Staying ahead of the competition in digital marketing requires understanding the strategies your competitors are using. Both Google and Meta offer transparency tools that allow you to view active ads running across their platforms. In this guide, we will walk you through how to access and analyze competitors' ads using Google Ads Transparency Center and the Meta Ad Library.
For a step-by-step walkthrough, Patrick McKenna has published a video guide on the Canvas Marketing Solutions YouTube channel, providing a practical demonstration of these tools. Be sure to check it out to enhance your competitive research strategy.
Google Ads Transparency Center
What is Google Ads Transparency Center?
Google’s Ads Transparency Center is a tool designed to provide insight into active and historical ads running across Google Search, YouTube, and Display Network. It allows businesses to analyze their competitors’ advertising strategies, messaging, and creative approaches.
How to Use Google Ads Transparency Center
Search for a Competitor:
Enter a competitor’s brand name or website URL to view their active ads.
Filter the Ads:
Use available filters to narrow results by region, format (text, display, video), and date range.
Analyze the Ad Copy & Creatives:
Examine how competitors craft their ad headlines, descriptions, and calls to action.
Click on Ads to See Landing Pages:
Check where the ads direct traffic to better understand the competitor’s conversion strategy.
Insights You Can Gain
Keyword & Copy Strategies:
See which keywords competitors emphasize in their headlines and descriptions.
Ad Formats & Placements:
Identify whether they are prioritizing search, display, or video ads.
Promotions & Offers:
Understand seasonal discounts and promotions they are running.
Meta Ads Library
What is Meta Ads Library?
Meta’s Ad Library is a publicly accessible database where you can view all currently active ads running on Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and the Audience Network.
How to Use Meta Ads Library
Search for a Competitor:
Enter the brand name or keyword related to your niche.
Use Filters:
Narrow your search by country, platform, ad category, and status.
Analyse Ad Creatives & Formats:
Review how competitors use images, videos, carousels, and ad copy.
Click to See More Details:
Some ads may show additional variations, revealing how advertisers are A/B testing their creatives.
Insights You Can Gain
Creative Strategy:
Identify which images, videos, and formats competitors use to capture engagement.
Ad Frequency & Variations:
Monitor how often they change creatives and test different messaging.
Call-to-Action Tactics:
Understand what CTAs drive conversions in your industry.
Other Ad Technologies to View Competitors’ Ads
While Google and Meta provide free tools, several paid competitive intelligence tools offer deeper insights into ad performance, targeting, and historical data. Here are some top options:
SEMrush (Advertising Research Tool)
- A comprehensive digital marketing tool that helps you gain detailed insights into your competitors’ online strategies, both in organic search and paid advertising. SEMrush lets you see the actual ad copies, headlines, and landing pages used by your competitors.
AdSpy
– Focuses on Facebook & Instagram ads, providing historical ad data and engagement metrics.
BigSpy
– Monitors ads across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, and Pinterest.
SEMrush (Advertising Research Tool)
SpyFu
– Offers insights into Google Ads keywords, ad history, and estimated competitor spend.
PowerAdSpy
– Covers Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Google, with advanced filters for ad analysis.
AdBeat
– Specialises in Google Display, YouTube, and Native Ads for competitive ad monitoring.