Choose the right format for the best results!

Do you want your adverts on social media channels to really stand out? Then read on! The right format can make all the difference between someone scrolling past and you securing a new lead. A campaign with a sleek design naturally grabs attention straight away and increases the chance of purchases or new leads. And let’s be honest: nobody wants to see adverts with cropped images or black borders, do they?

Why is this so important?

The answer is simple: an advert that doesn’t display properly is immediately out of the running. After all, the wrong format can lead to unsightly cropping, blurry images or even illegible text. You certainly don’t want that! What’s more, algorithms reward adverts that look good by showing them to your target audience more often. A win-win, isn’t it?

And that’s not all! The right format not only ensures your advert looks great, but also contributes to a better user experience. When your advert is displayed correctly, it generates more interaction and increases the likelihood of conversions.

Did you know, for example, that people are more likely to click through on an advert that looks professional and polished and fits into their feed? So, as well as satisfying the algorithms, you also make a better impression on your target audience. And as we all know: first impressions make all the difference!

The different formats

For adverts on Meta (Facebook and Instagram) and LinkedIn, it is important to use the correct dimensions. Here are some of the most important formats:

Meta	LinkedIn
Feed advertisements: Square: 1080×1080 pixels (1:1) Landscape: 1200 x 628 pixels (1.91:1)	Feed advertisements: Landscape: 1200 x 628 pixels (1.91:1)
Stories and Reels: Vertical: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16)
Carousel adverts: Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1) Vertical: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16)	Carousel adverts: Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1)
Video adverts: Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1) Landscape: 1920 x 1080 pixels (16:9) Vertical: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16)	Video adverts: Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1) Landscape: 1920 x 1080 pixels (16:9)
Marketplace and Audience Network: Landscape: 1200 x 628 pixels (1.91:1)

Ensure your images are at least 1080 pixels wide for the best quality. This ensures your visuals appear sharp and professional, even on larger screens such as an iPad.

For TikTok and Snapchat, the ideal ad format is 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16). This vertical format ensures that your adverts are shown to their full advantage and capture your viewers’ full attention, making them less likely to scroll past them.

Make sure your message doesn’t get lost!

It can be quite frustrating when your text or logo is cut off, especially if it contains important information. Therefore, make sure you place the most important elements, such as your call-to-action or logos, within the safe margins. This means you shouldn’t place them too close to the edges of your image. In our previous blog on safe zones in social media, we discussed in detail how best to set these margins to ensure your adverts always look clear and professional. This prevents your message from getting lost.

Extra tips for your adverts

When creating adverts, it is important to pay attention to the details that make all the difference – from your copy to the layout. Everything must be carefully considered to achieve the best results. Below are three more useful tips to ensure your adverts stand out and perform well.

• Check your text: Ensure that important text is within the safe margins (80 per cent of the central part of your image).
• Test different formats: what works on Instagram might not be as effective on LinkedIn. Try it out and analyse the results!
• Keep it simple: less is more. Overcrowded adverts rarely work well. You want to convince your target audience at a glance.

Make an impact with your adverts

Are you ready to take your social media adverts to the next level? Try out these formats, experiment and discover what works best for your target audience.

Do you need help choosing the right formats or fine-tuning your adverts? We’re here to guide you through every step of the process. Together, we’ll ensure your adverts make an impact and deliver real results!