YouTube

YouTube Shorts ads
that actually get watched.

Everything on making YouTube Shorts ads in one place: specs, formats, script templates and guides.

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In short: YouTube Shorts ads are vertical videos uploaded to your YouTube channel and run through Google Ads, shown between Shorts; keep them under 60 seconds, 9:16 at 1080x1920, with sound and the offer in the first 3 seconds.

What works

Upload to YouTube first

Google Ads runs Shorts ads from a video on your channel (public or unlisted), not a file upload. Set the channel up before the campaign.

Front-load the offer

In Performance Max, Demand Gen and app campaigns the CTA button appears at 3 seconds, so say what you sell before then.

Stay under 60 seconds

Ads can run to 3 minutes, but only the first 60 seconds play in the Shorts feed.

Reuse your Reels and TikToks

A 9:16 ad made for Reels or TikTok usually works on Shorts. Check the right edge, where Shorts' buttons need about 192 px clear.

Specs

From the platform's own ads documentation.

YouTube Shorts ads

YouTube Shorts ads should be 9:16 vertical at 1080x1920, under 60 seconds (up to 3 minutes is allowed, but only the first 60 seconds play in the Shorts feed), with sound, a 40-character headline and a 90-character description.

Formats to start with

UGC talking head

A creator holds the phone and talks about your product like a friend would.

AI podcast

Clip-style podcast moment where a host 'discovers' your product.

Breaking news

News-desk parody with lower-thirds and a 'this just in' hook.

Chalkboard

Hand-drawn chalk explainer that sketches your pitch in real time.

Papermation

Cut-paper stop-motion storytelling.

Script templates

App demo

Mobile apps and SaaS with one clear 'aha' moment.

Us vs them

Products that are clearly cheaper, faster or simpler than the default choice.

Breaking news

Launches, sales, price drops and anything you can frame as news.

Founder story

Small and new brands, and products with a personal origin.

Guides

Terms: View-through rate (VTR) · CPV (cost per view) · Hook · Aspect ratio (9:16) · CTA (call to action)

Questions

+How do I run ads on YouTube Shorts?

Upload a 9:16 video to your YouTube channel, then create a Demand Gen, Performance Max, video or app campaign in Google Ads and select that video. Google places it in the Shorts feed among other inventory.

+How long should a YouTube Shorts ad be?

Under 60 seconds, since only the first 60 seconds play in the Shorts feed. Google suggests 10 to 30 seconds for ads that ask for an action.

+Can I use the same ad on Shorts, Reels and TikTok?

Usually yes, if it is 9:16 with sound and keeps text away from each platform's buttons. A single master that respects all three safe zones saves re-editing.

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