In Stream Ads Facebook: The Underrated Format That Drives Real Results

Facebook Instream Ads may not always receive high praise from advertising experts, but they are a suitable solution for businesses with limited budgets.

Often referred to as "ad breaks," instream ads are known for their effectiveness in boosting brand awareness. However, many advertisers either overlook this format or fail to fully leverage its benefits.

In this article, we’ll analyze key aspects of in stream ads for facebook including the definition, ad placements, and the advantages of using them. More specifically, we’ll explain how to set up Facebook Instream Ad and when it’s most effective to use them within a broader marketing campaign.

Lastly, we’ll provide valuable information for content creators who are interested in placing instream ads on their pages. This includes a list of eligible countries, requirements to run ads, and potential earnings for creators using instream Facebook ads.

What Are Facebook Instream Ads?

Definition

Facebook In stream Ads are image or video ads that appear within regular video content on Facebook - either before or during the video.

This ad format is non-skippable and is designed to help businesses increase brand awareness.

Typically lasting 5–15 seconds, these ads require users to watch at least 5 seconds before continuing their video, making it crucial for advertisers to optimize the message for short durations.

Types of Facebook Instream Ads

There are four types of in-stream ads: pre-roll, mid-roll, post-roll, and image. Note that you can't choose where your ads will appear when you set up your video. Here's a breakdown of each type of Facebook instream ad format.

Pre-Roll Ads

These ads appear at the beginning of the video - but only after the user has watched at least 1 minute of content. They do not play immediately at the start.

Mid-Roll Ads

These appear in the middle of the video. Compared to other formats, mid-roll ads generally have a lower skip rate and higher completion rate.

Post-Roll Ads

Though post-roll ads tend to have higher drop-off rates, they don’t interrupt the viewing experience, which can lead to better conversion rates.

Image Ads

These are static image ads that appear below video content. While they don’t interrupt the video, they can still effectively increase brand awareness.

Benefits of Using Facebook Instream Ads

Higher Viewer Engagement

Because users cannot skip instream ads Facebook (especially pre-roll and mid-roll formats), they’re more likely to watch them in full. This gives businesses a better chance to deliver their message, make a stronger impression, and increase ad conversion rates.

Cost-Effective Advertising

Facebook advertising is often viewed as a costly investment. Many small business owners hesitate due to concerns about ROI. However, Instream Facebook Ads are relatively affordable. You’re only charged when a user watches the entire ad - a model known as Cost Per Completed View (CPCV).

Increased Brand Awareness

These non-skippable ads appear directly on-screen, providing a valuable window to capture viewer attention. This makes them especially effective for the early stages of marketing campaigns focused on brand recognition and increasing reach.

Boosted Conversions

By delivering messages to a captive audience, instream ads help drive higher engagement and increase the chances of turning viewers into customers.

When Should You Use Facebook Instream Ads?

Brand Awareness Stage

Instream ads are particularly effective during the Brand Awareness campaign, where the goal is to increase brand visibility. These non-skippable ads allow businesses to leave a lasting impression and communicate brand messages clearly.

While other ad formats can also be used at this stage, instream ads offer a cost-effective option with a high return in brand recognition.

Product Launches

If your goal is to boost reach and visibility - especially when launching a new product - Instream Ads for Facebook are a strong choice. Since users must watch the full ad to proceed with the video, your product gets full exposure. Better yet, you won’t be charged unless users complete the ad, making it a low-risk, high-reward format.

Retargeting

Instream ads are also powerful in retargeting campaigns - targeting users who have previously interacted with your brand. At this stage, users often show interest in your product or service. The goal is to re-engage them and convert interest into action quickly. In stream ads Facebook help reinforce your message and encourage conversions.

Promote Mobile app

If you're promoting a mobile app, instream video ads can be used to show app functionality in action. With a compelling call to action like “Install Now,” you can reach highly engaged video viewers who are more likely to download your app after seeing it in use.

Facebook Instream Ads Eligible Countries List

Country

Facebook In-stream ads can be used in the following countries or territories, totaling 61 countries:
Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, France, Germany, Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Peru, Poland, Puerto Rico, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States.

Language

In-stream ads Facebook can be used in the following languages, totaling 37 languages:
Arabic, Assamese, Bengali, Bhojpuri, Dutch, English, French, German, Gujarati, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Indonesian, Japanese, Kannada, Khmer, Korean, Malay, Malayalam, Mandarin, Marathi, Oriya (Odia), Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Tagalog, Tamil, Telugu, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu, Vietnamese.

In-Stream Ads Facebook For Creators

Facebook Ads In-Stream offer a powerful way for creators to monetize their video content. These ads are short video ads that play before, during, or after your videos, giving you a way to earn revenue from your engaged audience. However, to use this feature, there are certain requirements and steps you must follow.

Conditions For Using In-Stream Ads For Facebook

To be eligible for Instream Ad Facebook, you need to meet the following criteria:

1. Facebook Page: You must have a Facebook Page (not just a personal profile).

2. Location: You must be in a country where Instream Ads are supported.

3. Audience Requirements:

• At least 10,000 followers.

• 600,000 total minutes watched across your videos in the last 60 days.

4. Video Length: Your videos should be at least 1 minute long (to enable mid-roll ads).

5. Compliance: You need to comply with Facebook’s Monetization and Community Standards.

Meeting these conditions ensures you can start using InStream Ad to generate income from your content.

How To Insert In-Stream Ads?

Follow these steps to set up Facebook InStream Ads for your Facebook videos:

1. Access Creator Studio or Meta Business Suite: Navigate to the platform’s monetization section.

2. Enable Monetization: If your page is eligible, you'll be able to activate monetization for your content.

3. Select Videos: Choose the videos you want to monetize with in stream ads Facebook.

4. Activate Ads: Once you've selected your eligible videos, enable the in stream ads Facebook option. Facebook will automatically insert ads or let you manually set ad breaks for longer videos.

By doing this, you can start earning from the ads placed on your videos.

Earnings From In-Stream Ads Facebook

Your earnings from Facebook in stream ads are determined by several factors:

1. Video Views: The more views your videos get, the more opportunities for ads to be shown.

2. Ad Impressions: Earnings are directly tied to the number of ad impressions on your content.

3. CPM (Cost Per Thousand Impressions): The amount you earn per 1,000 views varies based on the audience location and video engagement.

Typically, creators can expect to earn anywhere between $1 and $10 per 1,000 views, but the actual CPM rate can vary. Payments are made when your balance reaches $100, and payouts are processed via direct deposit.

With consistent video production and engagement, you can see growing revenue from your Facebook content.

Conclusion

Facebook Instream Ads may not be the most talked-about format, but they offer undeniable value - especially for businesses looking to maximize impact on a limited budget. Whether you're aiming to increase brand awareness, promote a new product, or re-engage past viewers, this ad type provides a cost-effective, high-engagement solution that’s often overlooked.

For advertisers, understanding when and how to use in stream ads Facebook within a broader campaign can significantly boost performance. And for content creators, monetizing through in stream ads for Facebook presents a valuable revenue stream - especially if your content consistently meets Facebook's eligibility criteria.

By leveraging Facebook Instream Ads strategically, both advertisers and creators can unlock new opportunities for growth, engagement, and monetization in a highly competitive digital landscape.