Want to see some YouTube Shorts ads that are scaling right now, using VidTao ad intelligence software?
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 ~
Air Fryers, ‘Dark Posting’ & Category Creation for a $4B Market
Our friends at Funnel of the Week just released a new funnel breakdown…
… This time it’s a DTC beauty brand using dark posting + smart benefit repositioning to turn a decades-old niche product into a mainstream hit.
The product? Shampoo bars. The angle? No longer “eco-friendly” - now it’s hair transformation stories like:
“My hair grew 4 inches in 2 months”
“Finally found the solution for my thin, lifeless hair”
And the growth opportunity is huge:
- US shampoo bar market: $4.13B, growing 7.7% annually
- Only 35% of consumers know this category exists
- Only 8% have tried solid shampoo bars
Go here to see more at Funnel of the Week….
Inside this breakdown, you’ll see:
✓ All “dark post” influencer accounts running now - and how they target different demos
✓ Creative strategy that shifts from eco benefits to personal transformation
✓ The awareness stage moves that take someone from “never heard of it” to “ordering today”
✓ How this exact framework has created billion-dollar markets before (electric toothbrushes, plant-based meat, and more)
Ad #1: BetterMe’s 28-Day Pilates Challenge - Targeted, Aspirational, and Tap-Friendly
Our first ad pick for this week speaks directly to one of the most overlooked fitness segments: women who feel left behind.
Instead of showing six-packs or influencers, it offers something much more powerful — a fresh start.
Check out the ad for yourself:
This ad includes:
Targeted call-out ("girls who haven't exercised in years") Visuals of real progress without gym intimidation Clearly defined challenge = built-in commitment device
Let’s get into more details:
Hook – “We are looking for girls who haven’t exercised in years…”
Why this works:
- Hyper-specific language that speaks to past failure, not current motivation
- The “challenge” offers a hopeful reframe without feeling sales-y
- Strong callout + soft aesthetic = scroll-stopper for the problem-aware audience
Core – Progress + Structure
Visuals of:
- “Day 20” + visible results
- Short workouts (20 mins/day)
- Visual schedule (28-day UI)
Why this works:
- Progress shown early = builds belief
- “Only 20 minutes” = minimizes time objection
- Seeing a full workout calendar = built-in structure, reduces friction to start
CTA – “Tap the screen to try it and thank me later.” Why this works:
- Natural tone, direct CTA
- “Thank me later” = social proof baked into the pitch
Here’s what this advertiser’s landing page look like:
Key Takeaways From This Ad
Speak to past struggle, not fitness ambition
Challenges sell better than programs
Progress visuals + simple structure = commitment magnet
YouTube Shorts Ad Free Brainstorm
Want to brainstorm with us on new ways to scale your business with
YouTube Shorts Ads (and other performance video platforms)?
Join us for a free YouTube Shorts Ad brainstorming session here:
Ad #2: ColonBroom’s UGC Mashup - Benefits First, Offer Last
This next ad leans into fast-cut visuals, punchy benefits text, and a strong close.
It’s a benefits-first blitz that keeps things emotional and ‘snackable’:
Immediate social proof (“Lost 22 lbs!”) Bright, scroll-stopping visuals (pink powder, outdoor shots) Closes with urgency + offer
Let’s break this ad down even more:
Hook – “Zero sugar. Full of fiber. NON-GMO.” Why this works:
- Nutritional shorthand = quick credibility
- Text overlay hits 3 benefits in <3 seconds
- Smiling UGC presenter makes it human, not clinical
Benefits Montage – “No more cravings. Lost 22 lbs. Feeling light.” Why this works:
- Symptom-to-transformation framing: cravings → results
- Social proof (“lost 22 lbs”) builds immediate desire
- Text + visuals = snackable and shareable
Final CTA – “Guys, 65% off… go grab it.” Why this works:
- Offer urgency baked into casual delivery
- “Really, hurry up” adds social pressure in a friendly way
You can check out other ads by this advertiser as well using VidTao ad intelligence software, don’t miss out:
Key Takeaways From This Ad
Start with identity-building benefit stacks
Every frame = a claim (no filler)
Casual CTA lands stronger after trust is built
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(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!
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.