Instagram Video Ad Hacks to Maximize Engagement in 2025

Reviewed by:  Karan Bhasin

Written by:  Aquib Nawab

Credits: FLUX-pro-1.1

1. Leverage Short-Form

Keep video ads under 15 seconds to maintain attention. Short, engaging content drives higher engagement as users prefer quick, digestible snippets in their fast-paced Instagram feed.

Credits: Freepik

2. Use Vertical Videos

Credits: Pexels

Instagram prioritizes vertical videos. Optimize your ads for mobile-friendly, full-screen vertical formats to offer an immersive viewing experience that naturally aligns with how users hold their phones.

3. Focus on First 3 Seconds

The first 3 seconds are crucial. Use bold visuals or captivating hooks to grab attention immediately, ensuring users stop scrolling and engage with your content instead of quickly moving past it.

Credits: Freepik

Credits: Freepik

4. Use User-Generated Content

UGC builds trust and relatability. Incorporating real users or influencers in video ads feels more authentic, helping you connect with audiences who value genuine, community-driven content.

Since most users watch without sound, adding captions ensures your message is communicated even in silent mode. This simple addition can significantly boost engagement and reach more viewers.

5. Add Captions for Accessibility

Credits: Freepik

Credits: Freepik

6. Optimize for Stories Ads

Instagram Stories are highly engaging. Design ads specifically for Stories, incorporating native features like stickers, polls, or swipe-up links to encourage interaction within the vertical format.

Experiment with different video lengths to find the best performance. While short content works well, longer formats may help tell deeper stories, depending on your audience’s viewing habits.

Credits: Freepik

7. A/B Test Video Lengths

Music sets the tone. Use trending or popular audio tracks to create a lively, emotionally resonant ad that connects with your audience, increasing both view time and the likelihood of shares.

Credits: Freepik

8. Utilize Trending Music

Interactive elements like polls or swipe-ups make ads more engaging and participatory. They encourage users to take action, boosting engagement rates and making ads feel less passive.

Credits: Freepik

9. Add Interactive Elements

AI tools offer personalized ads at scale. Tailor video content to different user segments, making the experience more relevant and increasing the chances of driving meaningful engagement.

Credits: Freepik

10. AI-Powered Personalization

How to Humanize Your Brand Through Video - It’s Easier Than You Think!

Thanks for Reading

Credits: FLUX-pro-1.1