Ad Review
Quality check creative before launch.
Process
Step 1: Verify Hook Strength
Hook Checklist:
- Stops scroll in first 1-3 seconds
- Creates curiosity or emotional response
- Relevant to target avatar
- Doesn't reveal too much too soon
- Passes the "would I stop for this?" test
Hook Scoring:
| Criteria | Score (1-10) |
|---|---|
| Attention-grabbing | |
| Relevance to avatar | |
| Curiosity creation | |
| Clarity of message | |
| Average |
Red Flags:
- Generic opening ("Hey guys...")
- Product mentioned too early
- No pattern interrupt
- Looks like an ad immediately
Step 2: Check Proof Elements
Proof Checklist:
- Social proof present (testimonials, reviews)
- Authority elements (experts, credentials)
- Results/data shown
- Demonstration/proof of concept
- Believable, not too good to be true
Proof Quality:
| Element | Present | Quality | Authentic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Testimonial | Y/N | H/M/L | Y/N |
| Authority | Y/N | H/M/L | Y/N |
| Data/Results | Y/N | H/M/L | Y/N |
| Demo | Y/N | H/M/L | Y/N |
Red Flags:
- Claims without proof
- Fake-looking testimonials
- Over-the-top results
- Stock footage overuse
Step 3: Evaluate CTA Effectiveness
CTA Checklist:
- Clear call to action
- Easy to understand next step
- Creates urgency (without being fake)
- Risk reversal mentioned
- Placement is natural, not forced
CTA Types Present:
- Direct ("Click the link")
- Scarcity ("Sale ends...")
- Story-based (testimonial leading to action)
Red Flags:
- No clear CTA
- CTA too early (kills the story)
- Fake scarcity
- Confusing next steps
Step 4: Assess Visual Quality & Authenticity
Visual Checklist:
- Quality appropriate for platform (native feel)
- Not over-produced
- Audio clear and understandable
- Text overlays readable
- Mobile-optimized
Authenticity Check:
- Feels genuine, not scripted
- Reactions appear real
- Setting is believable
- Person is relatable to avatar
- Would pass the "comments won't call it fake" test
Red Flags:
- Too polished/professional
- Scripted delivery obvious
- Mismatched audio/video quality
- Actor clearly not real user
- Generic stock footage feel
Step 5: Output Approval Decision
## AD REVIEW: [Creative Name/ID]
### QUICK DECISION
**Status:** [APPROVED / REVISE / REJECT]
**Overall Score:** [X/100]
**Priority Issues:** [#]
---
### SCORES BY CATEGORY
| Category | Score | Status |
|----------|-------|--------|
| Hook Strength | X/25 | [Pass/Needs Work] |
| Proof Elements | X/25 | [Pass/Needs Work] |
| CTA Effectiveness | X/25 | [Pass/Needs Work] |
| Visual/Authenticity | X/25 | [Pass/Needs Work] |
| **TOTAL** | X/100 | |
---
### HOOK REVIEW
**Current Hook:** "[Description/transcript]"
**Strengths:**
- [What's working]
**Issues:**
- [Problem 1]
- [Problem 2]
**Recommendation:**
[Keep as is / Modify / Replace]
**If Modify:** [Specific suggestion]
---
### PROOF REVIEW
**Proof Elements Present:**
- [Element 1]: [Assessment]
- [Element 2]: [Assessment]
**Missing:**
- [What should be added]
**Authenticity Assessment:**
[Does proof feel real and believable?]
**Recommendation:**
[Strengthen / Add / Acceptable]
---
### CTA REVIEW
**Current CTA:** "[Description/transcript]"
**Placement:** [Too early / Just right / Too late]
**Clarity:** [Clear / Confusing]
**Urgency:** [Natural / Forced / Missing]
**Recommendation:**
[Keep / Modify / Add urgency]
---
### VISUAL/AUTHENTICITY REVIEW
**Production Quality:** [UGC-native / Slightly polished / Over-produced]
**Audio Quality:** [Good / Acceptable / Needs work]
**Authenticity:** [Genuine / Borderline / Fake-feeling]
**Issues:**
- [Problem 1]
- [Problem 2]
**Recommendation:**
[Approve / Re-edit / Re-shoot]
---
### PLATFORM FIT
**Best For:**
- [ ] Facebook Feed
- [ ] Instagram Reels
- [ ] TikTok
- [ ] YouTube
- [ ] Native
**Platform-Specific Notes:**
- [Any platform adjustments needed]
---
### COMPLIANCE CHECK
- [ ] Claims supportable
- [ ] Disclosures present (if needed)
- [ ] No policy violations
---
### ACTION ITEMS
**Required Before Launch:**
1. [ ] [Must fix]
2. [ ] [Must fix]
**Recommended:**
1. [ ] [Should improve]
**Optional:**
1. [ ] [Nice to have]
---
### FINAL DECISION
**Approved for launch:** [YES / NO / WITH CHANGES]
**Reviewer:** [Name]
**Date:** [Date]
**Notes:** [Additional comments]
---
### COMPARISON TO WINNERS
How does this compare to top performers?
- Hook style: [Similar / Different]
- Proof approach: [Similar / Different]
- Energy/tone: [Similar / Different]
- Prediction: [High potential / Medium / Low]
Review Standards (LeadsIcon)
Authenticity Test: "Would comments call this fake?"
- If yes → needs work
- If unsure → probably needs work
- If no → might work
Platform Native Test: "Does this look like content or an ad?"
- Content = good
- Ad = bad
The Real Test: Would the person in the video actually send this to a friend recommending the product?
Source: LeadsIcon, Kamal FounderAds