If you are brand new to video ads for Google, then you should know that Google owns YouTube. Google considers YouTube as one of Google's advertising platforms. The video ads that you see on Google's Video Partner Network are first uploaded to YouTube. Advertisers used to be able to decide if they want to place their video ads on just YouTube, or to include Google Video Partners.

However, you have been advertising on YouTube for a while, you may have noticed a recent shift in Google Ads. Google is starting to limit YouTube-only placements and moving towards pushing the rest of their platform for video ads. 

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Most campaign types with YouTube ads now force you to advertise via responsive video ads and push your ads on Google’s Video Partner Network. In this blog we will cover all of the new video advertising options available for all of Google Ads, not just YouTube Ads. We will also cover how to best optimize and use each placement so you get the best results.

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Responsive Video Ads On Google Explained

The reason we are writing this article is because as YouTube ads media buyers, we are now seeing that responsive video ads (also known as video action campaigns) are becoming mandatory. That means we don’t get to choose whether our ads go to in-stream, or are placed as discovery ads, or even if they are placed outside of YouTube. 

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With responsive video ads, you upload your videos and assets (headlines, images & call to actions) as normal. Then the Google machine learning algorithm automatically generates the best ad combination that it determines will be the most likely to convert. Google can take a video and turn it into an image banner ad, or just a headline ad, or a bumper ad. It then goes further to choose the best combination and places it where it thinks will have the best likelihood of success.

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Where Your Video Ads are Being Shown

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So where exactly is Google placing this “best combination” ad that it has generated using machine learning and AI?

Here are some places where your video ads are being shown within the Google Video Partners network:

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1) YouTube: This is the most common (and default) placement for video ads.

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2) Websites: Google will automatically generate ad combinations for websites. These will be websites with AdSense enabled, and the type of ad displayed will usually be determined by the ad size available on a partner website.

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3) Apps are also another placement Google loves putting ads on.

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Sometimes responsive display ads can also be found on Gmail. For now, responsive video ads have not been placed on Gmail. But we do see some YouTube video ad’s headlines and call-to-actions be turned into a Gmail ad. 

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Which Video Format is available on Google Video Partners

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The follow 4 video ad formats are supported on Google Video Partners:

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1) Skippable in-stream ads: this video ad format is the most common ad type to be placed on Google's video partner network. 

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2) Non-Skippable in-stream ads:  this video ad format is another favorite when it comes to being placed on other websites and apps due to their short duration nature.

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3) Bumper ads

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4) Outstream Ads: These types of ads are available to mobile and tablet devices only, and are placed outside of YouTube.

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If you want your ads to only be placed on YouTube then it might be best that you go with In-feed ads. In feed ads used to be formerly labeled as discovery ads, however with the name change in-feed ads also got a lot more ad placement inventory. They are shown as thumbnail images on the homepage, suggest videos on your watch next feed and sponsored search results. In-feed ads are static ads that rely on your headlines and your thumbnails. 

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Tips for Creating Video Ads on Google

Since you have less control of what your ads will actually look like and where they will be placed, you now need to approach YouTube Ads differently in order to ensure success. Here are our tips for success when it come to video ads on Google:

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Tip #1: Have a Strong Creative

For the most part, your creative process will be the same as creating any new YouTube ad. You still want a hook, and an attention grabber. You also want to show results and showcase your product or service.  And then end off with a strong call-to-action. 

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Tip #2: Use Captions

Because your ads are going to different placements, you need to ensure that all your video ads have captions. We recommend that you manually place the captions on your video yourselves and don't rely on the auto-generated captions. The reason for this is because some of the video networks and apps used without audio enabled. 

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Tip #3: Keep it Short and Sweet

Shorter ads are better. On some of the placements, ads can be much more intrusive than traditional YouTube ads. So you will need to make your ads shorter to keep the attention spans high. 

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Tip #4: Attention-Grabbing Headline

Headlines matter a lot more. Make sure you are split testing a few and using the most “clickbaity” headline. 

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Tip #5: Create a Great Thumbnail

Also video thumbnails will be much more important. As a rule of thumb never use the YouTube generated thumbnails for your ads. Have a graphic designer whip up professional thumbnails that are in accordance with the current YouTube thumbnail trends.

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Partner with Us

At Linx Digital, we set ourselves apart by delivering data-driven results through our team of experienced professionals who are knowledgeable in the latest YouTube advertising best practices. 

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Our end-to-end management of YouTube campaigns, including thorough target audience research, creative ad creation, unique optimization approaches, and comprehensive reporting, sets us apart from the competition. We customise our media purchasing and advertisement creative approach to fit your objectives, guaranteeing that you receive precisely what is required to scale your brand.

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Our commitment to transparency and collaboration has helped us build a strong track record of delivering exceptional results for clients across various industries. We take pride in our approach and invite you to browse our portfolio of successful campaigns.

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Choose US for your YouTube advertising needs and experience the difference that data-driven strategy and expert execution can make; jump on a free strategy call with us!