Ad spy platforms have become indispensable for marketers who want to keep a competitive edge. These tools let you monitor and analyze your competitors’ ads across channels like Meta (Facebook, Instagram), Google, TikTok, YouTube, and more. Instead of guessing, you can see which creatives, copies, and placements are winning in your industry and learn directly from them.
Below we cover some of the best ad spy platforms that growth teams, agencies, and CMOs are using in 2025.
What is an Ad Spy Platform?
An ad spy platform is a tool that:
- Reveals competitor ads currently running across networks.
- Shows ad creatives (images, videos, headlines, text).
- Tracks ad engagement and performance signals.
- Provides historical data to see how campaigns evolved.
- Surfaces insights on targeting, placements, and strategies.
Why use one? Because it helps you:
- Shortcut to proven ideas – use what’s already working in your niche.
- Spot gaps – find opportunities competitors aren’t targeting.
- Save spend – avoid testing blind and cut CAC.
- Stay updated – never miss new creative formats or trends.
Best Ad Spy Platforms
Here’s a list of leading platforms that marketers rely on today:
1. GetCrux
GetCrux is more than just an ad spy tool – it’s an AI creative strategist. Unlike platforms that only show ads, GetCrux watches every competitor ad, labels each creative element, and surfaces what angles and hooks are actually winning.
Capabilities:
- See competitor ads, concepts, and top-performing themes.
- Find audience objections from ad comments and turn them into angles.
- Clone competitor ads with your brand guidelines.
- AI-generated creatives and scripts from insights.
- Direct publishing to Meta and TikTok.
Why marketers choose GetCrux:
GetCrux doesn’t stop at showing ads: it analyzes, recommends, and even generates the next wave of creatives. Brands like Rocket Money, Motion, and Cloaked use it to double win rates and cut CAC.
2. AdSpy
One of the largest ad spy databases with millions of ads across Facebook and Instagram. Popular for dropshippers and DTC brands.
Strengths: Massive search filters by keyword, domain, engagement, or CTA.
Best for: E-commerce marketers hunting for quick product ad angles.
3. BigSpy
A multi-platform spy tool covering Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Strengths: Cross-channel ad monitoring with affordable pricing tiers.
Best for: Startups needing broad ad visibility across channels.
4. PowerAdSpy
Focuses on social ad intelligence with advanced filters for niches and call-to-actions.
Strengths: Competitor tracking and audience targeting insights.
Best for: Agencies managing multiple brands.
5. SocialAdScout
Geared toward performance marketers and affiliates who want hyper-granular filters and geo-targeting.
Strengths: Deep dive into landing pages, funnel flows, and copy variations.
Best for: Affiliates and paid media buyers.
6. SpyFu
Technically a search competitor tool, but widely used for Google Ads spying.
Strengths: See competitors’ top keywords, ad copy, and budget history.
Best for: SEM managers and SaaS growth teams.
7. SEMrush Ad Intelligence
A well-known SEO/SEM platform that also offers display and Google Ads spying.
Strengths: Unified competitive research across SEO, PPC, and display ads.
Best for: Enterprises needing a holistic marketing intelligence suite.
Comparison Table
Here’s a quick snapshot of the platforms:
Takeaway
If you’re just looking to see competitor ads, platforms like AdSpy or BigSpy get the job done. But if you want to go further, understand why those ads work, replicate winning patterns, and even generate on-brand variations automatically, then GetCrux is the standout choice.
It’s trusted by fintech, SaaS, and consumer brands alike to move beyond spying into actionable creative intelligence.
