What are the requirements to run YouTube Ads?

To run YouTube Ads, you need to meet several key requirements related to your Google Ads account, video content, and campaign setup. Here's a full breakdown of what's needed:

✅ 1. Google Ads Account
You must have a Google Ads account. If you don't have one yet, you can sign up at ads.google.com.

Link your Google Ads account to your YouTube channel (recommended but not always required).

✅ 2. YouTube Channel & Video Hosting
Your video ads must be hosted on YouTube — you cannot upload a video file directly to Google Ads.

Create a YouTube channel and upload the video(s) you want to promote.

Make sure the video is set to public or unlisted (not private), or it won't be eligible for ads.

✅ 3. Video Ad Format
You can choose from different YouTube ad formats, including:

Skippable in-stream ads

Non-skippable in-stream ads

Bumper ads (6-second non-skippable)

In-feed video ads (formerly called discovery ads)

Masthead ads (premium, home-page banner style – usually reserved for large budgets)

Each format has different specs and targeting strategies. Most people start with skippable in-stream ads.

✅ 4. Billing & Budget
Set up a valid payment method in Google Ads.

You can choose daily or campaign-level budgets.

Your ad spend is based on CPV (cost-per-view) or CPM (cost-per-thousand impressions) depending on the format.

✅ 5. Targeting Criteria
You can target based on:

Demographics (age, gender, parental status, etc.)

Interests

Keywords

Topics

Placements (specific YouTube videos or channels)

Good targeting helps make sure your ads reach the right viewers.

✅ 6. Ad Policy Compliance
Your video and campaign must follow Google's advertising policies, including:

No misleading content

No prohibited products/services (e.g., weapons, counterfeit goods)

Proper disclosures if required (e.g., sponsored content, sensitive topics)

Copyright compliance: all music, visuals, and content in your video must be owned or licensed

Full policy list: Google Ads policies

✅ 7. Landing Page Requirements (if applicable)
If your ad includes a link (like in in-feed or call-to-action overlays), the landing page must be:

Mobile-friendly

Relevant to the ad content

Free of malware or deceptive practices

Compliant with Google's destination policies

Optional but Recommended:
Set up conversion tracking if you want to measure leads, sales, or other actions.

Connect Google Analytics for deeper insights.

Use remarketing lists to retarget viewers or website visitors.