Advertising on YouTube
As the word’s second most popular search engine (after Google), Youtube has over 2 billion visitors a month. So, advertising on the social platform sounds like a no-brainer, right? Whether you’re launching a new charitable campaign, releasing a brand new product, or have an exciting announcement on the way, YouTube video ads allow you to reach new potential customers when they watch or search for videos on the platform. Adverts on YouTube can help you to broaden your brand awareness and recognition on a huge scale by capturing attention and driving demand from your target audience.
We’ve created plenty of YouTube adverts for our clients over the years, helping them achieve multimillion-dollar bids; but, we’d never made one for ourselves. So, we thought, why not? And in September 2021, we launched our very first skippable in-stream advert, running it for five weeks with the aim of boosting brand awareness and recognition. The results? 862,000 impressions and around 80,000 views. Crazy, right?! We’re incredibly proud of how the advert turned out (check it out below!) and we’re hoping to launch another one soon. Watch this space…👀
How YouTube video ads can captivate audiences
In order to get your target audience to take action with your adverts on YouTube, it is important to consider a call to action at the end of your videos. A call to action can instruct the user to do things like:
• Visit your website, allowing your potential customers to see your products and become acquainted with your brand
• Watch more videos on your YouTube channel in order to broaden your reach and build bigger brand awareness with your audience
There are several factors to consider when creating YouTube video ads, and DreamingFish can help you maximise quality and ROI.
The main types of video ads on YouTube
Since the start of YouTube as a platform, the number of ads being served to viewers has increased tenfold. We’ve all hovered over the ‘skip ad’ button, only to find it doesn’t appear! But creating an effective YouTube ad is about more than simply getting in front of your audience. It’s about reaching the right people with the right content. There are five main types of YouTube ads, each with its own advantages. So, what type of YouTube ad will work best for you?
The skippable in-stream ads:
Skippable video ads can be shown to viewers either before a video or during a video (known as ‘pre-roll’ or ‘mid-roll’). Your ad must be at least 12 seconds long, although it is recommended that somewhere under 3 minutes is best. Skippable in-stream ads give viewers the option to skip after just five seconds, so those opening moments need to grab their attention and keep them watching. The good news for advertisers? You’ll only pay when someone watches beyond the first five seconds or interacts with the ad.
The non- skippable in-stream ads:
The difference between these kinds of YouTube video ads and skippable ads is that there is no skip button at all! These ads can play before a video, or whilst it is playing and are one of the better choices when it comes to raising brand awareness effectively. Considering 76% of YouTube users skip ads when possible, removing that option and creating an ad that serves a purpose, is entertaining/engaging and is generally captivating, is the key with non-skippable ads.
Bumper ads:
Bumper ads are ideal for getting a simple message in front of a large audience quickly. These 6 second, non-skippable ads play before a YouTube video and are great for building brand awareness, promoting events or offers and reaching new audiences. They also requiring less production than longer-form ads.
Discovery ads:
YouTube’s discovery ads appear in the Youtube homepage, watch feed as well as on the search feed. These ads are great if you’re looking to get your new product, service or brand alongside in front of your target audience. These type of ads will usually have the yellow ad sticker over them as you can see on the image below.
Ready to create your very own YouTube ad?
Whether you want to boost sales or build brand awareness, DreamingFish can bring your YouTube ad campaign to life with creative, professional and targeted video content that connects with your audience.
Not sure which approach is right for you? We can help you find the perfect fit. We’ll work alongside you to ensure your message is heard loud and clear. Head over to our portfolio to see what we can do for you.
