What are some common video formats used in YouTube ads?

YouTube offers various video ad formats that advertisers can use to engage with their target audience effectively. These ad formats are designed to suit different campaign objectives, ad placements, and viewer preferences. Here are some common video formats used in YouTube ads:

### 1. Skippable In-Stream Ads (TrueView)
- **Format**: Video ads that play before, during, or after other YouTube videos.
- **Duration**: Typically up to 6 minutes in length.
- **Viewer Interaction**: Viewers have the option to skip the ad after 5 seconds.
- **Pricing Model**: Advertisers are charged when viewers watch at least 30 seconds of the ad or engage with the ad by clicking on a call-to-action (CTA) overlay or companion banner.
- **Benefits**: Offers flexibility and interactivity, allowing viewers to skip ads they're not interested in, while providing advertisers with cost-effective reach and engagement.

### 2. Non-Skippable In-Stream Ads
- **Format**: Video ads that play before, during, or after other YouTube videos.
- **Duration**: Typically up to 15 seconds in length.
- **Viewer Interaction**: Viewers are required to watch the entire ad before they can continue watching the video.
- **Pricing Model**: Advertisers are typically charged on a cost-per-thousand-impressions (CPM) basis.
- **Benefits**: Ensures guaranteed ad exposure and message delivery to viewers, but may have higher costs compared to skippable ads.

### 3. Bumper Ads
- **Format**: Short, non-skippable video ads that play before, during, or after other YouTube videos.
- **Duration**: Typically up to 6 seconds in length.
- **Viewer Interaction**: Viewers cannot skip bumper ads and must watch the entire duration.
- **Pricing Model**: Advertisers are charged on a CPM basis.
- **Benefits**: Ideal for delivering quick, impactful messages with high frequency, capturing viewers' attention in a short amount of time.

### 4. Video Discovery Ads (formerly In-Display Ads)
- **Format**: Thumbnail ads that appear alongside other YouTube videos in search results, on the YouTube homepage, or as related videos on the watch page.
- **Viewer Interaction**: Viewers click on the ad thumbnail to watch the video.
- **Pricing Model**: Advertisers are charged when viewers click to watch the ad.
- **Benefits**: Drives traffic and engagement by capturing viewers' interest as they actively search for or browse relevant content.

### 5. Masthead Ads
- **Format**: Premium ad placements that appear prominently at the top of the YouTube homepage for a 24-hour period.
- **Visibility**: Masthead ads autoplay without sound and may include a video or static image.
- **Pricing Model**: Typically sold on a fixed-cost basis for the 24-hour period.
- **Benefits**: Provides maximum visibility and exposure for major product launches, events, or branding campaigns, reaching a broad audience on the YouTube homepage.

### 6. Outstream Ads
- **Format**: Video ads designed for mobile devices that appear on partner sites and apps within the Google Display Network.
- **Viewer Interaction**: Ads autoplay with sound off and expand to full screen when tapped by the viewer.
- **Pricing Model**: Advertisers are charged on a viewable CPM (vCPM) basis.
- **Benefits**: Extends reach beyond YouTube to reach audiences across various mobile apps and websites within the Google Display Network.

### Additional Options:
- **Overlay Ads**: Semi-transparent ads that appear overlaid on top of YouTube videos.
- **Mid-Roll Ads**: Video ads inserted into the middle of longer YouTube videos, similar to traditional TV commercial breaks.
- **Sponsored Product Placements**: Integrations of products or brands within YouTube videos themselves, typically through collaborations with creators.

By choosing the appropriate video ad format based on campaign objectives, target audience, and creative assets, advertisers can effectively engage with viewers on the YouTube platform and achieve their advertising goals.

YouTube offers various video ad formats to advertisers, each serving different purposes and providing unique opportunities to engage with viewers. Some common video formats used in YouTube ads include:

1. **TrueView In-Stream Ads**: These ads play before, during, or after other YouTube videos. Viewers have the option to skip the ad after five seconds, and advertisers are only charged when viewers watch the ad for at least 30 seconds or interact with it.

2. **TrueView Discovery Ads**: These ads appear as suggested videos in YouTube search results, next to related videos, or on the YouTube homepage. They consist of a thumbnail image and headline, and advertisers are charged when viewers click to watch the ad.

3. **Bumper Ads**: Bumper ads are short, non-skippable video ads that play before, during, or after other YouTube videos. They are typically six seconds long and are designed to quickly capture viewers' attention with concise messaging.

4. **Outstream Ads**: Outstream ads are mobile-only video ads that appear on partner sites and apps within the Google Display Network (GDN). These ads play on mobile devices with the sound off and expand to full screen when tapped by the viewer.

5. **Non-Skippable In-Stream Ads**: These ads play before, during, or after other YouTube videos and cannot be skipped by viewers. They are typically 15-20 seconds long and are designed to deliver a concise message to viewers without the option to skip.

6. **Masthead Ads**: Masthead ads appear at the top of the YouTube homepage for desktop and mobile users. They are highly visible and provide advertisers with maximum reach and exposure to YouTube's vast audience for a set period.

7. **Overlay Ads**: Overlay ads are semi-transparent banner ads that appear at the bottom of videos. They can include text, images, or a combination of both and are clickable, directing viewers to the advertiser's website or landing page.

8. **Sponsored Cards**: Sponsored cards display content that may be relevant to the video, such as products or related videos, and appear as small, rectangular cards that viewers can click to access additional information.

By utilizing these various video ad formats, advertisers can create engaging and effective ad campaigns on YouTube that align with their marketing objectives and reach their target audience effectively.