YouTube Shorts Ad: Is It Worth Setting One Up?

Ads help businesses and creators make money on various platforms, including YouTube. But do YouTube Shorts ad campaigns work for either side? And how exactly do you set one up? In this GoRead.io guide, our team shows you exactly how these ads can help.

A person looking at YouTube on their phone, with several Shorts visible.

Do YouTube Shorts Have Ads?

When scrolling the YT Shorts page, you might notice ads between the videos. The best vids can even blend in and seem like Shorts themselves. Brands and creators alike can set these up, just like with long-form videos.

Technically speaking, these aren’t Shorts-specific ads, just regular ones. But it’s possible to set up campaigns so these ads are more likely to reach Shorts users.

According to YouTube’s own data, Shorts bring in over 70 billion daily views across the site. This means they’re a lucrative opportunity for any creator. If you’re making ads yourself, you can also fit the content to the format. People may not even realize it’s an ad until the video’s almost over.

Two young women looking at a smartphone screen and smiling.

The Benefits of Setting Up a YouTube Shorts Ad

Whether you’re a creator or an advertiser, Shorts are a great place to set up ads. As short-form video content is incredibly popular, it only makes sense for ads to also adopt this format. Here’s how your channel or business can benefit from ads on Shorts:

  • Bigger reach: Some users only scroll through Shorts. This ad format might be your only way to reach them. This will also help creators make more money.
  • More engagement: Shorts are also very digestible. This means viewers are much more likely to interact. This includes ads, especially if they’re styled like actual Shorts.
  • Quicker to make: Advertisers can put together Shorts ads in an afternoon. In fact, a key part of what makes this format so charming is its less formal style.
  • More experimental: Similarly, this gives the brand fewer constraints within which to work. Video campaigns can take whole new angles to fit a different audience.
  • Find new demographics: These ads don’t just reach more people. They even find new demographics. Your campaign might be able to finally connect with Gen Z viewers.
  • More personal: Many Shorts (as well as their ads) use a personal vlog-like format. This is a good chance to give your business a face to remember between ads.
  • Return on investment: All of the above combine to make short-form content perfect for YouTube ads. You’ll get more out of each campaign, allowing your brand to thrive.

Ads on Shorts vs. Ads on Videos

Certain audiences watch Shorts more than regular videos. This means choosing to advertise on YouTube Shorts is a no-brainer for some campaigns. However, this format lets users simply skip or scroll past any ad they see. This puts pressure on brands to get their attention right away.

On longer videos, people usually have to wait a few seconds to skip an ad. And, in fact, some of a campaign’s viewers will see these ads on longer videos. But, when targeting Shorts users, you need to rope them in instantly. Even short-form videos can take too long to get to the point.

Ads that are 60 seconds and shorter can show up between Shorts. But you don’t need to use the full 60 seconds. Instead, consider 20–30 seconds as a good middle ground. Your YouTube Shorts must be as quick as possible while still telling people about your brand. Otherwise, they will just move to the next video.

A person sitting on a chair while looking at their laptop.

How To Set Up Google Ads for YouTube Shorts

Making ads that show up during Shorts is relatively easy. In fact, you can set it up like any other Google campaign. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Upload the ad as a Short on your brand’s YouTube page.
  2. Log in to Google Ads and open your account’s dashboard.
  3. Click +, then Campaign, and fill in your campaign’s goals.
  4. Tap Continue, then choose the Video Campaign option.
  5. Fill in more information about your specific campaign type.
  6. Enter the campaign’s Additional Settings, then Devices.
  7. Check Mobile Phones and no other device from the list.
  8. On the Create Your Video Ads page, paste the ad’s link.
  9. Select the format as an In-Feed Video Ad, then confirm.

This will display your ad while users are scrolling through Shorts. It’s currently not possible to make sure your ad only shows up on Shorts. However, keeping the ads directed to phone users will help your chances. In addition, vertical videos and ads perfectly fit the Shorts format.

You can also target specific demographics while setting up the ad campaign. As Shorts are very popular with younger users, you could focus on them as your target audience. This then makes it more likely that your ads find the right people.

Despite your YouTube Shorts advertising efforts, it will still find YT users watching longer videos. But ultimately, this just means more eyes on your ad. Your campaign should still reach a lot of Shorts users and build your brand awareness.

A person casually sitting on a chair and eating pizza while recording themselves.

Matching Shorts Campaigns to Your Audience

Making a Shorts ad that fits your audience involves more than changing a few settings. With this format being a battleground for attention, you also need to deliver great content. The ad must be something they’ll enjoy watching. Brands must treat these ads as Shorts of their own.

A vlog style Short is, again, worth trying out so long as it matches your brand. This could be one of the company’s reps (or influencer partners) quickly showing off a new product. There isn’t time for a full deep dive, but it’s still possible to hit the main points. Choose a relevant content category for your ad so it shows up on related videos.

On-screen text and snappy transitions also help you keep a viewer’s attention. It’s no secret that attention spans are lower than they once were. The Richmond Journal of Law and Technology says short-form videos encourage instant gratification. This means your viewers need the major details right away, or they’ll scroll to the next video.

A GoRead.io screenshot of a YouTube channel’s Partner eligibility.

How Creators Can Monetize Shorts Campaigns

If you’re getting plenty of Shorts views, you might want to make some money from them. But do YouTube Shorts have ads monetization? Yes — but you’ll need to join YouTube’s official Partner Program. This unlocks ads on all of your eligible videos.

To be a Partner, you must have 1,000 subscribers. You also require 4,000 public watch hours in the past year. However, the site also accepts ten million Shorts views in the past 90 days. Either of these will let you start making money on your views via ad revenue.

In YouTube Studio, eligible accounts will see an Earn button. Click this to apply and follow their on-screen instructions to enable ads. In the Studio’s Analytics section, click Revenue. You can then directly select Shorts Feed Ads to see how much your Shorts are earning.

You’ll have limited control over which ads show up on your video. However, the algorithm, your YouTube hashtags, and the campaign subtype help you get relevant ones. If your Shorts include unedited movie/TV clips or violate YouTube’s guidelines, you won’t earn money on them.

A person checking their YouTube stats on their computer and phone.

Get Real Likes and Followers With Goread.io

To build YouTube Shorts ad campaigns or monetize Shorts, you need a strong online presence. This goes beyond YouTube and might include your Instagram and TikTok. With Goread.io, you could get likes and followers who engage with ads.

Our team can boost your profile across several networks. This gives you the engagement you’ll need to find success. Try Goread.io today, and bring your social media pages together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there ads on YouTube Shorts?

Yes. When scrolling, users will run into ads between Shorts. However, they can simply skip and scroll past these. If you’re making ads for Shorts, get the viewer’s attention right away.

How much does a YouTube Shorts ad cost?

Google Ads for YouTube Shorts usually cost between $0.10 and $0.30 per view. YouTube helps you build an ad campaign that fits your current budget.

How much will YouTube Shorts ads pay?

Your payouts from running ads on Shorts depend on a lot of factors. For example, YouTube will take 55% of the revenue for itself. You should expect around $0.06 per 1,000 views.

Do YouTube short ads convert?

Like any other YT ad, users can click on these Shorts. This will redirect them to the brand’s site. But these ads are typically more about building awareness