Want to see some YouTube Shorts ads that are scaling right now, using VidTao YouTube ad 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.
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: The 44g Protein Combo – How Jocko Sells Body Fuel With Just One Line
This ad isn’t just a supplement pitch - it’s a whole vibe.
This ad is in a podcast mode, black-and-white footage rolling, while the guy casually drops his new protein combo. No B-roll, no hype music, no jump cuts.
Just a cookie, a shake, and 44 grams of “the protein machine.”
This ad:
Leverages authority and personal use to create trust
Uses “combo” language to anchor perceived value
Designed to feel authentic, not salesy
Let’s break it down:
Hook – “You know what my combo is now?”
Why it works:
- Conversational phrasing builds intrigue—“combo” implies it’s personal
- Jocko’s serious delivery commands attention instantly
- Cuts through polished noise by embracing rawness
Product Reveal – Cookie + Molk = 44g Protein
Why it works:
- Visual of the cookie and Molk side-by-side is simple but sticky
- Anchors the 44g protein as a punchline—“the protein machine” sounds almost meme-worthy
- Speaks directly to fitness-minded viewers who already count macros
Key Takeaways from This Ad
Podcast Aesthetic = Instant Credibility
Jocko’s visual + audio brand already signals “trustworthy + no BS.” That vibe does most of the selling.
Combo Framing = Value Multiplier
Positioning the two products as one “combo” makes them feel more powerful than sold separately.
One Statement, Fully Delivered
He doesn’t explain features. He doesn’t need to. The simplicity makes it more memorable.
Additionally, here’s what Jock’s landing page looks like:

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: 71% Off Knee Relief – This UGC Ad Packs Proof Into Every Frame
This Compressix knee brace ad does something brilliant: it makes relief look real that you can almost feel it yourself through the screen!
From walking up stairs to sitting down to removing the brace, everything screams “I actually use this!”
This ad:
Starts with a strong claim and numeric result
Builds credibility with mini-timeline and progression
Closes with urgency and discount offer
Let’s break it down:
Hook – “In 14 days, my knee pain went from a 9 to a 2.”
Why it works:
- High-contrast numbers drive immediate interest
- Hooks pain-aware viewers with a measurable result
- It’s framed as a personal story—not a sales claim
Demonstration & Benefits – Real Use in Real Settings
Why it works:
- Visuals support each claim: walking stairs, slipping the brace on, taking it off
- Testimonial tone builds empathy and believability
- Each line adds credibility (“by the 10th day...”, “I can really feel the difference…”)
Urgency CTA – 71% Off But Not for Long
Why it works:
- Discounts framed as temporary = FOMO
- Natural way to convert warm viewers without breaking the “story” vibe
Key Takeaways from This Ad
Start with Specific, Personal Results
Numbers (“9 to 2,” “14 days”) act like mini-case studies in a single sentence.
Use Realistic Progression
This isn’t a miracle cure—it’s a believable timeline with growing benefits, which builds trust.
Don’t Forget the Offer
After building all that believability, the discount closes the deal.
Finally, here’s what their advertorial-type landing page looks like:
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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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