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 ~
The "Anti-Tariff" Promo: Crisis = Opportunity?
Our friends at Funnel of the Week just dropped a new funnel breakdown…
…This time it’s an advertorial to ecomm funnel driving 1M+ clicks per month via a few very different approaches that you can model for your own business today.
On one hand? They are leveraging the current “Tariff Crisis” with some very specific short form video frameworks:
They’re running unique Native + Quora campaigns driving ice-cold top of funnel traffic to advertorials like this:
Go here to see more at Funnel of the Week….
Keys to this funnel include…
- The full breakdown of all "Anti-Tariff" video variations + funnel
- How their funnel differs dramatically between Meta vs. Quora/Native (and why this is important if you’re looking to scale on completely unaware, cold traffic)
- Their 4 unique advertorial angles that pre-frame the sale perfectly
- The psychological triggers they use to turn economic anxiety into purchase urgency
- And a whole lot more…
Ad #1: “I Need You to Stay…” - POV-Driven Soft Sell Using Music & Good Vibes
This first ad we picked for this week doesn’t verbally explain anything. Its showcasing.
No voiceover. No hard CTA.
Just a POV trend and a guy in a cozy setup giving a tutorial on creating a song:
It works because it doesn’t try too hard!
It hides in plain sight as just another TikTok trend - until it pulls you into the vibe.
Let’s get into even more details:
Hook – “I Need You to Stay, Baby…”
Visual: Intimate close-up, moody lighting, direct-to-camera delivery
Why it works:
•Leads with feeling, not selling
•Captures attention with facial emotion and sincerity
•Lyrics act as the script, no voiceover needed
Middle – The Song Carries It
Visual: Soft eye contact, restrained delivery, minimal movement
Why it works:
•Viewers are drawn in by tone, not CTA
•No distractions = full focus on the tutorial and music
•Strong shareability — especially for emotional or romantic audiences
Here’s a quick scroll through this advertiser’s neat-looking landing page too:
Key Takeaways from this Ad:
•Proof that emotional tone can be the message
•Ultra-native to TikTok and Shorts culture
•Zero selling = zero friction
•Powerful for top-of-funnel memorability or retargeting setup
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: “These Are the Jeans That Turn People Into Repeat Customers” - High-Energy Jeans Ad
The next ad is pure pitch - but it works because the energy is high and the product claims are specific.
This girl on screen isn’t trying to be subtle. She’s stacking proof: low returns, perfect fit, fast shipping.
Check it out:
This ad has racked up 4M views in <14 days, and is currently at over 6M views!
This ad includes: High-energy delivery = keeps attention “Least returned” = specific trust signal Proof stacking= low returns, perfect fit, fast shipping
Hook – “Miles and Miles on These Jeans…”
Visual: Girl on screen, showing off jeans fit
Why it works:
•Opens with confidence and product name
•“Best jeans you’ll ever own” = clear bold promise
•Name repetition builds brand memory
Middle – Fit, Feel, Length Callouts
Visual: Slow pan on denim, booty fit emphasized
Why it works:
•Specific: inseam length, non-distressed detail
•Combines emotional & rational reasons to buy
•Testimonial-like, even though it’s first-person
CTA -“Hurry Up, Grab Yours”
Why it works:
•Urgency matches energy of pitch
•Scarcity (“we’ve sold thousands”) = FOMO
•Reassures: “we’ll ship fast, too”
To finish off with, here’s what this advertiser’s lander looks like:
Key Takeaways from this Ad
•Energy can be the hook if the pitch is strong
•Specific claims outperform vague benefits
•First-person testimonial builds trust fast
•Great for boutiques, fashion, consumables
🚀 "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.