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.
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 Sweat Intervention – This YouTube Shorts Ad Turns Embarrassment Into Sales
Our first ad pick for today blends street-interview spontaneity with founder-led pitch, and it works.
It builds tension fast, flips it with empathy, then closes with a high-value offer.
Check it out:
This ad:
Hijacks a universal insecurity (sweat stains in public)
Transitions seamlessly into founder-led product demo
Closes strong with a stacked direct-response offer
Let’s break it down part by part:
Hook – The Sweat Stain Spot & Confrontation
“Are you seeing that sweat stain? I feel like I need to go talk to her…”
Why this works:
- Bold social tension instantly grabs attention
- Viewers lean in to see what’ll happen next
- “I work for a deodorant company…” removes hostility → opens the loop
Insight – All Deodorants Just Mask Odor
“They’re using fragrance to mask the odor, but not stopping the sweat.”
Why this works:
- Educates mid-scroll, without losing momentum
- Reframes mainstream deodorants as ineffective → sets up contrast
- Builds credibility via calm, founder-led tone
Demo – Carpe’s Lotion Antiperspirant
“Smooth, quick-drying lotion that goes on clear and stops odor and sweat.”
Why this works:
- Physical demo builds believability
- Lotion format feels different vs. typical stick/spray → intrigue factor
- “Smells so good” = immediate social proof
Offer Stack – The Real CTA
“56% off. 4 fragrances. Free wipes. Free gift. Free shipping.”
Why this works:
- Rapid-fire benefits overwhelm objections
- Surprise + value = action trigger
- Makes the pitch feel generous, not salesy
Punchline – Keeps It Human
“Are you gonna get his number?” → “I have a girlfriend.”
Why this works:
- Ends on humor → boosts memorability
- Keeps the founder relatable, not pushy
Don’t forget to check out other ads by this advertiser as well for some additional inspo!
Here’s a sneak peek:
Key Takeaways From This Ad
Tension First, Pitch Second
Social tension (sweat stains) is the scroll-stopper, product enters only after attention is secured.
Founder = Trust Bridge
A real person, real context, and calm explanation make the pitch believable.
DR Offer Stack = Performance Engine
The pitch feels like a gift, not a sell, because of the abundance of bonuses.

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: The “Someone Cooked Here” Dental Transformation
This next ad doesn’t try to be subtle - and that’s exactly why it works.
A dramatic before-after narrative is delivered in one massive block of on-screen text, while a dentist looks genuinely stunned, all following a viral trend:
This ad:
Uses transformation storytelling without voiceover
Pairs a wild dental claim with a shocked facial reaction
Leverages the viral “someone cooked here” sound to boost replayability
Let’s get into more details:
Hook – “Mouth FULL of Yellow Teeth…”
“When a patient has a mouth FULL of yellow , bad breath, and early stage cavities…”
Why this works:
- Directly names every insecurity: yellow teeth, bad breath, cavities
- The capitalized “FULL” screams urgency
- Audiences know this isn’t about someone, it’s about them
Transformation – The Unexpected Cure
“…but started chewing remineralizing gum and came back 3 weeks later with no cavities, SNOW white teeth, & ZERO sensitivity.”
Why this works:
- Condenses a “miracle result” into one sentence
- Uses vivid outcome language: SNOW white, ZERO sensitivity
- 3 weeks = short time frame → increases believability
Visual Layer – Dentist Reacting in Real-Time
No words. Just a dentist staring wide-eyed at the camera with a mask on.
Why this works:
- Expression carries emotional weight
- Implies “this result even shocked me” → instant trust
- Pairs perfectly with viral “someone cooked here” audio for meme value
Additionally, here’s what this ad’s landing page looks like:
Key Takeaways From This Ad
No VO Needed When the Text Hits Hard
The ad trusts the copy to carry the pitch, and it works because every word builds the transformation.
Viral Sound = Context Multiplier
The “someone cooked here” sound acts like a co-sign from the culture, not just a trend-jack.
Shock + Specificity = Perfect Storm
“Zero sensitivity” and “snow white” aren’t vague claims, they’re vivid benefits.
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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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