YouTube Advertising Specs

YouTube remains a dominant platform for video marketing, with over 2 billion monthly logged-in users. To run a successful YouTube ad campaign, understanding the latest ad specs is crucial. From video dimensions and length to file formats and aspect ratios, every detail affects how your ad performs across devices.

1. Ad Formats on YouTube

YouTube offers several ad formats, each with unique specifications and purposes:

a. Skippable In-Stream Ads

• Placement: Before, during, or after videos

• Length: Minimum 12 seconds; no hard limit, but 15–30 seconds is ideal

• Skippable: After 5 seconds

• Specs:

  • Resolution: 1920×1080 (1080p) recommended

  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (4:3 supported but not ideal)

  • File Format: .MP4 or .MOV preferred

  • Max File Size: Up to 1 GB

b. Non-Skippable In-Stream Ads

• Length: Exactly 15 or 20 seconds (depending on region)

• Skippable: No

• Specs: Same as Skippable In-Stream Ads

c. Bumper Ads

• Length: 6 seconds max

• Skippable: No

• Purpose: Short, memorable brand messages

• Specs:

  • Resolution: 1920×1080 (1080p)

  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9

  • File Format: .MP4, .MOV

  • File Size: Max 1 GB

d. In-Feed Video Ads (Formerly Discovery Ads)

• Placement: YouTube search results, homepage, or related videos

• Components:

  • Thumbnail Image: 1280×720 minimum

  • Headline: Up to 100 characters

  • Description: 2 lines, each up to 35 characters

• Specs:

  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9 recommended

  • File Format: .MP4, .MOV

e. Masthead Ads (Reservation only)

• Placement: Top of the YouTube homepage

• Autoplay: First 30 seconds (muted)

• Length: Up to 30 seconds recommended

• Specs:

  • Resolution: 1920×1080

  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9

  • File Format: .MP4 or .MOV

  • Max File Size: 1 GB

2. General Video Ad Specs

3. Best Practices

• Use Captions: Many viewers watch with sound off; captions improve accessibility and engagement.

• Mobile Optimization: Over 70% of YouTube views come from mobile devices. Use vertical (9:16) or square (1:1) ratios for Shorts or mobile ads.

• Call-to-Action (CTA): Always include a clear, compelling CTA, especially in skippable and in-feed ads.

• Brand Visibility: Show your brand logo or name within the first 5 seconds to increase recall.

4. YouTube Shorts Ads

As Shorts continue to gain traction, YouTube has integrated advertising into this format.

• Length: Up to 60 seconds

• Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (vertical)

• Specs:

  • Resolution: 1080×1920

  • File Format: .MP4

  • CTA Overlay: Add text-based CTAs or links via campaign setup in Google Ads

5. Where to Upload and Manage Ads

All YouTube ads are managed via Google Ads. When uploading:

• Select the correct campaign type (Video or Performance Max for Shorts)

• Choose the correct ad group and format

• Paste your YouTube video link

• Add headlines, descriptions, CTAs, and landing pages

Staying updated with YouTube ad specs is essential for creating effective, high-quality campaigns. With the rise of mobile viewing, Shorts, and more personalized content, advertisers must tailor their creatives to fit both format and audience preferences. Optimize for clarity, engagement, and fast delivery to make every second of your ad count.