6 Types of Video Ads and How to Use Them

With billions of active users worldwide, YouTube is undeniably one of the most popular platforms for advertisers to reach a massive audience. As a powerful tool for businesses to promote their products or services, video ads on YouTube have become an industry standard.

However, creating effective video ads requires careful consideration of several essential elements, including targeting the right audience, choosing the appropriate video ad format, setting a daily budget, and bidding strategy.

In this article, we will explore different types of video ads and provide insights about consumer behavior to help you create video ads that maximize your ROI on YouTube.

Different Types of Video Ad Formats

Before asking yourself how you can create video ads to maximize effectiveness on Youtube, you first need to understand different types of video ad formats.

When it comes to video advertising, there are several types of video ad formats to choose from. Each type has its own unique selling points, and understanding the differences between them is essential to creating effective video ads.

• Skippable in-stream ads
• Non-skippable in-stream ads
• In-feed video ads
• Bumper ads
• Outstream ads
• Masthead ads

Skippable In-Stream Ads

Skippable in-stream ads are the most common video ad format on YouTube. They are played before, during, or after a video and can be skipped by the viewer after the first 5 seconds. The benefit of this format is that it allows you to reach a wide range of potential customers and only pay when someone watches at least 30 seconds of your ad. It is an excellent format to consider if you have a daily budget and want to target a specific audience.

Non-Skippable In-Stream Ads

Non-skippable in-stream ads are an intrusive advertising method that plays before, during, or after a video and cannot be skipped by the viewer. This type of ad can be up to 15 seconds long and is only available for advertisers who meet specific requirements.

The benefit of non-skippable in-stream ads is that they guarantee your ad will be seen, but they may also annoy viewers, so they should be used sparingly.

In-Feed Video Ads

In-feed video ads are played in the news feed of YouTube’s mobile app and can be up to 60 seconds long. They are an effective way to engage potential customers who are browsing their mobile devices.

In-feed video ads can target specific audiences based on their demographics, interests, and behavior, making them an excellent choice for businesses looking to reach a particular target audience.

Bumper Ads

Bumper ads are short video ads that can be up to 6 seconds long and are non-skippable. They are an excellent format to consider if you want to deliver a concise message quickly.

The benefit of bumper ads is that they are not intrusive and are ideal for increasing brand awareness. Bumper ads are a popular choice for businesses with limited budgets because they can be cost-effective.

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Outstream Ads

Outstream ads are video ads that are displayed on websites and mobile apps that are not part of YouTube. They are played automatically but are muted until the viewer clicks to turn on the sound.

Outstream ads are an excellent format for businesses looking to expand their reach beyond YouTube and target potential customers who are browsing on mobile devices.

Masthead Ads

Masthead ads are YouTube’s most prominent ad format and are displayed at the top of the YouTube homepage. They are available in both skippable and non-skippable formats and can be up to 30 seconds long. Masthead ads are an excellent choice for businesses looking to make a big impact and reach a large audience quickly.

Understanding Your Target Audience

One of the most critical aspects of creating effective video ads is targeting the right audience with the right ad format. Different ad formats can impact various target audiences in different ways.

For instance, if you’re targeting mobile users, you may want to consider using vertical or square video formats, as they are more suitable for viewing on mobile devices. On the other hand, landscape video ads are more effective for desktop users.

Skippable in-stream ads are a better fit for an audience that is already engaged with the content, whereas non-skippable in-stream ads may be more effective for raising brand awareness. Bumper ads, which are six seconds or less in length, are ideal for a target audience that has a short attention span.

Masthead ads, which appear at the top of the YouTube homepage, are an effective way to reach a massive audience, but they also come with a higher cost. Understanding the different video ad formats and how they impact different demographics and their specific behaviors can help you maximize the effectiveness of your YouTube video ads.

Bidding Strategy for Video Ads

When it comes to YouTube advertising, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is your bidding strategy. The right bidding strategy can help you reach your target audience, stay within your daily budget, and maximize your return on investment. One popular bidding strategy for video ads is CPV (cost-per-view).

With CPV bidding, you only pay when someone watches your video ad for at least 30 seconds or interacts with it in some way. This means that you’re only paying for views that have shown some level of interest in your ad.

It’s important to note that if your video ad is less than 30 seconds long, you’ll be charged when someone watches the entire ad.

When using CPV bidding, keep in mind the different audience types you’re targeting. Consider using parental status as a targeting option if your ad is not appropriate for all ages. Additionally, keep an eye on your daily budget to make sure that you’re not overspending on views that don’t convert into actual customers.

Need Help with Your Video Ads?

In conclusion, creating effective video ads for YouTube can be a daunting task, especially if you are just getting started. However, by using the right video ad formats and bidding strategies, you can maximize the effectiveness of your ads and target the right audience. 

Remember to keep your message concise and appealing to your potential customers, and always analyze your insights about consumer behavior to refine your strategy.

If you are still unsure about how to create the best video ads for your business or need help with your YouTube advertising campaign, consider contacting Play Media. As a digital marketing agency, we have the expertise to help you create powerful video campaigns that reach a massive audience and deliver a high return on investment.