🎯 10 Best Newsletter Ads This Week (May 16-22)

Welcome back to another edition of Newsletter Ad Vault.

If you’re new here, every Thursday I analyze 10 successful newsletter ads and explain exactly how you can mimic them for your own campaigns.

In today’s issue:

• 🎯 Newsletter ads that are crushing it right now (7 static + 3 video ads)

• 🧠 Simple breakdowns of why they work

• 🎨 Ready-to-use Canva templates to copy

• 📧 Newsletters to inspire your own

Tip: If you're using paid ads to grow, add Sparkloop to your signup flow. We’ve been using it to recoup 70-80% of our Meta ad spend.

It lets you recommend other newsletters to your new subscribers right after they sign up. When someone joins one and stays engaged, you get paid – usually $2-$5 per subscriber.

Here’s the link to sign up if you want to give it a try. It’s 100% free.

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📸 STATIC ADS

1. The Peak

Time running: 420 days

Why this works:

The Peak uses a clean problem/solution approach here. They start with “Overwhelmed By Fake News?” followed by making the switch to their newsletter as the way out.

The who/what/proof structure flows naturally. First, they qualify who it’s for (Canadian professionals), then explain what they’re offering, and finally back it up with 125,000+ subscribers.

They also show a snippet of their actual newsletter, which removes that barrier of uncertainty about what you’re signing up for.

By showing who it’s for, what you’ll get, and proof that others find it valuable, they remove the biggest barriers to subscribing.

How to apply this concept:

• Break your message into logical sections. Your readers’ eyes will thank you!

• Show what your newsletter actually looks like. It gives people that subtle reassurance before subscribing.

• Use a specific subscriber count when you’ve got one worth bragging about. Those 125,000+ readers are social proof that says you’re not taking a chance on something unproven.

2. The Average Joe

Time running: 379 days

Why this works:

This ad does something smart: it gives away valuable tips right in the ad itself instead of holding everything back for subscribers.

If you’ve seen previous issues, you’ll likely be familiar with the Notes app format. It works well because it feels like you’re getting a peek at someone’s personal insights.

Also, that little “thank us later” comment after mentioning Nvidia adds personality and a touch of confidence.

That subtle underline under “unbiased” news is pretty clever too. It’s like saying “yeah, we know what you’re worried about” without having to spell it out.

How to apply this concept:

• Give away something genuinely useful in your ad. This approach often outperforms the “subscribe to learn our secrets” approach.

• Try using the Notes app format if you haven’t already. It slips past people’s “this is an ad” radar.

• Address objections subtly. That simple underline under “unbiased” does more work than several sentences explaining why you’re not like other newsletters.

3. Half Baked Ideas

Time running: 62 days

Why this works:

Instead of telling you how great their newsletter is, Half Baked Ideas shows the impact it can have through a subscriber’s story. 

The ad looks exactly like an email, which is brilliant because we’re all comfortable with that format.

And that little note saying “A subscriber just sent us this 😭😭😭” feels so genuine because it taps into that authentic emotion we’re all looking for.

What they’re really selling here isn’t content, it’s possibility. It’s that “what if one idea from this newsletter could change my life too?” feeling that gets people to subscribe.

How to apply this concept:

• Show results rather than describing features. People don’t really care about your content format as much as they care about what it might help them achieve.

• Use familiar formats that feel natural. Email is something we all interact with daily, so mimicking it makes your marketing feel less like marketing.

• Add those small human touches that make things feel real. Those crying emojis might seem small, but they create that emotional connection that turns scrollers into subscribers.

📧 RECOMMENDATIONS

Fresh Finds for Newsletter Creators

As a newsletter operator, I subscribe to tons of newsletters to get new ideas and inspiration.

Below are some great ones if you’re looking for inspiration from fast-growing newsletters:

• The Pen Pivot → Get psychology-backed secrets behind getting people to click, read, view, and engage with your content.

• I Will Teach You To Be Rich → Where 800k+ readers get actionable, no-BS advice on how to create a successful business and build a rich life without sacrificing the things they love.

• Write • Build • Scale with Sinem Günel → This helps you write confidently, build your audience, and scale your income, so you can make money doing what you love.

• Step By Step → No-fluff business advice from Chris Donnelly, who’s built and sold companies for 8–9 figures.

🔗 These are 1-click subscribe links – no email entry needed if you’re reading this in your inbox.

4. The Intelligence

Time running: 250 days

Why this works:

This ad connects with a very specific moment in people’s lives. That “I just got a new Pixel phone and have no idea where to start” feeling. I’ve always found that targeting transition moments like this is super effective.

The search interface is a smart choice because it naturally sparks the reader’s curiosity.

Each suggested search represents something a new Pixel owner would want to know, from basic tips to hidden camera tricks. It’s like they’re reading your mind.

How to apply this concept:

• Look for those specific moments when people need help. Conversion rates tend to be higher in transition point ads than in general awareness ads.

• Use interface elements that feel instantly familiar. The search format works because it requires zero mental effort to understand and we all use it daily.

• Keep things clean and focused. Clarity beats cleverness almost every time.

5. Kim Komando (The Current)

Time running: 210 days

Why this works:

When used well, humor can be one of the most effective tools in an ad. “5 ways to get daily tech news” followed by listing “The Current” five times is both funny and bold in the best possible way.

It’s essentially saying “we’re the only tech newsletter worth reading.” And the benefit statement at the bottom keeps things grounded: “Read helpful tech tips every morning.”

No big promises, just a simple reason to subscribe that matches what their audience is looking for.

How to apply this concept:

• Don’t be afraid to use humor in your ads. When everyone else is serious and professional, a well-executed joke can be your best differentiator.

• Find creative ways to make bold claims. What might sound arrogant if stated directly can become charming when presented with a bit of creativity.

• End with a simple, practical benefit. Ground your offer in something tangible that people want.

6. Denison Forum

Time running: 116 days

Why this works:

This ad stands out immediately because it uses classical artwork instead of the bright, modern visuals that flood most people’s feeds.

In my endless scrolling through Facebook ads, I’ve noticed that pattern interrupts like this almost always stop my thumb.

The notification format makes you feel like you’re being invited to something rather than marketed to.

They are also very upfront about their perspective. By clearly stating they offer “news coverage from a Christian worldview,” they immediately connect with their target audience instead of trying to be everything to everyone.

How to apply this concept:

• Experiment with visuals that look different from typical social media content. 

• Use familiar interface elements that feel native to the platform. Notifications feel like part of our daily digital experience.

• Be clear about your newsletter’s perspective or worldview. Strong positioning often attracts more passionate subscribers.

7. Digital Health Wire

Time running: 281 days

Why this works:

This ad also uses the Notes app format perfectly. They immediately state both the benefit and the time commitment: “Get digital health insights, in a 10 min read, 2 times a week.”

Again, no guessing about what you’re getting or how much time it’ll take.

They also nail the social proof by mentioning they’re “the go-to source for 21,000+ CMIOs, doctors & other healthcare professionals.”

That qualifies their audience right away while creating credibility. The bold “completely free” at the end removes the final barrier to subscribing.

How to apply this concept:

• Be crystal clear about both the value and the time commitment. It addresses the fear many people have about overcommitting and wasting time.

• Name the specific professionals who read your newsletter. Notice they didn’t just say “healthcare professionals,” they named specific roles like CMIOs and doctors for added credibility.

• Use the Notes app format for an instant credibility boost.

🎬 VIDEO ADS

8. Kustomer

Time running: 273 days

Why this works:

Kustomer’s format here is great for capturing attention. The handwritten text with a pen-pointer guide naturally catches your eye as you scroll.

The qualifying question works well: “Are you a customer support or customer experience leader?”

It immediately filters the audience in a way that benefits both sides. If that’s not you, you save time by scrolling past, and if it is you, you feel specifically addressed.

How to apply this concept:

• Use motion to stand out in the feed. In this case, a simple pen tracing over handwritten text keeps the viewer engaged as the message is delivered.

• Start with a qualifying question that helps people identify themselves. This makes readers feel like you’re speaking directly to them rather than broadcasting to the masses.

• Emphasize how little time your newsletter takes to read instead of how comprehensive it is. Respecting your readers’ time is one of the strongest selling points you can offer.

9. Kiddish

Time running: 80 days

Why this works:

Just a dad, outside, talking to other dads about parenting — nothing fancy. This video ad just feels like advice from a friend.

The line about “even the slightest parenting edge can make all the difference” speaks directly to the insecurity many dads feel.

Also, emphasizing the minimal time commitment (“an easy 3 minute email once or twice a week”) is key. Time is a busy parent’s biggest concern.

This ad could be improved by adding subtitles, though, since many people scroll with sound off.

How to apply this concept:

• Sometimes the simplest approach works best. Straightforward videos often create more trust than overproduced content, especially in the parenting niche.

• Speak directly to a specific identity. Notice he says “dads like me” rather than the more generic “parents” because it creates stronger identification.

• Emphasize how little time your newsletter takes. For any audience with limited time, showing respect for their schedule is a powerful selling point.

10. Low Toxin Mama

Time running: 109 days

Why this works:

Using the “POV” format is a cheat code nowadays with how popular it is. By opening with “POV: You have a happy healthy family,” Low Toxin Mama immediately positions their newsletter as the path to an outcome every parent wants.

The visual of a mom playing with her child reinforces the emotional payoff of creating a “low toxin home.”

And by positioning themselves as the “#1 free newsletter” for this niche, they create serious authority.

How to apply this concept:

• Position your newsletter as the path to a desired outcome. The reason people subscribe is to get the thing the newsletter helps them achieve.

• Use visuals that show the emotional end result.

• If you can credibly claim a “#1” position in your specific niche, do it. The more narrowly you define your category, the more believable your leadership claim becomes.

👋 THAT’S A WRAP

Before you go, here are 3 ways we can help you

1. 🎯 Explore past winning ad breakdowns + templates on our website.

2. 🗂️ Grab the swipe file from this week’s newsletter ads – it includes all the ad descriptions, headlines, original images/videos, and landing pages they linked to.

3. 📧 Haven’t launched your newsletter yet? Try Beehiiv – it’s what we use, and honestly the best newsletter platform right now. They’re currently offering the first month FREE, plus 20% off for your next 3 months.

That’s a wrap for this week! See you next week for more insights.

– Alex

P.S. If this email ends up in your Junk or Promotions folder, mark it as “Not Junk” or move it to your Primary inbox. That way, you won’t miss the next issue!