How can you create a YouTube Ads campaign?

Creating a YouTube Ads campaign is pretty straightforward if you're using Google Ads. Here's a step-by-step guide to get your first campaign live:

🎯 Step 1: Set Up a Google Ads Account
Go to ads.google.com and sign in with your Google account.

If you don't already have one, create a Google Ads account.

Optional but recommended: Link your YouTube channel to your Google Ads account (Tools > Linked accounts > YouTube).

📹 Step 2: Upload Your Video to YouTube
You must upload your ad to your YouTube channel before you can use it in a campaign.

Set the video to Public or Unlisted (not Private).

Make sure the video complies with Google Ads policies (e.g., no copyrighted music or misleading content).

🎥 Step 3: Create a New Campaign
In Google Ads, click the "+ New Campaign" button.

Choose a goal for your campaign, such as:

Sales

Leads

Website traffic

Brand awareness and reach

Product and brand consideration

Or choose "Create a campaign without a goal's guidance" for more control.

Select "Video" as your campaign type.

🧩 Step 4: Choose a Campaign Subtype
Depending on your goal, you can select from:

Custom video campaign – most flexible

Drive conversions – optimized for leads or purchases

Influence consideration – uses in-feed ads

Ad sequence – great for storytelling

Non-skippable in-stream – for short, impactful messages

💰 Step 5: Set Campaign Settings
Campaign name

Bidding strategy: Choose from CPV (Cost-per-view), CPM (Cost-per-thousand impressions), or Target CPA.

Budget and dates: Set a daily or total campaign budget, and optionally choose start and end dates.

Networks:

YouTube search results

YouTube videos

Video partners on the Display Network (optional)

Languages and locations: Choose where your audience is.

Exclude content types (optional): e.g., mature content or sensitive topics.

🧑�💻 Step 6: Set Up Ad Group and Targeting
Ad group name

Demographics: Age, gender, parental status, income

Audience segments: Interests, custom audiences, remarketing

Keywords, topics, or placements: Fine-tune where your ad appears

Devices: Limit to mobile, desktop, TVs, etc. if needed

🎞� Step 7: Add Your Video Ad
Paste the YouTube video URL you uploaded.

Choose an ad format:

Skippable in-stream ad

In-feed video ad

Bumper ad

Non-skippable in-stream ad (if allowed)

Add:

Final URL: Your landing page

Display URL

Call-to-action (CTA) and headline

✅ Step 8: Review and Launch
Double-check all your settings and ad preview.

Click "Create Campaign" and you're live!

Bonus Tips:
Track results with conversion tracking

Use YouTube Analytics and Google Ads reports to see how your ads are performing

Test different ad formats, thumbnails, CTAs, and targeting to optimize over time.