Google Ads Video
This domain tests YouTube ad formats, creative structure, targeting, bidding, and video measurement. Questions often ask you to match a format or creative choice to a campaign goal such as reach, consideration, or action.
Core rules for Video creative
- Skippable in-stream ads can be skipped after 5 seconds; you pay when a viewer watches 30 seconds or interacts, whichever comes first, or for the full ad if shorter than 30 seconds.
- Non-skippable in-stream ads are typically up to 15 seconds. Bumper ads are 6 seconds and are sold on a CPM basis. In-feed and Shorts ads use different placements and aspect ratios.
- The ABCD framework guides creative: Attract attention in the first 5 seconds, Brand early, Connect with human or emotional storytelling, and Direct viewers with a clear call to action.
- Design for sound-on but add captions; many viewers watch muted. Use vertical creative for Shorts and add a companion banner where eligible.
- Targeting includes audiences, keywords, topics, placements, and devices. Bidding options include Target CPV, Target CPM, and conversion-focused strategies.
- Key metrics include impressions, view rate, view-through rate, earned actions, and brand lift.
Worked example
A running shoe brand launches a new trail shoe. It uses a 6-second bumper with the product, logo, and “Shop Now” for reach and frequency, plus a 15-second skippable in-stream ad showing a runner on a trail. The first two seconds show the shoe and terrain, the brand appears by second three, and the call to action appears at second twelve. The team targets in-market runners and a custom intent audience built from marathon-training searches, uses Target CPV for the in-stream ad, and adds a companion banner. The bumper builds recall; the longer ad builds consideration.
Traps that cost marks
- Putting the brand only at the end; many viewers skip before then.
- Assuming the CPV is charged at the 5-second skip point; billing depends on the 30-second view or interaction.
- Ignoring sound-off viewers and missing captions.
- Using landscape creative in vertical Shorts placements.
- Confusing an impression with a view or a view-through conversion.