Instagram is three placements, not one
An "Instagram ad" is really a set: feed, story, and reels each need their own creative and ratio. Reusing one square across all three is the most common reason Instagram ads underperform.
| Placement | Ratio | Size | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feed | 4:5 (or 1:1) | 1080×1350 | Taller 4:5 wins more screen |
| Story | 9:16 | 1080×1920 | Leave room top/bottom for UI |
| Reels | 9:16 | 1080×1920 | Native, motion-first |
What stops the scroll
- A thumb-stopping first frame — high contrast, one clear subject, legible small.
- An outcome in the first line, not your brand name.
- Native energy on reels/stories — polished brand spots get skipped; product-in-use clips don't.
And still — test several
Instagram rewards fresh creative. Produce several angles across the placements, run them small, scale the winner. How many to test →
Get 5 scroll-stopping captions with hashtags and CTAs — instantly, no signup.
Use the tool free →Make the whole set at once
AdCreator AI generates a Shopify product's ad in one go — copy and a finished 1080×1080 feed image, as many angles as you want on paid plans; story and reels (9:16) come from its narrated video on paid plans. 6 free a month, no card. Free on the App Store →; not on Shopify, use the web app.
FAQ
What size are Instagram ads? 4:5 or 1:1 feed (1080×1350 / 1080×1080), 9:16 story and reels (1080×1920).
Do I need different creative for reels vs feed? Yes — reels want native, motion-first vertical; feed wants a taller static or short clip.
How do I make Instagram ads without a designer? Generate the placement set with AI from your product; use a designer later for a proven hero.