We analyzed Black Friday 2024 ads of top brands, and here are the insights we found that you can use for meta ads iteration inspiration for your newest campaign.

Meta ads are a powerful tool for engaging audiences and driving conversions, especially during high-stakes periods like Black Friday and the holiday season.

1. Repurposed Winning Ads with Sale Badges or Frames

One of the top-performing strategies during Black Friday 2024 was repurposing existing, high-performing ads by adding “Black Friday Sale” badges or festive frames. This approach capitalized on data-backed success while giving ads a seasonal twist.

Why It Works:

• Builds on proven performance data from past ads.
• Saves time and resources—no need to create new assets from scratch.
• Adds urgency and relevance, perfect for time-sensitive promotions.

Pro Tip: Update the badge or frame for the holidays with festive colors and themes like snowflakes or gift icons for a quick refresh.

2. Simple Static Images Highlighting Products and Sale Info

Clean, clear static images with product and sale information were a winning tactic in Black Friday 2024, especially for retargeting warm audiences. This no-frills approach focused on driving conversions without unnecessary distractions.

Execution Tips:

• Use high-quality, appealing product images.
• Include clear and bold sale details, such as “50% Off” or “Buy One, Get One Free.”
• Keep the design minimal to ensure the message stands out.

Meta Insight: While this format excelled in retargeting during Black Friday, it can be adapted for colder holiday audiences with added seasonal elements like holiday decor or festive backgrounds.

3. Handwritten or DIY-Style Graphics

DIY-inspired designs were a breakout trend during Black Friday 2024. Handwritten notes, cardboard signs, and vintage newspaper-style graphics cut through the clutter of overly polished creatives, making them a great option for standing out.

Why You Should Try It:

• Attention-grabbing because they disrupt the glossy aesthetic common in feeds.
• Feel authentic and personal, appealing to value-conscious shoppers.
• Perfect for brands with a playful, quirky, or nostalgic tone.

Pro Tip: Use genuine handwritten elements or mimic them with fonts for a low-cost but high-impact creative.

4. Text-Only Ads That Convert

Text-only ads gained significant traction during Black Friday 2024. These minimalist creatives delivered impressive results by relying on sharp, persuasive copy. When done right, they drive high engagement while keeping design costs low.

How to Nail It:

• Focus on a strong, attention-grabbing headline like “Holiday Flash Sale: 40% Off Ends Soon!”
• Emphasize urgency and value to compel immediate action.
• Keep the design clean and free of distractions to spotlight the message.

5. The Balloon Letter Trend

Shiny balloon letters spelling out “SALE” or “50% OFF” were everywhere during Black Friday 2024—and for good reason! They’re bold, playful, and impossible to ignore, making them an ideal choice for holiday campaigns too.

Creative Execution:

• Use vibrant, contrasting backgrounds to make the balloons pop.
• Pair them with minimal text overlays or animations for added engagement.
• Incorporate holiday motifs like candy canes, stars, or snowflakes for a festive feel.

Pro Tip: Test this trend with both static and video formats to see what resonates best with your audience.

Why Iteration Inspiration Matters in Meta Ads

The trends from Black Friday 2024 emphasize that iterating on your Meta ads is key to maintaining engagement and optimizing performance. By repurposing successful creatives and experimenting with new formats, you can enhance your campaign’s reach and ROI while staying within your budget.

Key Takeaways:

• Use performance data to guide your iterations.
• Balance creative risk with data-backed confidence by repurposing proven ads.
• Test multiple formats, from DIY designs to minimalist text ads.

Ready to Elevate Your Holiday Campaigns?

The strategies and trends from Black Friday 2024 provide a treasure trove of ideas for creating impactful Meta ads this holiday season. Whether you’re adding seasonal flair to a winning ad or testing bold new trends like balloon letters, these insights will help you stand out and succeed.

Looking for more Meta ads iterations inspiration? Access our Black Friday 2024 Winning Ads board for a closer look at the ads we reviewed and more.