What is the difference between TrueView in-stream and TrueView discovery ads?

TrueView in-stream and TrueView discovery ads are two different ad formats available on YouTube, each with its own unique characteristics and placement options. Here's a comparison of the two:

1. **TrueView In-Stream Ads**:
   - **Format**: TrueView in-stream ads are video ads that play before, during, or after other YouTube videos. They can also appear as mid-roll ads inserted within longer videos.
   - **Ad Length**: In-stream ads can vary in length, typically ranging from a few seconds to several minutes. Viewers have the option to skip the ad after the first five seconds.
   - **Billing**: Advertisers are only charged when a viewer watches at least 30 seconds of the ad (or the entire ad if it's shorter than 30 seconds) or engages with the ad, such as by clicking on a call-to-action overlay.
   - **Objective**: In-stream ads are often used to increase brand awareness, drive consideration, or promote specific products or services to a wide audience.

2. **TrueView Discovery Ads**:
   - **Format**: TrueView discovery ads appear as thumbnail images alongside YouTube search results, on the YouTube homepage, or on the watch page as related videos.
   - **Ad Appearance**: Discovery ads are labeled as "Sponsored" and typically feature a thumbnail image, headline, and brief description. When users click on the ad thumbnail, they are taken to the advertiser's video or YouTube channel.
   - **Billing**: Advertisers are charged when users click on the ad thumbnail to watch the video, regardless of whether they watch the entire video or not. This is known as cost-per-click (CPC) billing.
   - **Objective**: Discovery ads are often used to drive views, engagement, and subscriptions to the advertiser's YouTube channel or to promote specific videos to users who are actively searching for related content.

In summary, TrueView in-stream ads are video ads that play before, during, or after YouTube videos, while TrueView discovery ads appear as thumbnail images in YouTube search results and related videos. In-stream ads focus on capturing viewers' attention with video content, while discovery ads aim to attract clicks and drive engagement with thumbnail images and compelling headlines. The choice between the two ad formats depends on the advertiser's objectives, target audience, and campaign goals.

The main difference between TrueView in-stream and TrueView discovery ads lies in their format, placement, and how they are presented to viewers on YouTube:

1. **TrueView In-Stream Ads**:
   - **Format**: In-Stream ads are video ads that play before, during, or after other YouTube videos. They typically appear as pre-roll ads that viewers can skip after the first 5 seconds.
   - **Placement**: In-Stream ads are shown within the YouTube video player, interrupting the viewer's video content. They can also appear on other Google partner sites and apps within the Google Display Network (GDN).
   - **Presentation**: In-Stream ads give advertisers the opportunity to showcase their video content to viewers in a more immersive and engaging format. Viewers have the option to skip the ad after the initial 5-second viewing, and advertisers are only charged if viewers watch at least 30 seconds of the ad or interact with it in some way.

2. **TrueView Discovery Ads**:
   - **Format**: Discovery ads are displayed as thumbnail images and text that appear alongside other YouTube videos, in search results, or on the YouTube homepage as suggested videos. They are labeled as "Ad" and blend in with organic content.
   - **Placement**: Discovery ads are shown in various locations on YouTube, including search results, watch pages, and the YouTube homepage. They are also displayed alongside related videos as suggested content.
   - **Presentation**: Discovery ads are designed to be visually appealing and enticing to viewers, encouraging them to click on the ad to watch the video. When viewers click on the ad, they are taken to the advertiser's video watch page, where they can watch the full video ad and engage with the content.

In summary, the main difference between TrueView in-stream and TrueView discovery ads is their format and placement. In-Stream ads are video ads that play before, during, or after other YouTube videos, while Discovery ads are displayed as thumbnail images and text alongside other YouTube videos, search results, or on the YouTube homepage. Both ad formats offer advertisers unique opportunities to reach and engage with their target audience on YouTube, each with its own advantages and use cases.