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Approval Tools for Ad and Creative Teams
Albert Richer

Finding the Right Approval Tools for Ad and Creative Teams: Insights Backed by Research When it comes to choosing approval tools for ad and creative teams, market research shows that features like real-time collaboration and version control are often cited as game-changers. Analysis of thousands of customer reviews indicates that platforms such as Asana and Monday.com frequently receive high marks for their user-friendly interfaces and robust project tracking capabilities. On the flip side, some brands, despite flashy marketing, fall short on performance, leaving users frustrated; for instance, certain tools have been noted for lacking intuitive navigation, which can slow down workflow significantly. Data indicates that teams working on a tight budget may find Airtable to be a cost-effective solution without compromising essential functionalities. Users often report that it provides flexible data organization without the hefty price tag associated with other popular platforms. Why does everyone think you need to spend $$$ for effective workflow management? Finding the Right Approval Tools for Ad and Creative Teams: Insights Backed by Research When it comes to choosing approval tools for ad and creative teams, market research shows that features like real-time collaboration and version control are often cited as game-changers.

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1
Expert Score
9.9 / 10
623
164
CENTRALIZED PLATFORM

PageProof Marketing Approval Software

PageProof Marketing Approval Software
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PageProof is designed specifically to streamline and fast-track content review and approval processes for marketing teams. It addresses the industry's need for quick, effective communication and collaboration, ensuring that marketing materials are accurate, on-brand, and ready for distribution.
PageProof is designed specifically to streamline and fast-track content review and approval processes for marketing teams. It addresses the industry's need for quick, effective communication and collaboration, ensuring that marketing materials are accurate, on-brand, and ready for distribution.
CENTRALIZED PLATFORM

Best for teams that are

  • Large teams or agencies benefiting from flat-rate pricing
  • Packaging designers needing color separation and smart compare
  • Security-conscious teams requiring ISO 27001 certification

Skip if

  • Solo freelancers or small teams with low proofing volume
  • Teams preferring per-seat pricing models over flat rates
  • Users looking for a free forever plan for basic use

Expert Take

Our analysis shows PageProof stands out for its flat-rate pricing model that includes unlimited users and storage, removing the friction of per-seat costs common in this sector. Research indicates it is the only platform with patented triple-layer encryption and ISO 27001:2022 certification, ensuring pre-release assets remain secure. The 'Smart Compare' features provide pixel-level precision that is essential for high-stakes marketing approval workflows.

Pros

  • Unlimited users, storage, and proofs
  • Flat-rate pricing ($249/mo)
  • ISO 27001:2022 certified security
  • No login required for reviewers
  • Patented triple-layer encryption

Cons

  • Interface can feel clunky to some
  • Occasional upload glitches reported
  • Dashboard search can be difficult
  • High starting price for small teams
  • Limited flexibility in some workflows
2
Expert Score
9.6 / 10
523
57
CLIENT-FRIENDLY

StreamWork Approval Workflow

StreamWork Approval Workflow
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StreamWork's Approval Workflow Software is a boon for creative teams, streamlining the review and approval process for creative files. It allows professionals in the ad industry to effortlessly track and implement client feedback, irrespective of the version number of the creative files.
StreamWork's Approval Workflow Software is a boon for creative teams, streamlining the review and approval process for creative files. It allows professionals in the ad industry to effortlessly track and implement client feedback, irrespective of the version number of the creative files.
CLIENT-FRIENDLY

Best for teams that are

  • Marketing teams heavily invested in Asana or Monday.com
  • Agencies requiring automated multi-stage approval workflows
  • Teams needing centralized audit trails for compliance

Skip if

  • Freelancers or small teams with low volume or budget
  • Users needing a standalone tool without PM software integration
  • Teams requiring deep Adobe Creative Cloud plugin support

Expert Take

StreamWork's Approval Workflow Software is a game-changer for ad and creative professionals. It understands the creative process's iterative nature and facilitates smooth tracking and implementation of client feedback across all versions of a creative file. The simplified and efficient approval process saves time and effort, making it a favourite among industry professionals.

Pros

  • Simplifies approval process
  • Facilitates easy tracking of feedback
  • Caters to all versions of creative files
  • Intuitive interface
  • Helpful for ad and creative professionals

Cons

  • May require familiarization
  • Pricing may not be accessible for small businesses
3
Expert Score
9.6 / 10
611
27
STREAMLINED WORKFLOW
VERSION CONTROL

Ziflow Online Proofing Software

Ziflow Online Proofing Software
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Ziflow is a comprehensive online proofing software designed specifically for creative and marketing teams. It simplifies the content review process by offering an enterprise-grade solution that provides a centralized place for collaboration, feedback and approval, meeting the unique needs of ad and creative teams.
Ziflow is a comprehensive online proofing software designed specifically for creative and marketing teams. It simplifies the content review process by offering an enterprise-grade solution that provides a centralized place for collaboration, feedback and approval, meeting the unique needs of ad and creative teams.
STREAMLINED WORKFLOW
VERSION CONTROL

Best for teams that are

  • Enterprise creative teams requiring SOC2 compliance
  • Agencies needing deep Adobe Creative Cloud integration
  • High-volume teams managing over 1,200 different file types

Skip if

  • Small teams with limited budgets or simple needs
  • Users wanting flat-rate pricing (vs. per-seat models)
  • Simple internal administrative approval workflows

Expert Take

Our analysis shows Ziflow stands out as a true enterprise-grade 'system of record' for creative feedback. Research indicates it offers unmatched compliance features, including FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and HIPAA support, which are rare in this category. Based on documented capabilities, its ability to handle over 1,200 file types—from live websites to complex video—combined with deep Adobe integrations makes it a powerhouse for serious creative operations, despite a higher entry price.

Pros

  • Supports 1,200+ file types including live websites
  • SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 certified
  • FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliant features
  • Deep Adobe Creative Cloud integration
  • Advanced 'Zibot' workflow automation triggers

Cons

  • No native mobile app (browser-only)
  • High starting price ($199/mo) for paid plans
  • Steep learning curve for automation setup
  • Occasional lag with large file uploads
  • Complex interface for simple use cases
4
Expert Score
9.5 / 10
546
120
RAPID FEEDBACK
SECURE & COMPLIANT

Ashore Marketing Approval Software

Ashore Marketing Approval Software
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Ashore is designed specifically for creative agencies seeking streamlined proof review. It enhances collaboration between teams and clients, enabling swift marketing approval process. The software boasts unique features tailored to the needs of ad and creative professionals, making it a top choice for this industry.
Ashore is designed specifically for creative agencies seeking streamlined proof review. It enhances collaboration between teams and clients, enabling swift marketing approval process. The software boasts unique features tailored to the needs of ad and creative professionals, making it a top choice for this industry.
RAPID FEEDBACK
SECURE & COMPLIANT

Best for teams that are

  • Agencies prioritizing a fully white-labeled client experience
  • High-volume freelancers needing automated client reminders
  • Teams sending proofs to non-technical clients (no login)

Skip if

  • Enterprise teams needing complex project management features
  • Internal IT or HR approval workflows
  • Teams needing deep Adobe Creative Cloud integration

Expert Take

Our analysis shows Ashore excels in 'invisible' software delivery, allowing agencies to present a fully branded portal to clients without Ashore's logo. Research indicates the 'no-login' access for approvers significantly reduces friction, while the unique 'Preflight' automation for print files differentiates it from standard digital proofing tools. It is particularly well-suited for agencies that prioritize brand consistency.

Pros

  • Approvers need no account to review
  • Full white-labeling (domain & email)
  • Automated preflight tools for print
  • Supports video, audio, and HTML
  • Free plan available for single users

Cons

  • 2GB file upload limit per file
  • API access requires Premium plan
  • Standard plan limited to 3 users
  • Adobe plugin requires paid plan
  • Steep price jump to Premium tier
5
Expert Score
9.5 / 10
689
96
MULTI-CONTENT SUPPORT
CUSTOMIZABLE WORKFLOWS

ReviewStudio Marketing Approval

ReviewStudio Marketing Approval
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ReviewStudio's Creative Review and Approval for Marketing Teams is a one-stop solution for marketing professionals. It allows teams to annotate, review, and approve a wide range of marketing content, including video, photo, ad, and web content, all in a centralized location. This streamlines the marketing workflow by eliminating the need for multiple platforms.
ReviewStudio's Creative Review and Approval for Marketing Teams is a one-stop solution for marketing professionals. It allows teams to annotate, review, and approve a wide range of marketing content, including video, photo, ad, and web content, all in a centralized location. This streamlines the marketing workflow by eliminating the need for multiple platforms.
MULTI-CONTENT SUPPORT
CUSTOMIZABLE WORKFLOWS

Best for teams that are

  • Video production teams needing frame-accurate markup tools
  • Agencies requiring simple guest reviews without client logins
  • Small to mid-sized creative teams needing intuitive proofing

Skip if

  • Enterprises requiring SOC2 compliance or complex audit trails
  • Teams needing deep Adobe Creative Cloud plugin integrations
  • Large organizations with complex routing and permission rules

Expert Take

Our analysis shows ReviewStudio hits a 'sweet spot' for agencies by removing the biggest friction point in approval software: the client login barrier. Research indicates that while it may lack the complex conditional automation of enterprise giants like Ziflow, its ISO 27001 certification and robust support for diverse file types (including live web and video) make it a highly secure and capable choice for mid-market teams. It balances professional depth with an accessibility that ensures clients actually use the tool.

Pros

  • No login required for guest reviewers
  • Supports video, HTML, and 3D markup
  • ISO 27001 certified security
  • Permanently free plan available
  • Intuitive side-by-side version comparison

Cons

  • Linear workflows lack complex automation
  • Limited advanced reporting features
  • Mobile experience is view-centric
  • No conditional logic for approvals
  • Lacks campaign-level asset grouping
6
Expert Score
9.3 / 10
732
98
CREATIVE COLLABORATION
SEAMLESS INTEGRATION

Microsoft Teams Approval Processes

Microsoft Teams Approval Processes
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Microsoft Teams Approval Processes is a SaaS solution designed to streamline approval procedures for ad and creative teams. This tool addresses the industry's need for rapid, organized, and effective project sign-offs by utilizing @mentions to ping team leaders when approvals are required. It enhances workflow, reduces bottlenecks, and increases productivity.
Microsoft Teams Approval Processes is a SaaS solution designed to streamline approval procedures for ad and creative teams. This tool addresses the industry's need for rapid, organized, and effective project sign-offs by utilizing @mentions to ping team leaders when approvals are required. It enhances workflow, reduces bottlenecks, and increases productivity.
CREATIVE COLLABORATION
SEAMLESS INTEGRATION

Best for teams that are

  • Internal teams already using the Microsoft 365 ecosystem
  • Simple administrative sign-offs like expenses or leave requests
  • Organizations wanting a free add-on for basic internal approvals

Skip if

  • Creative teams needing visual markup or annotation tools
  • External client reviews or complex version control needs
  • Workflows requiring centralized storage of proof files

Expert Take

Our analysis shows that Microsoft Teams Approvals transforms ad-hoc requests into structured, auditable workflows without requiring users to leave their collaboration hub. Research indicates it leverages the robust Power Platform infrastructure, offering enterprise-grade security and seamless integration with tools like Adobe Sign and DocuSign. While it has storage limitations for heavy usage, its inclusion in standard M365 licenses makes it an unbeatable value for organizations already in the Microsoft ecosystem.

Pros

  • Included with Microsoft 365 subscriptions
  • Native integration within Teams chat
  • Supports custom and pre-built templates
  • Integrated audit trails in Purview
  • Seamless e-signature provider connectivity

Cons

  • Guest users cannot create requests
  • Guests need licenses to approve
  • 2GB storage limit per team
  • No backup for default environment
  • Adaptive cards don't sync email actions
7
Expert Score
9.3 / 10
671
30
INTUITIVE INTERFACE
AUTOMATION EXCELLENCE

Bannersnack Creative Approval

Bannersnack Creative Approval
View Website
Bannersnack Creative Approval is an online proofing and approval solution designed specifically for ad and creative teams. It provides a streamlined platform for teams to create, collaborate, review, and approve all design works, enhancing efficiency and ensuring quality control within the specific industry.
Bannersnack Creative Approval is an online proofing and approval solution designed specifically for ad and creative teams. It provides a streamlined platform for teams to create, collaborate, review, and approve all design works, enhancing efficiency and ensuring quality control within the specific industry.
INTUITIVE INTERFACE
AUTOMATION EXCELLENCE

Best for teams that are

  • Teams focused on scaling display ad and banner production
  • Social media marketers creating visual assets at scale
  • Designers needing to automate ad resizing and variations

Skip if

  • Teams proofing documents, videos, or websites (non-ad formats)
  • Users seeking a pure approval tool for external files
  • Enterprise compliance teams needing strict audit trails

Expert Take

Our analysis shows that The Brief (formerly Creatopy/Bannersnack) effectively bridges the gap between design and approval, solving the 'email chaos' of ad reviews. Research indicates its 'Smart Resize' and collaborative share links significantly reduce production time for marketing teams. While export limits are a documented drawback, the platform's ability to centralize feedback and automate format scaling makes it a powerful tool for high-volume ad creation.

Pros

  • Streamlined approval workflow with shareable links
  • Real-time commenting and annotation on designs
  • Automated 'Smart Resize' for 50+ formats
  • Role-based permissions for teams and clients
  • Supports HTML5, video, and static formats

Cons

  • Strict export limits based on credit system
  • Reports of bugs and editor instability
  • Frequent rebranding causes user confusion
  • Advanced automation requires higher-tier plans
  • Price increases reported by long-term users

Product Comparison

Product Has Mobile App Has Free Plan Has Free Trial Integrates With Zapier Has Public API Live Chat Support SOC 2 or ISO Certified Popular Integrations Supports SSO Starting Price
1 PageProof Marketing Approval Software
No No Yes - 14 days Yes Yes Yes ISO 27001 Slack, Trello, Adobe Creative Cloud Yes Contact for pricing
2 StreamWork Approval Workflow
No No Contact for trial No No No Not specified Google Drive, Dropbox, Box No Enterprise pricing available
3 Ziflow Online Proofing Software
No No Yes - 14 days Yes Yes Yes SOC 2 Slack, Adobe Creative Cloud, Trello Yes Enterprise pricing available
4 Ashore Marketing Approval Software
No Yes Yes - 14 days Yes No No Not specified Google Drive, Dropbox, Zapier No $25/month
5 ReviewStudio Marketing Approval
No No Contact for trial No No No Not specified Slack, Trello, Asana No Contact for pricing
6 Microsoft Teams Approval Processes
Yes No No Yes Yes Yes SOC 2 Microsoft 365, SharePoint, OneDrive Yes Part of Microsoft 365 subscriptions
7 Bannersnack Creative Approval
No Yes Yes - 7 days No No Yes Not specified Google Drive, Dropbox, Canva No $32/month
1

PageProof Marketing Approval Software

Has Mobile App
No
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Yes - 14 days
Integrates With Zapier
Yes
Has Public API
Yes
Live Chat Support
Yes
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
ISO 27001
Popular Integrations
Slack, Trello, Adobe Creative Cloud
Supports SSO
Yes
Starting Price
Contact for pricing
2

StreamWork Approval Workflow

Has Mobile App
No
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Contact for trial
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
No
Live Chat Support
No
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Google Drive, Dropbox, Box
Supports SSO
No
Starting Price
Enterprise pricing available
3

Ziflow Online Proofing Software

Has Mobile App
No
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Yes - 14 days
Integrates With Zapier
Yes
Has Public API
Yes
Live Chat Support
Yes
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
SOC 2
Popular Integrations
Slack, Adobe Creative Cloud, Trello
Supports SSO
Yes
Starting Price
Enterprise pricing available
4

Ashore Marketing Approval Software

Has Mobile App
No
Has Free Plan
Yes
Has Free Trial
Yes - 14 days
Integrates With Zapier
Yes
Has Public API
No
Live Chat Support
No
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Google Drive, Dropbox, Zapier
Supports SSO
No
Starting Price
$25/month
5

ReviewStudio Marketing Approval

Has Mobile App
No
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Contact for trial
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
No
Live Chat Support
No
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Slack, Trello, Asana
Supports SSO
No
Starting Price
Contact for pricing
6

Microsoft Teams Approval Processes

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
No
Integrates With Zapier
Yes
Has Public API
Yes
Live Chat Support
Yes
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
SOC 2
Popular Integrations
Microsoft 365, SharePoint, OneDrive
Supports SSO
Yes
Starting Price
Part of Microsoft 365 subscriptions
7

Bannersnack Creative Approval

Has Mobile App
No
Has Free Plan
Yes
Has Free Trial
Yes - 7 days
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
No
Live Chat Support
Yes
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Google Drive, Dropbox, Canva
Supports SSO
No
Starting Price
$32/month

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How We Rank Products

Our Evaluation Process

The "How We Choose" section for approval tools for ad and creative teams highlights the methodology used to evaluate and rank products based on comprehensive criteria. Key factors included specifications, features, customer reviews, ratings, and overall value, with specific considerations such as user interface, integration capabilities, and collaboration features taking precedence in this category. The research methodology focused on analyzing product specifications and performance metrics, evaluating customer feedback from various sources, and reviewing ratings to establish a price-to-value ratio. This thorough approach ensures that the most effective and user-friendly tools are highlighted for ad and creative teams seeking to streamline their approval processes.

Overall scores reflect relative ranking within this category, accounting for which limitations materially affect real-world use cases. Small differences in category scores can result in larger ranking separation when those differences affect the most common or highest-impact workflows.

Verification

  • Products evaluated through comprehensive research and analysis of industry standards.
  • Rankings based on a thorough analysis of user reviews and expert opinions.
  • Selection criteria focus on key features essential for ad and creative teams.

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Score Breakdown

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What This Award Means