How to Avoid Apple’s 30% Ad Fee When Boosting Facebook and Instagram Ads

Cheri Tracy
Oct 9, 2024
2 min read

Simple Workarounds to Save on Your Next Ad Campaign

In case you missed it, Apple announced earlier this year that U.S. advertisers boosting Facebook and Instagram ads through iOS apps would face a hefty 30% fee. Now, this fee has expanded to other countries, leaving many small business owners wondering how to manage their ad budgets without losing a chunk of their profits.

If you’re a handmade seller running ads to promote your products, this fee might feel like another obstacle. But don’t worry, there are easy workarounds that can help you avoid paying extra.

Why Is Apple Charging a 30% Fee?

Apple’s 30% fee applies to in-app purchases made through their App Store, and this includes boosting ads on Facebook and Instagram using their iOS apps. It’s a part of Apple’s policy to take a cut of transactions made within apps on their platform. For advertisers, this means a significant chunk of your ad spend would go to Apple instead of your campaign.

How to Avoid the Fee

The good news is there are ways to dodge this fee without changing your entire ad strategy. Here’s what you can do:

Boost Ads on Desktop or Mobile Browser: Instead of using the Facebook or Instagram app, access your account on a desktop or through your mobile browser. You won’t be charged the 30% fee this way.
Use Meta Business Suite or Ad Manager: These tools let you manage and boost ads without incurring the extra fee. Both platforms are designed for businesses and offer more control over your campaigns than boosting directly through the app.

Why It Matters for Handmade Sellers

Handmade sellers already operate with tight margins, so adding a 30% fee on top of your ad budget can make a big difference. By using one of these workarounds, you can ensure that your entire budget goes toward reaching new customers—not lining Apple’s pockets. Plus, managing your ads through Meta Business Suite or Ad Manager gives you more detailed insights and control, which is always a bonus when fine-tuning your marketing strategy.