There are many types of YouTube ads and they each have different purposes. To maximize your results, it is important to understand each type of ad before you run one. In this article, I will summarize the most popular YouTube ad types so you can choose the right one to meet your marketing goals.

Non-skippable in-stream ads appear before or during videos and can be up to 15 seconds long. They’re great for promoting important messages and brand awareness because you won’t pay for any views that are skipped.

Exploring Options: Understanding Types of YouTube Ads

Bumper ads are short CPM video ad formats that play before, during, or after a YouTube video and can be up to six seconds long. These are the best ad formats for announcing sales, promotions, or special events because viewers aren’t likely to skip them.

In-feed video ads (formerly discovery ads) look like a normal YouTube video listing and feature a thumbnail and description. When clicked, the full video plays. These are great for promoting videos on your YouTube channel and can be especially effective when combined with an overlay ad.

Outstream ads play on partner websites and apps, extending the reach of your YouTube campaigns beyond video content. They start without sound, so you’ll want to make sure your ad grabs attention by adding captions or using visuals that stand out.

Masthead ads appear at the top of the YouTube homepage and can reach a large audience with a single ad placement. They’re a premium ad type and are available on a cost-per-day basis.

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