# YouTube Shorts Ads: How They Work and How to Make Them (2026)

> 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.

Canonical: https://use-addy.site/platforms/youtube-shorts-ads

## 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

- [YouTube Shorts ads](https://use-addy.site/specs/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](https://use-addy.site/formats/ugc-talking-head): A creator holds the phone and talks about your product like a friend would.
- [Chalkboard](https://use-addy.site/formats/chalkboard): Hand-drawn chalk explainer that sketches your pitch in real time.
- [AI podcast](https://use-addy.site/formats/ai-podcast): Clip-style podcast moment where a host 'discovers' your product.
- [Papermation](https://use-addy.site/formats/papermation): Cut-paper stop-motion storytelling.
- [Breaking news](https://use-addy.site/formats/breaking-news): News-desk parody with lower-thirds and a 'this just in' hook.

## Script templates

- [App demo](https://use-addy.site/templates/app-demo): Mobile apps and SaaS with one clear 'aha' moment.
- [Us vs them](https://use-addy.site/templates/us-vs-them): Products that are clearly cheaper, faster or simpler than the default choice.
- [Breaking news](https://use-addy.site/templates/news-hook): Launches, sales, price drops and anything you can frame as news.
- [Founder story](https://use-addy.site/templates/founder-story): Small and new brands, and products with a personal origin.

## Guides

- [YouTube Shorts ads: how to run them and what to make (2026)](https://use-addy.site/blog/youtube-shorts-ads-guide) - How YouTube Shorts ads work in 2026: which Google Ads campaigns serve them, video specs, budget for a first test, and what creative works.
- [YouTube Shorts for brands: a practical start guide](https://use-addy.site/blog/youtube-shorts-for-brands) - Learn how to use YouTube Shorts for brands to build organic growth, create 9:16 vertical videos at scale, and drive results without paid reach.
- [Shorts vs Reels vs TikTok: Formats, Audiences, and Strategy](https://use-addy.site/blog/shorts-vs-reels-vs-tiktok) - Compare shorts vs reels vs tiktok to understand audience demographics, formatting rules, and how to scale organic growth across all three video platforms.
- [How to Repurpose TikTok to Reels Without Losing Views](https://use-addy.site/blog/repurpose-tiktok-to-reels) - Learn how to repurpose TikTok to Reels and Shorts efficiently. Discover workflows, tools, and strategies to grow organic reach across every platform.

## 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.