What is a TrueView ad?

A TrueView ad is a type of video advertisement offered by Google Ads, primarily for use on YouTube. TrueView ads are designed to provide advertisers with flexibility, control, and cost-effectiveness, as they allow viewers to choose whether or not they want to watch the ad.

There are two main types of TrueView ads:

1. **In-Stream TrueView ads**: These ads play before, during, or after other YouTube videos and give viewers the option to skip the ad after the first 5 seconds. Advertisers are only charged when viewers choose to watch the ad for at least 30 seconds (or until the ad's completion if it's shorter than 30 seconds), or when viewers interact with the ad, such as by clicking on a call-to-action overlay.

2. **Discovery TrueView ads**: Formerly known as TrueView in-display ads, these ads appear alongside other YouTube videos, in YouTube search results, or on the YouTube homepage. They are displayed as thumbnail images with a headline and brief text, and viewers can click on the ad to watch the video. Advertisers are charged when viewers click on the ad to watch the video.

Key characteristics of TrueView ads include:

- **User Choice**: TrueView ads give viewers the option to skip the ad after the first 5 seconds (for in-stream ads), providing a more positive user experience and allowing advertisers to reach engaged audiences who are genuinely interested in their content.

- **Cost-effectiveness**: Advertisers are only charged when viewers choose to watch the ad for a certain duration (usually 30 seconds) or interact with the ad, making TrueView ads a cost-effective option for advertisers looking to maximize their return on investment.

- **Targeting Options**: TrueView ads offer various targeting options, allowing advertisers to reach specific audiences based on factors such as demographics, interests, and online behavior. This precision targeting helps ensure that ads are shown to the most relevant audience, increasing the likelihood of engagement and conversion.

Overall, TrueView ads provide advertisers with a versatile and effective way to reach their target audience on YouTube while giving viewers control over their ad experience.