Instagram REELS ONLY campaigns in Meta Ads

Reels are Meta’s fastest-growing content format, and running ads exclusively in this space lets you go all-in on short-form video engagement. Whether you’re launching a product, building awareness, or testing vertical creatives, this guide shows you how to set up an Instagram Reels-only campaign inside Meta Ads Manager, including best practices, specs, and FAQs.

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How to Run an Instagram REELS ONLY campaign in Meta Ads:

1. Login to your Meta Ads Manager

2. Create a new campaign and select an Objective

3. Choose MANUAL setup (Do NOT go with Recommende settings)

4. Navigate at the Ad Set level

5. Scroll all the down to Placements

6. Click on Edit next to Advantage+ placements

7. Select Manual placements

8. Deselect all platforms and placements except Instagram Reels

Frequently Asked Questions on Instagram REELS campaigns in Meta Ads

1. Where do Instagram Reels ads appear?

Reels ads appear:

• In the Instagram Reels feed (while users scroll Reels)

• Under the Reels tab on user profiles

• In the Explore tab (if selected)They blend seamlessly with organic Reels and can be liked, shared, or commented on.

2. How do I create a Reels campaign in Meta Ads Manager?

1. Go to Meta Ads Manager

2. Choose a campaign objective (e.g., Reach, Traffic, Engagement, Conversions, Video Views)

3. At the Ad Set level, select Manual Placements

4. Tick Instagram Reels under Instagram Placements

5. Upload a vertical 9:16 video creative

6. Add CTA, caption, and finalise your targeting and budget

3. What video specs are recommended for Instagram Reels ads?

• Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (full screen)

• Resolution: 1080 x 1920 px

• Length: 5–60 seconds

• Format: MP4 or MOV

• File Size: Max 4 GBUse sound, motion, and fast pacing to match native Reels vibes.

4. Which campaign objectives support Instagram Reels placements?

Supported objectives include:

• Reach

• Brand Awareness

• Video Views

• Engagement

• Conversions

• Traffic

• App Installs

5. Can I run Reels-only campaigns?

Yes. In Manual Placements, select only Instagram Reels and uncheck all others. This is ideal if you want to focus 100% on vertical video content in Reels.

6. How do Reels ads perform compared to Feed or Stories?

Reels often drive higher engagement rates due to their immersive format and native placement. They're ideal for:

• Brand storytelling

• Product demos

• Entertaining creativesHowever, performance varies by industry, targeting, and creative quality.

7. Can I boost an existing Reel as an ad?

Yes! You can boost a Reel post directly from Instagram (if your account is set up as a business profile), or use Ads Manager by selecting the post ID.

8. Are Reels ads available on Facebook too?

Yes. Meta supports Facebook Reels ads as well. You can run cross-platform Reels campaigns by selecting both placements in Ads Manager.

9. Can I track conversions from Instagram Reels ads?

Yes, if you're using the Meta Pixel, Conversions API, or App SDK, Reels ads can track conversions and events normally.