Want to see some YouTube Shorts ads that are scaling right now, using VidTao YouTube competitor analysis.
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: Brainway - What Procrastination Really Feels Like (and How to Escape It)
This short-form ad uses visual storytelling, tweet-style relatability, and an almost meditative text scroll to walk us through the mental trap of procrastination.
Check it out:
This ad:
Has the aesthetic that feels personal and smart, not salesy Mirrors the viewer’s self-talk to create empathy Solves a complex problem (overwhelm) with a clear path (quiz CTA)
Let’s dissect it even more, shall we?
Hook – “How to recognize a procrastinator?”
Why it works:
Feels like a social media post you’d stop to read. The casual tone disarms the viewer, while the promise of recognition plays on identity.
Core Insight – “He always feels overwhelmed by his to-do list…”
Why it works:
This middle section mirrors the exact inner monologue of an overwhelmed viewer. Each line quietly stacks emotional resonance without shouting a solution too early.
Payoff – “Start a new life today. Take a quiz.”
Why it works:
By the time the CTA arrives, the viewer already feels seen - now the quiz is not a sales tool, it’s a lifeline.
Here’s what this advertiser’s landing page looks like:
Key Takeaways
Emotionally literate copywriting - This ad doesn’t pitch. It relates. That makes it feel less like a funnel, more like a friend.
Page-turn visual format - The “flipping book” effect adds momentum and novelty, keeping viewers watching.
Silent transformation arc - From identification to liberation, without breaking the viewer’s mental flow.
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: ShaperLuv – The Most Relatable Pitch for Men’s Shapewear
Let’s now take a look at our next ad:
This gym-setting demo might be low-fi, but it’s HIGH impact! It’s funny, fast, and gives you every reason to buy in under a minute.
This ad combines:
Raw authenticity with a real gym setting Humor + transformation + deal = high CTR “Before and after” baked into the action
Hook – “It’s tough to put on... but it’s supposed to be like that.”
Why it works:
It sets expectations and adds legitimacy. Difficulty = compression = results. No overpromise here.
Demo – “Look at that... Watch this.”
Why it works:
This is the money shot. The product goes on, the results are visible, and the vibe is confident - not ashamed. The "watch this" repetition tees up curiosity like a magician.
Offer Stack – “Buy 1 Get 1 Free”
Why it works:
Simple. Bold. Instant value. Positioned as a no-brainer once the demo lands.
Check out this advertiser’s lander as well:
Key Takeaways
Zero shame, all confidence: The model turns shapewear into a flex, not a fix. That’s the tone shift that makes it work. Casual, contagious energy: The guy’s delivery is like a voice note from a friend - authentic, excited, and persuasive. Stacked persuasion: Product benefits, offer urgency, and transformation all packed into one scene.
"Spy" on 29 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 
Claim Your FREE VidTao Trial Now!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 29 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.
Solid suggestions — would be great to see a downloadable checklist.