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: “My Wife Got Me This Ice Bath… I’m Hooked.” — IcePod Leans on Back Pain + Everyday Energy
This 38-second long YouTube Shorts ad is testimonial-style and credibility-rich, delivered by a regular guy with real pain—and real relief.
It’s not overproduced, but it hits hard by stacking benefits you’d never expect from cold water:
✅ Real-world intro = relatability
✅ Problem → unexpected solution = curiosity
✅ Clear benefits beyond the product (sleep, stress, focus)
✅ Ends with a strong price CTA
Let’s break it down in more details:
Hook – "I Got This as a Gift…”
Visual: Man standing next to his ice pod in a backyard
👉 Why it works:
•Sounds like a personal vlog, not an ad.
•“I’ve been struggling with back pain…” hooks anyone over 30 instantly.
•The phrase “I’m hooked” adds a casual, believable endorsement.
Middle – Cold Water, Big Wins
Visual: B-roll of him stepping into the pod, overlaid with benefits list
👉 Why it works:
•Explains how cold immersion actually helps (muscle soreness, inflammation, chronic pain).
•Pivots from price pain of massages to affordable alternative.
•Transitions into broader emotional/mental benefits (focus, happiness, sleep).
Product + CTA – “Just $99”
Visual: On-screen price overlay + site URL
👉 Why it works:
•$99 price anchors this as a steal.
•“Changed my life” is big, but believable in the calm, reflective tone.
•The landing page mention is fast, but clear.
🔑 Key Takeaways from this Ad
Before we dive into the next ad analysis, let’s also take a quick look at this advertiser’s landing page!
First, you get to spin the wheel and get mystery prizes…
…and this is what their actual lander looks like:
YouTube Shorts Ad Free Brainstorm
💤 Ad #2: “Sleeping on Your Side is Destroying Your Neck” — Pillow Ad Goes Full Doctor-Mode
Our next ad of choice is an ad that is educational, intense, and doctor-delivered.
It grabs attention through fear, then reframes your nightly habit as an easily fixable mistake:
✅ High-authority delivery = instant credibility
✅ Visual demonstration = fast understanding
✅ Problem-agitate-solve formula
✅ Black Friday CTA = urgency without hype
Let’s break it down:
Hook – “You’re Damaging Your Vertebrae”
Visual: Doctor holding a limp pillow next to a model spine
👉 Why it works:
•Sounds like a warning, not a pitch.
•Immediately reframes something millions of people do (side-sleeping) as dangerous.
•Tone is confident, not dramatic.
Middle – Alignment + Circulation Demo
Visual: Hand-under-pillow vs. ergonomic model overlay
👉 Why it works:
•Quick, visual comparison makes it tangible.
•“You’re cutting off circulation” adds a second pain point.
•Sets up urgency without saying the word “urgent.”
Solution + CTA – Pillow Fix + Black Friday Sale
Visual: Ergonomic pillow displayed, link prompt at bottom
👉 Why it works:
•“Ergonomic” + “properly align your spine” = logic-driven benefit
•“Avoid blood clots” is an emotional health motivator
•Black Friday sale mention closes with a soft nudge
🔑 Key Takeaways from this Ad
To finish off with for this week, here’s a quick look at this advertiser’s lander:
🚀 "Spy" on 21 Million YouTube Ads
(and Landing Pages)!
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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!
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PPS - Are you spending $1k/day+ on Paid Ads? 👉 Go here to set up a free YouTube Ad brainstorm chat.