Instagram Ad Not Delivering: Why It Happens And How To Fix It (2025)

Instagram ads have become an essential tool for businesses to drive sales. However, it can be incredibly frustrating when you notice your Instagram ad not delivering. This common issue can disrupt your campaign goals, but you can get your ads back on track with a clear understanding of why it happens and how to address it.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what Instagram ad status not delivering means, identify the common causes, and provide actionable solutions to resolve the problem.

What Does Instagram Ad Not Delivering Mean?

What does not delivering mean on Instagram ads? When you see the status not delivering ad Instagram or Instagram ad says not delivering in your ad manager, it means your advertisement is not reaching your intended audience. Essentially, Instagram isn’t showing your ad to users. As a result, your campaign fails to generate impressions, clicks, or conversions.

This status doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong with Instagram’s platform. Instead, it often points to issues related to your ad setup, targeting, bidding, or compliance with Instagram’s advertising policies. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step to resolving the issue.

Why Are Your Instagram Ads Not Delivering And How To Fix It?

Several factors can lead to your Instagram ad not delivering. Together with GDT Agency, let’s break down the most common reasons and the corresponding solutions.

Ad approval process delays your campaign

Instagram reviews every ad to ensure it complies with their advertising policies. This is like a passport check at an airport. You can’t board the plane until your documents are cleared, right? Similarly, if your ad is under review, it won’t start delivering until it’s approved.

👉 Fix:

• Check your ad status in the Ads Manager to see if it’s still in review.
• Submit your ad well before your desired start date to allow ample time for review.
• Ensure your ad meets Instagram’s policies regarding content, targeting, and landing pages.

You have trouble with your target audience

Think of your campaign objective as a map – it tells Instagram where to send your ad. But the who part is all about targeting the right people. Even the coolest ad won’t work if it’s shown to the wrong crowd.

Instagram lets you target people based on age, interests, and jobs, but you can get even more specific. You can target people based on their behavior – where they’ve been, what they buy, you name it!

For example, you could target people who’ve clicked the Shop button recently but not those with lower incomes.

Once you build a good list of your ideal customers (at least 1,000 people), you can create lookalike audiences – basically, find more people who are similar to your best customers. That’s how you grow!

👉 Fix:

• Reevaluate your audience parameters, such as location, demographics, and interests.
• Avoid overlapping audiences if you have multiple ad sets running simultaneously.
• Use Instagram’s Audience Size indicator to ensure your audience isn’t too small or overly saturated.

>>> Read more blogs about Instagram ads issues at Meta Ads blogs <<<

Your ad account is restricted

If your ad account is restricted due to policy violations or payment issues, then you have answers to the question Why is my Instagram ad not delivering. An ad account is the most basic aspect to check if you face any issues with your ads. Don’t underestimate this!

👉 Fix:

• Check your ad account status for any restrictions.
• Resolve payment issues by updating your billing information.
• Address any policy violations and contact Instagram support if needed.

>>> Read more about Instagram ad payment disabled <<<

Your Instagram ads are in the Learning Phase or new campaigns

We have mentioned this once in an article for Facebook Ads. Instagram ads are the same. They are both from Meta. 

When you launch a new campaign or make significant changes to an existing one, Instagram enters a Learning Phase to optimize delivery. During this time, performance may be inconsistent. If you are wondering why does my Instagram ad say not delivering, this might be the reason.

👉 Fix:

• Avoid making frequent changes to your ad settings.
• Allow the learning phase to complete (typically 50 conversions or a few days of consistent delivery).

>>> Read more: Why are your Instagram ads disabled <<<

You treat Instagram like other Marketing platforms

This is one of the biggest mistakes that can lead to Instagram ad status not delivering. Being too pushy! People are on Instagram to chill, not get bombarded with sales pitches.

Make your ads feel like they belong on Instagram. Use cool visuals, keep the text short and sweet, and don’t shove your logo in people’s faces.

Videos are a game-changer on Instagram, so definitely give them a try!

👉 Fix:

• Develop a tailored strategy that leverages Instagram’s visual and community-driven nature.
• Focus on creating visually engaging and platform-specific content.

You focus too much on conversion

So you want people to buy your stuff, right? That’s the whole point! But here’s the thing: don’t be too obvious about it on Instagram. People can smell a sales pitch from a mile away.

If you’re struggling with Instagram ad not delivering the desired results, try shifting your focus from hard selling to building meaningful connections with your audience.

Instead of just shouting BUY NOW!, focus on giving them something awesome – something they’ll enjoy. Make them laugh, inspire them, or just entertain them. Trust me, they’ll be more likely to buy from you if they like what you’re putting out there.

If Instagram ad says not delivering, are you confident to deal with it now?

👉 Fix:

• Balance your campaigns by including awareness and consideration objectives.
• Build trust and interest before pushing for conversions.

>>> Read more about ad account disabled on Instagram issues and how to fix <<<

Your ads lack a story

If you are still asking why is my ad not delivering on Instagram, this may be the reason. Instagram is all about stories. Just slapping an image with SHOP NOW! on it feels super boring. 

People come to Instagram for stories, that’s the whole point! If your ads tell a story, they’ll fit right in and people will actually pay attention. Plus, they might even buy something!

👉 Fix:

• Create ads that connect emotionally and provide value to viewers.
• Highlight customer stories or authentic brand experiences.

Your Instagram ads don’t include any offers

Instagram lets everyone know when they’re seeing an ad. So, you gotta give people a reason to actually look! Offer exclusive discounts to those who click your ads. 

However, constantly running discount-focused ads can contribute to your Instagram ad not delivering issues.

But here’s the thing: don’t always offer a discount. Mix it up! Run some ads with deals and some without. If it’s always a party, the party loses its fun. You want people to get excited when they see a special offer, right?

👉 Fix:

• Include discounts, free trials, or exclusive deals in your ads.
• Communicate the value proposition clearly in your ad copy.

You have an unclear ad objective

Okay, listen up! Choosing the wrong goal for your Instagram ads is a major no-no. It’s like telling your GPS to take you to the store – super vague, right? You need to be specific. Do you want more people to like your posts, visit your website, or actually buy something?

Think about it. Are you gonna buy a new phone at 3 AM? Probably not. You’re more likely to buy it when you’re relaxed at home or maybe waiting for the bus. Meta knows this stuff. So, if you really want people to buy your stuff, choose a goal that says conversions. Trust me, it’ll make a huge difference!

You neglect Facebook Ads Manager

Avoid the limitations of Instagram’s ‘Promote’ button. Facebook Ads Manager is the preferred platform for comprehensive Instagram ad management. It offers greater control over budget, audience targeting, ad formats (including Stories), and provides detailed campaign analytics. By leveraging Ads Manager, you can optimize your campaigns for better results.

Your landing page is not optimized

Don’t let a strong ad lead to a disappointing landing page. Ensure your ad and landing page are a cohesive unit – visually, tonally, and in their messaging. Tailor landing pages to specific ads, not just one generic page. 

If your ad promises a discount, deliver on that promise immediately on the landing page. A smooth, consistent user journey is crucial for converting clicks into sales. And avoid Instagram ads not delivering too.

You don’t adapt the ad layout to the placement

One common reason for Instagram ad not delivering problems is inconsistent creativity across different placements. Optimize your Instagram ads for each placement (Feed, Stories, Reels). Each has distinct size and format requirements. 

Adapt your creatives accordingly to avoid visual issues. Utilize Facebook Ads Manager’s preview feature to check how your ad will appear in each placement.

• Feed: Images (.jpg, .png, max 30MB), videos (square/vertical, max 60 seconds).
• Stories: Vertical, 1080x1920px images, 5-second display, 10-card carousels, 15-second videos, 60-120-second prompted videos.
• Reels: 15-30 seconds, 9:16 aspect ratio, 1080x1920px, ensure high-quality visuals.

You haven’t tested enough

With abundant analytical tools, there’s no excuse for relying on chance. A/B testing is crucial for understanding audience preferences. Experiment with different creatives and target audiences. Avoid limiting yourself to just one or two ads. The more you test, the better you’ll understand what resonates with your audience and drives desired outcomes.

You give up too early

So you have done everything we suggested to fix your Instagram ads not delivering. But there’s nothing new. You see no results. Take it easy. 

Instagram may take up to 3 months of testing your new change before you notice any results. And for sustainable and profitable results, it may take even longer. Our only advice is to be patient.

Conclusion

Many reasons can cause Instagram ad not delivering issues. Why not audit your Instagram ads and wait for the results?

Keep in mind that this is a process. Don’t skip any stages. You must be committed to the long term if you want to succeed.

If your ads are improved, get back to us and tell us how much your ROI increased in the comments.

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