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 ~
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: From Takeout to Frozen Aisle – The Soup Dumpling Founder Story That Wins With Warmth
Our first ad pick for this week is this frozen dumplings founder story-type ad by the brand Mila.
This ad blends aesthetic food making process inserts, founder authenticity, and scarcity-driven success in under a minute.
It’s cozy, real, and subtly persuasive - without feeling salesy.
Check it out yourself:
This ad:
Opens with a viral meme reference ("Good soup") Weaves in credibility through a podcast-style founder story Mixes high-scarcity proof ("sold out for 3 months") with emotional relatability
Let’s break it down step by step now:
Hook – “Good soup.”
Why it works:
- Leans on a TikTok-native meme for instant recognition
- Juxtaposes humor with delicious close-ups = scroll stopper
- Zero intro—gets straight to the payoff bite
Core – How They Accidentally Created a Viral Product
Why it works:
- Human-first storytelling: “We ran out of food every day” → evokes demand and urgency
- Underdog charm: built a scalable product out of a kitchen hit
- Hits real distribution insight: frozen soup dumplings are hard to find, especially in non-coastal cities
- Finishes with a confident brand promise: “restaurant-quality food, accessible to anyone”
This advertiser also has a really cool looking landing page, check it out:
Key Takeaways From This Ad
Food + Founder = Trust Cocktail
A warm personality + juicy food shots = emotionally satisfying, even without aggressive CTAs.
Leans on Education, Not Hype
Instead of “we’re the best,” it lets the customer infer that through story, visuals, and scarcity.
Perfect Format for Warm Audiences or Organic Growth
This wouldn’t cold-convert at scale—but it’s ideal for email, retargeting, or native shorts discovery.
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: SonoBello’s Beauty Procedure Ad That Quietly Handles Every Objection
This next ad is a classic “scroll-by UGC wall” format - quick cuts of real people, minimal text, and zero talking heads.
It's designed to answer your concerns before you Google them.
Visually diverse cast = mass appeal Text-only storytelling = no sound required Frames multiple pain points as solved (cost, pain, trust, recovery)
Let’s get into even more details:
Hook – "First Impressions After Fat Removal" Why it works:
- Clear transformation-based promise—speaks to curiosity & vanity
- The confident body language of the woman locks attention
- Pink sparkle emoji signals this is for her
Core – Rapid-Fire Social Proof & Objection Handling Why it works:
- Uplifting music keeps vibe positive while showing:
- Friendly surgeons
- Easy procedure
- Affordable payment plans
- Strategic ordering of benefits: Trust → Comfort → Money → CTA
CTA – “Learn More Below” Why it works:
- Casual but directive
- Visual = woman showing off her waistline—implies transformation
- Great for native in-feed conversion
Inside our YouTube ads spy tool VidTao, you can find other ads by this advertiser as well, and check on all the relevant stats too:
Key Takeaways From This Ad
No Sound, No Problem
The ad doesn’t need narration—smart text layering and upbeat visuals do the job.
Classic “Solution Stack” Montage
Tackles every friction point in ~2 seconds each. It’s not deep—but it doesn’t need to be.
Optimized for Scroll Conversion
It's fast, clean, emotional—but light. Perfect for DTC cosmetic lead gen on Shorts or Reels.
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(and Landing Pages)!
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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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PPS - Are you spending $1k/day+ on Paid Ads? Go here to set up a free YouTube Ad brainstorm chat.