Want to see some YouTube Shorts ads that are scaling right now, using VidTao the best 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.
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: “I Can’t Dress Old Money, I’m Broke” – Fashion Brand Turns Self-Deprecation Into a Flex
This no-dialogue YouTube Shorts ad leans entirely on visual storytelling and on-screen text + music - no voiceover, just a common issue turned into a scroll-stopper:
It includes:
Emotional hook wrapped in slight humor
Trending aesthetic (old money) meets budget-friendly twist
Visual payoff: “You can look like this, even if you're broke”
Hook – Relatable Insecurity + Trend Reference
A group of well-dressed guys walk in slow motion wearing “old money” fits.
Text reads: "I can't dress old money, I'm broke."
Why this works:
- Taps into the aesthetic aspiration trend (old money = timeless, elevated).
- Uses a self-deprecating thought many viewers have, making it relatable and non-pretentious.
- The pacing and vibe of the song (“Back to Black”) match the moody, luxurious tone.
Visual Reveal – Budget Looks That Hit
Camera cuts to clean outfit photos from the brand’s collection. The fits still scream “old money,” but the implication is these looks are affordable.
Why this works:
- Feels aspirational and achievable — viewers think: “Wait, I could actually pull this off.”
- Uses aesthetic mimicry — filming/editing style mirrors luxury brand ads.
- No voiceover = globally accessible.
Additionally, here’s what this ad’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: “Adderall Helped Me—Until It Didn’t” – Thesis Leans Into Vulnerable Founder Storytelling
This direct-to-camera ad from Thesis opens with a raw, honest confession and evolves into a purpose-driven origin story.
This ad has:
Emotional vulnerability upfront
Problem → Rock bottom → Transformation arc
Ends with both credibility and hope
Hook – A Story Millions Relate To
“Adderall made me into the person I always wanted to be — but at a cost.”
Why this works:
- Cuts straight to the emotional complexity: relief, but with consequences.
- Speaks to a large audience dealing with ADHD, productivity guilt, or over-reliance on stimulants.
Brand Origin Story + Visual Ingredient Credibility
The speaker shares how he didn’t like who he was becoming and how he created Thesis to offer a better path. Visuals of capsules, nootropics, and clean UI reinforce legitimacy.
Why this works:
- Founder-led storytelling = trust builder.
- Ingredient visuals + “custom to your brain chemistry” = feels personalized and scientific.
- Hits emotional pain + offers a mission-driven solution.
CTA – “If You’re Like Me…”
“If you’ve tried everything to focus… take Thesis.”
Why this works:
- Emotional mirroring: the viewer self-identifies with the pain.
- Simple CTA, rooted in empathy — not hype.
Let’s now look at this advertiser’s lander as well:
Key Takeaways from These 2 Ads:
Emotion First, Product Second
Both ads lead with real human emotion before introducing the product. Slight humor in Ad #1, vulnerability in Ad #2.
Aesthetics Sell Without Explaining
Ad #1 proves you don’t need a script — just style and smart visual pacing to tell a story.
Confessional Storytelling Builds Trust
The Thesis ad avoids traditional ad-speak and instead feels like a diary entry. That intimacy = persuasion.
Trendjacking That Feels Native
The “old money” fashion theme + “Back to Black” soundtrack anchor Ad #1 in current culture without shouting for attention.
Silent or Spoken, One Idea Wins
Whether you talk or not — both ads focus on one clear narrative: “look good on a budget” or “focus without Adderall.”
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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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