YouTube
Official DocumentationThe world's largest video platform, offering diverse ad formats from short bumpers to long-form content.
Overview
YouTube advertising operates through Google Ads and offers various video ad formats. Success requires understanding viewer behavior—most users skip when possible, so front-loading your message is critical.
First 5 seconds are crucial (before skip option)
Shorts are growing rapidly for short-form
Connected TV viewing is increasing
Remarketing audiences are highly valuable
Ad Formats & Specifications
Skippable In-Stream
Brand awareness, consideration, longer storytelling
Non-Skippable In-Stream
Complete message delivery, brand recall
Bumper Ads
Reach, frequency, brand awareness
YouTube Shorts Ads
Reaching younger audiences, trending content
Brand & Compliance Requirements
Requirements
- Must comply with Google Ads policies
- Content must be advertiser-friendly
- Landing pages must be relevant
- No misleading claims or clickbait
Restrictions
- No shocking or sensational content
- No misleading metadata
- Restricted categories: alcohol, gambling, etc.
- No copyrighted content without permission
- No hate speech or harassment
Pro Tips for YouTube
- 1
Put your brand/message in the first 5 seconds
- 2
Design for both sound-on and sound-off
- 3
Use end screens and cards for engagement
- 4
Test multiple video lengths
- 5
Create specific content for Shorts format
Automate your YouTube workflow
Stish validates your assets against YouTube specs automatically. Create, manage, and deploy campaigns without the guesswork.