Storytelling is the great Equalizer in Facebook Ads

“I don’t fall for ads.”

Yet, when you dig deeper, the evidence tells a different story.

Ever heard someone say that?

Yet they:

Wear Nike shoes.
Own an iPhone.
Drive a Tesla.
Eat at McDonald’s.
Drink Starbucks.

Here’s the truth:

Big brands don’t just sell products; they use storytelling to sell identities.

And you, as a small business, can leverage the same strategies—especially when advertising on Facebook.

In this issue, we’ll break down:

1. Why storytelling works for big brands and small businesses alike.

2. How Nike, Apple, Tesla, and Red Bull master it in their ads (examples included).

3. How you can apply these lessons to your own Facebook campaigns.

Why Storytelling Works

Successful Facebook ads don’t just sell products—they inspire emotions, aspirations, and belonging.

This is why storytelling is the great equalizer. Maybe you don’t have the budget, the experience, the team of big brands but you have a story to tell.

What’s the core idea? 

Instead of focusing solely on the what (features), big brands focus on the who (who their audience wants to become).

This is storytelling in action. It’s what takes a product from being functional to being desirable.

For small businesses, storytelling is your golden ticket.

Why?

It’s the difference between a click that converts and a scroll that ignores you.

Storytelling Examples from Big Brands

Here’s how some of the world’s biggest brands use storytelling—and how you can adapt their strategies for your Facebook ads.

1. Nike: The Athlete in All of Us

Nike’s ads focus on transformation, not shoes. They make you believe that wearing Nike isn’t about owning sneakers—it’s about unlocking your inner athlete.

Facebook ad inspiration: Nike’s ads show runners drenched in sweat, basketball players scoring the game-winning shot, and everyday people overcoming challenges.

The message? “You’re unstoppable, just like them.”

👉 See these Nike Static ads telling a story:

Story:

As you can see, there is no caption added, as the creative tells the story in a one-liner. Also, the ad creative shows off the product and has a CTA.

Story:

You can be fast as Mbappé. Of course, top athletes/influencers help.

Also, they have included scarcity and CTA in the body text of the ad.

Do you see how they create a short narrative with simple images? You can do it, too.

How to adapt: What transformation does your product offer?

Build your Facebook ads around that.

• Sell kitchen gadgets? Focus on helping parents make quick, healthy meals for their families.

• Sell clothing? Show how your designs make someone feel confident.

2. Apple: The Creative Visionary

Apple ads don’t talk about megapixels or gigabytes. They focus on how their products empower creators and disrupt the status quo.

Facebook ad inspiration: Apple’s ads highlight photographers, filmmakers, and designers creating extraordinary work with simplicity and ease.

The message? “Think different.”

They target different audiences with their products and create ads that

Check out these examples:

Watch the full video ad here.

It calls out designers how an iPad can make their work easier. They don’t talk about the performance metrics of the product.

Simple, yet it tells a story to an everyday user or a developer who needs a laptop to perform and last.

A simple call-out of the target audience, telling a story that Apple can help them in their business journey, not just with products, but with services, too.

This is more straightforward ad, not much storytelling. However, it tells that Apple offers a the perfect gift for every family member. The bullet points in the ad creative, talk to different personas.

How to adapt: Highlight how your product makes life easier or allows someone to do something they couldn’t before.

• If you offer services, focus on how clients feel after working with you—less stress, more success, etc.

3. Red Bull: Fuel for Adventure

Red Bull doesn’t sell energy drinks—it sells extreme living.

From cliff diving to Formula 1 racing, their marketing ties the brand to adventure, adrenaline, and living life at the edge.

Facebook ad inspiration: Red Bull ads feature thrilling footage of daring athletes and live events.

The message? “Red Bull gives you wings.”

They have these famous cartoon type of ads for years. If they still do it, it means it works.

See how Red Bull does storytelling in ads:

It’s a motivating story at the gym. It tells to “drink our products” and be strong (give you wings), without telling to buy our drinks.

Video here.

This short video calls you on a adventure of a lifetime. Short, and to the point.

Video here.

How to adapt: What lifestyle or vibe can your brand own? Build ads that resonate with that community.

• Sell handmade outdoor gear? Lean into adventure stories and outdoor living.

• Offer fitness classes? Market the transformation from tired to energized.

4. Tesla: A Sustainable Future

Tesla doesn’t just market electric cars—it positions itself as the symbol of innovation, sustainability, climate friendly “fuel” and forward-thinking.

Facebook ad inspiration: Tesla ads showcase sleek designs alongside benefits like zero emissions.

The message? “Drive into the future.”

Take a look at these static ads that tell an instant story:

It tells a story of the future of the car industry. And it asks You to be part of it.

This one is even more clever. It calls out the “old” technology and makes fun of it. It tells the story of the future of cars.

How to adapt: Focus on values your audience cares about, like sustainability or convenience. Use storytelling to tie your product to those ideals.

How You Can Use Storytelling in Facebook Ads

You don’t need to be a billion-dollar company to use these storytelling principles.

Here’s how:

1. Focus on Aspirations: What does your audience dream of? Create ads that connect your product to their vision of success.

2. Be Emotionally Relatable: Tap into common emotions—happiness, ambition, relief—and show how your product solves a problem or enhances their life.

3. Use Visuals That Inspire: Invest in high-quality imagery and video that make people stop scrolling and envision themselves using your product.

4. Tell Customer Stories: Copywriting is the most important skill in Marketing. Use testimonials, create stories, show case studies in your ads of how your product transforms real lives.

Conclusion

Ads don’t have to feel like ads.

When you use storytelling, they stop being just about products and start being about identity.

From Nike to Red Bull, the best brands sell emotions, aspirations, and transformations—and you can do the same for your own small business on Facebook.

So, how will you tell your story?