In today’s hyper-visual digital world, YouTube advertising is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity. Imagine this: your potential customer is scrolling through videos, headphones in, fully focused—and then your ad pops up, not as an interruption, but as an experience. That’s the power of YouTube ads when they’re done right. But here’s the catch: not all YouTube ads are created equal. There are several formats—each with a specific purpose, strength, and strategy. So, if you’re asking “how many types of YouTube ads are there?”, you’re already one step closer to mastering video marketing.
As a digital marketing agency, we at DigitalExperts have seen firsthand how choosing the right YouTube advertising format can drastically change campaign results—from brand awareness to actual conversions. Whether you’re new to video marketing or ready to scale your efforts, understanding the different types of ads on YouTube is your foundation for success.
🎯 Skippable In-Stream Ads: Give Viewers a Choice
Skippable in-stream ads are perhaps the most recognizable type of YouTube ad. These ads appear before, during, or after a video—and the viewer can skip them after 5 seconds. You only pay when someone watches 30 seconds, the entire ad, or interacts with it (whichever comes first).
Why it works: It gives control to the viewer. And when someone chooses to keep watching, you know you’ve got their attention.
Best for: Broad brand awareness, storytelling, product launches, or long-form ads that build engagement.
Tip from our team at DigitalExperts: Keep your hook sharp within the first 5 seconds. It’s your golden window to make an impression—or risk being skipped.
🚫 Non-Skippable In-Stream Ads: Demand Full Attention
These non-skippable YouTube ads run for 15–20 seconds and must be watched before the main video begins. While they might sound intrusive, they work wonders when done creatively.
Why it works: You get guaranteed full exposure. No skipping. That means 100% of your message gets delivered.
Best for: High-impact brand messaging, time-sensitive promotions, and industries where frequency and recall matter (think fashion, automotive, or entertainment).
Use with caution: Overusing non-skippables can annoy users—so make sure your content is worth their time.
📌 Bumper Ads: Say It in 6 Seconds
Bumper ads are ultra-short 6-second, non-skippable ads that appear before a YouTube video. Their power lies in their brevity.
Why it works: They’re perfect for punchy, memorable messages—ideal for reinforcing brand slogans or teasing a campaign.
Best for: Mobile-first audiences, large-scale brand campaigns, and short attention spans.
At Digital Experts, we often pair bumper ads with longer formats to increase frequency and build recall without causing ad fatigue.
📺 In-Feed Video Ads: Show Up Where It Matters
Formerly known as video discovery ads, these appear in YouTube search results, next to related videos, or on the homepage. Instead of interrupting a video, they invite viewers to click and watch your content—just like a regular YouTube video.
Why it works: You’re targeting intent-based viewers—people actively searching or browsing related topics.
Best for: Product explainers, educational content, vlogs, and content that provides value before the pitch.
Pro tip: Optimize your thumbnail and headline. It’s your ad’s first impression.
🧩 Overlay Ads on YouTube: Subtle but Effective
These semi-transparent ads appear at the bottom of a video, usually on desktop only. They don’t interrupt the viewer but stay visible, providing a clickable banner during the video.
Why it works: They’re non-intrusive, and they blend naturally into the viewing experience.
Best for: Remarketing campaigns, limited-time offers, or supporting broader video ad strategies.
DigitalExperts Insight: Use overlays as a soft reminder or companion ad to in-stream formats.
💻 Masthead Ads: Dominate the Homepage
This premium option lets you place your video ad at the very top of the YouTube homepage for 24 hours. You reach millions—but at a premium cost.
Why it works: Instant massive reach. Perfect for big brand moments.
Best for: New product launches, major announcements, or high-profile events.
Heads up: Masthead ads require reservation and aren’t available through regular Google Ads bidding.
Why Choosing the Right Format Matters
Not every format fits every campaign. A common mistake we see at DigitalExperts is brands jumping into video ads without a strategy. But YouTube advertising types should be matched with your goals:
- Want views? Go for skippable or in-feed.
- Need impact? Try non-skippable or bumper.
- Looking for intent-driven traffic? In-feed is gold.
And the best campaigns? They mix formats strategically to cover awareness, consideration, and action.
🔚 Final Thoughts: Elevate Your YouTube Ad Strategy
YouTube ads are more than just a video before another video—they’re a golden opportunity to connect, inspire, and convert. Understanding the types of YouTube ads empowers you to be intentional, not experimental.
At DigitalExperts, we don’t just run YouTube ads—we craft video journeys. Whether you’re a startup with a story or a brand ready to scale, our team tailors every campaign to the right ad format, audience, and objective.
📞 Ready to make your brand the next thing they click on? Let’s talk.
