What Are the Types of Ads on YouTube?

As one of the largest video-sharing platforms in the world, YouTube's advertising system not only provides creators with channels to monetize their content but also creates diverse marketing opportunities for advertisers. There are various ways to run ads on YouTube, and these ad formats cover almost all user behavior scenarios, helping advertisers achieve precise marketing. So, what types of ads does YouTube offer?

First, let’s learn about a common ad format called TrueView ads. TrueView ads are one of the most mainstream ad models on YouTube. They allow users to skip the ads, but advertisers only need to pay when users watch more than 30 seconds or click on the ad link. The advantage of this model is that it reduces the impact of ads on the user experience while improving the ad conversion rate. For example, in 2025, a well-known electronics brand promoted its new headphones through TrueView ads. The ad used vivid scene displays and interactive experiences, successfully attracting a large number of potential users.

Next, there are In-Stream Ads. These ads usually appear before, during, or after YouTube videos, similar to traditional TV ads. Unlike TrueView ads, In-Stream Ads cannot be skipped unless users choose to turn off the video player. Although this method may cause some users to feel resistant, it ensures higher exposure for the ads. For instance, during live sports events, many brands use In-Stream Ads to enhance their brand image. However, as user habits change, more brands are beginning to prefer more creative and interactive ad formats.

Then, there are Discovery Ads. These ads appear at the top of YouTube search result pages or recommendation lists. They are typically presented in the form of images or video thumbnails, accompanied by brief text descriptions. Compared to other types of ads, Discovery Ads focus more on capturing user attention, so the ads must be sufficiently attractive. For example, an emerging coffee chain introduced its unique products and services to target audiences through Discovery Ads, receiving positive market feedback.

YouTube also supports interactive ads like Sponsorship Cards and SuperChat. Sponsorship Cards allow viewers to directly support their favorite creators, while SuperChat allows paying users to highlight their comments during live broadcasts. Both methods greatly increase user engagement and provide creators with additional income sources.

Finally, we can’t overlook Display Ads. These ads mainly appear on the right sidebar of the YouTube website or as banners in mobile applications, primarily aimed at enhancing brand awareness. Although the cost per click is relatively low, they can still produce significant results over the long term.

In summary, YouTube offers ad types ranging from passive viewing to active participation, providing comprehensive solutions. Whether companies hope to expand brand influence or promote specific sales conversions, they can choose suitable ad formats based on their needs. It is worth noting that with technological advancements and changes in consumer preferences, YouTube will likely introduce more innovative ad formats in the future, undoubtedly injecting new vitality into the entire digital marketing industry.