Driving Sales with Instagram: The Essential Tool for Skincare Brands

April 16, 2025

In the dynamic world of skincare marketing, brands are constantly seeking effective channels to reach their audience and drive sales. With the 2023 Black Friday Cyber Monday (BFCM) statistics With the dominance of Meta platforms, it's clear that paid ads on Instagram are not just beneficial but essential for skincare brands aiming for conversions.

Meta's Dominance During BFCM 2023

During BFCM 2023, Meta platforms accounted for an impressive 59.44% of total purchases, showcasing their effectiveness in converting ad spend into sales. In comparison, TikTok captured only 7.12% of purchases. This significant difference underscores Instagram's strength as a platform for driving consumer action, especially in industries like Health & Beauty, which saw substantial ad spend and engagement.

Understanding Average Order Value (AOV)

For brands, understanding Average Order Value (AOV) is crucial for effective advertising strategies. The AOV for Instagram users is $65, higher than Facebook's $55 and significantly more than TikTok's $43. This indicates that while TikTok excels in driving impulse purchases among younger consumers, Instagram is the platform of choice for higher-value transactions, particularly in the beauty sector.

The Role of Visual Content and Shopping Features

Instagram’s strength lies in its visual nature and established shopping features. The platform allows brands to tag products directly in their posts and stories, creating a seamless shopping experience for users. According to research, Instagram generates a higher Media Impact Value (MIV) for beauty brands, with some campaigns proving to be twice as effective as similar content on TikTok. This suggests that while TikTok is excellent for engagement, Instagram effectively converts that engagement into sales.

TikTok by @casandra.mazzucco

Leveraging TikTok's Engagement

However, it’s essential not to overlook TikTok's growing influence in the e-commerce space. The platform has proven its worth, influencing approximately $31.7 billion in beauty sales in 2023. With a user base predominantly aged 18 to 24, TikTok excels in reaching Gen Z consumers. Brands targeting this demographic can capitalize on TikTok's impulsive purchasing behavior and lower AOV, making it ideal for lower-ticket items that appeal to younger audiences.

A Combined Strategy for Success

While Instagram offers higher AOVs and established shopping features, TikTok excels in driving viral trends and fostering community engagement. Brands in the skincare industry would benefit from a combined strategy that leverages the strengths of both platforms. By investing in paid ads on Instagram for higher-value conversions and utilizing TikTok for engaging content that drives brand awareness, skincare brands can optimize their marketing efforts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the effectiveness of paid ads on Instagram for skincare products cannot be overstated. With a dominant market share during peak shopping periods, higher average order values, and robust shopping capabilities, Instagram remains a critical platform for skincare brands. Coupled with TikTok's engaging content and youthful audience, brands can create a well-rounded advertising strategy that maximizes reach and revenue.