What are Masthead Ads on YouTube?

Masthead Ads on YouTube are premium banner ads that appear at the top of the YouTube homepage — across desktop, mobile, and even TV screens. They are designed for massive reach and high visibility, typically used by brands for big product launches, announcements, or brand awareness campaigns.

Here's a breakdown of how Masthead Ads work:

🔹 Key Features:
Homepage placement: They sit right at the top of the YouTube home feed — one of the most visited spots on the platform.

Auto-play video (muted): On desktop, the video in the masthead will auto-play (without sound) for a few seconds.

Customizable: Can include headlines, CTAs (calls to action), and companion banners.

High impressions: Because of the placement, they guarantee a high volume of views/impressions.

🔹 Where It Shows:
Desktop

Mobile web and app

YouTube app on TVs

🔹 Buying Options:
Reservation (CPD - Cost Per Day):

Fixed daily rate.

Guarantees top placement for a full day.

Usually used for major campaigns.

Auction-based (CPM - Cost Per 1,000 Impressions):

Available in certain regions.

More flexible, budget-wise.

🔹 Use Cases:
Movie or game launches

Major product announcements

National campaigns

Brand awareness blitzes

In short, Masthead Ads are YouTube's equivalent of a digital billboard in Times Square — bold, front-and-center, and hard to miss.