What are YouTube ads?

YouTube ads refer to paid advertisements that appear on the YouTube platform, allowing advertisers to promote their products, services, or brand messages to a wide audience of viewers. YouTube ads come in various formats and are displayed across different placements on the YouTube website and mobile app. Here are the main types of YouTube ads:

### 1. In-Stream Ads
- **Skippable In-Stream Ads (TrueView)**: Video ads that play before, during, or after other YouTube videos. Viewers have the option to skip the ad after 5 seconds. Advertisers are charged when viewers watch at least 30 seconds of the ad or engage with the ad.
- **Non-Skippable In-Stream Ads**: Video ads that play before, during, or after other YouTube videos. Viewers are required to watch the entire ad before they can continue watching the video. Advertisers are typically charged on a cost-per-thousand-impressions (CPM) basis.

### 2. Bumper Ads
- Short, non-skippable video ads that play before, during, or after other YouTube videos. Typically up to 6 seconds in length. Viewers cannot skip bumper ads and must watch the entire duration. Advertisers are charged on a CPM basis.

### 3. Video Discovery Ads
- Thumbnail ads that appear alongside other YouTube videos in search results, on the YouTube homepage, or as related videos on the watch page. Viewers click on the ad thumbnail to watch the video. Advertisers are charged when viewers click to watch the ad.

### 4. Masthead Ads
- Premium ad placements that appear prominently at the top of the YouTube homepage for a 24-hour period. Masthead ads autoplay without sound and may include a video or static image. Typically sold on a fixed-cost basis for the 24-hour period.

### 5. Outstream Ads
- Video ads designed for mobile devices that appear on partner sites and apps within the Google Display Network. Ads autoplay with sound off and expand to full screen when tapped by the viewer. Advertisers are charged on a viewable CPM (vCPM) basis.

### 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.

YouTube ads offer advertisers a powerful and effective platform to reach and engage with their target audience through compelling video content, advanced targeting options, and measurable results.

YouTube ads are a form of advertising that allows businesses and advertisers to promote their products, services, or brand messages to a vast audience of viewers on the YouTube platform. These ads appear before, during, or after YouTube videos, as well as within search results, on the YouTube homepage, and across other Google-owned properties.

There are several types of YouTube ads, each offering different formats, targeting options, and objectives:

1. **TrueView In-Stream Ads**: These ads play before, during, or after other YouTube videos and give viewers the option to skip after five seconds. 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.

YouTube ads offer advertisers a powerful platform to reach their target audience, drive engagement, and achieve their marketing objectives through highly targeted and engaging video content.