You know that moment when you’re scrolling Facebook late at night, and you stumble upon an ad that makes you pause—not because it’s annoying, but because it’s so good you can’t help but click? Yeah, that’s the magic of a well-done Facebook ad.

The first time I tried running Facebook ads for my online store, I was clueless. I thought, “How hard could it be?” Spoiler alert: it’s not as simple as boosting a post and hoping for the best. My budget got eaten up faster than samosas at a family gathering, and the results? Zilch. Nada. I had to step back and figure out what I was doing wrong (which, let’s be honest, was everything).

Facebook Ad Formats That Hook Your Audience

That’s when I discovered the wonderful, chaotic world of Facebook ad formats. And let me tell you, the options aren’t just endless—they’re a little overwhelming. So, let’s break it down, shall we? Grab a chai, and let me walk you through what I’ve learned about the types of Facebook ad formats and which ones actually work to grow your business.

1. Image Ads – The OG Format

Simple. Effective. To the point. If you’re just starting out, image ads are like dipping your toes into the water. You upload a great photo, add a catchy caption, and you’re good to go. But here’s the thing: your image has to slap. (That means it has to be really good, in case you’re not up on the lingo.

When I first started using image ads, I used some generic stock photos… big mistake. People can spot a fake, generic image from a mile away. Once I switched to real photos of my products (shot in natural light with my smartphone—no fancy equipment needed), my engagement shot up.

Pro tip: If you’re targeting the Pakistani market, use visuals that resonate with the culture. Think festive vibes, local trends, and relatable scenarios. It’s all about making your audience feel seen.

Recommended Image Size & Ratio:

Size: 1200 x 628 pixels (minimum resolution for high quality)

Ratio: 1.91:1 (landscape) or 1:1 (square for versatility)

2. Video Ads – The Crowd-Pleasers

Video ads are like biryani—they’re everyone’s favorite. Whether it’s a 15-second teaser or a longer storytelling video, people are naturally drawn to movement. When I finally got brave enough to try video ads, I used a simple behind-the-scenes clip of me packing orders (complete with a bit of dramatic flair, obviously).

The response? Wild. People loved seeing the “real me” and how much effort I put into my business.

The trick with video ads is to grab attention fast. Like, within the first three seconds. Add captions, keep it snappy, and don’t overcomplicate things. And hey, if you’re camera-shy, don’t worry—you can use animations, slideshows, or even stop-motion videos of your products.

Recommended Video Length & Aspect Ratio:

Length: Keep videos between 15 and 30 seconds for maximum engagement. For Stories, stick to 15 seconds or shorter. For longer formats, aim to hold attention with strong storytelling.

Aspect Ratio:

1:1 (Square): Ideal for feed placements and mobile users.
4:5 (Vertical): Great for feed ads with a mobile-first approach.
9:16 (Full-Screen Vertical): Perfect for Stories and Reels.
16:9 (Landscape): Works well for desktop-focused campaigns or videos that need a cinematic feel.

3. Carousel Ads – Swipe, Swipe, Hooray!

Carousel ads are perfect if you’ve got multiple products or services to showcase. Imagine flipping through a mini digital catalog right on Facebook. Pretty cool, right?

I tried this for my line of preloved designer shoes (yes, I’m obsessed with shoes—don’t judge). Each card in the carousel featured a different shoe with a short description, price, and “Shop Now” button. The results? My CTR (click-through rate) jumped, and I made some solid sales.

The best part is you can get creative. Use carousels to show before-and-after transformations, step-by-step guides, or even customer reviews. The possibilities are endless.

4. Collection Ads – A Mini Storefront

Collection ads are a game-changer for eCommerce businesses. They’re like opening the door to a mini-storefront, where people can browse and shop directly from their feed. How convenient is that?

I’ll admit, setting up my first collection ad was intimidating. There’s a bit of a learning curve, but once I got the hang of it, it became my favorite format.

The key is to pair it with a great landing page that loads fast and delivers on the promise of the ad. If you’re not sure how to create one, this is where Local Rankies can help (more on that in a sec).

5. Lead Generation Ads – Get Those Contacts

Sometimes, you’re not selling a product—you’re building your email list or gathering leads. Enter: lead generation ads. These beauties let users fill out a form without ever leaving Facebook. No distractions, no extra clicks.

I used this format to collect sign-ups for an exclusive discount code. The form was short and sweet—just a name and email—and the incentive did the rest.

Pro tip: Keep your offer juicy enough to make people actually want to share their info.

Why You Need Local Rankies

You know, figuring all this out took me ages. But here’s the thing—you don’t have to go it alone. That’s exactly where we at Local Rankies come in. If you’re running a business in Pakistan and want to take your Facebook ads (and overall digital marketing) to the next level, we’ve got your back.

Nomatter, it’s helping you choose the right ad format, designing eye-catching visuals, or crafting killer copy, we’re here to make it happen.

What makes us different? We get the local market like no one else. From understanding cultural nuances to knowing exactly what clicks with the audience here, we’ll help you create campaigns that actually deliver results. Trust me, having experts like us in your corner makes a huge difference.

Bottom Line

Facebook ads can feel like a maze, especially when you’re just starting out. But once you figure out the right formats for your business, it’s like unlocking a treasure chest of opportunities. Start small, test different formats, and don’t be afraid to experiment. And if you ever feel stuck, give Local Rankies a shout. They’ll help you turn your ad dreams into a reality.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some ads to tweak. Happy advertising!

Also Read Teach Online and Earn Money in Pakistan

From Scroll to Sale: Facebook Ad Formats That Actually Work