6 Ads That Stopped the Scroll and Drove Results—Here’s Exactly Why They Worked

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 (this issue)

• And I analyze & compare the best ads on the internet

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• Threads launching ads

• Why this ad went viral last year

• Weak vs high-converting social proof

• Here are 9 prompts you can use on the daily to generate emotionally-driven headlines

• 100+ headline templates

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I get asked this all the time, how to scale ads efficiently?

So, here’s the answer that you need to know about.

1 – You need creative volume

I’ve been launching 100+ ads per week for a brand 50k or above to make it work.

2 – You need creative diversity

I’ve been expanding my audience with diverse set of creatives such as ugly, billboard, benefit points, press screenshot and many more different types of formats.

3 – You need emotional detachment

Some of you might be laughing but as marketers, we think of ourselves as geniuses and get attached to an idea or ad. Stop doing that.

Volume + diversity is only achievable at scale with good creative templates.

Don’t make your designers work extra. 

Use CreativeOS. 

I share my proven ads with them too and they add 3000+ templates every week.

They have a 50% off for the next 3 months. Use code: AAZAR

THIS is one of the products I am 100% comfortable in backing.

Today, I’ll share some of my winning ads and why they worked. 

These ads have one or two specific elements that instantly connect with the audience. 

One thing that’s common with all of these ads is they’re stealthy—they don’t look like ads. 

I’ll break down six winning ads, why they worked, and the strategies behind them.

Ad #1: Going Deep with Insights

This ad was all about digging layers deep. At first glance, it seemed like it was just targeting moms looking for activities for their kids. 

But we didn’t stop there. We went deep…

1. Moms who are looking for activities for kids

2. First time moms who want to know what to do with their baby

3. Moms whose kids are bored

4. Moms who want their kids to be successful in the future & they want to prepare now

5. Moms of premature-born kids need extra support because they have deeper pain

That fifth layer? That’s where the magic happened.

Why it worked:

• Laser-Focused Targeting: By getting specific about the audience, we connected deeply with moms who truly needed this product.

• B-roll Storytelling: The visuals told the story in a subtle, natural way, making it feel genuine.

What you can learn from it:
Don’t stop at surface-level insights. Ask “why” or “who” (at least) five times to uncover deeper, more meaningful layers. 

The more specific your targeting, the more your ad will resonate with the right people.

Ad #2: Docu-Style Storytelling

This one was a beast to create, but totally worth it. Docu-style ads are tough. Why? Because you’re essentially crafting a mini-documentary.

Why it worked:

• Unique Hook: We showed the customer’s picture with her story written along the side. This breaks the normal pattern for anyone scrolling through the ad.

• Customer Story: We shared a customer’s journey, let her tell her story, and connected all the dots creating a cohesive narrative.

• Interviews: We did multiple interviews to find the most effective ideas and story to make the ad.

What you can learn from it:
If you’re aiming for real stories, invest time in research, interviews, and editing. You’ll have an ad that deeply connects with your audience.

Side note: I feel like CGC (customer-generated content) is going to be one of the big things in 2025.

Ad #3: The Relatable Insight with an Enemy

This ad won because it came from a personal insight. I hate protein shakes from my core. (Let’s be honest, they’re often yucky and feel more like a chore than nutrition.) 

Instead of taking the same angle everyone does while pushing nutritious food, this ad focused on finding an enemy (protein shakes) and offered them a tastier alternative..

Why it worked:

• Relatable Insight: The best copywriting starts with “you.” This ad nails that by addressing a real frustration.

• Authentic: The ad didn’t feel like it was selling something. It felt like it was solving something.

What you can learn from it:
When you’re brainstorming ad ideas, start with a personal frustration.

Ask yourself, “What’s a pain point I’ve felt myself?” Chances are, your audience has felt it too.

Build the story around solving that pain.

Ad #4: AI + B-Roll With Podcast-Style Storytelling

This was an AI-driven ad with a podcast-style vibe. How did it win even when using AI? Because we poured a lot of emotion to it. 

TWhen we wrote the script, we wrote from a POV that we directly speaking to the person who is sitting in front of them, we’re totally relating to the situation but aso offering solutions as if we were their family or friend.

That personal tone, and deep emotion, combined with a sense of justice, hit hard.

Why it worked:

• Emotional Hook: The script connects with the audience on a very emotional level. It gives you a sense of being heard.

• B-roll: Clever use of B-roll keep the video engaging throughout

• New Formats: Podcast-style ads are a fresh, stealthy way to connect with audiences. They feel conversational, not salesy.

What you can learn from it:
Try new formats. Podcast-style ads feel natural and relatable, and when paired with a strong emotional hook, they make people stop and listen. Speak to your audience, not at them.

Ad #5: The Scroll-Stopping Billboard

This ad was all about simplicity and visual impact. Think of a billboard ad, but digital.

Why it worked:

• Pure Editing Genius: My editor nailed this one. It blended a bold, attention-grabbing visual (a “billboard” style image) with something unexpected happening in the background.

• Breaking Patterns: The ad felt like it wasn’t an ad at first, which is why it stopped people mid-scroll.

What you can learn from it:
Simplicity works. Don’t overcomplicate your visuals. A bold, clear image with a twist can be enough to grab attention. 

(And hey, if you want winning ads with great concepts and editing, reach out)

Ad #6: Strong Script and Fast Cuts

Central Park, skyscrapers in the background, and a kid confidently sharing his story! This street-style ad felt raw, authentic, and alive.

Why it worked:

• Strong Script: The script has perfect storytelling with strong copywriting elements. Every word, every visual, connected back to the message.

• Fast Cuts and Dynamic Visuals: Quick transitions and layered imagery kept the energy high, making the ad impossible to ignore. Since, this focused on Gen Zs, it matched their way of consuming content too.

What you can learn from it:
Pair a strong script with visuals that add energy and pace, and you’ll have an ad that grabs attention and converts.

Each of these ads worked because they came from strong, specific insights, paired with well-crafted storytelling and visuals that grab attention.

If you're looking to create ads like these or need someone who gets storytelling, scripting, and creative strategy well... you know where to find me. 😉

Happy Growing with Paid Social,

Aazar Shad

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