So what does “in draft” mean in Facebook Ads?
This is a common question we get since we are the East Coast premier Facebook Ads agency.
A lot of people don’t understand this term, and it can be confusing.
In this blog post, we will explain what “in draft” means in Facebook Ads, and how to use it to your advantage.
What does it actually mean when your Facebook Ad is STUCK as in Draft?
There are a few possible reasons for this.
First, it could be that you haven’t included all of the required information in your Ad.
For example, if you’re running a Page Like Ad, you need to include both the URL of the Page you want people to like, as well as an image.
Another possibility is that your Ad exceeds one of Facebook’s guidelines.
For example, it used to be that cannot ads cannot contain more than 20% text.
If your Ad contained too much text, Facebook will flag it and it will remain in Draft mode.
(Don’t worry, this isn’t the case anymore in 2022)
If you’re not sure why your Ad is stuck in Draft mode, the best thing to do is reach out to Facebook support for help.
They should be able to tell you what the issue is and how to fix it.
In the meantime, you can always try creating a new Ad. Sometimes, that’s all it takes to get things unstuck!
18 potential causes of Facebook Ads stuck in Draft in 2022
There are a few potential causes of Facebook Ads stuck in draft mode. Here are 20 potential causes to consider:
Cause #1: The timezone for your ad account is set incorrectly.
If the timezone for your ad account is incorrect, it could cause problems with scheduling and approving your ads. To check or change the timezone for your account, go to your Facebook Ads Manager settings.
Cause #2: You’re trying to create an ad that’s too similar to an existing one.
When you create an ad, Facebook checks it against their advertising policies and guidelines. If they find that your ad is too similar to an existing one, they may put it in draft mode until you make some changes.
Cause #3: You’re trying to use an image that’s been reported as inappropriate.
If you try to use an image that’s been reported as inappropriate, Facebook will put your ad in draft mode. You’ll need to choose a different image before your ad can be approved.
Cause #4: The URL you’re trying to promote is blocked by Facebook.
Facebook blocks certain URLs from being promoted in ads. If you’re trying to promote a URL that’s on their block list, your ad will be stuck in draft mode.
Cause #5: Your ad account has been flagged for unusual activity.
If your ad account has been flagged for unusual activity, it may be put into review by Facebook. This can cause your ads to be stuck in draft mode until the review is complete.
Cause #6: You’re trying to use a prohibited word or phrase in your ad.
Facebook doesn’t allow certain words or phrases to be used in ads. If you try to use one of these prohibited words or phrases, your ad will be stuck in draft mode.
Cause #7: The Page you’re running the ad from has been flagged for unusual activity.
If the Page you’re running the ad from has been flagged for unusual activity, it may be put into review by Facebook. This can cause your ads to be stuck in draft mode until the review is complete.
Cause #8: You haven’t added a payment method to your ad account.
You need to add a payment method to your ad account before you can run ads. If you don’t have a payment method added, your ads will be stuck in draft mode.
Cause #9: Your ad account is disabled.
If your ad account is disabled, you won’t be able to run ads. You’ll need to contact Facebook and resolve the issue with your account before you can start running ads again.
Cause #10: You’re trying to promote a Page that’s not yet been verified by Facebook.
Pages need to be verified by Facebook before they can run ads. If you’re trying to promote a Page that’s not yet been verified, your ad will be stuck in draft mode.
Cause #11: The Page you’re running the ad from is unpublished.
If the page you’re running the ad from is unpublished, your ad will be stuck in draft mode. You’ll need to publish the Page before you can run ads.
Cause #12: You don’t have permission to run ads on the page you’re trying to promote.
Only Pages with a certain level of permissions can run ads. If you don’t have permission to run ads on the page you’re trying to promote, your ad will be stuck in draft mode.
Cause #13: The Facebook pixel on your website isn’t working properly.
The Facebook pixel is used to track conversions and optimize ads. If the pixel isn’t working properly, it can cause your ads to be stuck in draft mode.
Cause #14: You’re trying to promote a website that’s not yet been verified by Facebook.
Websites need to be verified by Facebook before they can run ads. If you’re trying to promote a website that’s not yet been verified, your ad will be stuck in draft mode.
Cause #15: The credit card you have on file with Facebook is expired.
If the credit card you have on file with Facebook is expired, you won’t be able to run ads. You’ll need to update your payment information before you can start running ads again.
Cause #16: You’re trying to use an image that’s too small.
Images need to be a certain size to be used in Facebook ads. If you try to use an image that’s too small, your ad will be stuck in draft mode.
Cause #17: You’re trying to use an image with more than 20% text. (this is no longer true in 2022! Yayy!)
Facebook doesn’t allow images with more than 20% text to be used in ads. If you try to use an image with more than 20% text, your ad will be stuck in draft mode.
Cause #18: The Page you’re running the ad from doesn’t have a profile picture.
Pages need to have a profile picture before they can run ads. If the page you’re running the ad from doesn’t have a profile picture, your ad will be stuck in draft mode.
How to save a Facebook Ads campaign as a Draft
If you create a Facebook Ads campaign and decide that you want to save it as a draft instead of publishing it right away, here’s how:
Click on the “Edit” button in the top-right corner of your campaign.
From the drop-down menu, select “Save Draft.”
You will be prompted to give your draft a name – choose something that will help you remember what the campaign is for.
And that’s it! Your campaign is now saved as a draft and can be found under the “Drafts” tab in your Ads Manager.
When you’re ready to publish it, simply click on the “Edit” button and select “Publish.”
Assuming you’ve already created an ad set and an ad, here’s how to save those as drafts:
Click on the “Edit” button in the top-right corner of your ad set.
From the drop-down menu, select “Save Draft.”
You will be prompted to give your draft a name – choose something that will help you remember what the campaign is for.
And that’s it! Your ad set is now saved as a draft and can be found under the “Drafts” tab in your Ads Manager.
When you’re ready to publish it, simply click on the “Edit” button and select “Publish.”
There you have it! Now you know how to save a Facebook Ads campaign, an ad set, or an individual ad as a draft.
Beckiano Marketing is a major Facebook Ads provider to businesses across America.
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