TOP 20 IMAGE VS TEXT AD PERFORMANCE STATISTICS 2025

When I first started digging into how ads actually perform, I was surprised at just how big the gap is between image-based campaigns and text-heavy ones. These image vs text ad performance statistics really highlight how much more people connect with visuals—whether it’s a fashion ad, a product discovery tool, or even something as simple as scrolling past a pair of socks that catches your eye. It made me realize that while text gives context, images stir emotions and drive action in ways words can’t always capture. Reading through these stats feels less like looking at numbers and more like understanding how people actually behave online. And honestly, it reminded me that in a world overloaded with content, showing the right picture might matter more than saying the perfect thing.

 

Top 20 Image vs Text Ad Performance Statistics 2025 (Editor's Choice)

 

Top 20 Image vs Text Ad Performance Statistics 2025

 

Image vs Text Ad Performance Statistics#1 – Regular Usage (U.S. Adults at 10%)

Only about 10% of U.S. adults report that they regularly use visual search tools. This small percentage shows that while the technology exists, adoption is still in its early stages. It also suggests that awareness campaigns and consumer education could increase usage. Brands have an opportunity here to introduce visual search as a convenient alternative to text-based searches. Early adopters may enjoy a competitive advantage by targeting this small but growing group.

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Image vs Text Ad Performance Statistics#2 – Interest Level (42% of U.S. Adults Interested)

While only 10% use it regularly, around 42% of adults express interest in visual search. This large gap between usage and interest indicates strong growth potential. Many consumers may be curious but unsure how to get started. Retailers who make visual search more accessible could quickly convert interest into active users. Essentially, there’s an untapped market waiting for easier, more user-friendly solutions.

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Image vs Text Ad Performance Statistics#3 – Gen Z & Young Millennials (22% Usage in Fashion Purchases)

Among people aged 16–34, about 22% have used visual search for fashion purchases. This highlights how younger generations are far more open to image-based discovery compared to older groups. For fashion brands, this is a signal that visual-first marketing strategies are particularly effective with these demographics. Younger shoppers are not only comfortable with the technology but often expect it. Catering to them with visual ads could boost both engagement and sales.

 

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Image vs Text Ad Performance Statistics#4 – Adults 35–54 (17% Fashion Discovery via Visual Search)

Around 17% of adults in the 35–54 age range have tried using visual search for fashion discovery. While lower than Gen Z, this number still shows meaningful adoption. This group may value efficiency and convenience but is slightly slower to embrace new tech. Ads that clearly demonstrate the benefit of image-based discovery could help increase their usage. Marketers should not ignore this age bracket since they often have higher spending power.

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Image vs Text Ad Performance Statistics#5 – Adults 55+ (5% Have Used Visual Search)

Only 5% of adults aged 55 and older have used visual search in fashion contexts. This reflects a generational technology gap that advertisers must consider. While this group may rely more on traditional text searches, visual-first platforms could slowly shift behavior. Education, clear instructions, and user-friendly design are key to attracting older users. For now, brands may focus more image-based campaigns on younger audiences.

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Image vs Text Ad Performance Statistics#6 – Global Visual Searches Growth (+70% YoY)

Global visual search usage is growing rapidly, with activity increasing by about 70% year over year. This massive rise demonstrates that image-based search is not a passing trend. Instead, it’s becoming a major way people look for products online. Marketers who invest in visual ads are tapping into a high-growth channel. The global momentum also suggests adoption will continue across markets.

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Image vs Text Ad Performance Statistics#7 – Google Lens Volume (~20B Monthly Queries)

Google Lens now processes about 20 billion queries every month, with a large share connected to shopping. This shows just how mainstream image recognition technology has become. For advertisers, this means image-based search is reaching huge audiences at scale. Product ads optimized for Lens can get exposure to millions of potential buyers. It’s a clear sign that visual advertising is becoming part of daily online behavior.

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Image vs Text Ad Performance Statistics#8 – Visual vs. Text Trust (85%+ Trust Images More)

Over 85% of shoppers trust images more than text when making purchasing decisions. Pictures provide clarity that words alone cannot match. This trust makes image-based ads particularly persuasive in driving conversions. Shoppers feel reassured when they can actually see what they’re buying. For brands, investing in high-quality visuals is not optional—it’s essential.

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Image vs Text Ad Performance Statistics#9 – Average Order Value Lift (+20% with Visual Search)

E-commerce sites that use visual search see about a 20% increase in average order value. This happens because visual tools encourage shoppers to explore more and discover complementary products. By making browsing more intuitive, customers end up spending more per session. Image-based ads are key to driving this type of cross-sell and upsell behavior. The financial impact makes visual-first strategies highly appealing for online retailers.

 

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Image vs Text Ad Performance Statistics#10 – Digital Revenue Growth (~+30% with Visual Search)

Companies that implement visual search typically see around 30% digital revenue growth. This shows how powerful the combination of images and AI can be. By making discovery more natural, customers engage more deeply with product catalogs. For businesses, this growth represents a strong return on investment in visual search tools. The takeaway: images don’t just engage—they directly drive revenue.

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Image vs Text Ad Performance Statistics#11 – Consumers Who’ve Tried (36% Have Used at Least Once)

About 36% of consumers have tried visual search at least once. This shows that awareness is spreading, even if regular use is lower. Many people experiment but don’t yet integrate it into their daily habits. This gives brands the chance to encourage repeat use through seamless ad experiences. Once people see how easy it is, they’re more likely to return.

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Image vs Text Ad Performance Statistics#12 – Use for Clothing (86% Among Users)

Among people who have tried visual search, a massive 86% used it specifically for clothing. Fashion naturally fits visual-first discovery, where appearance is the most important factor. Ads that showcase outfits, accessories, or styled looks perform especially well here. This aligns with consumer behavior and makes fashion a leading industry for image-based ads. Clearly, visuals are far more powerful than text for fashion shopping.

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Image vs Text Ad Performance Statistics#13 – Millennials Preferring Image Search (62% Preference)

A strong 62% of Millennials say they prefer image-based search over other forms. This group values speed and convenience, which images provide instantly. Text searches feel slower and less intuitive for product discovery. By aligning ads with these preferences, brands can win more attention from this key demographic. Over time, Millennials’ influence will push visual ads even further into the mainstream.

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Image vs Text Ad Performance Statistics#14 – Style Influence (55% Say It Shapes Taste)

About 55% of consumers say visual search influenced their personal style. Seeing recommended items based on images changes the way people shop and dress. Ads don’t just drive sales—they shape cultural and individual fashion trends. The influence of imagery is far more emotional than text-based product descriptions. This makes image ads a powerful tool for brand positioning.

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Image vs Text Ad Performance Statistics#15 – Brand Adoption Forecast (30% by 2025)

By 2025, about 30% of major e-commerce brands are expected to adopt visual search. This rapid adoption rate shows how quickly the market is shifting. Early adopters are setting themselves apart with innovative customer experiences. Brands that wait may find themselves playing catch-up. The trend is clear: image-first strategies will soon be the norm.

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Image vs Text Ad Performance Statistics#16 – Market Size Growth ($9.2B → $46.2B)

The visual search market is projected to grow from $9.2 billion in 2022 to $46.2 billion by 2032. That’s a compound annual growth rate of about 17.5%. This rapid growth reflects rising demand for image-based discovery and ads. Investors and brands alike see the potential for major expansion. It’s not just a marketing trend—it’s a new industry.

 

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Image vs Text Ad Performance Statistics#17 – Retail AI Use Case (#1 Priority)

In 2025, product discovery via AI and visual search is expected to be the number one retail AI use case. This highlights how critical image-based tools are becoming in commerce. Retailers now prioritize this technology over other AI applications. The fact that discovery ranks highest shows its direct impact on sales. For brands, this underscores the urgency of adopting image-first strategies.

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Image vs Text Ad Performance Statistics#18 – Faster Decision Making (82% Demand)

About 82% of customers say they want AI and visual tools to speed up their decision-making. People are overwhelmed by choices and crave efficiency. Images simplify the process by showing exactly what’s available. Ads that enable quicker decisions can dramatically improve user satisfaction. Ultimately, faster journeys lead to higher conversion rates.

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Image vs Text Ad Performance Statistics#19 – Pinterest Visual Language Model (Launched)

Pinterest launched an AI-powered visual language model to better interpret fashion images. This innovation helps translate visuals into accurate product descriptors. It improves the way ads and recommendations are matched to consumer intent. For marketers, it means campaigns can be more targeted and effective. It’s another example of how platforms are investing heavily in visual-first strategies.

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Image vs Text Ad Performance Statistics#20 – Brand Deployments (Zalando’s 500k+ Users)

Zalando’s AI assistant, which leverages visual discovery, already has over 500,000 users. This shows how quickly consumers adopt visual-first tools when they’re user-friendly. It also demonstrates that large-scale deployment is realistic and successful. For advertisers, it’s proof that image-based engagement can work at scale. Zalando’s success story sets a strong precedent for other retailers.

 

 

Why Visuals Win in the End

Looking over all these statistics, one thing is clear: people respond to what they can see, not just what they can read. Sure, text provides depth, but visuals spark trust, memory, and quick decision-making in ways that words often struggle to match. For me, the biggest takeaway is that brands who embrace visual-first strategies now are setting themselves up to thrive as habits continue shifting. I can already see how my own shopping habits lean this way—I’ll stop mid-scroll for the right photo long before I pause for a clever caption. At the end of the day, if an image can tell a story in seconds, why wouldn’t we lean into that power?

 

SOURCES

• https://confect.io/blog/image-vs-video-ads

• https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/visual-content-marketing-strategy

• https://wolfpackadvising.com/blog/do-facebook-ads-perform-better-with-more-images-or-less/

• https://thegraygency.com/images-or-videos-do-facebook-ads-perform-better-with-more-images-or-less/

• https://optinmonster.com/blogging-statistics/

• https://www.sproutworth.com/visual-content-marketing-statistics/

• https://metadata.io/resources/blog/image-ad-examples/

• https://databox.com/videos-vs-images-in-facebook-ads

• https://www.superads.ai/blog/static-ads-examples

• https://www.klientboost.com/google/expanded-text-ads/

• https://www.datafeedwatch.com/blog/performance-max-ad-examples

• https://blog.google/products/ads-commerce/ai-creativity-google-marketing-live/

• https://adamconnell.me/visual-content-statistics/

• https://www.crazyegg.com/blog/blogging-statistics/

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viewable_impression