July 8, 2025

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

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)

Go here to see more inside Funnel of the Week


👠 Ad #1: "I’m 5'7" and Spent $600 to Be Taller" — High Pads for Height Boost

Our first YouTube Shorts ad pick for this week is this 44-seconds long ad that is a first-person, problem-solution testimonial designed for maximum relatability.

It speaks directly to an insecurity (height) that many people (specifically, men) feel, but very few brands address this openly:

 Vulnerable personal hook = high engagement
 Product demo = visual proof
 Risk reversal + discount = conversion driver

Let’s get into more details:

Hook – "I am 5'7 and spent over $600 to be taller."
Visual: Speaker holding and showing various bad insoles.

 Why it works:

•Immediate confession + relatable frustration

•Creates curiosity: "What actually works?"

Middle – Honest Product Breakdown
Visual: Comparison of other failed products vs. the "high pads" solution.

 Why it works:

•Lists common complaints (painful, ineffective, unstable insoles)

•"Then I found this…" = smooth pivot into solution

•Demonstration of inserting pads into shoes = instant understanding

Benefits & CTA – Orthopedic + 3 Inches + Risk-Free Test
Visual: Speaker walking comfortably, product close-up, discount banner.

 Why it works:

•Highlights 3 key benefits: 3 inches taller, orthopedic safety, all-day comfort

•Mentions 90-day test and "40% off ends today" to create urgency

Additionally, here’s what this advertiser’s landing page looks like:

🔐 Key Takeaways:

•Starts with raw honesty to build connection

•Addresses objections before they form

•Visual + verbal demo removes doubt

•Soft urgency (40% off + trial) seals the deal

Screenshot 2025-02-25 at 14.04.53

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: "What Would You Do If a Man Wore This?" — Pheromone Cologne Street Reactions

This next ad we chose is pure UGC-style testimonial gold.

It uses real people, unscripted reactions, and playful street-style interviews to sell pheromone cologne—all wrapped around a single question: What would you do?

This ad has nearly 2M views on YouTube!

 Public reaction = social proof
 Desire + humor = emotional engagement
 Repetition = message retention

Let’s dissect this ad some more:

Hook – "It Smells Like a Fine-Ass Man"
Visual: Smiling interviewees reacting to the scent.

 Why it works:

•Fast emotional hit: laughter, smiles, playful language

•Zero time wasted—leads with reaction, not explanation

Middle – Reaction Carousel + Product Payoff
Visual: Multiple women sharing how the scent makes them feel + subtle product mention.

 Why it works:

•Humor keeps engagement high

•Pheromone science mentioned casually but memorably

•Scenarios painted: "At the club... what would you do?"

CTA – Unspoken but Powerful
Visual: Viewers know exactly what to do—find the scent.

 Why it works:

•No hard CTA needed: desire is built naturally through the reactions

•Leaves viewers imagining themselves as the "fine-ass man"

🔐 Key Takeaways:

•User reactions = instant proof of product effect

•Emotional appeal drives curiosity

•Humor reduces skepticism

•CTA is embedded in viewer imagination, not explicit language

Again, here’s a quick look at this advertiser’s lander:

🚀 "Spy" on 23 Million YouTube Ads

(and Landing Pages)!


Unlock proven strategies for success with the VidTao Premium YouTube Ad Library. Get instant access to your FREE VidTao trial today 👇

Take the guesswork out of YouTube ads – start scaling smarter.


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.

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