On YouTube TV, you can use a range of ad formats to engage your customers in different ways. This article outlines the video ad formats available for purchase and eligible to serve on YouTube TV, including key creative specifications and platform considerations. Understanding these details will help you create effective video campaigns.
On this page
- Keep in mind
- How it works
- Non-skippable in-stream ads
- Skippable in-stream ads
- Bumper ads
- Branded Slates ads
- Ad review process and serving
Keep in mind
Make sure that your ads comply with the Google Ads policies and YouTube policies , including our network partners.
Ads that are eligible to serve on YouTube TV are subject to creative review to make sure that they comply with our policies and any applicable partner ad guidelines. If the review indicates that your ads don’t satisfy our partner's ad guidelines, your ads won’t serve on that partner's YouTube TV channel.
How it works
The available YouTube TV ad formats can be booked and purchased on a reservation basis through YouTube Select reserved media placement ( Display and Video 360 Programmatic Guaranteed instant deals , or Google Ads Reservation ), or Display and Video 360 non-guaranteed instant deals , depending on the ad format.
Additionally, YouTube Select reservation campaigns and auction non-skippable ads campaigns may be eligible, but not guaranteed, to serve on YouTube TV.
Non-skippable in-stream ads
These ads play before, during, or after other videos. Viewers don't have the option to skip the ad. Non-skippable in-stream ads are ideal for ensuring your full message is delivered. The following are the available ad lengths for YouTube TV:
- :06 seconds or shorter (often referred to as bumper ads, which play before, during, or after another video)
- :15 seconds or shorter
- :30 seconds
- :60 seconds
Learn more about non-skippable in-stream ads specifications .
Availability and serving
Both the 30-second and 60-second ad formats are available in the YouTube TV Lineups, including YouTube TV Live Sports Lineup, and YouTube Select Lineups through the following:
- Google Ads Reservations through Google managed services
- Display & Video 360 Instant Deals (guaranteed and non-guaranteed)
YouTube-hosted creatives and Video Ad Serving Template (VAST) tags are supported on both the 30-second and 60-second ads.
Skippable in-stream ads
These ads play before, during, or after other videos. After 5 seconds, the viewer has the option to skip the ad. The following are the available ad lengths:
- :15 seconds or shorter
- :30 seconds
- :60 seconds
Learn more about skippable in-stream ads specifications .
Availability, serving, and metrics
Skippable ads aren’t available when buying a YouTube TV-only lineup, such as YouTube TV lineup or YouTube TV Sports lineup. However, skippable in-stream ads are eligible to run on YouTube TV through the following campaign types:
- YouTube Select Run-of-Lineup and Content Lineup campaigns
- Video campaigns using a target cost-per-thousand impression (tCPM) bid strategy
- Video action campaigns
- Video campaigns using CPV (cost-per-view) bid strategy
Bumper ads
These ads are 6 seconds or shorter, and play before, during, or after another video. Viewers don't have the option to skip the ad.
Branded Slates ads
Branded Slates is a new ad format available on YouTube TV that combines calming images or videos with your logo overlayed on the images or videos.
Benefits of using Branded Slates ads
- Enhances brand recall: Branded Slates ads offer a calming break from the normal ads, which can help create a positive association with your brand.
- Drives brand awareness: You can showcase your brand in a curated experience during YouTube TV ad breaks.
Getting started and reporting
To get started using Branded Slates, contact your Google Ads sales representative.
Branded Slates support standard Google Ads and YouTube reporting, as well as third-party measurement reporting through YouTube.
Ad review process and serving
The ad review process on YouTube TV follows the same process as YouTube Select. Most ads are reviewed within one business day, but more complex reviews can take longer. If your ad is under review for more than 2 full business days, check your ad’s status . If you need your ad reviewed by a particular date, submit the ad several days in advance. Learn more About the ad review process .
