Ad Creative That Converts: Photos vs Videos vs Carousels

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Ads that convert

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When running ads, the creative is the first thing your audience sees. Before they read your offer or click your button, they see your image, video, or carousel.

And here’s the truth: The wrong creative can kill even the best ad strategy.

So which format wins? Photos, videos, or carousels? Let’s break it down:

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1. Photo Ads: Simple, Fast, and Affordable

• Best for: Quick offers, promos, local businesses, small budgets

• Pros:

  
  

  • Easy to create (even with a smartphone)

  • Loads fast → great for audiences with slower internet

  • Works well for retargeting campaigns

    
    

• Cons:

  
  

  • Can be ignored easily in a feed full of flashy videos

  • Limited storytelling power

    
    

Pro Tip: Use high-contrast colors, bold text overlays, and one clear focal point.

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2. Video Ads: Storytelling That Sells

• Best for: Service demos, testimonials, brand awareness, educational ads

• Pros:

  
  

  • Higher engagement → video grabs attention

  • Can build emotional connections

  • Perfect for explaining services or showing real results

    
    

• Cons:

  
  

  • More expensive to produce

  • Needs captions → most people watch on mute

    
    

Pro Tip: Hook viewers in the first 3 seconds with curiosity or a bold statement.

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3. Carousel Ads: Multiple Images, Multiple Angles

• Best for: Showcasing products, step-by-step processes, multiple services

• Pros:

  
  

  • Lets users swipe → interactive experience

  • Perfect for real estate, eCommerce, or service packages

  • High click-through rates for certain niches

    
    

• Cons:

  
  

  • Too many slides = people stop swiping

  • Requires cohesive design for each slide

    
    

Pro Tip: Use the first slide as the main hook → if they don’t swipe, they don’t see the rest.

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What Works Best in 2025?

• Photos: Best for retargeting and quick offers.

• Videos: King for storytelling and emotional selling.

• Carousels: Perfect for product/service showcases.

  
  

The real secret? Test all three. Your audience will tell you what works best.

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Pro Advice: Scaling What Works

1. Start with small tests → 2–3 creatives per format.

2. Track CTR, cost per lead, and engagement.

3. Scale the best performer → kill the rest.

🎯 Want to have have ad creatives that actually convert? Schedule a FREE Consultation call with us below.

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