Ad Libraries

Stuck on Ad Copy? Use Ad Libraries to Spark Ideas That Convert

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Scott Sweeney

If you’re a marketer or media buyer and you’re still staring at a blank Google Doc every time you need to build a new campaign, you’re doing it the hard way.

The good news? You don’t have to.

Thanks to public ad libraries, you now have access to thousands of real-world ads across major platforms—from LinkedIn to Meta to TikTok. And the kicker? Many of these ads are from top-performing brands that have already done the testing for you.

But here’s where it gets even better:

You can search these libraries by keyword and reverse-engineer entire campaign strategies.

That means no more starting from scratch. You can draw inspiration, remix strong creative, and put your own brand spin on what’s already working in your space.

Let’s break it down.

What Are Ad Libraries (and Why Should You Use Them)?

Most major ad platforms now provide public access to their ad transparency libraries. These libraries include:

  • Active and paused ads
  • Sponsored content and creative assets
  • Run dates and impressions (on some platforms)
  • Filtering by advertiser or keyword

These are goldmines for anyone running performance campaigns, social media ads, or trying to come up with their next big idea.

Here are the major libraries:

Each platform works a little differently, but they all let you peek under the hood and see what other brands are running—right now.

How to Use Ad Libraries for Campaign Ideation

Let’s say you’re launching a new B2B lead gen campaign. Instead of guessing what messaging might work, head over to the LinkedIn Ads Library and search for:

  • “demo”
  • “free trial”
  • “offer”
  • “template”

You’ll uncover:

  • Headline frameworks that convert
  • Value props that companies are leaning into
  • CTA phrasing that feels direct without being pushy
  • Design and layout inspiration

Take two ads that you like—maybe one for its hook and one for its layout—and merge them into a new concept. Tweak the tone, use your brand fonts, adjust the imagery. Suddenly you’re not starting from scratch. You’re building off a tested foundation.

This isn’t about copying. It’s about pattern recognition. It’s about spotting what resonates and adapting it to your audience.

Ad Libraries for Organic Social Content, Too

These tools aren’t just for paid ad research. If you run organic social, they can help you:

  • Discover themes and offers that are trending
  • Borrow ideas for carousels, CTAs, or post structures
  • Create swipe files for headline styles or short-form video setups

For example, maybe you’re running a giveaway and struggling with creative. Search Meta’s ad library using terms like “gift card” or “win” and you’ll find dozens of examples of:

  • Copywriting that balances excitement with clarity
  • Visuals that pop in-feed
  • Tactics for driving engagement with comments, shares, and tags

Or if you’re creating an ebook or download, look at how SaaS brands promote lead magnets across LinkedIn and Google.

You don’t have to guess what works. Just look it up.

A Few Pro Tips

  • Use keyword search: Start with high-intent words like “trial,” “free,” “template,” or “ebook”
  • Filter by industry: Search brands in your space to find contextual examples
  • Save examples: Build your own swipe file in Notion, Google Docs, or a creative board
  • Look at timing: If a campaign ran for multiple months, chances are it was performing well

Final Thought: Smart Marketers Don’t Start From Zero

Creativity is important. But so is speed. And the best marketers know that they don’t need to reinvent the wheel every time.

When you use ad libraries, you give yourself a running start. You see what’s resonating. You get a feel for rhythm, messaging, and structure. Then you infuse it with your voice, your offer, your edge.

So next time you feel stuck? Don’t panic. Don’t waste hours on a blank screen.

Open an ad library. See what the best are running. And start building your next great campaign from there.

Need help translating inspiration into execution? That’s what I do. Reach out here.

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