What is Foreplay?
Foreplay is a creative workflow platform that helps advertisers save ad inspiration, track competitors and turn ideas into creative briefs. It started as a swipe file tool with a Chrome extension for saving ads from the Meta, TikTok and LinkedIn ad libraries, and has grown into a set of connected products for paid social teams. Foreplay, Inc. says more than 10,000 ad teams and agencies use it.
The platform is split into five parts. Swipe File stores and organizes saved ads, Discovery searches a large ad database, Spyder tracks competitor ads around the clock, Lens analyzes your own creative tests, and Briefs helps you write scripts and storyboards. A mobile app, MCP connection and API round out the tools. Plans start low enough for freelancers but scale for agencies.
Foreplay at a glance
How does Foreplay work?
- Save ads you like
Use the Chrome extension or mobile app to save ads from ad libraries and social feeds into your Swipe File, with transcripts for video ads.
- Search for more ideas
Use Discovery to search a database of over 100 million ads with smart search, filters and AI creative analysis.
- Track competitors
Add brands to Spyder, which scrapes their ad libraries continuously so you can see new launches and long-running winners. Annual Workflow and Agency plans include unlimited tracked brands.
- Analyze your tests
Connect your ad account to Lens to compare creative themes and build shareable reports.
- Write the brief
Turn saved ads into briefs with the modular builder, storyboards, scripts and brand profiles, then share them with creators.
Foreplay key features
Swipe File
Saves ads permanently, even after the original is removed from the ad library, and organizes them into shareable boards. Video ads can be transcribed, which makes it easier to study scripts and hooks.
Discovery
A searchable ad database with smart search, advanced filters and AI analysis of creatives.
Spyder
A competitor tracker that monitors brands' ads 24/7, with brand limits that depend on your plan.
Lens
Creative analytics for your own ads that compares winning themes and produces shareable reports.
Briefs
A brief builder with storyboards, script tools and brand profiles for working with designers and UGC creators.
Chrome extension and mobile app
Save ads from Meta, TikTok and LinkedIn ad libraries on desktop or on the go.
MCP and API
Connect Foreplay data to AI tools or pull enriched competitor ad data into your own systems.
Why use Foreplay?
- Saved ads stay available even after advertisers turn them off.
- Research, tracking, analysis and briefing live in one tool, which keeps teams aligned.
- The entry plan is affordable for freelancers and small brands.
- Shareable boards and briefs make client and creator collaboration easier.
- Extra users cost a flat $20 each, so teams can grow gradually.
- The mobile app lets you save ads you spot while scrolling, so good ideas are not lost.
Who is Foreplay best for?
A good fit for
- Paid social agencies building creative strategies for clients
- DTC brands running Meta and TikTok ads
- Freelance media buyers and creative strategists
- UGC teams that need clear briefs
Less suited to
- Advertisers focused on Google Search or display ads
- Users who only need a free look at competitor ads
- Teams wanting spend and impression estimates for competitors
Foreplay pricing
| Pricing model | Subscription |
|---|---|
| Free plan | No |
| Free trial | 7 days |
| Starting price | $59/month (Basic, billed monthly) |
Basic covers Swipe File, Discovery and Briefs, Workflow ($175/month) adds Spyder, Lens and 5 users, and Agency ($459/month) raises limits for 10 users. Annual billing lowers each plan, and Enterprise is custom.
Prices checked October 2026. Vendors change plans often, so confirm on the official Foreplay pricing page before you buy.
Foreplay pros and cons
Pros
- Permanent ad saving and well-organized boards
- Low entry price for core research features
- Complete loop from inspiration to brief
Cons
- Competitor tracking and analytics require the Workflow plan or higher
- Trial needs a credit card and converts automatically
- Annual plans are not refundable
Foreplay integrations and platforms
Works with
Available on
Foreplay alternatives
See the full shortlist in Best Ad Spy Tools.
Foreplay FAQ
Is Foreplay free?
No, Foreplay does not have a free plan, but each self-serve plan comes with a 7-day free trial. You need a credit card to start, and the trial converts to a paid plan unless you cancel. The Basic plan costs $59 per month when billed monthly, with a lower rate on annual billing.
What is Foreplay used for?
Foreplay is used by ad teams to collect ad inspiration, track competitors and write creative briefs. Marketers save ads from the Meta, TikTok and LinkedIn ad libraries, search a large ad database, monitor rival brands and analyze their own creative tests. The end goal is producing better ads faster.
Foreplay vs Motion: what's the difference?
Foreplay is centered on inspiration and planning: saving ads, tracking competitors and writing briefs, with some creative analytics through Lens. Motion is centered on analyzing your own ad performance and tagging creatives, with competitor tracking as a secondary feature. Many teams use Foreplay for ideas and Motion for reporting.
Does Foreplay have a Chrome extension?
Yes. The Foreplay Chrome extension lets you save ads directly from the Meta, TikTok and LinkedIn ad libraries into your Swipe File with one click. Saved ads remain in your account even if the advertiser stops running them, and video ads can be transcribed for easier review.
Is Foreplay good for agencies?
Yes. Foreplay offers shareable boards, briefs for creators and an Agency plan with 10 users, higher Spyder and Lens limits and more analytics features. Agencies can track many client competitors and present research to clients without exporting files. Enterprise plans add unlimited users and priority support.
Sources
This overview is based on Foreplay's official website and documentation, checked October 2026.