Want to see some YouTube Shorts ads that are scaling right now, using VidTao YouTube ads spy tool?
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: “This Turns Your Phone Into a Console” (Backbone One)
This 26-seconds long ad wastes no time!
It’s visual-first, utility-driven, and aimed squarely at mobile gamers looking to upgrade without buying new hardware.
This ad consist of:
Tangible value = immediately clear Plug-and-play demo = low friction Portable gaming angle = high desirability Works across devices = versatility boost
Let’s now get into even more details, part by part…
Hook – "This is the Backbone One…"
Visual: Hands plug Backbone into a phone — instant transformation
Why it works:
•Clear identity: product is named immediately
•Immediate benefit: “turns your phone into a console”
•Visual payoff in first 3 seconds
Middle – Feature Dump Without the Pitch
Visual: Scrolling gameplay clips + device in different settings
Why it works:
•App + console + emulator compatibility hits wide audience
•Portable form factor = social proof in use
•“Works with laptops and desktops” expands appeal
CTA – Implicit, Not Stated
Visual: Product remains in hand throughout, nothing flashy
Why it works:
•Letting utility do the work
•Pure show-don’t-tell approach
To add on, here’s what this advertiser’s landing page looks like:
Key Takeaways from this Ad
•Start with transformation, not problem
•Stack unexpected features (emulator + console + laptop)
•Keep it hands-on, not hypey
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: "POV: You Travel the World Without Paying for Hotels" (TrustedHousesitters)
This next ad we chose for this week rides on a wave of a popular TikTok POV trend.
There’s no dialogue - just an audio, romantic visuals, and a text-based value prop that makes you pause and want to learn more.
Check it out:
It includes: POV setup = high relatability Text overlays = narrative clarity Trend sound = cultural credibility Surprise hook = disrupts scroll
Hook – "POV: You’re Staying in a $3,000/Week Villa for Free"
Visual: Beautiful villa, scenic shots, traveler with dog
Why it works:
•Scroll-stopping claim right up top
•High-luxury environment with no price anchor
•Makes you ask: "How is this possible?"
Middle – Visual Proof + Brand Flash
Visual: Animal cuddles, interior shots, overlay text: “TrustedHousesitters”
Why it works:
•Romanticizes the house-sitting lifestyle
•Keeps narrative rooted in TikTok-native flow
•Short enough to loop without sounding like an ad
CTA – Soft Visual Prompt
Visual: Brand name shown in overlay near end
Why it works:
•Viewer-initiated curiosity
•CTA isn’t a push — it’s a hint
Here’s a quick look at this advertiser’s lander as well:
Key Takeaways from this Ad
•Uses trend audio to establish mood instantly
•POV format makes it feel personal, not salesy
•Strong offer is implied through visuals, not spoken
•Great template for experience-based services
"Spy" on 23 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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