Looking for the best Instagram ads spy tools for dropshipping in 2025?
Instagram is second to Facebook when it comes to advertising reach. But knowing what campaigns actually convert takes a lot of time and research.
That’s where Instagram ad spy tools come in. These tools let you find high-performing ads and evaluate their formats, creatives, and messaging. You can also use them to spot new product opportunities and get ideas for Shopify influencer marketing campaigns.
We’ve compiled a list of the top Instagram ad spy tools you can use in 2025. Here’s our breakdown:
Comparison Table: Best Instagram Ad Spy Tools
| Tool | Monthly Pricing | Best For |
| ZIK Analytics | $39.99/month | Product research with detailed ad insights and tracking |
| AutoDS | $26.90/month | Dropshippers connecting ads to trending products |
| BigSpy | $9/month | Entrepreneurs wanting massive ad database with AI insights |
| Meta Ad Library | Free | Quick competitor checks and basic ad research |
| PowerAdSpy | $69/month | Detailed engagement data and audience targeting insights |
| SocialPeta | Contact for pricing | Store analysis combined with Instagram ad spying |
| PPSPY | Credit-based pricing | Shopify research linking products to ad performance |
| AdSpyder | Contact for pricing | Detailed competitor analysis with spend data insights |
| Minea | $49/month | Dropshipping product research across multiple social platforms |
1. ZIK Analytics
ZIK Analytics is a product research platform with a powerful Instagram Ad Spy feature. You can search ads by keyword or product name, track any Shopify store with the built-in sales tracker, and filter campaigns by audience or ad type. A curated viral ad feed also keeps you updated on what’s trending right now.
Key Features
- Instagram Ad Spy with keyword, product, and niche search
- Filters for age, gender, location, media type, and CTA
- Competitor store tracking with ads, products, and prices
- Viral ad feed updated daily with fresh creatives
- Full access to ZIK’s product research features
Pros
- Combines product research with detailed ad insights
- Store tracking makes competitor research faster
- Easy to spot winning creatives with the viral ad feed
- Unlimited searches included in every plan
Cons
- Can feel feature-heavy for beginners
- Most useful for Shopify and eBay marketing
Pricing
Plans start at $39.99/month, with unlimited ad searches included.
2. AutoDS
AutoDS is mainly known for dropshipping automation, but it also comes with a solid Instagram ads spy feature. You can check which ads are getting the most attention, see the creatives competitors use, and connect ads to trending products. Real-time data makes it easier to spot winners without wasting hours on testing.
Key Features
- Filters ads by likes, impressions, CTA text, and keywords
- Connects ads to trending and best-selling products
- Competitor tracking with ad creatives and copy
- Part of the AutoDS Product Finding Hub
Pros
- Built for dropshippers and ecommerce sellers
- Quick way to find trending products from ads
- Combines ad spying and product research in one tool
- Low-cost trial available for beginners
Cons
- Instagram ad spy is only available as an addon
- No free version to try without payment
- Works best if you already use AutoDS
- Advanced filters require upgrading
Pricing
Plans start at $26.90 per month for up to 200 products.
3. BigSpy
BigSpy has one of the largest ad databases online, with over a billion creatives across countries and languages. It updates daily and uses AI to highlight trending Instagram ads before they peak. You can follow hundreds of competitor ads at the same time, though the cheaper plan is very limited compared to the higher tiers.
Key Features
- Huge database with over 1 billion creatives
- AI highlights trending ads early
- Engagement data included with creatives
- Track hundreds of competitor ads daily
- Deduplication system removes repeats
Pros
- Massive coverage across countries and languages
- Helps you catch trends before they go viral
- Lets you follow lots of competitors at once
- Clean results without duplicates
Cons
- Entry plan only allows 20 searches a day
No option to downgrade once you upgrade - Big jump in pricing between plans
- Advanced features locked behind expensive tiers
Pricing
Starts at $9 per month for basic access and limited searches.
4. Meta Ad Library
The Meta Ad Library is the most reliable free resource for checking Instagram ads. It gives you access to every ad currently running across Instagram, whether it’s from a global brand or a small dropshipping store. You can search by page name, product keyword, or filter by country to see what’s trending right now.
Key Features
- Search by brand, keyword, or product
- Filter by country, platform, or ad category
- Preview creatives, ad copy, and placements instantly
- Check when each ad went live
- Access ads from both niche and top ecommerce brands
Pros
- Completely free to use with no signup required
- Covers all active Instagram and Meta ads
- Helpful for quick competitor checks and product ideas
- Simple interface makes it easy for beginners
Cons
- Limited to active ads only (no past history)
- No advanced product filters or sales data
- Doesn’t show performance metrics like conversions
- No built-in bookmarking or saving features
Pricing
Free to use for anyone with a Meta account.
5. PowerAdspy
PowerAdSpy helps you search through Instagram ads to see which ones are getting real engagement. You can look up ads by brand, keyword, or website, then narrow results with filters for audience, country, or media type. It also shows live interactions so you can spot ads that are actually connecting with people.
Key Features
- Audience filters for age, gender, and location
- Search ads by brand, keyword, or domain
- Chrome extension for quick checks on competitors
- Engagement data including likes, comments, and shares
Pros
- Covers a wide range of ads across platforms
- Flexible filters make it simple to narrow searches
- Chrome extension makes it faster to use
- Helpful for marketers running several accounts
Cons
- Doesn’t provide ad spend or ROI data
- No direct link between ads and Shopify product suppliers
- Free version is capped at 100 searches
- Higher features locked behind costly subscriptions
Pricing
Plans begin at $69 per month with limited access.
6. SocialPeta
SocialPeta is a multi-platform ad database that also pulls in marketplace data, including AliExpress and Shopify. For Instagram, it lets you view competitor ads and pair them with product insights. While not built purely for ad spying, it can be useful if you want both ad and market data in one place.
Key Features
- Integrated AliExpress and Shopify product data
- Instagram ad search with basic filters
- Competitor store analysis with linked product details
- Campaign cost estimates for planning budgets
Pros
- Useful store analysis for Shopify competitors
- Combines ad spying with product research tools
- Shows engagement stats to validate products
- Includes cost estimation features for campaigns
Cons
- Smaller Instagram ad database compared to dedicated spy tools
- Heavier focus on mobile apps than ecommerce
- Missing advanced filters for niche targeting
- Pricing is not transparent and requires sales contact
Pricing
Comes with a 3-day free trial. Contact SocialPeta directly for pricing.
7. PPSPY
PPSPY is built mainly for Shopify research, but it ties in Meta ads so you can see which products are driving real sales. With millions of stores in its database, you can connect ads to product performance and spot niches worth testing. It’s more about products than pure ad spying, but that can be a big time-saver.
Key Features
- Niche validation with product and revenue filters
- Data from millions of Shopify stores linked to ads
- Traffic source tracking including Instagram, SEO, and email
- Chrome extension for quick store and product checks
- AI-based sales tracking for Shopify stores
Pros
- Chrome extension makes research faster
- Great for linking product success to ad traffic
- Covers a large number of Shopify stores
- Saves time combining ad and product data
Cons
- Not a dedicated ad spy tool
- Shopify-only focus limits scope
- Doesn’t let you preview actual ad creatives
- No free plan or trial available
Pricing
Plans begin at $39 per month for 30 tracker slots.
8. AdSpyder
AdSpyder is an Instagram ad spy tool that helps you look at competitor campaigns in detail. You can type in a keyword or a store’s domain and see their ads, how much they might be spending, and even the landing pages they are using. The problem is, many users complain about billing issues and not being able to cancel their subscriptions.
Key Features
- Search ads by keyword or competitor domain
- See ad budgets and how much is being spent
- Breakdowns of audience demographics
- Timeline showing how long ads have been running
- Landing page previews to check funnels and offers
Pros
- Shows spend data you won’t get in Meta’s library
- Audience info helps you understand who competitors are targeting
- Search tools make it easy to track specific brands
- Landing pages give a complete picture of campaign
Cons
- Many users say they couldn’t cancel subscriptions
- Some ads in the database are out of date
- Customer support is slow to respond
- Complaints about ongoing billing after cancellation
Pricing
Plans are not public, so you’ll need to contact their team for a quote.
9. Minea
Minea is built for dropshippers who want to catch winning Instagram products before they get saturated. The platform tracks millions of ads every day and gives you tools like keyword search, reverse image lookup, and competitor monitoring. It works across Instagram and other social platforms, so you’re not limited to a single channel.
Key Features
- Competitor radar to keep track of ads and products
- Daily list of trending and high-performing Instagram ads
- Reverse image and keyword search with Magic Search
- Ad library covering Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest, and Instagram
- One-click product import to Shopify stores
Pros
- Big database that updates with new ads daily
- Covers multiple platforms for broader research
- Magic Search makes it easy to validate products
- Works well for dropshippers who want quick insights
Cons
- Higher-tier plans needed for heavy use
- Credit system runs out fast if you search often
- No detailed sentiment or comment analysis
- Limited tools for team collaboration
Pricing
Starts at $49 per month with 10,000 credits.
What is an Instagram Ads Spy Tool
An Instagram ads spy tool is software that helps you view and track the ads competitors launch on Instagram. It highlights visuals, text, formats, and interaction levels so you can spot what connects with audiences in your niche. In simple terms, it’s a way to review winning campaigns and apply those lessons to your own ads.
Why Do You Need an Instagram Ads Spy Tool
There are several reasons why Instagram ads spy tools make sense for Shopify dropshipping. For example, they help you:
- See what’s working in your niche: With Instagram ads reaching 1.74 billion people, the competition is intense. Spy tools let you study which creatives, captions, and formats are cutting through.
- Find products with traction: Looking at ads with strong engagement shows you which products are already getting attention. That takes the guesswork out of choosing what to sell.
- Get inspiration for creatives: Successful video styles, images, and copy are all visible. That makes it easier to come up with ads that are more likely to work.
- Refine targeting strategies: Ad libraries and spy tools reveal which audiences brands are going after. This allows you to adjust your own targeting to reach buyers faster.
- Boost conversions: Instagram ads have an average conversion rate of 1–2%. By studying top-performing ads with a spy tool, you can design campaigns that push your numbers closer to the higher end.
How to Choose an Instagram Ads Spy Tool
Choosing an Instagram ads spy tool doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Here’s how you can approach it:
- Start with free tools: Begin with Meta’s Ads Library. It’s free, and it shows you whether checking competitor ads actually gives you ideas you can use.
- Move into trials: If the free route helps, take advantage of trial offers. Testing a tool’s dashboard and data firsthand tells you more than reviews ever will.
- Look beyond simple ad spying: Tools like ZIK Analytics also handle product research, niche discovery, and competitor tracking, giving you more than a one-trick solution.
- Consider your needs: Think about how you run campaigns. Do you want engagement data, keyword searches, or demographic filters? The right tool should fit naturally into your process.
- Plan for growth: A starter plan works early on, but make sure the platform can scale with you as your ad spend and strategies expand.
Grow Your Business Store with ZIK Analytics AdSpy Tool
Instagram is one of the biggest platforms for ecommerce advertising, and the right ad spy tool can help you find products and campaigns that actually convert. From free tools like Meta Ad Library to paid options such as AutoDS and BigSpy, there’s something here for every dropshipper.
ZIK Analytics makes things even easier with its Shopify AdSpy tool. You can check live Instagram and Facebook ads, filter by niche, and see what competitors are running in real time. This software is for Shopify dropshippers who want research backed by real, practical data.
Ready to start finding winning ads?
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Instagram Ads Spy Tool
In this section, I’ll answer the frequently asked questions about Instagram ad spy tools.
How to see competitors’ Instagram ads?
You can see competitors by using ZIK’s Ad Spy tools. Just enter a keyword, product, or store name to pull up live Instagram ads. From there, you can filter by niche, country, or engagement and check the creatives competitors use. ZIK also shows the product pages linked to those ads for deeper insight.
Is it illegal to spy on competitors?
It is not illegal to spy on competitors as long as you use publicly available information. You can research their ads through Facebook’s Ad Library, Google’s Ads Transparency Center, or tools like Semrush and Similarweb. Analyzing competitor strategies this way is considered legitimate and a common part of market research.
What is the penalty for spying?
There’s no penalty for checking competitor ads with public tools, but using spy methods that access private accounts or data without permission can break privacy laws and result in fines or lawsuits. Platforms may also suspend accounts if rules are broken, so stick to legal and transparent ways of researching ads.
How to run targeted Instagram ads?
First, create a professional Instagram account and link it to your Facebook Page. Then, choose an objective like traffic, sales, or engagement. Now you can define your audience by setting filters such as age, location, interests, or behaviors, and select placements like Feed, Stories, or Reels.
How to see a company’s ads on Instagram?
You can see a company’s Instagram ads by going to their profile and selecting About This Account → Active Ads or by searching their name in the Meta Ad Library. Both show active campaigns only. If you want product insights too, tools like ZIK’s Ad Spy reveal the ads and the products behind them.
How to check Instagram targeted ads?
You can check your targeted ads on Instagram by opening Settings → Accounts Center → Ad preferences. There you’ll see the topics Instagram thinks you’re interested in and the ads you’ve recently engaged with. You can also view a brand’s active ads through their profile or the Meta Ad Library if you’re curious.