Want to see some YouTube Shorts ads that are scaling right now, using VidTao competitor ad library?
You’re in luck…
Because today is 2 Shorts Tuesday. Why YouTube Shorts ads?
Because YouTube Shorts ad inventory is only going to keep growing:
5 Reasons Why More Creators Are Choosing YouTube Shorts Instead of TikTok
#1 - 💰 MORE MONEY 💰
YouTube made it easier to earn money with YouTube Shorts in 2024 by letting creators take a cut of ad money from their Shorts—a better deal than TikTok’s confusing payment system.
Image source: Google
This works for both short videos and regular YouTube content, making it safer for creators who want steady income.
#2 - ⛔TikTok Ban Rumors/Reality⛔
Rumors (and a quick reality) of a TikTok ban in the U.S. made many creators start posting on YouTube Shorts just in case. YouTube even let Shorts videos be 3 minutes long starting October 2024, copying TikTok’s style while giving creators more flexibility.
YouTube’s Big Advantages
#3 - 📈Built-in audience📈
Shorts get boosted by YouTube’s recommendations and trending lists, helping creators grow faster. TikTok doesn’t connect as well to other apps or longer videos.
#4 - 🆕Different viewers🆕
YouTube’s users are often older (25-34) vs. TikTok’s teen-heavy crowd, so creators can reach new fans.
#5 - 🤦♂️Creators Are Fed Up With TikTok🤦♂️
Many say TikTok’s rules change too often, and they’re tired of worrying about bans. YouTube feels more stable, especially with Google’s support for targeting the right audiences. The 3-minute Shorts also let them tell better stories without switching apps.
...And critically, most DTC & Direct Response advertisers are still under-leveraging YouTube Shorts as an ad placement.
(and the upside is huge)
So, what are some ways you can succeed with YouTube Shorts ads?
Let’s take a closer look at 2 YouTube Shorts ads doing well right now:
~ update from our friends at Funnel of the Week ~
The "Anti-Tariff" Promo: Crisis = Opportunity?
Our friends at Funnel of the Week just dropped a new funnel breakdown…
…This time it’s an advertorial to ecomm funnel driving 1M+ clicks per month via a few very different approaches that you can model for your own business today.
On one hand? They are leveraging the current “Tariff Crisis” with some very specific short form video frameworks:
They’re running unique Native + Quora campaigns driving ice-cold top of funnel traffic to advertorials like this:
Go here to see more at Funnel of the Week….
Keys to this funnel include…
- The full breakdown of all "Anti-Tariff" video variations + funnel
- How their funnel differs dramatically between Meta vs. Quora/Native (and why this is important if you’re looking to scale on completely unaware, cold traffic)
- Their 4 unique advertorial angles that pre-frame the sale perfectly
- The psychological triggers they use to turn economic anxiety into purchase urgency
- And a whole lot more…
📱 Ad #1: “You Don’t Need Motivation. You Need Discipline.” — Wisey Returns with Emotional Relevance
First up for this week - this 37-second YT Short is raw, internal, and quietly transformational. It feels like a diary entry or therapy share—until you realize it’s an ad.
Then it becomes a masterclass in low-friction persuasion.
✅ First-person confession = emotional access
✅ “Therapist recommended it” = built-in authority
✅ Personalized solution = logic & uniqueness
✅ CTA = relief, not urgency
Let’s break it down!
Hook – “You Don’t Need Motivation…”
Visual: Low-energy speaker in cluttered home setting
👉 Why it works:
•Instantly flips a self-help cliché: motivation ≠ answer.
•“Ruining my life” creates emotional stakes in 5 seconds.
•Quiet, unpolished delivery = authenticity.
Middle – Spiral of Problems + Recommendation
Visual: Messy scenes → therapist conversation
👉 Why it works:
•Piles relatable pain points: late, distracted, unmotivated.
•“Therapist recommended this course” feels earned, not pitched.
•Subtly positions the app as a breakthrough, not a tool.
Solution – “Discovered My Discipline Type”
Visual: App UI + exercise visuals
👉 Why it works:
•“Not another planner app” kills common objections.
•Personalization (“my discipline type”) sounds intelligent.
•Exercises = low-friction next step.
CTA – “I Finally Feel Happy”
Visual: Brighter setting, smiling user
👉 Why it works:
•Ends with emotional payoff, not a discount.
•No price, no push—just satisfaction.
🔑 Key Takeaways from this Ad
- Starts with emotional vulnerability
- Uses therapist rec for social proof
- Reframes productivity tools with identity angle
- Soft CTA fits perfectly with tone
Finally, here’s what the landing page in use by this advertiser looks like:
YouTube Shorts Ad Free Brainstorm
👣 Ad #2: “My Feet Were Weak and I Had No Idea” — Vivo Barefoot Turns a Shoe Into a Human Reboot
Next up - an ad that is calmly persuasive and proof-backed:
It mimics a podcast highlight but converts like a well-sequenced product pitch.
✅ Personal revelation = immediate relatability
✅ Podiatrist + study + founder = layered credibility
✅ Benefit = foundational human health
✅ CTA = direct + creator discount
Let’s get into more details:
Hook – “I Wish Someone Had Told Me Sooner”
Visual: Speaker in casual setting, holding shoes
👉 Why it works:
•Feels like advice from a friend, not an influencer.
•“Weak feet” is intriguing and surprising.
•Delivery tone = calm, curious, trustable.
Middle – Medical + Scientific Proof
Visual: Foot model, Liverpool study screenshot
👉 Why it works:
•“Podiatrist recommended…” = medical proof
•Liverpool University = academic credibility
•“60% stronger feet” = quantified transformation
CTA – Founder Deal + Discount Link
Visual: Discount code and link overlay
👉 Why it works:
•“I spoke to the founder” = high-trust endorsement
•“20% off at vivobarefoot.com/steven” is fast, clear, and creator-led
•Feels exclusive, even if it’s public
🔑 Key Takeaways from this Ad
- Ad hides in plain sight as casual share
- Triple-stack credibility: doctor + study + founder
- Focuses on a unique angle: human re-alignment through feet
- Creator code CTA feels personal and low-risk
To finish off with, here’s a quick look at this advertiser’s lander as well:
🚀 "Spy" on 23 Million YouTube Ads
(and Landing Pages)!
Unlock proven strategies for success with the VidTao Premium YouTube Ad Library. Get instant access to your FREE VidTao trial today 👇
Take the guesswork out of YouTube ads – start scaling smarter.
With that, we’re all finished for this week! ✅
We hope this week’s selection of high-performing YouTube Shorts ads has sparked new ideas to test yourself!
Want more insights like these?
Stay tuned for next week’s VidTao 2 Shorts Tuesday…
…where we’ll continue breaking down winning YouTube Shorts Ads you can break down + model for your own creatives & campaigns.
And btw… If you have questions about YouTube ads or YouTube Shorts ads in particular?
Go here to schedule a free chat with our friends at Inceptly. Inceptly is a top Direct Response video ad agency, specializing in high-performing YouTube ad creatives & media buying.
Have a great week!
PS - Go here to Claim Your Free Trial of VidTao Premium: Access 23 Million YouTube Ads & Their Landing Pages!
PPS - Are you spending $1k/day+ on Paid Ads? 👉 Go here to set up a free YouTube Ad brainstorm chat.