Leveraging trending Reels as an advertising entry point captures an engaged audience where digital culture is formed. These concrete techniques explain how to align creative relevance, AI-powered targeting and adapted formats to multiply click-through rates and awareness.
This article presents operational methods for taking advantage of the Reels trending ads program and the new Meta options (Ads Manager), Threads). It details practical scenarios, checklists and concrete examples for significantly improving CTR and brand recognition.
Why Reels trending ads boost click-through rates
Reels trending ads exploit a powerful context: the ad is displayed after already successful organic content. This mechanism transforms passive exposure into an opportunity for action, because the audience has just experienced authentic engagement.
A case in point: the fictitious brand Atelier Rouge targets beauty enthusiasts. In a test, the brand chose to run an ad just after viral Reels in the beauty category, generating a better click-through rate than on standard placements. Why did this happen? Because the platform's AI algorithm combines cultural relevance with current intent.
Measurable benefits and proof
Meta showed gains in awareness and engagement during tests: +20 % in spontaneous awareness, comparable to some competing premium inventories. This type of performance then has an impact on click-through rates, particularly when combined with :
- Thematic targeting (e.g. beauty, sports, cars),
- Teasers adapted to the first few seconds of the spot,
- Clear call-to-actions aligned with the Reel narrative.
| Placement | Increased brand awareness | Estimated CTR impact |
|---|---|---|
| Reels trending ads | +20 % | +25 % |
| YouTube Select | +20 % | +18 % |
| TikTok Pulse | +14 % | +12 % |
For advertisers, the key is synchronization: broadcasting after a popular Reel allows them to capitalize on the emotion already created. In practice, optimizing CTR means defining relevance signals (audience, tone, category) before activating the campaign.
Insight: choosing Reels with 'cultural relevance' identified by the AI increases the likelihood of a utilitarian click rather than just a passive glance.
How to set up high-performance Reels trending ads campaigns
The operational configuration is based on three blocks: targeting, creativity and algorithmic optimization. In particular, Meta's Ads Manager provides value-based rules for directing AI to the audiences that matter most to the brand.
Step by step, here's a reliable way to get started:
- Identify relevant categories (e.g. beauty, sports, animals).
- Select trending Reels via engagement indicators.
- Set the campaign to broadcast after these Reels.
- Apply value rules to prioritize key conversions.
- A/B testing of teasers and CTAs.
| Element | Recommended action | Key indicator |
|---|---|---|
| Target | Audience by interest + value | CTR, cost per click |
| Creative | Hook 0-3s + vertical format | VTR, clicks |
| Optimization | Value rules + tests | ROAS, CPA |
Technical mechanisms and best practices
Advertisers can broadcast after specific trending content or within a category. It's also possible to extend campaigns to Threads without creating a dedicated account, by activating the connection via Instagram, which facilitates cross-app consistency.
- Check availability of country-specific value rules.
- Prepare test scripts to verify the effect of placement.
- Document high-performance audiences for future reuse.
Case in point: an SME used Meta's recommendations and connected its Instagram campaign to Threads, increasing reach without multiplying production resources. Performance improved from the very first iterations, thanks to ROI-driven optimizations.
Insight: a rigorous checklist right from the configuration phase reduces learning costs and accelerates CTR improvement.
Creative ways to double your click-through rate with Reels trending ads
Creativity remains the driving force behind clicks. Post-Reel placements require messages that extend the organic narrative or offer a natural follow-up. The approach must be narrative, fast and useful.
Creative techniques
- Sequential hook: use a visual element from the Reel to ensure continuity.
- Contextual CTA: propose an action linked to the emotion aroused (e.g. "Discover the complete routine").
- Micro-influence and nano-influence: mixing ads and collaborations for credibility (see pages on nano-influence and marketing nano-influencers).
| Technical | Expected effect | Practical advice |
|---|---|---|
| Visual appeal | +15-30 % CTR | Identify the memorable element of the Reel |
| Adapted CTA | +10-20 % CTR | Use concise action verbs |
| Nano partnerships | Better conversion | Scoring credibility |
To increase click-through rates, auditing the first 3s of paid content is essential: if the hook doesn't capture, conversion drops. Practical guides are available to improve first impression advertising and video editing on Instagram.
- Useful resource: tips for first impressions : first impression video ads.
- Editing technique: quick editing tutorials on Instagram : video editing.
- Organic optimization: convert engagement into clicks via clear offers (Instagram followers and likes).
A case in point: a designer doubled her CTR in 6 weeks by using the visual leitmotiv of a viral Reel and adding a solution CTA. Iterative testing made it possible to adjust the message according to value segments.
Insight: the combination of a coherent narrative and technical optimization (value rules, category targeting) is the most effective strategy for maximizing CTR on Reels trending ads.
FAQ
Why are Reels trending ads effective for click-through rates?
Reels trending ads exploit the viewer's prior engagement to increase the propensity to click. By appearing after viral content, the ad benefits from an already engaged audience, reducing the friction between exposure and action, and providing a culturally relevant context.
How do I set up Reels trending ads campaigns in Ads Manager?
Setting up Reels trending ads involves selecting placement after trending content, then activating value rules if available. Then test several teasers and CTAs to identify the combination that generates the best CTR.
Which formats work best with Reels trending ads?
Short vertical formats and images with a 4:5 ratio for certain placements perform well with Reels trending ads. They respect mobile consumption and optimize visibility from the very first seconds.
Are Reels trending ads right for small businesses?
Yes, Reels trending ads are well suited to small businesses, as they can capture an engaged audience without systematically investing in large creative budgets. A nano-influence strategy can amplify results.
How do you measure the success of Reels trending ads?
Measuring success involves tracking CTR, CPA and spontaneous awareness for Reels trending ads campaigns. Coupling these KPIs with A/B tests allows you to quickly iterate on creative.
Can I run Reels trending ads on Threads?
Indirectly, it's possible to extend campaigns via Instagram to Threads, reaching an additional audience when the inventory is suitable for Reels trending ads.
Do value rules improve the performance of Reels trending ads?
Value rules direct AI towards priority audiences, often improving the performance of Reels trending ads by optimizing delivery for the most important conversions.
How to integrate nano-influencers with Reels trending ads?
Integrating nano-influencers reinforces authenticity and conversion for Reels trending ads. Short, measured collaborations increase CTR without blowing the budget.
Are Reels trending ads expensive?
The cost of Reels trending ads depends on demand and region; Meta has not published all rates. Small-scale testing and optimization via value rules are recommended to keep costs under control.
Which KPIs should be prioritized to improve Reels trending ads?
By prioritizing CTR, conversion rate and spontaneous awareness, we can accurately assess the impact of Reels trending ads. These metrics guide optimization decisions.
ValueYourNetwork supports the creation and activation of Reels trending ads campaigns, from strategy to execution. Expert in influence marketing Since 2016, ValueYourNetwork has run hundreds of successful campaigns on social networks, and knows how to connect influencers and brands to maximize CTR and ROAS. To benefit from this expertise and launch an optimized campaign, contact us.