11 Top Tools To Spy on Competitor Ads in 2025
11 Top Tools To Spy on Competitor Ads in 2025
Learn how to track competitor ads across Google, TikTok, Meta, and more. Discover some of the best tools, what to look for, and how to use the ad data in 2025.
August 3, 2025
Table of contents
- Why track competitor ads?
- Is it ethical to spy on competitor ads?
- Where competitors run ads
- How to find competitor ads (manually and with tools)
- The 11 top tools to spy on your competitor’s ads
- What to look for in competitor ads
- How to use competitor ad data
- Frequently asked questions
- How Bestever can help you make sense of competitor ads
Want a better handle on what’s working in your space? Tracking competitor ads gives you a clear window into how others are positioning themselves and reaching your shared audience.
By tracking your competitors’ ads, you can see which platforms they’re using, what kinds of creatives they rely on, and how they’re positioning their offers, so you can plan your next move with more clarity and direction.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- Why competitor ad monitoring is helpful (and whether it’s ethical)
- How to spy on competitors’ ads
- Helpful tools (paid and free)
- How to use the data you’ve gathered
Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why you might want to track your competitors’ ads.
Why track competitor ads?
Keeping an eye on competitor ads isn’t just about curiosity; it’s about context. When you know what others in your space are saying, showing, and selling, you can spot trends early, dodge common mistakes, and make informed calls on your own campaigns.
Tracking competitor ads helps you:
Spot gaps: Maybe all your competitors are going after price-conscious shoppers, but no one’s talking about quality or speed. That’s your chance to take a different angle.
See what’s working: If an ad’s been running for months, odds are it’s performing well. Tools like the Meta Ad Library and SpyFu can provide insights.
Stay current: Ad trends shift fast. Tracking what others are putting out across TikTok, Meta, and display ads keeps you up to date.
Get ideas: Use your competitors’ ads to inspire your own. If you see a brand using a strong CTA or running a clever seasonal promotion, add it to a swipe file.
Benchmark performance: Tools like Similarweb or Adbeat can estimate how much a brand is spending and its traffic sources.
Is it ethical to spy on competitor ads?
The simple answer is yes. If an ad’s out in the wild on various platforms, it’s fair game to spy on it. Competitive advertising tracking isn’t sneaky; it’s a strategic approach to understanding industry trends.
Most platforms encourage transparency, offering public ad libraries. However, keep in mind:
- Don’t copy: Take inspiration but make it your own.
- Be original: Use what you find to stand out, not blend in.
- Add value: Always look for ways to improve upon existing ideas.
Where competitors run ads
Most brands focus their budget on a few key platforms, allowing you to piece together their strategy:
- Paid search (Google, Microsoft Advertising): Look for keywords they’re bidding on.
- Display networks: These are banner ads on news sites, blogs, and forums.
- Social media: Platforms like Meta, TikTok, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and others are vital for tracking ad variety.
- Native and programmatic ads: Ads that blend in with site content; can be harder to spot without tools.
How to find competitor ads (manually and with tools)
There are two main ways to go about tracking ads: digging manually or using tools:
- Start with public platforms: Brands often have built-in ad libraries (e.g., Meta, TikTok).
- Use Google: Search for competitors’ brand names with targeted keywords.
- Browse websites: Be alert for retargeting ads.
- Utilize ad tracking platforms: Tools like SpyFu, SEMrush, and Adbeat can surface trends over time.
The 11 top tools to spy on your competitor’s ads
Here are the best tools for monitoring ads:
The best search and display ad tracking tools
| Tool | Best for | Free plan | Platforms tracked |
|---|---|---|---|
| SpyFu | Google Ads keyword and ad copy tracking | Yes (limited) | Google Search |
| Semrush | PPC and SEO insights in one platform | Yes (limited) | Google Search, Bing |
| Similarweb | Display traffic sources and top publishers | Yes (limited) | Display, programmatic |
| Adbeat | In-depth display and native ad tracking | No free plan | Display, native, programmatic |
Social media ad libraries and trackers
| Tool | Best for | Free plan | Platforms tracked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meta Ad Library | Viewing all active ads from any brand | Free | Facebook, Instagram |
| TikTok Ad Library | Discovering top-performing TikTok ads | Free | TikTok |
| PowerAdSpy | Advanced filters and competitor tracking | Yes (limited) | Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok |
| BigSpy | Cross-platform ad research with creative tagging | Yes (limited) | Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest |
| Pinterest Ad Repository | Viewing promoted Pins by advertiser | Free |
Creative-focused ad intelligence
| Tool | Best for | Free plan | Unique feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bestever | Analyzing visual and messaging performance | Yes | AI-powered creative analysis |
| Foreplay | Organizing swipe files and team creative reviews | Yes (limited) | Drag-and-drop boards for ad inspiration |
What to look for in competitor ads
Pay attention to key elements such as:
- Headlines, hooks, and CTAs: First impressions matter.
- Ad formats: Are they using video, static images, etc.?
- Offers and pricing strategy: Are discounts featured?
- Visual style: What vibe are they aiming for?
- Funnel depth: Where do the ads send traffic?
How to use competitor ad data
Leverage what you’ve found:
- Build swipe files and inspiration boards: Organize creative examples for future use.
- Spot trends over time: Adapt your approach based on competitors’ ads.
- Test similar angles: Validate creative directions before investing heavily.
- Analyze funnel strategies: Understand competitors’ targeting methods.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find my competitors’ Google Ads?
Using tools like SpyFu or Semrush can give insights into keywords and ads.
Can I see all the ads a brand is running?
You can see a lot, especially on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Tools like Meta’s Ad Library are useful.
What’s a great tool for creative breakdowns?
Bestever is effective for evaluating ads based on visuals and performance.
What’s the best free tool for spying on ads?
Meta Ad Library and others provide great insights without charge.
Are there tools to track YouTube or TikTok ads?
Yes, TikTok’s Ad Library works well for tracking.
What kind of competitor ads should I focus on?
Look for ads that have been running a long time as they often perform well.
How Bestever can help you make sense of competitor ads
Tracking competitor ads is one of the fastest ways to spot trends. However, it can be overwhelming. Bestever can help streamline this process by providing insights that enhance your competitive strategy.