How to Create Ads for YouTube Videos and Promote Your Product

Create an impactful ad for YouTube videos effortlessly! Learn step-by-step methods to boost visibility, drive engagement, and promote your content effectively using creative tools like CapCut.

CapCut
CapCut
Jun 16, 2025

An ad for a YouTube video is promotional content displayed before, during, or after videos on the platform. These ads serve as a revenue source for both YouTube and content creators, allowing advertisers to reach a vast audience. With innovative platforms like CapCut, you can convert your raw clips into well-presented ads, creating content that truly stands out. Let's dive into the types of YouTube ads you should know, the costs involved in creating one and step-by-step guides to get started!

Table of content
  1. 5 types of YouTube ads you should know
  2. How much do YouTube ads for beginners and businesses cost
  3. Create an effective YouTube video ad with CapCut for free
  4. How to advertise on YouTube for beginners
  5. Best practices for high-converting YouTube video ad promotion
  6. Conclusion
  7. FAQs

5 types of YouTube ads you should know

YouTube offers a variety of ad formats to help you reach your audience in different ways. Whether you're aiming for brand awareness, driving conversions, or engaging with viewers, choosing the right type of YouTube ad is key to a successful campaign.

  • Skippable ads: Skippable ads are the most common type of YouTube ads. They play before, during, or after a video, and viewers can skip them after five seconds. This YouTube ad can be up to several minutes long, but advertisers are only charged if a viewer watches at least 30 seconds or interacts with the ad (e.g., clicking a link).
Skippable ads
  • Non-skippable ads: Unlike skippable ads, non-skippable ads must be watched in their entirety before the main video can play. These ads on YouTube typically last between 15 to 20 seconds, ensuring that advertisers get their message across without the risk of viewers skipping. Because they guarantee full attention, they tend to have higher costs per impression (CPM).
Non-skippable ads
  • Bumper ads: ABumper ad is a very short, non-skippable ad in a YouTube video that lasts a maximum of six seconds. They are designed to deliver quick, memorable messages and are usually used for brand awareness campaigns. Short bumper ads, which last only a few seconds, are designed for quick brand exposure
Bumper ads:
  • Discovery ads: Unlike YouTube ads in stream, discovery ads do not play within a video but appear in YouTube search results, the homepage, or alongside related videos as recommendations. They include a thumbnail image, headline, and description. When users click on the ad, they are taken to the promoted video.
Discovery ads
  • Overlay ads: Overlay ads are semi-transparent banner ads that appear at the bottom of a YouTube video on desktop devices. They usually contain a small call-to-action button and a brief text description. Viewers can close them manually if they find them distracting. This type of video advertising on YouTube lets you watch your content without the interference of ads.
Overlay ads

How much do YouTube ads for beginners and businesses cost

The cost of a YouTube ad depends on several factors, including ad format, targeting, competition, and bidding strategy. However, on average, YouTube advertising costs range as follows:

Cost per view (CPV) or Cost per click (CPC)

  • $0.01-$0.30 per view or click.
  • Skippable and non-skippable in-stream ads often use this model. You pay only when a viewer watches at least 30 seconds of your ad or interacts with it.

Cost per 1,000 impressions (CPM)

  • $4-$10 per 1,000 views.
  • Bumper ads and non-skippable ads typically use CPM pricing, meaning you pay based on the number of times your ad is shown.

Daily and monthly budgets

  • Advertisers can set a daily budget (e.g., $5, $10, $50) to control costs.
  • Ads for YouTube videos for beginners and small campaigns can cost around $10 per day ($300 /month), while larger brands may spend thousands per day.

Factors influencing YouTube video ads' cost

There are various factors that influence the costs of YouTube video ad promotion. Some of them have been explained in detail below.

  • Ad format and placement: Ad costs depend on the format (e.g., skippable, bumper) and placement. Skippable in-stream ads operate on CPV, while bumper ads use CPM, each with distinct pricing.
  • Target audience: Narrow targeting, such as age, location, or interests, increases costs. Broad audience ads are cheaper, but refined targeting offers better engagement.
  • Bidding strategy: Your bidding approach significantly impacts ad costs. Advertisers can choose between manual bidding, where you control the maximum amount per view or impression, and automated bidding, which adjusts bids based on your campaign goals.
  • Video quality and engagement: High-quality, engaging ads with good CTR, watch time, and user interactions get better placements and reduced costs.
  • Industry competition: Highly competitive sectors like e-commerce and finance face higher ad costs. Seasonal demand during holidays or events further increases prices.

Create an effective YouTube video ad with CapCut for free

CapCut is a versatile and beginner-friendly video editing tool designed to help you craft compelling ads for YouTube videos. Whether you're creating YouTube skippable ads or bumper ads, CapCut's intuitive interface and powerful features make the process seamless. With access to a vast library of royalty-free music, engaging text overlays, and dynamic effects, CapCut ensures your YouTube ad promotion stands out. Elevate your ad quality effortlessly and captivate your audience with visually stunning and professional-grade video content.

Key features

  • Extensive video/audio library: CapCut provides a vast library of royalty-free audio and videos, such as music and sound effects.
  • Integration with YouTube: CapCut allows you to export videos directly to YouTube, streamlining the upload process and saving time.
  • Visual elements: CapCut offers a variety of filters, transitions, text fonts, and effects, enabling you to create visually engaging ads that stand out on YouTube.

How to create an ad in YouTube video easily

    STEP 1
  1. Export the video

The first step is to import your media files (video, image, and audio) by tapping on the + button. Tap "Import" and select the files from your device. Ensure the video you want to use has a 16:9 aspect ratio, which is the ideal ratio for YouTube.

Import media files
    STEP 2
  1. Export the video

First, add text overlays, transitions, filters, and sound effects to enhance your video. Then, adjust brightness, contrast, and color to align with your brand's style. Additionally, include bold CTAs to drive action and ensure your ad resonates with your target audience.

Customize the YouTube video ad
    STEP 3
  1. Export the video

Once you are happy with the ad, tap the export button located in the top-right corner. Set the resolution to the highest quality (e.g., 2K or 4K) for optimal viewing on YouTube.

Export the video

How to advertise on YouTube for beginners

Set up a Google Ads account

The first step to advertising on YouTube is setting up a Google Ads account. To get started, go to the Google Ads website and create an account. If you already have a Google account, you can use it to sign in. Once your account is active, you'll have full access to the Google Ads dashboard, where you can create and monitor your YouTube campaigns.

Set up a Google Ads account

Decide what type of ad you want to run

When choosing a YouTube ad type, align the format with your goals—skippable ads suit storytelling, while bumper ads are ideal for quick exposure. Consider audience behavior, message complexity, and budget; skippable ads charge per view, while bumper ads use CPM. Lastly, factors in placement—discovery ads work in search results, and in-stream ads maximize visibility during videos.

Decide what type of ad you want to run

Create your ad

Once you have decided on the type of ad, it is time to create it. You will need to produce a high-quality, engaging video that aligns with your campaign goals. For beginners, tools like CapCut are incredibly helpful. CapCut is an easy-to-use video editing software that allows you to create professional-looking ad videos with a variety of effects, transitions, and text features.

Create your ad

Set your budget

Set your budget strategically by determining your campaign goals and selecting a bidding strategy. For example, if you choose Cost-Per-View (CPV), start with a daily budget of $10 to test ad performance. YouTube recommends setting a total campaign budget of at least $50 for small-scale campaigns. Adjust the budget based on analytics, such as Cost-Per-Thousand-Impressions (CPM) for bumper ads, which typically range from $4-$10 per 1,000 impressions. A higher budget ensures broader reach and increased ad frequency for your target audience.

Set your budget

Create a compelling ad copy

Along with your ad for YouTube video, you will need to write a compelling ad copy. This is the text that will appear alongside your ad, such as in the form of a call-to-action (CTA) or description. Your ad copy should clearly explain what action you want the viewer to take (e.g., "Subscribe now," "Shop today," or "Learn more"). Make it short, clear, and persuasive, and ensure that it aligns with the visuals in your video for maximum impact.

Monitor and optimize your campaign

After launching your ad campaign, it's essential to monitor its performance regularly. Google Ads provides insights on how your ads are performing, including metrics like view rate, click-through rate (CTR), and conversions. Track these metrics to see if your campaign is meeting your goals. If your ad isn't performing as well as you hoped, consider adjusting your targeting, ad copy, or even your budget to improve results.

Monitor and optimize your campaign

Adjust based on results

Once you have data from your campaign, use it to make informed adjustments. For example, if you notice that certain audience segments are engaging more with your ad, you may want to increase the budget for that segment or create more targeted content for similar groups. If your CTR is low, you could improve the ad's copy or tweak the visuals to make it more appealing.

Best practices for high-converting YouTube video ad promotion

To maximize the impact of your YouTube video ads, it's essential to focus on strategies that drive engagement and conversions. Follow these proven practices to ensure your ads stand out and deliver results.

  • Focus on the first few seconds: The initial seconds of your ad are crucial for hooking viewers. For example, if you're promoting a fitness app, start with an energetic clip showcasing dramatic before-and-after results or a relatable workout struggle. This immediately piques curiosity and encourages viewers to continue watching. A strong opening sets the tone for the ad and increases retention, especially in skippable ads.
  • Craft a clear call-to-action (CTA): A compelling CTA guides viewers toward the desired action. For instance, a "Shop Now" button with bold, animated text placed at the end of an ad for skincare products can entice viewers to explore your offerings. Use CapCut's stickers, text overlays, and animations to make your CTA pop visually, reinforcing the message and driving conversions.
  • Target the right audience: Use YouTube's advanced targeting features to narrow your audience. For example, if you're selling eco-friendly products, target users interested in sustainability or green living. This ensures your ad resonates with viewers who are most likely to engage. Combine audience insights with keyword targeting to align your content with user intent, maximizing the effectiveness of your YouTube ads.
  • Use high-quality visuals and audio: Professional visuals and clear audio are critical for making your ad impactful. For a travel agency ad, use CapCut's vibrant filters to enhance scenic shots, and add royalty-free background music to evoke wanderlust. Poor production values can deter viewers, so invest in polished edits to maintain credibility and engagement.
  • Optimize for mobile viewers: With a significant portion of YouTube's audience watching on mobile devices, ensure your ads are mobile-friendly. For example, use CapCut to create vertical 9:16 videos that fill the screen and are easy to watch on phones. Large, readable text and uncluttered visuals are vital for smaller screens, ensuring an enjoyable viewing experience that keeps users engaged.

Conclusion

Creating an effective ad for YouTube video promotion is an essential step for boosting visibility, engagement, and conversions. By understanding the different ad formats, costs, and targeting strategies, you can tailor your campaigns to achieve optimal results. Tools like CapCut make it easy to create professional and captivating YouTube ad videos using its audio, text, and adjustment features, ensuring your content stands out in a competitive landscape. Start crafting your YouTube ad videos with CapCut today and watch your channel and brand grow!

FAQs

What is the best type of YouTube ad for beginners?

For beginners, skippable in-stream ads are typically recommended. These ads play before, during, or after other videos, and allow viewers to skip the ad after 5 seconds. Also, creating cost-effective ads for beginners is crucial, and they can use CapCut's free and diverse features (such as text, effects, and adjustments) integrated into the ad creation process to enhance the ad's appeal and potentially increase viewer engagement and overall ad performance.

How to choose the right type of ad for YouTube video to promote products?

Choosing the right type of YouTube ad to promote your product depends on several factors, including your marketing goals, target audience, and content format. Regardless of the type of advertisement, quality is the most important. You can use CapCut features such as script-to-video, stickers, and filters to create high-quality advertising videos.

How can I track the success of my YouTube ads?

To track the success of your YouTube ads, monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as impressions, views, click-through rates (CTR), and engagement metrics. While CapCut does not directly track ad performance, it helps you create high-quality, engaging ads that get more views and engagement.