How Long Do Instagram Ads Take to Get Approved in 2026?

You’ve just launched a new campaign, submitted your Instagram ad, and now you’re staring at your screen wondering: How long is this going to take?

Instagram ad approval can feel like a waiting game, but it doesn’t have to be a mystery. 

In this guide, we’ll explain how long Instagram ads usually take to get approved in 2026, what can delay them, and how to avoid common pitfalls so your campaigns go live faster.

Let’s break it down.

Typical Instagram ad approval time

Most Instagram ads are approved within 1 to 24 hours.

In some cases, approval happens in as little as 15–30 minutes, especially for straightforward image ads that follow Meta’s rules. 

Though it’s not uncommon for the process to take up to 48 hours, particularly if:

• The ad contains sensitive content
• It’s submitted during a peak advertising period
• The account has a limited history or previous violations

Meta uses a combination of automated systems and manual review teams to assess each ad. While the majority are auto-approved, some require human intervention.

What happens during the Instagram ad review?

Instagram ad reviews are handled through Meta Ads Manager, the platform that oversees both Facebook and Instagram advertising.

Here’s what Meta’s system evaluates:

1. Policy compliance

Meta’s ad policies cover everything from prohibited content (like tobacco, adult material, and misinformation) to misleading claims. Any red flags will slow or block approval.

2. Media content

The system analyzes your ad visuals or video. Excessive text, violent imagery, sexual content, or shocking thumbnails are likely to cause delays or rejection. Read here to learn more about Instagram DPAs.

3. Landing page quality

Your destination URL matters. If the landing page is misleading, doesn’t match the ad message, or fails to load properly, the ad can get stuck or disapproved. 

4. Targeting rules

Targeting must align with Meta’s standards. Ads that involve restricted topics (such as housing, credit, or employment) must avoid discriminatory targeting.

What can delay Instagram ad approval?

If your Instagram ad isn't getting approved, one or more of the following might be to blame:

1. Sensitive topics

Ads involving politics, health products, financial services, or social issues often require manual review. This extends the timeline.

2. Video or interactive formats

These ad types take longer to process than simple image or carousel ads because they require more detailed analysis.

3. New or inactive accounts

If your account has little ad history or previous violations, Meta may flag your content for extra scrutiny.

4. Landing page red flags

A mismatch between the ad copy and your website, slow loading speeds, or poor mobile usability can all impact approval time.

5. Seasonal traffic spikes

During high-volume ad periods, like Black Friday or the end of the year, Meta’s review queue becomes backlogged.

How to speed up Instagram ad approval

While you can’t force Instagram to hurry up, you can set your ad up for success from the start:

1. You need to follow and review Meta’s full ad policy before you submit.
2. Next, it is important to use high-quality, compliant creatives. The expert tip is to avoid clickbait, excessive emojis, shock value, or hard-sell language.
3. Keep your landing page all aligned. Ensure that the messaging on your website matches the ad and that your site is mobile-friendly and fast-loading.
4. Avoid all of the restricted categories. It steer clear of content related to alcohol, gambling, dating, or medical claims, unless you’re approved for it.
5. Create ads early. Don’t wait until the last minute and submit ads 48 hours ahead of a campaign launch to give time for review and edits if needed.

What to do if your Instagram ad gets stuck in review

If it’s been over 24–48 hours and your Instagram ad is still pending, try these steps:

• Double-check for Policy Violations. Review your text, visuals, and landing page to ensure everything follows Meta’s rules.
• Duplicate and resubmit the Ad. Sometimes, creating a fresh version of the same ad can reset the review system.
• Request a manual review. Visit the Meta Business Help Center and submit a support ticket.
• Contact Meta support or your Account Rep. If you manage a high-budget account or work with an agency, reach out to your rep to escalate the review.

Want to know which type of Instagram ads are working? Read our latest Instagram Statistics. 

What if your Instagram ad gets rejected?

If your ad is disapproved, don’t panic.

You’ll receive a notification explaining why. Here's how to bounce back,

• Read the rejection message: Meta usually includes a reason for disapproval.
• Edit and resubmit: Fix the flagged issue and resubmit the ad for another review.
• Appeal the decision: If you believe your ad was incorrectly rejected, request a second review inside Ads Manager.
• Ask for clarification: Use Meta’s chat support to get a more detailed explanation.

Minor rejections are typically easy to fix. Major policy violations may require a full redesign of the ad or campaign.

Final thoughts

Instagram ad approval in 2026 is faster than ever—but it's not instant.

Most ads are approved within an hour, but anything sensitive or policy-adjacent can take longer. To avoid delays, build your ads with Meta’s guidelines in mind, use clean creatives, and don’t wait until the last minute to submit.

When in doubt, play it safe and give yourself at least 24 to 48 hours for the approval process.

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