The Different YouTube Ad Formats, Explained

Did you know that 48% of marketers invest in YouTube?

However, figuring out the right YouTube ad format for your business can be tricky. There are so many different YouTube ad formats to choose from, and it can be hard to know which one is right for you.

Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Keep reading because, in this article, we’ll explain the different types of YouTube ads and give you tips on how to choose the right one when making a YouTube ad.

1. Skippable In-Stream Ads

Skippable in-stream ads are the most used kind of YouTube advertising. They can be up to 30 seconds long, and viewers have the option to skip them after 5 seconds. Skippable in-stream ads are best for awareness and reach, as they’re seen by a large number of people. However, they also have a high rate of ad fatigue, as viewers can quickly become annoyed by the constant interruptions.

As a result, skippable in-stream ads should be used sparingly, and only when you’re confident that your ad will be well-received. When used correctly, skippable in-stream ads can be an effective way to reach a large audience. Skippable in-stream ads are best used when combined with other advertising strategies, such as TrueView in-stream ads or non-skippable in-stream ads.

By using a variety of advertisement types, you can ensure that your message is seen by a wide range of people, without annoying potential customers. Combined with a well-crafted ad campaign, skippable in-stream ads can help you achieve your marketing goals.

2. Non-Skippable In-Stream Ads

In today’s age of ad blockers and short attention spans, it can be difficult to get your message seen by potential customers. However, non-skippable in-stream ads offer a way to ensure that your message is seen by viewers. Unlike skippable ads, which can be skipped after 5 seconds, non-skippable ads must be watched in their entirety.

This allows you to capture the attention of viewers and deliver your message without interruption. Additionally, non-skippable ads are typically 15 seconds long, which is the perfect amount of time to deliver a concise message. If you’re looking for a way to build brand awareness, non-skippable in-stream ads are a great option.

3. Discovery ads

Discovery ads are a type of advertising that appears on the YouTube homepage and related video pages. These ads are typically displayed in a video carousel format, and they can be up to 30 seconds long.

Discovery ads are best for driving traffic to your website or landing page. YouTube users often start their journey on the platform by typing in a query or watching a particular type of video.

However, they may also browse the YouTube homepage or watch related videos after finishing a video. Discovery ads allow you to reach these users as they explore the platform, and they can be an effective way to drive traffic to your website or landing page.

When creating a Discovery ad, it’s important to focus on creating an engaging and visually appealing ad that will capture the user’s attention. You should also make sure that your ad is relevant to the user’s interests, as this will help to ensure that they click through to your website or landing page.

4. Bumper Ads

Bumper ads are a great way to increase brand awareness for your business. These short, non-skippable ads are 6 seconds or less in length, making them perfect for catching people’s attention. Plus, they’re very affordable, so you can reach a large number of people without breaking the bank.

And because they’re so short, people are more likely to see them all the way through, which means they’ll be more likely to remember your brand.

The benefits of using bumper ads are that they’re short, attention-grabbing, and affordable. However, one downside is that you don’t have much time to deliver your message.

As a result, bumper ads are best used in conjunction with other ad types, such as in-stream or discovery ads. This way, you can use the bumper ad to grab attention and then deliver more information in the other ad.

5. Sponsored Cards

Sponsored cards are a type of ad that appears on the right-hand side of the YouTube watch page. These cards feature social media content from your website or landing page, and they can be up to 90 seconds long.

Sponsored cards are great for driving traffic to your website or landing page. You can use them to promote new products, highlight special offers, or simply drive awareness for your brand.

When creating a sponsored card, you’ll need to select a thumbnail image and headline, as well as write a short description of your product or service. You’ll also need to choose a call-to-action, such as “Learn More” or “Sign Up.”

Once your sponsored card is live, it will appear on relevant YouTube videos for your target audience. And best of all, you only pay when someone clicks on your card.

Getting Started With YouTube Ad Formats

Now that you understand the difference between the different types of YouTube ad formats, you’ll know that all can be effective marketing opportunities for your business. The best way to determine which is right for you is to experiment with all of them, track your results, and see what works best for your business.

The best way to achieve results with YouTube advertising is by using experts in the industry. A professional agency, like Trigger Digital, can help you with both and have a track record of success. Get in touch with us for a free consult today.