If you want to use YouTube ads to promote your business, advertisement length is something you should prioritize to make your desired impact.
You may have a long list of messages you need to get across in your YouTube ad. But your audience’s attention span probably isn’t very long. Getting the perfect length for your video ad is critical.
In this article
- What Are YouTube Advertisements?
- How Long Should Your YouTube Ad Be?
- Do Users Really Appreciate Ads on YouTube?
- 3 Different Lengths of YouTube Advertisements
- Skippable Video Ads
- Non-skippable Video Ads
- Bumper Ads
- Average YouTube Ad Length
- Tips for Crafting an Effective YouTube Ad
- Create Ads That Move People
So how long is a YouTube ad usually?
In this article, we’ll answer this question and give tips on crafting the perfect ad.
What Are YouTube Advertisements?
YouTube ads are video promotions on the YouTube website or app. It places your ad campaigns along with popular and growing YouTube videos that people want to watch.
One of the challenges with YouTube ads is that, sometimes, people will find ads distracting as it’s not what they came to watch. But the best ads will keep your audience watching.
In creating a good ad, here are some elements to consider:
- Targeting the right audience
- Impactful voice-over audio
- A convincing call-to-action (CTA)
- The length of the video ad
- Timing of message and content delivery
How Long Should Your YouTube Ad Be?
YouTube ads can be as long as you need them to be. For example, does your ad contain content that’s only effective with someone explaining it by talking for a minute or more? If it does, then use longer ads.
If you only need a few words to get your point across, you don’t have to waste people’s time with a 1-minute ad. In this case, it is better to use shorter ads.
If you’re new to advertising on YouTube, set a starting point of 15 seconds. You may find that more or fewer seconds will work better for you along the way. Video content and advertising goals are some factors that can cause you to modify your ad length.
No matter the length of your ad, focus on stating the issue you’re trying to solve, the solution you want to offer, and how your CTA can benefit them. Be sure to prioritize the first 5 seconds of your ad video, as users must watch this length of your ad before being able to skip the rest of it.
Do Users Really Appreciate Ads on YouTube?
Some people don’t like to be interrupted or get delayed from viewing their chosen content. But most users don’t mind sacrificing their time for informative ads, as long as they find them interesting. On average, people will spend up to 15 seconds watching your ad.
If your advertising goal is to convert more sales, your ad length should be long enough to convince people to learn more about your company and products. For the first 5 seconds, lure them in and keep them entertained with engaging stories.
Most people find themselves watching ads longer than planned when they’re helpful and entertaining. This trend applies even if it’s disrupting their desired YouTube video.
3 Different Lengths of YouTube Advertisements
Google has different ad formats available, each with varying uses and lengths. It’s essential to understand the differences to choose which type works best for your needs.
Here are some different YouTube advertisements you can choose from:
Skippable Video Ads
Your ads can get skipped on YouTube after the first five seconds with the skippable video ad format. The skip option puts pressure on you to get across your message during the non-skippable part.
It’s an effective format to choose if you have a short and punch message you want to get across or if you plan to use a longer YouTube video ad. If you decide on a 60+ second ad, use the first 5 seconds to lure them in and keep them watching for the rest of the ad.
Non-skippable Video Ads
Non-skippable ads don’t have the “skip ad” option. Users must watch the whole duration of the advertisement before their chosen YouTube video can be viewed.
The non-skippable ad format is ideal for short ads. These ads typically range from 15-20 seconds. If you can convey your ad message quickly, short 15-second videos can be effective.
Bumper Ads
This ad format is a mix of skippable and non-skippable ad formats. It doesn’t give users the option to “skip” but becomes skippable after watching for 6 seconds.
Average YouTube Ad Length
A common industry standard is an ad between 15-20 seconds. This timeframe is a good and effective ad length, but any length can be as effective as long as it’s engaging.
However, the optimal in-stream ad length ranges between 45-90 seconds.
The ideal ad length depends on which type of ad you will use. It also depends on your message. When just starting out, feel free to experiment until you find a length that works best for you.
Tips for Crafting an Effective YouTube Ad
There are always ways to create better ads. YouTube has a massive market with billions of users, and a lot of brands are competing to get their attention. It is important that marketers think outside the box and go that extra mile in order to stand out.
No matter what ad length you choose – short or long– it’s critical to make it punchy and engaging. One that converts and produces highly qualified leads.
Here are some tips to make a successful ad:
- Mastering hook lines for the first 5 seconds
- Identify your audience and the problem
- State your offer as a solution to their problem
- Support your claims
- Add a compelling call-to-action
- Make ads memorable with voice over talent
Create Ads That Move People
Now you know how long a YouTube ad is. Length and timing can make ads better, but an impactful ad converts user engagement into more sales or better outcomes. If you’ve hit your important elements, your ads will be more effective regardless of their length.
With the right hook, voice talent, and impact, users will want to stay, whether it’s a 5-second or 60+ second YouTube ad.Want to hire a voice actor for your next YouTube ad? Explore more than 2,000 voices who has done YouTube ads for major companies!
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