Meta Ads Library: How to Search, Spy on Competitors and Download Ads (2026 Guide)
Meta Ads Library
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Quick answer
The Meta Ads Library (facebook.com/ads/library) is a free, public database of ads running across Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, Threads and the Audience Network. Choose a country and 'All ads', then search an advertiser or keyword to see their active creatives, start dates and platforms. There's no official download button, save ads with screen recording or a vetted tool.
Key takeaways
- It's free and needs no login: facebook.com/ads/library.
- You'll see the creative, start date, platforms and variations, but not spend or results (except for political ads).
- Ads that have run for months are usually the profitable ones. Study their hooks and offers.
- There's no official download button, so check any downloader extension carefully before installing it.
What is the Meta Ads Library?
Meta's Ad Library is Meta's public transparency tool. It lists every active ad running on Meta's platforms, from any advertiser. Ads about social issues, elections and politics are kept for seven years with spend and reach ranges; in the EU and UK, inactive commercial ads stay visible for a year after their last impression.
How to search the Meta Ads Library
- 1Go to facebook.com/ads/library.
- 2Pick a country (or All) and ad category: All ads.
- 3Search an advertiser name (more precise) or a keyword (broader).
- 4Filter by platform (Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, Threads, Audience Network, a WhatsApp filter was added in December 2025), media type, active status and date range.
- 5Click See ad details to view variations and the advertiser's Page info.
To see what ads an account is running on Instagram, search the brand's name, Instagram ads appear in the same library.
How to use the Ad Library for competitor research
- Sort by run time. Ads running 30+ days are usually winners, most ads are switched off within a week.
- Count variations. Many versions of one ad means it's being scaled.
- Note the hook, offer and format: not just the visuals.
- Build a swipe file of ideas to test, then make them your own.
We use the same process in every Facebook ads audit and to brief creative.
How to download a video from the Meta Ad Library
Meta doesn't offer an official download button. Options:
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Screen recording | Safe, built into every OS | Lower quality |
| Browser developer tools (Network tab) | Original file | Fiddly; doesn't always work |
| Third-party extensions / swipe tools | One click, organized | Check permissions, some request risky access |
Only use downloaded ads for research and inspiration, don't republish other brands' creative.
Meta Ad Library alternatives (ad spy tools)
Paid "ad spy" tools add saved boards, longer history and cross-platform search (Meta, TikTok, Google). For Google ads, use the free Google Ads Transparency Center. For most small businesses, the free Library plus a simple swipe file is enough.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Meta Ads Library free?
Yes. Anyone can use it without logging in at facebook.com/ads/library.
Can I see how much a competitor spends on Meta ads?
No, spend and results are only shown for ads about social issues, elections or politics.
How do I download a video from the Meta Ad Library?
There's no official download button. Use screen recording, your browser's developer tools, or a reputable swipe tool, and check extension permissions first.
Does the Ad Library show Instagram ads?
Yes. It covers Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, Threads and the Audience Network.
Sources
Platform rules change often, so we check sources at every update. Last reviewed October 12, 2026.
Written by
Zia Ur Rehman
Founder & Lead SEO Strategist, DigiEthic
Zia Ur Rehman is the founder of DigiEthic, with 14 years of experience in digital marketing. He works hands-on across technical SEO, AI search optimization (AEO/GEO), Local SEO, Google Ads and Meta Ads for service businesses and e-commerce brands.
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