YouTube Ads Tutorial (Beginner Friendly)

Start Here: Understanding YouTube Ads in Simple Terms

What are YouTube Ads?

YouTube Ads are video advertisements that appear on YouTube before, during, or after videos, or in search results. Businesses use YouTube Ads to promote their products, services, websites, or brand to a wide audience. These ads are created and managed using Google Ads.

Types of YouTube Ads

Ad Type	Description	Where It Appears
Skippable In-Stream Ads	Viewers can skip after 5 seconds	Before, during, or after videos
Non-Skippable In-Stream Ads	Must be watched (max 15 seconds)	Before, during, or after videos
Bumper Ads	Short 6-second non-skippable ads	Before videos
In-Feed Video Ads	Appear in YouTube search and recommendations	Search results and homepage
Masthead Ads	Banner on YouTube homepage	Top of homepage

Step-by-Step Guide to Create YouTube Ads

Step 1: Set Up Google Ads Account

• Go to https://ads.google.com
• Sign in with your Google account
• Click on “New Campaign”

Step 2: Choose Your Campaign Goal

Goal	Purpose
Sales	Encourage purchases
Leads	Collect contact details
Website Traffic	Bring users to your site
Brand Awareness and Reach	Make people aware of your brand
Product and Brand Consideration	Encourage people to consider your brand

Alternatively, you can select "Create a campaign without a goal's guidance" → then choose Video.

Step 3: Choose a Campaign Type

Select Video campaign type. Then choose from the following:

• Custom video campaign
• Drive conversions
• Non-skippable in-stream
• Outstream
• Ad sequence

Step 4: Set Campaign Details

• Enter a Campaign Name
• Choose a Budget Type: Daily or Total

Step 5: Choose Bidding Strategy

• Maximum CPV – Pay per view (recommended for beginners)
• Target CPM – Pay per thousand impressions
• Target CPA – Optimize for conversions

Step 6: Set Campaign Networks

Choose where you want your ad to appear:

• YouTube search results
• YouTube videos
• Video partners on Display Network

Step 7: Select Languages and Locations

• Select your target location(s)
• Select your audience language(s)

Step 8: Content Exclusions (Optional)

Exclude sensitive or inappropriate content where you don’t want your ads to appear.

Step 9: Create Ad Group and Define Target Audience

• Name your Ad Group
• Define audience targeting by:
  • Demographics (age, gender)
  • Interests
  • Keywords
  • Placements (specific channels or videos)

Step 10: Add Your YouTube Video

• Upload your video to YouTube
• Copy the video URL
• Paste it into your Google Ads campaign
• Select ad format: Skippable In-Stream or In-Feed Video Ad

Step 11: Final Ad Details

• Headline
• Call-to-Action (e.g., Learn More, Subscribe)
• Final URL (landing page)
• Display URL
• Choose Thumbnail

Step 12: Review and Launch

Double-check all information and click "Create Campaign". Your ad will be reviewed within a few hours.

Tracking Performance

Use the Google Ads Dashboard to monitor:

• Views
• Click-through rate (CTR)
• Conversions
• Cost per view (CPV)
• Impressions

Tips for a Successful YouTube Ad

• Start with a strong hook within the first 5 seconds
• Use clear and short messaging
• Add subtitles or text overlays
• Use high-quality visuals and sound
• Include a strong CTA
• Target the right audience

Example Campaign

Goal: Promote an online course

Ad Type: Skippable In-Stream

Audience: Age 18–35, interested in learning, located in India

Budget: ₹500 per day

Video Length: 30 seconds

CTA: Enroll Now

Landing Page: www.example.com/learn