What Makes a Scroll-Stopping Ad?

What Makes a Scroll-Stopping Ad?

Let’s face it—most ads are forgettable. And that’s exactly what we avoid at Manifest Media. We believe an ad should stop you mid-scroll, spark curiosity, and push someone to take action.

So what makes that happen? It’s not just great visuals—it’s strategic messaging, mobile optimisation, and psychology-backed design.

Here’s what we focus on when creating high-performing ads:

  • The Hook: Your first line or image must immediately grab attention. Think: questions, bold statements, or unexpected visuals.

  • Clarity: One message per ad. One goal. Don’t try to sell everything at once.

  • Emotion: Make them feel something. Whether it’s humour, nostalgia, or urgency—emotion drives action.

  • Relevance: Know your audience and speak their language. If it’s not for them, they’ll keep scrolling.

  • Call to Action: Don’t leave them hanging. Tell them what to do next—click, save, buy, sign up.

On the flip side, here’s what we avoid:

  • Generic imagery that blends in

  • Text-heavy creatives that overwhelm

  • Vague or complicated messaging

  • Ads that don’t load well on mobile

Great ads aren’t accidents—they’re built. We test, optimise, and refine every element until it works. Whether it’s a paid campaign on Meta or a boosted post for a new launch, we make sure your message is seen—and remembered.

 

Back to blog