What are the Types of YouTube Ads?
There are several different types of YouTube ads. If you are wondering how YouTube ads work, this will help explain.
YouTube Display Ads
Display ads are shown to the right of the feature video and above the video suggestions list. On larger players, it might be shown below the player. Display ads are only shown on desktop.
YouTube Bumper Ads
Bumper ads are non-skippable video ads up to six seconds long that must be watched before someone can watch their main video. These ads are sometimes played back-to-back with other bumper ads. Bumper ads are shown on both desktop and mobile devices.
YouTube Sponsored Cards
YouTube sponsored cards display content that might be related to the video the viewer is about to watch. For example, the sponsored card might be advertising a product that is also featured in the video. Viewers see the teaser for the card for a few seconds. There is also an icon in the top right corner of the video where the viewer can click to see the cards. Sponsored cards are shown on both desktop and mobile devices.
Skippable In-Stream Video Ads
Skippable video ads allow the viewer to skip the ad after five seconds, if they want. These can be inserted before, during, or after the feature video. Skippable videos ads are shown on desktop, mobile, TV, and video gaming consoles. These ads also can run across websites and apps running on Google video partners. You pay for the ad when a viewer watches 30 seconds of your video (or the entirety of your video, if it’s less than 30 seconds.) Or, you pay when they interact with your video (whichever comes first.)

Non-Skippable In-Stream Video Ads
Non-skippable video ads must be watched in their entirety before the viewer can watch the feature video. They can also be interested before, during, or after the feature video. Non-skippable video ads are shown on both desktop and mobile devices. If you want viewers to see the entire video ad without being able to skip it, this is the ad format you should choose. These ads are 15 seconds or shorter. You pay for the ad based on impressions it receives.
Discovery Ads
You can use YouTube discovery ads to promote video content in places of discovery, which include spots next to related YouTube videos, as part of a YouTube search result, or on the YouTube mobile homepage. YouTube discovery ads consist of a thumbnail image from your video with some text. You are only charged for your ad when a viewer chooses to watch your ad by clicking on the thumbnail.
Non Video Ads
If you are interested in advertising on YouTube but don’t quite have the budget for video ads, YouTube also offers non-video ads. There are two different options: display ads and in-video overlay ads.
YouTube Display Ads
Display ads appear on the right-hand sidebar and include an image, some text, and a call-to-action that includes a link to your website. It’s important to write a great call to action.
YouTube Overlay Ads
In-video overlay ads are your other option for non-video ads on YouTube. These appear floating on top of video content from monetized YouTube channels.