well for sales and retargeting. Test both.
Are these real Instagram ads?
Yes. Every ad on this page was running on Instagram and links to its page in the Meta Ad Library, where you can see the ad, when it started and its other versions.
How do I find my competitors' Instagram Story ads?
Open the Meta Ad Library (facebook.com/ads/library), pick a country and "All ads", search for a brand or keyword, then filter Platform to Instagram. Vertical videos are the ones that run in Stories and Reels.
Can I make these Story ads with AI?
Yes. Every example has a "Make this ad" button that opens the inReels agent with the idea ready. Add your product link or photo and it writes the script and makes the 9:16 ad for you.
K
About the author
Kiran is the founder of inReels, an AI ad generator for UGC, video and static ads. Every ad on this page was found in the Meta Ad Library and looked at one by one. Ads that were removed, from marketplaces, or not worth copying were left out.
Make your ad with inReels
Paste your product link. The agent writes the script and makes the video or image ad.