GUIDE

Chapter 5: LinkedIn Ad Formats: Choosing the Right LinkedIn Ad format

The ad format you choose on LinkedIn can make or break your campaign. From Single Image to Video, Document, and Conversation Ads—each serves a unique purpose. This section breaks down the best use-cases, tips, and strategies to boost engagement, lower costs, and drive conversions.

Choosing the right LinkedIn ad format is crucial because it directly impacts engagement, cost-efficiency, and conversion rates. Let’s look at the different Types of Ads on LinkedIn.

Ad Format Use-cases Best Practices and Tips
Single Image Ads
  • Product announcements
  • Lead generation
  • Brand awareness
  • Use high-quality, eye-catching images
  • Keep text concise and compelling
  • Include clear call-to-action (CTA)
  • A/B test different images and copy
Carousel Ads
  • Storytelling
  • Showcasing multiple product features
  • Myth-busting or educational content
  • Create a narrative across slides
  • Use curiosity-sparking headlines
  • Ensure visual consistency
  • Add visual CTAs
Video Ads
  • Product demonstrations
  • Customer testimonials
  • Thought leadership content
  • Keep videos short (30-90 seconds)
  • Use captions for silent viewing
  • Start with a hook in the first 3 seconds
  • Include clear branding
Message Ads
  • Event invitations
  • Demo requests
  • Personalized promotions
  • Keep the message under 500 characters
  • Use personalization (first name, job title)
  • Add a clear CTA
  • Use hyperlinks
  • Consider adding a banner image
Conversation Ads
  • Lead nurturing
  • Interactive content delivery
  • Multi-path engagement
  • Create multiple conversation paths
  • Use personalization
  • Keep messages concise
  • Track button click performance
Text Ads
  • Cost-conscious campaigns
  • Precise targeting
  • Supplementary advertising
  • Use clear, concise language
  • Highlight unique value proposition
  • Target precisely
  • Monitor click-per-click
Spotlight Ads
  • Product showcasing
  • Content promotion
  • Driving website traffic
  • Use personalization (name, photo)
  • Clear headline (50 chars)
  • Compelling CTA (18 chars)
  • High-quality image
Follower Ads
  • Building brand community
  • Increasing organic reach
  • Professional networking
  • Personalize with user's name/photo
  • Showcase page value
  • Use engaging visuals
Document Ads
  • Whitepapers
  • Research reports
  • Detailed guides
  • Use high-quality, informative documents
  • Create a compelling preview
  • Align with audience interests
Event Ads
  • Webinar promotion
  • Conference marketing
  • Networking events
  • Clear event details
  • Attractive event description
  • Easy registration process
Sponsored Content
  • Thought leadership
  • Industry insights
  • Company news
  • Use native content format
  • Engage with comments
  • Test different content types
Sponsored Messaging
  • Personalized outreach
  • Account-based marketing
  • Exclusive offers
  • Segment audience carefully
  • Craft compelling subject lines
  • Provide value in every message
Text and Dynamic Ads
  • Retargeting campaigns
  • Brand awareness
  • Job postings
  • Use dynamic content
  • Test different ad sizes
  • Optimize for mobile
Lead Gen Forms
  • Whitepaper downloads
  • Free trial sign-ups
  • Newsletter subscriptions
  • Keep forms short (3-4 fields)
  • Use clear value proposition
  • Follow up quickly with leads

➡️Read our detailed blog on Types of LinkedIn Ads.

💡Comparing Search Ads and Display Ads:

 When comparing ad types, it's crucial to distinguish between search and display ads. 

  • Search ads are intent-based, targeting users actively seeking specific products or services. They appear on search engine results pages (SERPs) and operate on a pay-per-click (PPC) model.
  • Display ads, on the other hand, cast a wider net across various platforms like the Google Display Network. They use a "push" advertising approach, appearing based on targeting parameters such as demographics, interests, and browsing behavior.
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