Google Video Campaigns: Advertise on YouTube & Beyond

What is a Video Campaign?

Google Video Campaigns allow businesses to run video ads on YouTube and across the Google Display Network (GDN). These campaigns help drive brand awareness, engagement, and conversions by showing your ads before, during, or after videos that users are watching.

Where Video Ads Appear

✅ YouTube (in-stream ads, YouTube search, and discovery feeds)
✅ Google Video Partners (websites & apps that support video ads)
✅ Google Display Network (embedded video placements)

Types of Video Ads

1. Skippable In-Stream Ads (TrueView Ads)

   • Plays before, during, or after videos on YouTube.

   • Viewer can skip after 5 seconds (you only pay if they watch 30+ sec or click).

   • Best for brand awareness & engagement.

2. Non-Skippable In-Stream Ads

   • 15 seconds or less, viewers must watch the entire ad.

   • Best for brand recall and product launches.

3. Bumper Ads

   • 6-second, non-skippable ads, optimized for reach.

   • Best for quick branding and high impressions.

4. In-Feed Video Ads (formerly TrueView Discovery Ads)

   • Appears in YouTube search results, watch pages, and homepage feed.

   • Best for driving engagement and subscriptions.

5. Outstream Ads (Mobile Only)

   • Plays muted by default on mobile websites & apps outside YouTube.

   • Best for expanding reach on mobile devices.

6. Masthead Ads (Premium Placement)

   • Featured on YouTube’s homepage for 24 hours.

   • High-cost option for mass exposure & major brand launches.

Key Features of Video Campaigns

✅ Targeted Video Advertising – Reach specific audiences based on demographics, interests, and behavior.
✅ Pay for Engagement – For skippable ads, you only pay when users interact.
✅ Flexible Budgeting – Set daily budgets or total campaign budgets.
✅ Advanced Audience Targeting – Use affinity audiences, custom intent, remarketing, and more.
✅ Works Across Devices – Mobile, desktop, TV screens, and tablets.

Pros & Cons of Video Campaigns

Who Should Use Video Campaigns?

✅ Brands looking to increase awareness & engagement
✅ E-commerce brands showcasing products visually
✅ Businesses promoting apps, courses, or entertainment content
✅ Companies with strong video assets

Who Should NOT Rely on Video Campaigns Alone?

❌ Businesses that need fast, high-intent conversions (Search or Performance Max is better).
❌ Companies without high-quality video content (poor creatives lead to low performance).
❌ Local businesses with tight budgets (Search & Display might be more cost-effective).

Best Practices for Video Campaigns

🎯 Hook Viewers in 5 Seconds – Make the first moments engaging.
🎯 Use Captions – Many users watch without sound.
🎯 Test Different Ad Lengths – Compare skippable, non-skippable, and bumper ads.
🎯 Include a Strong CTA – Tell viewers exactly what to do next.
🎯 Use YouTube Remarketing – Retarget users who engaged with past videos.

For more campaign types, Click here.