How to Go Back to an Ad on YouTube

Have you ever been watching a YouTube video when an interesting ad pops up, but you accidentally skip it or it disappears before you can take action? Whether you want to revisit an ad to learn more about a product, watch it again, or even skip it properly, there are a few ways to go back to a YouTube ad.

Method 1: Use the “Info” or “Ad Choices” Icon

Some YouTube ads display a small “i” (info) icon or an “Ad Choices” button in the corner. If you see this:

1. Click on the “i” icon during or after the ad.

2. Select “Why this ad?” or “Ad Choices.”

3. Sometimes, you’ll see an option to “Visit advertiser’s website” or “See this ad again.”

This method doesn’t always replay the ad, but it can help you find the brand behind it.

Method 2: Check Your YouTube Ad History

YouTube keeps a log of ads you’ve seen if you’re signed in:

1. Go to YouTube’s Ad Settings.

2. Scroll down to “Ad history.”

3. Here, you’ll see a list of recent ads you’ve encountered.

4. Click on an ad to view it again (if available).

Note: Not all ads are saved here, and some may disappear after a while.

Method 3: Refresh the Video (For Unskippable Ads)

If you accidentally skipped an ad too soon:

1. Refresh the YouTube page (press F5 or the refresh button).

2. The ad may replay before the video starts again.

3. If it’s an unskippable ad, you’ll have to watch it fully before your video resumes.

Method 4: Search for the Ad on Google or YouTube

If you remember the brand or product name:

1. Go to YouTube’s search bar and type keywords like:

   • “[Brand Name] YouTube ad”

   • “Latest [Product] commercial”

2. Check the brand’s official YouTube channel—they often upload their ads there.

Method 5: Use Third-Party Ad Databases

Some websites archive YouTube ads, such as:

• AdAge (for major brand commercials)

• YouTube Ads Library (for political ads)

• Commercials on YouTube playlists

Why Can’t I Always Find the Ad?

• Some ads are targeted and may not appear in searches.

• Skippable ads disappear once you skip them.

• Not all ads are saved in your history.

Final Tip: Pause Before Skipping

If you see an ad you might want to revisit:

• Pause it and note the brand name.

• Take a screenshot for reference.

While YouTube doesn’t make it easy to replay every ad you see, these methods can help you track down most of them.