Social Media Ads cost has become one of the most scrutinized line items in marketing budgets. With Q4 spikes, platform algorithms, and new ad formats, understanding the Social Media Ads cost could save you thousands—or cost you if ignored.
This guide walks through the cost of advertising on social media, including Facebook ad pricing 2025, TikTok ad rates 2025, Instagram advertising cost, and beyond to help you budget smart and stay competitive.
Average Social Media Ads Cost in 2025
Let’s start with the basics. Social media ad costs 2025 include two things:
- Ad spend (paid directly to the platform)
- Ad management (what you pay agencies or tools to manage)
As per the data collected by AWISEE, most businesses spend $850–$2,000/month on ad spend alone. On top of that, 10%–20% goes to management services.
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Breakdown by Business Size
Here’s how budgets differ based on company type, according to the data collected by AWISEE:
Platform-by-Platform Cost Breakdown (CPM & CPC)
In June 2025, Gupta Media reported that Meta’s combined platforms had an average CPM of $8.17 and a CPLC of $0.68.
Facebook Ad Pricing 2025: Is Meta Still Worth It?
Black Friday and Cyber Monday were the most expensive days:
- Nov 29 (Black Friday) – $16.85 CPM
- Dec 2 (Cyber Monday) – $17.70 CPM
That’s 138% higher than the yearly average.
Instagram Advertising Cost in 2025
Instagram, part of Meta, shares budget tools and bidding models with Facebook. But its visual-first nature, Reels, and Shop features give it a special edge.
Information that is collected by AWISEE shows that the Instagram CPM follows Meta’s trends. December 2024 saw $10.83 CPM, while May 2025 dropped to $8.42.
TikTok Ad Rates 2025 – Still the Budget Option?
TikTok is still cheaper but not by much.
- June 2025 CPM: $6.16
- CPLC: $0.31
- LCTR: 2.01%
Interestingly, the week before BFCM (Nov 19–25) saw lower CPMs and higher shopping activity. This pre-holiday “Jump Start” period is a goldmine for performance marketers.
Snapchat Ad Costs 2025 – Fastest Growing CPM
Snapchat had a 47% YoY CPM increase—the fastest among all platforms.
- June 2025 CPM: $8.37
- CPLC: $0.90
- LCTR: 0.93%
However, in side-by-side tests, Meta drove 13x more conversions than Snapchat. Expensive doesn’t always mean better.
YouTube Ad Pricing 2025: How Much for Video Reach?
YouTube is still underrated.
- June 2025 average CPM: $3.67
- Cyber Monday CPM (Week 50): $6.93
- December 2024 average CPM: $5.70
If you’re building top-of-funnel awareness or retargeting on CTV, YouTube ad pricing 2025 offers strong ROI.
Average CPM by Platform (June 2025)
This bar chart illustrates the average CPM for top platforms. YouTube is the most cost-efficient in terms of CPM, while Snapchat is the most expensive when it comes to Social Media Ads cost across platforms.
What Affects the Cost of Social Media Ads?
Here are the top cost drivers that influence social media advertising rates 2025, as per the data collected by AWISEE
- Platform auction model (Meta vs TikTok vs Snapchat)
- Targeting granularity (behavior, location, device)
- Seasonal surges (Q4, BFCM, post-holiday)
- Ad quality and creative engagement
What is the Cheapest Platform to Advertise on in 2025?
The winner? TikTok.
Even in Q4, TikTok CPMs were 47% more efficient than Meta’s in terms of Social Media Ads cost efficiency. In fact, during Cyber Monday 2024, TikTok’s CPM was $6.28 vs Meta’s $17.70.
But keep in mind:
- TikTok = cost-efficient, younger audience
- Meta = strong conversions
- YouTube = low CPM + great for CTV reach
Are Social Media Ads Worth the Cost in 2025?
Short answer: Yes. If done right.
WebFX found that 74% of businesses say social ads are effective. That means the value is there, especially if you optimize based on return.
Tips to make it work:
- Track ROAS, not just CPM
- Use platform-native creatives
- Built in seasonal and daily fluctuations
How Much Should You Spend on Social Media Advertising?
So, how much is “enough” when it comes to planning your Social Media Ads cost in 2025?
Data collected by AWISEE reveals that businesses currently allocate 11% to 25% of their advertising budgets to social media ads, covering both the platform ad spend and external management costs.
This range offers flexibility, but your final number should depend on your company’s goals, audience, and growth stage.
Budget Suggestions by Business Size
Your business size plays a big role in determining your ideal Social Media Ads cost and the following information was collected and organized by AWISEE:
While Social media ad costs 2025 have risen, performance-oriented goals like conversions or sales justify higher spend compared to awareness-focused campaigns.
What Do Social Media Advertising Services Include?
Running effective campaigns goes far beyond placing ads. A full-service setup typically includes:
- Ad strategy and goal planning
- Creative development: graphics, videos, and ad copy
- Precise audience targeting
- Conversion funnels and retargeting
- A/B testing and optimization
- Analytics and performance reporting
Management fees often fall between 10%–20% of your monthly ad budget, depending on your service provider.
Seasonal Fluctuations in Social Media Ad Costs
Want to advertise during the holidays? Prepare for a Social Media Ads cost spike. Figures collected by AWISEE show that
- Black Friday (Nov 29, 2024): $16.85 CPM on Meta
- Cyber Monday (Dec 2, 2024): $17.70 CPM
These numbers are 138% above Meta’s annual average!
Snapchat also peaked at $10.48 CPM in October 2024, while TikTok ad rates 2025 were more affordable $6.26 on Black Friday and $6.28 on Cyber Monday.
When Is the Best Time to Advertise?
Timing can make or break your ROI. When planning around Social Media Ads cost, here are three proven cost-saving periods as collected by AWISEE:
- Mid-November (Jump Start Week):
TikTok CPMs dropped 13% while purchase intent soared to $4B/day by Nov 20. - Early January (Q5):
A post-holiday window where ad prices dip but consumers keep spending. - Avoid Mid-December:
Demand weakens, but CPMs stay inflated especially on TikTok, where costs still hover around $4.50–$5.
Social Media Ad Costs 2025 – Day of the Week Trends
Yes, the day you advertise matters!
Surprisingly, weekends (Saturday and Sunday) tend to be cheaper, especially on TikTok and YouTube.
Most Expensive Day CPM by Platform (2025)
A snapshot of the highest daily CPM for each platform. For example, Facebook ads are priciest on Fridays, and TikTok peaks on Wednesdays.
Social Media Ad Costs Comparison Table (June 2025)
Let’s compare the current average platform metrics:
- TikTok has the best engagement rate.
- YouTube ad pricing 2025 offers the lowest CPM overall.
- Snapchat remains costly but doesn’t always justify the spend.
Tips to Lower Your Social Media Ads Cost
Here are proven ways to reduce your Social Media Ads cost:
- Optimize creatives early — higher-quality ads = better engagement
- Prioritize ROAS, not just impressions
- Run tests during pre-holiday windows like TikTok’s Jump Start
- Diversify platforms — TikTok for value, Meta for conversions, YouTube for reach
- Train your TikTok pixel early for better algorithm performance
These tips will help you stay efficient even as Social media ad costs 2025 fluctuate across platforms.
Navigating the Social Media Ad Economy in 2025
AWISEE stated that social media influencer takeover campaigns have become one of the most popular ways brands refresh their content and engage new audiences. In 2025, the Social Media Ads cost landscape is shaped by seasonality, platform differences, and campaign strategy.
- Meta and Snapchat offer strong targeting but can get pricey
- TikTok is affordable but requires early setup and creative excellence
- Instagram advertising cost varies by format, especially with Reels
- Facebook ad pricing 2025 peaks during Q4—plan accordingly
- TikTok ad rates 2025 offer pre-holiday value
- YouTube ad pricing 2025 delivers reach at budget-friendly CPMs
Want to stretch your dollars? Plan early, optimize creatives, and be flexible with your platform mix to better manage Social Media Ads cost in 2025.
That’s how smart brands win in the ever-changing world of Social Media Ads cost.
Ready to lower your CPMs and scale smart in 2025? awisee helps you get the most out of every click with platform-specific media buying strategies that convert.
