50 Ads from 50 Brands

What's up, Marketers! This is Aazar.

This newsletter is about leveling up your paid growth marketing skills by analyzing the best brands' paid strategy, tactics, positioning, and value props.

This newsletter is divided into:

• Sharing what I've learned

• Sometimes sharing some other performance marketers’ lessons with you

• And I analyze & compare the best ads on the internet (this issue)

BEST LINKS OF THE WEEK (on popular demand)

My favorite finds

• Hot take: AI can’t automate your judgement

• Creative strategy for an 8-figure brand

• 5 years of marketing lessons into minimalist images

• Good vs bad ads for education brands

I love great ads.

Not the kind that win awards. The kind that actually works.

The kind that stops your scroll, makes you smirk, nod, click, or even buy.

This edition is a quick breakdown of 50 ad examples from 50 different brands. 

Each one comes with a short line: “Why this works.”

No fluff. No theory. Just crisp, clear insight you can steal and use.

Whether you're running paid ads, writing copy, or brainstorming your next creative, this is what you need.

These are not just any ads, these are proven ads that are staying in ad account for longer than 30 days.

I personally think since ChatGPT can now create images, your ads are only as good as your swipe file.

Note: This message might be clipped, so I am sharing the link here for my swipe file.

P.S. Here’s the web link for this post if you want to share it with someone.

Let’s dive in.

1. WAMA

Why this works:

• The cherry comparison is funny and visualizes the “problem” and “solution” without needing much explanation.

• It turns an underwear ad into something unforgettable by mixing humor. Switch to hemp or shrink.

2. Semrush

Why this works:

• The iceberg visual perfectly captures the hidden struggle behind success, but in a fun way. It’s a clever ad relatable to anyone trying to grow on social media.

3. Outschool

Why this works:

• The handwritten note feels raw and personal, like a real parent’s breakthrough, which makes it instantly trustworthy and emotional.

• Ads that don’t look like ads

4. Lumin

Why this works:

• The meme format is instantly scroll-stopping.

• Clearly contrasts the problem (eye bags + random soap) with the solution (Lumin’s free bundle), making the value prop obvious.

5. Popular Pays

Why this works:

• Great visual metaphor. Juggling arms communicates overwhelm and grabs attention in a scroll, and they offer a solution to end the pain.

6. Synthesis

Why it works:

• The first line is scrroll-stopping.

• The testimonial feels raw and relatable, speaks directly to parents who struggled with math and don’t want the same for their kids.

• The “from boring to brilliant” transformation is the emotional core here, and it’s delivered through a personal story that builds trust fast.

7. Dore & Rose

Why this works:

• The headline “Eye bags out, beauty sleep in” is catchy, rhyming, and playfully delivers the promise.

• The urgent “Sale is almost ending” banner adds both desire and FOMO to push action.

8. BetterHelp

Why this works:

• The simple 4-panel story shows a clear emotional transformation—visually walking you from stress to calm in seconds.

• The message “on your schedule” taps into flexibility and control, exactly what busy or overwhelmed people need to hear.

• Note: This is running in their account for more than 6 months.

9. Valuecase

Why this works:

• The highlight works like a charm.

• This ad nails the pain points. Every line feels like a direct callout to the chaos many teams deal with during onboarding.

10. Huel

Why this works:

• The headline uses social proof “millions are ditching fast food” to spark curiosity.

• The contrast between greasy fast food and the clean Huel bottle makes the healthy choice visually obvious and appealing.

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11. Strategic Parenting

Why this works:

• The colorful progress chart catches your eye fast and shows the actual “how.” And the promise to “get your kids to listen without yelling” solves a real pain point every parent feels.

12. Emuaid

Why this works:

• A perfect “Old Way vs. New Way” comparison ad. And their promise is fast, clear, and specific: stop the eczema itch-scratch cycle in under 15 minutes.

13. Manukora

Why this works:

• Fake honey and bear got me.

• The clear side-by-side comparison instantly exposes the difference in quality, making “real honey” feel like the only smart choice.

14. True Classic

Why this works:

• The cheeky close-up paired with “stops traffic” is bold, funny, and shows the product benefit. Turns jeans into a confidence booster.

• The curve isn’t too much and that’s how men want it.

15. Your Heights

Why this works:

• The side-by-side comparison makes it crystal clear why their option is better—simple, visual, and instantly persuasive.

16. Plunge

Why this works:

• The bold headline tackles a common objection—price—head-on, while the $65/month offer makes cold therapy feel affordable and doable.

• When the premium product feels like a steal.

17. Athena Club

Why this works:

• By calling out PCOS directly, the ad shows empathy and understanding of the specific audience call out. The soft visuals and benefits like “gentle precision” make it feel safe, soothing, and specially made.

18. Hostage Tape

Why this works:

• Tapping into a familiar iPhone Notes screen makes it feel relatable, while the twist ending—“Buy more Hostage Tape”—adds a clever product plug.

19. Balance: Meditation & Sleep

Why this works:

• They’re hitting an emotional pain point: “Letting someone go is hard.” And the visual of a slashed price to “Free for an entire year” makes help feel urgent and accessible.

• Billboard format works. Period.

20. Function of Beauty

Why this works:

• Phrases like '6x less breakage' and '1x use' make the benefits feel immediate and measurable, while the clean design and 'award winner' badge help build trust.

21. Coco & Eve

Why this works:

• The classic “How it started vs. How it’s going” format transforms feel real and relatable, instantly showing the product’s impact without a single word.

• The better version of before and after without getting flagged by Meta.

22. Promova

Why this works:

• “We are looking..” — This doesn’t look like an ad at all.

• The Notes app format feels raw and personal, like a private opportunity.

• The bold, specific targeting (“Man over 25” + “speak like natives in 3 months”) hooks the exact person.

23. Keeps

Why this works:

• The playful innuendos like “Rising to the occasion” and “Ready to go” make it feel light and easy.

• The simple 3-step visual makes it look easy and stress-free, lowering hesitation and encouraging clicks.

24. Nibble

Why this works:

• The before-and-after format clearly shows the transformation, how just 5 minutes a day can take you from distracted to energized.

• The image of the ancient philosopher adds a wise, trustworthy vibe that cuts through the noise of modern-day scrolling.

25. Motion

Why this works:

• The handwritten notes and cozy setting make it feel personal and real, like a trusted friend just shared their favorite productivity hack.

26. ILIA Beauty

Why this works:

• The phrase “Sold-Out Viral Lipstick + Liner Just Restocked” creates instant urgency and social proof, making you feel like you need to grab it before it disappears again.

27. Loop

Why this works:

• The headline “How I saved my sanity from daily noise” hooks you with a personal, relatable pain, and the clean visuals + 15% bundle offer seal the deal with clarity and value.

28. Happy Mammoth

Why this works:

• The bold headline “12 Years of Bloating and Gas GONE” grabs attention with a powerful promise, backed by clear, benefit-focused claims that make the product feel like real relief.

29. ARMRA

Why this works:

• The testimonial feels personal and honest, and the native headline tactic must be working here.

30. Dr. Squatch

Why this works:

• The funny headline grabs your attention and gets a laugh, while still making it clear what the product is and why it matters.

31. Mott & Bow

Why this works:

• The line “This tee is NOT cheap, but…” grabs attention with honesty, then backs it up with clear, practical reasons that make the higher price feel totally worth it.

• Trust me this headline works.

32. Felix Health

Why this works:

• The simple question “Thinning hair?” pulls you in fast, and the line “Take action before it’s too late” adds just the right amount of urgency to make you care now.

33. MUD\WTR

Why this works:

• The bold line “Not coffee, it’s better” grabs attention with confidence, while the clean layout makes all the health benefits easy to skim and hard to ignore.

34. Dr Gundry Energy and Health

Why this works:

• The “30× more polyphenols” claim makes the benefit feel huge and scientific.

35. The Ridge

Why this works:

• The side-by-side layout clearly shows the upgrade: the same great features, now in a smaller, lighter design that feels like an easy win.

36. Estrid

Why this works:

• The strong testimonial builds instant trust, and the low price with a 100% money-back guarantee removes all the risk.

37. Obvi Health

Why this works:

• The promise to “Lose 30 pounds in 90 days” is super clear and results-focused—it tells you exactly what to expect and when.

• Ending with “PERIOD” adds confidence, making it sound final, certain, and more believable.

38. Spacegoods

Why this works:

• The split-cup visual makes the coffee vs. alternative comparison super clear, showing what you’re missing out on.

• Highlighting “100,000+ units sold” builds strong social proof, making the switch feel safe and popular.

• This format has worked when you compare both products and the same look the same.

39. Grüns

Why this works:

• The headline feels like a personal hack, speaking directly to Ozempic users in a way that feels helpful.

• The 45% off badge adds a strong incentive to try it right away without overthinking.

40. ŌURA

Why this works:

• The “additional use-case” nobody though with the brand.

• The clean, minimal design paired with powerful benefits like “no hormones” and “no hassle” makes the product feel safe, modern, and effortless.

41. AG1 by Athletic Greens

Why this works:

• The bold promise of reducing bloating paired with the high-value freebie stack makes this offer feel like a no-brainer for new customers.

42. MasterClass

Why this works:

• Sticking the same format in a mobile with a holding hand does work.

• This is a smart use of authority and novelty. Using AI as your personal communication coach with a familiar expert face builds trust and curiosity.

43. Brite

Why this works:

• Smart use of testimonials as the entire pitch, makes it feel like the product is speaking through happy customers.

• The line “You know better than us” adds humility. No hard sell, just proof.

44. Admers

Why this works:

• The ugly ads that I have seen all template companies use and it works.

• The handwritten note format feels personal, raw, and authentic, which stands out in polished ad feeds.

• The headline nails the promise: "Find ad iteration ideas that actually work in under 2 min" is direct, outcome-focused, and time-bound.

45. Ekster

Why this works:

• Calling it “The Tesla of Wallets” instantly positions it as sleek, smart, and premium, while the clean visual breakdown makes every feature feel like a must-have.

46. Hormone Harmony

Why this works:

• Bold promise alert: “Double chin gone in 9 days” is short, shocking, and benefit-first—impossible to ignore.

47. Reteno

Why this works:

• Brilliant metaphor: comparing user churn to a wound makes the problem visceral and memorable.

48. E5Agency

Why this works:

• The bold book-style visual and hand-drawn Venn diagram make the concept of scaling ads feel fresh and approachable.

49. App My Site

Why this works:

• This is a classic price comparison ad—simple, visual, and instantly compelling.

• Smart use of emojis with pricing helps drive emotional contrast: 🥱 for expensive, 😊 for affordable.

50. Laundry Sauce

Why this matters:

• Leading with “The world’s best smelling laundry detergent” is a claim that’s unfalsiable, and the logos build credibility.

• 3 key pointers are so adding the value (inside the box and outside too)

Key Takeaways from These 50 Ads

• A clear, benefit-first headline is still the most powerful scroll-stopper.

• “Ugly” ads often work better than polished ones because they don’t look like ads, so people pay attention.

• Humor, when used well, makes even boring products feel fun and memorable.

• Visual metaphors (like before/after or comparison shots) make ideas click instantly.

• Comparison ads work because they simplify choices—“this vs that” is easy to follow and hard to ignore.

• Testimonials don’t need to be long—one honest line can do the job.

• Familiar formats like Notes app screenshots or handwritten messages feel raw and relatable.

• Showing the problem and solution side-by-side builds instant clarity and trust.

• A strong offer (like 30% off or free for a year) can do half the work—don’t hide it.

• Specific numbers (like “6x stronger” or “45% off”) add credibility and urgency.

• Ads that feel personal (a note, a story, a face) tend to perform better than generic pitches.

• Repeatable ad formats (like $1 vs $10, or “How I fixed this with X”) save time and keep delivering results.

• Simple visuals often work better than over-designed ones—clarity wins.

• Great offers work really well when paired with scroll-stopping ads.

Happy Growing with Paid Social,

Aazar Shad

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