YouTube audio ads allow you to tap into audiences who are listening to music, podcasts, or other audio content on YouTube. Using YouTube audio ads, you can expand your reach and increase brand awareness for your target audience.
View audio ads in action
Select a button to view an example of a YouTube audio ad.
Simple animation:
Static image:
Benefits
- Efficient reach: Extends reach of video campaigns into new inventory at a low cost.
- Simplified buying: Buying and campaign setup is the same as other YouTube ad formats.
- Streamlined targeting and measurement features: Use advanced audiences, get access to the latest version of Brand Lift measurement, and view your reporting in Google Ads.
- Lower creative production costs: Audio ads are often less expensive to produce than video ads, as the recommended visual component is a still image or a simple animation.
Audio inventory on YouTube
Reach users with an audio optimized ad when users are on audio surfaces and in listening-first states on both YouTube and YouTube Music.
Creative specifications
| Required asset file | A link to your YouTube video (make sure to upload the video to YouTube) |
|---|---|
| Ad length | Maximum: 15 seconds (30-second creatives are available for beta participants) |
| File size | Maximum: 128GB |
| Resolution |
426 x 240 (240p) 640 x 360 (360p) 854 x 480 (480p) 1280 x 720 (720p) 1920 x 1080 (1080p) 2560 x 1440 (1440p) 3840 x 2160 (2160p) |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 (if 4:3, black bars are added on the sides of the image or animation) |
Best practices
YouTube audio ads run during long listening sessions and when YouTube is playing in the background. Use these best practices when you create the ad.- Focus on sound: YouTube audio ads should focus on the audio component, so use assets with light animation or a static image with a call-to-action. Make sure to upload your creative as a YouTube URL.
- Have a consistent tone and tempo: For a 15 second ad, aim for 40 words when using a voiceover in the ad.
- Be conversational: A friendly tone helps transition listeners between entertainment content and ads.
- Include a call-to-action in the audio or in the video creative: Offer an opportunity for listeners to take the next step, such as reading or showing a short link to your website in the ad.
- Comply with our policies: Ads shouldn’t be overly intrusive to listeners, so make sure to comply with the Google Ads policies.
Instructions
- Sign in to your Google Ads account.
- In the page menu on the left, click Video campaigns.
- Click the plus button
, then select New campaign.
- Select the Brand awareness and reach goal.
- Select the Video campaign type.
- Select Audio as your campaign subtype.
- Click Continue.
- Enter details about your campaign, such as the bid and the budget.
- Add targeting to your ad group. For optimal results, make sure that your targeting isn’t too narrow.
- Use the editor to add the URL for the YouTube video and then edit your ad’s copy.
- Set your Target CPM bid amount.
Check the "Campaign estimates" widget to view an estimate on the available impressions and estimated performance. The estimated performance is a combination of targeting, budget, and bids. You can adjust your campaign settings to achieve your desired result. Keep in mind that if your bid is too low, your campaign may not perform well in the Google Ads auction and you may not spend your full budget. Estimates are only provided when you’re using one ad format in your campaign.
- When you finish, click Create campaign.
