Whether you’re a content creator hoping to earn from your channel or a marketer aiming to promote your business, knowing the types of YouTube ads is vital.
YouTube provides several ad formats tailored for different goals—from raising awareness to boosting conversions.
So, what are the different types of ads on YouTube, and which ones are most effective?
This guide explains the main YouTube ad formats with easy-to-understand descriptions, use cases, and practical examples to help you make better advertising choices.
Main Types of Ads on YouTube (2025)
YouTube ads are typically grouped into two categories:
- Video-based ads that run alongside video content.
- Display-style ads that appear around YouTube’s interface or on Google’s partner platforms.
Let’s explore each format and how it works.
1. Skippable In-Stream Ads
These are the most familiar YouTube ad formats for users and advertisers alike.
How they work:
These ads appear before, during, or after videos, and users can skip them after five seconds.
Key Benefits:
- Advertisers pay only if the viewer watches 30 seconds or engages.
- Great for sharing stories or showcasing products.
- Works well for both awareness and performance campaigns.
Ideal For:
Generating leads, driving traffic, and increasing conversions.
Example:
A 1-minute product demo shown before a tech tutorial video. Users interested in the topic may choose to watch it entirely.
2. Non-Skippable In-Stream Ads
These ads must be watched fully before the viewer can continue to their selected video.
How they work:
Typically 15 to 20 seconds long, these ads ensure the message is seen in full.
Key Benefits:
- Strong visibility and guaranteed views.
- Charged based on impressions (CPM).
Ideal For:
Short, powerful brand messages and large-scale awareness efforts.
Example:
An ad highlighting a vehicle’s safety feature before a car maintenance video.
3. Bumper Ads (6-Second Format)
If you’re wondering which type of YouTube ad lasts exactly 6 seconds, this is the one.
How they work:
These are short, unskippable ads that last only six seconds and appear at the beginning of a video.
Key Benefits:
- Quick and effective for mobile users.
- Great for brand recall and message reinforcement.
- Pay-per-thousand views.
Ideal For:
Simple, memorable messages as part of a wider campaign.
Example:
A snack brand playing a catchy jingle in a 6-second spot before a cooking video.
4. In-Feed Video Ads (Previously Discovery Ads)
These ads appear in areas where people are actively browsing for content.
How they work:
They appear as recommended videos in search results, on the YouTube homepage, or in related video suggestions.
Pro Tip: Before launching an In-Feed ad, analyze the thumbnails you’ll be competing against. A free YouTube thumbnail downloader makes this research quick and easy.
Key Benefits:
- Viewers choose to click and watch, indicating stronger interest.
- Cost-effective for engagement-focused campaigns.
Ideal For:
Promoting videos, boosting channel growth, and connecting with interested audiences.
Example:
A graphic design tutorial popping up as a suggested video when someone searches “Canva tips.”
5. Masthead Ads
This is one of the highest visibility ad formats on YouTube.
How they work:
A large video banner is displayed across the top of the YouTube homepage, typically for a 24-hour period.
Key Benefits:
- Massive reach in a short time.
- Reserved through YouTube’s sales team, not open to regular bidding.
Ideal For:
National campaigns, product releases, or major events.
Example:
A new music video premiere displayed at the top of YouTube for all homepage visitors.
6. Outstream Ads (Off-YouTube Placements)
These ads extend your campaign beyond YouTube itself.
How they work:
Outstream ads show up on mobile websites and apps that are part of Google’s advertising network. They play muted by default, and users can choose to enable audio.
Key Benefits:
- Expands your reach across the mobile web.
- More cost-effective for broader visibility.
Ideal For:
Reaching users who aren’t on YouTube but browse related content elsewhere.
Example:
A travel ad playing on a news app between articles.
7. Overlay Ads (Desktop Only)
These are the original banner-style ads that appear during videos on desktop.
How they work:
They appear as semi-transparent banners at the bottom portion of a video and can be closed manually.
Key Benefits:
- Less disruptive than video ads.
- Effective for linking to external pages or offers.
Ideal For:
Simple promotions or encouraging clicks without interrupting the content.
Example:
A banner promoting a discount on makeup during a beauty vlog.
Quick Comparison Table
| Ad Format | Skippable? | Length | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skippable In-Stream | Yes | Over 30 seconds | Leads, clicks, conversions |
| Non-Skippable In-Stream | No | 15–20 seconds | Brand campaigns, impact messaging |
| Bumper Ads | No | Exactly 6 seconds | Recall, brief and catchy content |
| In-Feed Video Ads | Viewer clicks | N/A | Engagement, subscriber growth |
| Masthead Ads | No | Custom Banner Video | Mass exposure, big brand campaigns |
| Outstream Ads | No | Varies | Mobile reach outside YouTube |
| Overlay Ads | No | Static Banner | Clicks and visibility on desktop |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the 6 types of YouTube ads?
The most popular ad formats include skippable, non-skippable, bumper, in-feed video, outstream, and overlay ads. Masthead is often counted as a premium seventh type.
Which YouTube ad lasts exactly 6 seconds?
That would be the bumper ad, designed for short, impactful messages.
What are the different types of YouTube ads?
YouTube supports a range of ad formats including video ads, overlay banners, masthead placements, and ads on partner websites.
How many types of ads are available on YouTube?
Generally, there are 6 to 7 key ad formats used across most campaigns.
What’s the best type of ad for conversions?
Skippable in-stream ads are usually the most effective for direct responses like purchases or sign-ups.
Final Thoughts: Which YouTube Ad Format Should You Use?
Choosing from the different types of YouTube ads depends on what you’re trying to achieve:
- For engagement and conversions, use skippable in-stream ads.
- For awareness campaigns, consider bumper or non-skippable ads.
- For exposure and visibility, masthead ads deliver unmatched reach.
- For promoting your video content, in-feed video ads are ideal.
The right ad format can significantly impact your campaign results—so match your choice to your goals.