In the fast-paced world of digital marketing, staying ahead means understanding the best ways to capture an audience’s attention.
YouTube ads offer a unique opportunity to connect with viewers through engaging and visually appealing content. But what makes a YouTube ad truly stand out? What are the examples of ads that not only capture interest but also drive action?
This guide dives deep into the world of YouTube ad examples to uncover the secrets behind the campaigns. In the following sections, we will explore various YouTube ad examples, breaking down the elements that contribute to their work.
By understanding these components and seeing them in action, you can gain the knowledge and inspiration needed to create your own compelling YouTube ads. And if you’d like expert help maintaining and optimizing your channel for long-term growth, explore our YouTube channel management services.
#1. YouTube Skippable In-stream Ad
When to Use This Ad Format
Skippable in-stream ads are ideal for promoting your video content on YouTube and various websites and apps that are part of Google’s video partner network. These ads can appear before, during, or after other videos.
How This Ad Format Works
These ads play at the beginning, middle, or end of other videos or as full-screen ads within mobile apps. After 5 seconds, viewers can skip the ad if they choose.
Ad Format Placement
Skippable in-stream ads are displayed on YouTube watch pages and across a range of websites and apps associated with Google’s video partners.
Cost Structure
- CPV Bidding: You are charged when a viewer watches 30 seconds of your video, the full video if it’s under 30 seconds, or interacts with the video.
- Target CPM, Target CPA, and Maximize Conversions Bidding: Charges are based on the number of impressions.
Suitable Campaign Goals
- Sales
- Leads
- Website Traffic
- Awareness and Consideration
YouTube Skippable In-stream Ad Example
Monday.com is a work management platform that offers customizable solutions to plan, collaborate, and automate workflows.
With Monday.com, users can create tailored workflows or choose from a variety of pre-made templates to optimize work processes effectively.
The platform aims to enhance efficiency and productivity by providing a flexible and customizable workspace for diverse work styles and needs.
This YouTube Skippable In-stream Ad effectively showcases the key features and benefits of Monday.com by presenting a scenario where two individuals discuss their different approaches to creating workflows using the platform.
The ad highlights the flexibility of Monday.com, emphasizing the ability to customize workflows to suit individual preferences and needs.
By demonstrating the ease of creating personalized workflows or using pre-made templates with advanced automations, the ad effectively conveys the platform’s value proposition of enhancing organization, efficiency, and collaboration in a visually engaging and relatable manner.
The ad also subtly addresses common pain points in workflow management, such as manual tasks and organization challenges, and presents Monday.com as a comprehensive solution.
Design Tips for YouTube Skippable In-stream Ad
- Strong Hook: Capture attention within the first 5 seconds to prevent viewers from skipping.
- Clear Branding: Include your brand logo or name early in the ad to ensure viewers know who you are.
- Compelling Visuals: Use high-quality visuals that are eye-catching and engaging.
#2. YouTube Non-skippable In-stream Ad
When to Use This Ad Format
Opt for non-skippable in-stream ads when you need to ensure that viewers see your entire video message before, during, or after other videos on YouTube, as well as across websites and apps in the Google video partner network.
How This Ad Format Works
These ads are 30 seconds or shorter and must be viewed in their entirety, as viewers cannot skip them. Non-skippable in-stream ads might also appear on YouTube TV if eligible.
Ad Format Placement
Non-skippable in-stream ads appear on YouTube videos and on various websites and apps within Google’s video partner network.
Cost Structure
Non-skippable in-stream ads use Target CPM bidding, meaning you pay based on the number of impressions.
Suitable Campaign Goals
- Awareness and Consideration
YouTube Non-skippable In-stream Ad Example
Capital One is a well-known financial services company that offers a wide range of products, including personal and business credit cards, savings accounts, and auto loans.
Capital One aims to provide financial solutions to individuals and businesses, promoting flexibility and rewards through their credit card offerings.
The Venture X Business Card specifically is highlighted in the ad for its benefits, such as earning double miles on every purchase and offering purchasing power with no preset spending limit.
This YouTube Non-skippable In-stream Ad clearly communicates the benefits of the Venture X Business Card in a concise and engaging manner.
By emphasizing the unlimited double miles on every purchase and the absence of a preset spending limit, the ad showcases the card’s value proposition to potential customers.
Additionally, the visuals in the ad are appealing and match the message being conveyed, creating a visually stimulating experience for viewers.
The ad also effectively targets business owners by highlighting the card’s features that cater to business needs, such as flexible purchasing power.
Design Tips for YouTube Non-skippable In-stream Ad
- Consistent Branding: Maintain visible branding throughout the ad to reinforce your identity.
- Storytelling: Use a compelling story that holds viewer interest for the entire duration.
#3. YouTube In-feed Video Ad
When to Use This Ad Format
In-feed video ads are ideal for promoting your video content in discovery areas such as next to related videos on YouTube, within YouTube search results, or on the YouTube mobile homepage.
How This Ad Format Works
These ads feature a thumbnail image from your video along with some text. The appearance may vary depending on placement, but they always encourage viewers to click to watch the video. Once clicked, the video plays on the YouTube watch page or channel homepage.
Ad Format Placement
In-feed video ads can appear:
- In YouTube search results
- Beside related YouTube videos
- On the YouTube mobile homepage
Cost Structure
You are charged when someone clicks to watch the ad, or in some cases, when the video autoplays for at least 10 seconds.
Suitable Campaign Objective
- Awareness and Consideration
YouTube In-feed Video Ad Example
This YouTube In-feed video ad example is a highly effective way to capture user attention.
Positioned at the top of the search results for the query “how to bench press,” this YouTube In-feed Video Ad targets a relevant audience actively seeking information on fitness and exercise.
The ad, titled “The Ultimate Military Workout,” includes a compelling visual of a 30-day beginner’s bodybuilding challenge, which immediately draws the viewer’s eye.
The ad copy promises a comprehensive workout schedule, exercises, video instructions, and diet plans to achieve a dream body in weeks.
By addressing the user’s intent and offering a solution to their search query, this ad increases the likelihood of engagement and conversion.
The clear call-to-action and visually appealing thumbnail make it stand out, encouraging users to click and learn more about the program offered by MadMuscles.
Design Tips for YouTube In-feed Video Ad
- Attention-Grabbing Thumbnail: Design a thumbnail that stands out and entices viewers to click.
- Engaging Title: Use a catchy title that piques curiosity and encourages clicks.
- Relevant Description: Write a brief description that provides context and highlights the ad’s value.
#4. YouTube Bumper Ad
When to Use This Ad Format
Bumper ads are perfect for delivering a brief, impactful message to a wide audience.
How This Ad Format Works
These ads are 6 seconds or less and play at the beginning, middle, or end of other videos. Viewers cannot skip these ads. Bumper ads may also appear on YouTube TV, depending on eligibility. For users wanting to access content restricted to certain regions, guides on using a VPN to bypass YouTube TV location from CyberNews provide step-by-step instructions. Learn more About YouTube TV ads.
Ad Format Placement
Bumper ads are displayed on YouTube videos and across various websites and apps within Google’s video partner network.
Cost Structure
Bumper ads use Target CPM bidding, meaning you pay based on the number of impressions.
Suitable Campaign Goal
- Awareness and Consideration
YouTube Bumper Ad Example
Liberty Mutual is a global insurance company offering a wide range of insurance products and services, including auto, home, and life insurance. The company is known for its approach to customizable insurance, allowing customers to tailor their coverage to meet their specific needs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-2nCtsSNQY
This YouTube Bumper Ad ad works effectively for several reasons.
Firstly, it leverages humor through the use of the “LiMu Emu & Doug” characters, which helps in making the commercial memorable and engaging for the audience.
The whimsical concept of an emu and a buffed-up secret agent, Doug, helps to stand out in a typically serious and competitive insurance market.
Secondly, the ad effectively communicates the company’s value proposition of customization, highlighting the message that Liberty Mutual tailors insurance to each individual’s needs.
The creative and lighthearted approach captures attention, making the ad more likely to leave a lasting impression on viewers. This aligns with Liberty Mutual’s branding as a company that takes a customer-focused and personalized approach to insurance.
Design Tips for YouTube Bumper Ad
- Immediate Impact: Start strong with an attention-grabbing element in the first second.
- Simplicity: Keep the message simple and focused due to the short ad length.
- Strong Branding: Ensure your brand is prominently displayed throughout the ad.
#5. YouTube Outstream Ad
When to Use This Ad Format
Opt for outstream ads and accompanying content to extend the reach of your video ads on mobile devices, enabling you to connect with a larger audience.
How This Ad Format Works
Outstream ads start playing with the sound muted. Viewers can tap the ad to enable sound. These ads are designed to enhance video reach cost-effectively.
Ad Format Placement
Outstream ads are exclusively for mobile and appear in various locations within Google video partners.
On mobile web, they appear in banners, while in mobile apps, they can be found in banners, interstitials, in-feed placements, native placements, and in both portrait and fullscreen modes.
Accompanying content is shown across websites, mobile web, and apps.
Cost Structure
You are charged for outstream ads based on viewable cost-per-thousand-impressions (vCPM), meaning you pay only when someone watches your video for at least 2 seconds.
YouTube Outstream Ad Example
Kid’s Crest toothpaste is a brand designed for children by Crest, a well-known oral care company.
It usually features fun flavors and packaging with popular cartoon characters to encourage kids to brush their teeth. It helps prevent cavities and promotes good oral hygiene habits early on.
This Kid’s Crest out-stream YouTube video ad effectively captures attention through vibrant visuals and familiar characters that appeal to children.
The bright colors and playful design immediately attract young viewers, while the association with trusted brands like Crest and Oral-B reassures parents about the product’s safety and effectiveness.
Including multiple product options in the ad caters to different preferences, enhancing its appeal.
Design Tips for YouTube Outstream Ad
- Eye-Catching Start: Begin with an element that grabs attention, especially on mute.
- Text Overlays: Use text overlays to convey key messages, as many viewers may watch without sound.
- Mobile Optimization: Design the ad to look good on mobile devices, where many outstream ads are viewed.
#6. YouTube Masthead Ad
When to Use This Ad Format
Masthead ads are ideal for generating awareness for a new product or service or reaching a large audience quickly, such as during a sales event. These ads are available on a reservation basis through a Google sales representative.
How This Ad Format Works
– Desktop:
- A featured video in a Masthead ad auto plays without sound for up to 30 seconds at the top of the YouTube Home feed.
- The ad can appear in widescreen or 16:9 aspect ratio and includes an information panel on the right that pulls assets from your channel.
- You can add up to 2 companion videos in this panel.
- Viewers can click a mute icon to enable sound.
- After autoplay, the main video reverts to the thumbnail, and clicking on the video or thumbnail takes viewers to the YouTube watch page.
– Mobile:
- A featured video in a Masthead ad auto plays without sound for the full duration at the top of the YouTube app or m.youtube.com Home feed.
- The ad includes a video thumbnail, customizable headline, description texts, and an external call-to-action (CTA).
- The channel name and icon are automatically pulled from the advertiser’s channel.
- Clicking on the ad directs users to the YouTube watch page for the video.
– TV Screens:
- A featured video in a Masthead ad autoplays (where supported) without sound for the full duration at the top of the YouTube app for TVs.
- The ad can appear in widescreen or 16:9 aspect ratio.
- Viewers can interact with the ad using their TV remote.
- After autoplay, the main video reverts to the thumbnail, and clicking on the video or thumbnail takes viewers to the watch page to view the video full-screen.
- No CTA can be added to Masthead ads on TV screens.
Cost Structure
Masthead ads are billed on a cost-per-thousand-impressions (CPM) basis and require a reservation. Rates and impression goals can be discussed with the Google advertising team.
YouTube Masthead Ad Example
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is a professional wrestling promotion founded in 2019. It has quickly become a prominent organization in the wrestling world, offering a fresh alternative to the traditional wrestling scene.
AEW is known for its high-energy events, dynamic storytelling, and a roster of both established and rising wrestling stars. Their weekly show, AEW Dynamite, airs on TBS and has garnered a dedicated fanbase.
This Masthead Ad for AEW Dynamite is effective due to its exciting and engaging content that appeals directly to wrestling fans. The ad showcases high-impact wrestling scenes and highlights upcoming matches, which captures viewers’ attention and builds anticipation.
By featuring popular wrestlers and emphasizing the unique and intense nature of AEW events, the ad successfully generates interest and drives viewers to tune into the live show. The clear call-to-action and strategic placement during relevant viewing times further enhance its impact.
Design Tips for YouTube Masthead Ad
- Prominent Branding: Feature your brand logo and name prominently to maximize visibility.
- Concise Messaging: Keep your message clear and to the point, as the ad occupies prime real estate.
- Interactive Elements: Include interactive elements like clickable links or buttons to drive engagement.
Learn more: 10 Best YouTube Marketing Agencies of 2024
Best 10 Youtube Ad Examples You Must View
#1. 3 Core Funnels Ad | Russell Brunson
ClickFunnels is a platform for entrepreneurs, business owners, course creators, speakers, and experts. ClickFunnels emphasizes lead collection and sales generation to accelerate business growth.
This ad effectively communicates ClickFunnels’ value proposition – helping businesses collect leads and generate sales quickly – concisely and compellingly, appealing to the target audience’s needs.
#2. Clients Learning to Monetize Their Skill | Max Tornow
Freedom Business Mentoring is a platform specializing in coaching clients on monetizing their skills and achieving financial independence.
This ad is effective due to its clear message on skill monetization, engaging visuals, and strong call-to-action, making it compelling and actionable for the target audience.
#3. MrBeast’s Mom Challenge | Paypal Honey
Honey is a free browser extension that assists users in finding and applying the best promo codes and coupon codes when shopping online.
With over 17 million members, it has already facilitated over $2 billion in savings and garnered over 100,000 5-star reviews in the Google Chrome Store.
With Mr. Beast, this video ad effectively highlights Honey’s value proposition – saving time and money through its browser extension. It showcases the simplicity and benefits of using Honey, appealing to online shoppers’ desire for convenience and cost savings.
#4. Private Jet | Grant Cardone
Grant Cardone is a renowned real estate investor and entrepreneur. Grant Cardone is the CEO of Cardone Capital. He is known for his books on business success and philanthropic efforts through the Grant Cardone Foundation.
This video ad is effective due to Grant Cardone’s strong personal brand, showcasing his success and credibility in the real estate industry. The ad effectively appeals to aspiring entrepreneurs and real estate investors.
#5. Why Do You Not Know This? | Mikkelsen Twins
The company mentioned in the video ad is PublishingDotCom. They offer a course teaching how beginners can make money from Amazon using the Audible app.
This video ad is effective due to its clear focus on a specific audience (beginners), highlighting a solution for making money from Amazon using a popular and free tool like the Audible app.
#6. My $100k Page | SamCart
The video ad is from SamCart, a platform for entrepreneurs to create and manage online businesses.
It effectively showcases SamCart’s features, promoting profitability and providing resources. The ad captures attention, offers solutions, and drives action, making it effective for potential customers seeking business solutions.
#7. Proof Of Earnings | Taylor & Payton Welch
The video ad features testimonials from students of Inbound Closer, a program by Taylor & Payton Welch that helps individuals quit their 9-5 jobs to earn significant incomes through sales training.
This ad is impactful due to genuine testimonials, emphasizing success stories and benefits without traditional sales tactics, appealing to diverse audiences seeking financial freedom.
#8. Here’s 100K | Douglas James
The video ad features Douglas James, a well-known marketer and entrepreneur with a substantial online presence.
The ad briefly starts with “Here’s $100,000.” and showcases his subscriber count and video views, emphasizing his success on YouTube. This video ad is effective because it leverages social proof by prominently displaying Douglas James’ subscriber count and video views.
#9. Restaurant Recipes at Home | Gordon Ramsay
The video ad features Gordon Ramsay promoting his MasterClass. MasterClass is an online education platform that offers immersive courses taught by celebrities and experts in various fields, including cooking, music, writing, and more.
This ad effectively captures attention by leveraging Gordon Ramsay’s star power and promises to teach restaurant-inspired dishes, tapping into viewers’ desires for culinary expertise from a renowned chef.
#10. Clients Say, “I Am Not Interested.” And You Say “…” | Dan Lok
Dan Lok is known as the “King of High Ticket.” Lok is a renowned entrepreneur mentor and influencer with a significant online presence and coaching programs that have achieved over $100 million in sales.
This ad by Dan Lok is effective due to its engaging content, addressing common objections in sales, showcasing product offerings, and leveraging Lok’s credibility and success to attract high-ticket clients.
The Dessert: Tips for Beginners to Run a YouTube Ad Campaign
Running a YouTube ad campaign for the first time can seem like a daunting task. However, with the right tips and strategies, beginners can navigate this process smoothly and set the stage for successful campaigns. Here are some essential tips to help you get started.
- Define Clear Objectives: Start by defining what you want to achieve with your ad, such as brand awareness, website traffic, or sales. Clear objectives will guide your ad creation and targeting strategies.
- Know Your Audience: Understand your target audience’s interests, demographics, and behavior. Use YouTube’s targeting options to reach the right people effectively.
- Create Engaging Content: Capture attention within the first few seconds with a strong hook and clear messaging. Use compelling visuals and a strong call to action to engage viewers.
- Set a Budget: Decide on a budget that aligns with your campaign goals. Choose a bidding strategy, like cost-per-view (CPV) or cost-per-thousand-impressions (CPM), to control your spending.
- Choose the Right Ad Format: Select the ad format that best suits your campaign objectives. Each format has unique benefits for different goals. Consider working with a YouTube Ad consultant to help.
- Optimize for Mobile: Ensure your ad looks good on mobile devices, using clear visuals and readable text. Mobile optimization is crucial as many YouTube viewers use smartphones.
By following these tips, beginners can confidently run their first YouTube ad campaign. With clear objectives, a good understanding of the audience, engaging content, and continuous optimization, your YouTube ad campaign can achieve its goals and make a significant impact.
If you ever need help with YouTube Ads, reach out to our YouTube Ad Experts with 15 years of experience and a winning track record of positive ROIs for our clients. Learn more about our YouTube Ads services.
Bonus Read: Ultimate YouTube Ads Best Practices Guide
Recommended Read: How To Run Ads on YouTube [Step-by-Step Guide]
Learn more: 11+ YouTube SEO courses to rank #1 on YouTube (Free & Paid)