Here's what you need to know about YouTube ad specs for 2024:
- YouTube offers 8 main ad types: Skippable In-Stream, Non-Skippable In-Stream, Bumper, In-Feed Video, Display, Overlay, Masthead, and Shorts Ads
- Key specs to remember:
- Video resolution: 1080p (1920x1080) for most ads
- Aspect ratios: 16:9 (horizontal), 9:16 (vertical), 1:1 (square)
- File types: MP4, MOV, AVI common for video
- Max file size: 1GB for most, up to 256GB for some
| Ad Type | Max Length | Aspect Ratio | File Size Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skippable In-Stream | 3 minutes | 16:9 | 256GB |
| Non-Skippable In-Stream | 15-20 seconds | 16:9 | 128GB |
| Bumper Ads | 6 seconds | 16:9 | 1GB |
| YouTube Shorts | 60 seconds | 9:16 | 1GB |
Tips for effective YouTube ads:
- Hook viewers in the first 5 seconds
- Keep most videos 15-30 seconds long
- Use clear, eye-catching visuals
- Include a strong call-to-action
YouTube ads can cost around HK$0.2 to HK$0.3 per 30-second view. With 2.6 billion monthly users, YouTube offers massive reach across 100+ countries.
Related video from YouTube
Skippable In-Stream Ads
Skippable In-Stream Ads are YouTube's go-to ad format. They play before, during, or after videos, and viewers can skip them after 5 seconds. Here's what you need to know:
Video Specs
| Aspect | Specification |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p (Full HD) |
| Dimensions | 1920x1080, 1080x1920, 1080x1080 |
| Aspect Ratios | 16:9, 9:16, 1:1 |
| File Formats | MP4, MOV, AVI, FLV, MPEG-4, WebM |
| Max File Size | 256GB |
Stick to 1080p for the best quality across devices.
Length Guidelines
Shorter is usually better:
- Awareness campaigns: 15-20 seconds
- Consideration campaigns: 2-3 minutes
- Action campaigns: 15-20 seconds
Views only count if the video runs for more than 10 seconds on YouTube.
Companion Banner
On desktop, you can add a companion banner:
- Size: 300x60 pixels
- File types: JPG, static GIF, PNG
- Max file size: 150KB
This banner appears next to your video ad, giving you extra space to grab attention.
Your first 5 seconds are CRUCIAL. Make them count!
Google's YouTube Advertising team says: "Frontload an attention-grabbing hook in your creative to keep viewers engaged and discourage skipping."
2. Non-Skippable In-Stream Ads
Non-skippable in-stream ads are YouTube's heavy hitters. They play before, during, or after videos, and viewers MUST watch them to get to their content.
Video Specs and Time Limits
Here's what you need to know:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 480p minimum, up to 4K |
| File Types | MP4, MOV work best |
| Aspect Ratios | 16:9, 4:3, 1:1 |
| Length | 15 seconds (20 in some places) |
Go for the highest quality you can. But keep it SHORT. 15 seconds is your sweet spot.
Where They Show Up
These ads pop up:
- Before videos (pre-roll)
- During videos (mid-roll)
- After videos (post-roll)
You'll see them on YouTube, YouTube TV, and across Google's video partner sites and apps.
Making Them Work
- Hook viewers FAST. You've got 5 seconds.
- Keep it snappy. 15 seconds is plenty.
- Think mobile. Small screens matter.
- Tell viewers what to do. A clear CTA is key.
"Non-skippable in-stream ads use Target CPM bidding, meaning you only pay for impressions", says Google's YouTube Advertising team.
Remember: These ads are powerful, but use them wisely. You're interrupting someone's viewing, so make it count.
3. Bumper Ads
Bumper ads are 6-second video ads that play before YouTube content. They're non-skippable, making them perfect for quick, memorable messages.
Why 6 Seconds Work
The 6-second limit isn't flexible. Here's why it's effective:
- Viewers can't skip, so you have their full attention
- Short ads work well on mobile devices
- Google found that these ads boost brand recall
Creating Effective Bumper Ads
To make a great bumper ad:
- Focus on one message
- Use eye-catching visuals
- Add impactful sound
- Include a clear call-to-action
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 6 seconds |
| Resolution | 640x360px or 480x360px |
| File Size | Max 1GB |
| File Types | AVI, ASF, MOV, MP4, MPEG |
| Bidding | CPM |
Don't just cut longer ads. Create bumpers from scratch for best results.
"Contextually relevant bumper ads can break through the noise." - Industry Leader
KFC used bumper ads to tease longer content, launching 6-second clips before a full 'unboxing' video weeks later.
4. In-Feed Video Ads
In-feed video ads are a big deal on YouTube. They pop up in search results, the Home feed, and the Watch Next section.
Catching Eyes with Images and Text
These ads use thumbnails and text to grab attention. Here's the lowdown:
| Element | Specs |
|---|---|
| Thumbnail | 16:9, 9:16, or 1:1 aspect ratio |
| Headline | Max 15 characters |
| Description | Max 2 lines |
Pro tip: Use eye-catching, high-quality images.
Video Guidelines
When someone clicks your ad, they see your video. Keep these rules in mind:
| Spec | Requirement |
|---|---|
| File size | Up to 256 GB |
| Resolution | 1080p is best |
| Length | No limit |
You only pay when someone watches your video (cost-per-view bidding).
A toy company used these ads for holiday promos. Result? More views, likes, and subscribers - without breaking the bank.
"Users typically watch one more video from a brand within 24 hours of seeing an in-feed ad." - Google
Setting up an in-feed ad? Here's how:
- Log into Google Ads
- Start a new campaign
- Pick "Awareness and consideration" as your goal
- Choose "Video views" for campaign type
sbb-itb-bc761f5
5. Display Ads
Display ads on YouTube are a cheap way to get eyeballs on your brand. They show up next to videos or as overlays.
Image Sizes
YouTube's got a few display ad sizes:
| Ad Size (pixels) | Where It Goes |
|---|---|
| 300 x 250 | Standard display |
| 300 x 60 | YouTube Reserve buddies |
| 300 x 600 | Zagat only |
The 300 x 250 is the go-to. It's big enough to grab attention without hogging the screen.
File Types and Moving Images
YouTube's cool with these file types:
- GIF
- JPG
- PNG
- HTML5 (for Google Ads standard display)
Remember:
- Keep it under 150KB
- Max 30 seconds of animation
- No sound unless clicked
- Black/white background? Add a border
Pro tip: HTML5 lets you get fancy. But forget about Flash - it's a no-go.
Airbnb's 2022 display ad game was strong. They saw a 14% bump in ad recall and 7% more 18-34 year olds ready to book.
"Display ads let us tap into YouTube's massive audience without emptying our wallet", Airbnb's marketing lead said.
Want your display ads to work harder? Try this:
- Use clear, eye-catching images
- Keep text short and snappy
- Add a strong call-to-action
- Test different designs
6. Overlay Ads
Overlay ads are YouTube's sneaky little attention-grabbers. They're semi-transparent banners that pop up at the bottom of videos, taking up just 20% of the screen. The best part? They don't mess with the viewer's experience.
Sizes and Specs
YouTube gives you two main options:
| Dimensions (pixels) | Aspect Ratio |
|---|---|
| 468 x 60 | 7.8:1 |
| 728 x 90 | 8.09:1 |
Keep these in mind:
- Use JPG, PNG, or static GIF
- Max file size: 150 KB
- Text: Short and snappy
Make 'Em Click
The whole ad is clickable. It'll open your landing page in a new tab. Want more clicks? Try these:
- Clear call-to-action (CTA)
- Make your CTA pop
- Link to a relevant page
Here's a trick: Add a companion banner (300x250 pixels) to drive your message home.
ActiveCampaign tried this in 2022. Result? 12% more clicks. Their marketing director said:
"Using both overlay and companion ads gave us more space to tell our story. We saw more engagement and conversions."
7. Masthead Ads
YouTube Masthead Ads are the big guns of video advertising. They're digital billboards on YouTube's homepage, reaching millions in 24 hours.
Video and Image Rules
For Masthead Ads:
- Video: 16:9 ratio, 1920 x 1080+ resolution
- Status: Public or Unlisted
- Autoplay: Up to 30 seconds (no 0-second)
| Asset | Desktop | Mobile | TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video URL | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headline | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| CTA button | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Description | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Channel art | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Channel icon | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
Pro tip: Use the YouTube Masthead Preview tool to check your ad on different devices.
Fitting Different Screens
Masthead Ads use responsive formatting:
1. Desktop:
- Choose "Widescreen" or "Standard video size"
- Add up to 2 companion videos
2. Mobile:
- Short headlines and CTAs
- Add a supporting description
3. TV Screens:
- Video is the star
- Clear, readable headline
All devices show your video URL, headline, and CTA. But each has its quirks.
In 2022, HBO Max's "Harry Potter" 20th anniversary Masthead Ad boosted awareness by 12.7% and reached 49 million unique users.
"The YouTube Masthead allowed us to create massive awareness quickly. It was key to our campaign's success", said HBO Max's marketing director.
Masthead Ads aren't cheap - $300,000 to $400,000, or up to $1 million on big days like Super Bowl Sunday. But for major launches or brand pushes, they pack a punch.
8. YouTube Shorts Ads
YouTube Shorts Ads are vertical video ads in the Shorts feed. They blend with regular content, making them less disruptive.
Vertical Video Specs
Here's what you need to know:
| Aspect | Spec |
|---|---|
| Ratio | 9:16 |
| Resolution | 1080x1920px |
| Length | Max 60 seconds |
| Size | Under 1GB |
| Format | MP4 or MOV |
Shorter is often better. The first 5-6 seconds are crucial.
Mobile-Friendly Ads
To make your Shorts Ads pop on phones:
- Hook viewers in 5 seconds
- Keep it short (15-30 seconds)
- Use big, clear text
- Add a strong CTA
- Try trending songs
Shorts get over 70 billion daily views. That's a lot of eyeballs.
"Up to 40% of ad views now come from Shorts placements alone", - YouTube, 2023
Brands are seeing results:
- 33% saw 15-25% more web traffic
- 50% got more subscribers
Setting up is easy:
- Pick "Mobile phones" in ad settings
- Use 9:16 ratio
- Use an existing Shorts URL if you want
Costs? $0.05 to $0.30 per view, depending on your niche.
Wrap-Up
YouTube's 2024 ad landscape is a goldmine for marketers. Here's what you need to know:
YouTube offers a bunch of ad types:
- Skippable and Non-Skippable In-Stream Ads
- Bumper Ads
- In-Feed Video Ads
- Display and Overlay Ads
- Masthead Ads
- YouTube Shorts Ads
Each type has its own specs. For example:
| Ad Type | Max Length | Aspect Ratio | File Size Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skippable In-Stream | 3 minutes | 16:9 | 256GB |
| Non-Skippable In-Stream | 15-20 seconds | 16:9 | 128GB |
| Bumper Ads | 6 seconds | 16:9 | 1GB |
| YouTube Shorts | 60 seconds | 9:16 | 1GB |
Why should you care? Because YouTube ads WORK:
- 59% of users think they're more relevant than TV ads
- 70% of people buy stuff after seeing YouTube ads
With 2.6 billion monthly users spending about 45 minutes a day on YouTube, you can reach a TON of people across 100+ countries and 80 languages.
Cost-wise, you're looking at about HK$0.2 to HK$0.3 for a 30-second view. That means a HK$20,000 budget could get you around 100,000 views.
Want to make your ads pop? Here's how:
- Mention your company name and what makes you special in the first 5 seconds
- Keep most videos between 15-30 seconds
- Keep your message simple and direct
One retailer tried Video Reach ads and saw some interesting results. At first, their ROAS dropped to -4%, but after two months, it turned positive as new customers started buying more.
So, ready to give YouTube ads a shot?
FAQs
What size are YouTube ads in 2024?
YouTube ads come in different sizes:
| Ad Type | Size (px) |
|---|---|
| Horizontal | 1920 x 1080 |
| Vertical | 1080 x 1920 |
| Square | 1080 x 1080 |
Stick to these sizes for the best look across devices.
What is the file size limit for YouTube ads?
Most YouTube ads max out at 1GB. But there's an exception:
| Ad Type | Max Size |
|---|---|
| Standard Ads | 1GB |
| Non-Skippable In-Stream | 128GB |
Smaller files load faster. Keep that in mind.
What's the best size for a YouTube ad?
For horizontal videos, go with 1920 x 1080 pixels. It's the top choice in 2024.
Vertical videos? Use 1080 x 1920 pixels. Square videos should be 1080 x 1080 pixels.
What dimensions are YouTube ads?
YouTube has specific ad dimensions:
| Ad Type | Size (px) |
|---|---|
| Standard Display | 300 x 250 |
| YouTube Reserve Companions | 300 x 60 |
These fit YouTube's layout perfectly.
What format is YouTube ad copy?
Keep it short:
- Headline: 15 characters max
- Description: 15 characters max
- CTA: 10 characters max
For videos, YouTube takes MP4, MOV, AVI, and more. The full list? MPG, WMV, FLV, WebM, DNxHR, ProRes, CineForm, and HEVC (h265).
