Ultimate Guide to Running Image Ads on YouTube in 2024: Step-by-Step Instructions

Running ads on YouTube with images primarily involves leveraging display ads, bumper ads, or creating compelling thumbnails for video ads. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you set up image-based ads on YouTube in 2024:

Step 1: Set Up Your Google Ads Account

1. Log in to Google Ads: Go to ads.google.com and log in with your Google account.
2. Create a New Campaign: Click the "+" button to create a new campaign.

Step 2: Choose Your Campaign Type and Goal

1. Select Campaign Type: Choose "Video" for video ads or "Display" for display ads.
2. Choose Your Goal: Depending on your objectives, select goals like "Website Traffic," "Brand Awareness and Reach," or "Product and Brand Consideration."

Step 3: Set Up Your Campaign

1. Campaign Name: Give your campaign a descriptive name.
2. Budget and Dates:
   • Set your daily or total budget.
   • Choose the start and end dates for your campaign.
3. Networks:
   • For video ads: Choose "YouTube Videos."
   • For display ads: Choose "YouTube Display Network" if you want image ads on YouTube.

Step 4: Define Your Target Audience

1. Demographics: Select the age, gender, parental status, and household income of your target audience.
2. Interests: Choose interests and affinities relevant to your product or service.
3. Keywords and Topics: Add relevant keywords and topics to target specific content.
4. Placements: Choose specific YouTube channels or videos where you want your ads to appear.

Step 5: Create Your Ad Group

1. Ad Group Name: Give your ad group a name.
2. Bidding: Choose your bidding strategy, such as "Maximize Conversions" or "Target CPA."

Step 6: Create Your Ad

For Display Ads:

1. Choose Ad Format: Select "Responsive Display Ad."
2. Add Images and Logos: Upload high-quality images and logos that meet Google's specifications.
   • Recommended image size: 1200 x 628 pixels.
   • File size: Under 5MB.
3. Add Headlines and Descriptions: Create engaging headlines (30 characters) and descriptions (90 characters).
4. Add Final URL: Enter the URL you want users to visit.

For Video Ads with Compelling Thumbnails:

1. Choose Ad Format: Select the type of video ad you want to run (e.g., skippable in-stream, non-skippable in-stream, bumper ads).
2. Upload Your Video: Ensure the video is high-quality and optimized for your audience.
3. Create a Compelling Thumbnail: YouTube allows you to upload a custom thumbnail.
   • Recommended thumbnail size: 1280 x 720 pixels.
   • File size: Under 2MB.
4. Add Call-to-Action: Include a strong call-to-action in the video or as an overlay.

Step 7: Review and Launch Your Campaign

1. Review Your Ad: Ensure all details are correct, and your images display properly.
2. Launch Your Campaign: Click "Publish" to start running your ad.

Tips for Effective YouTube Image Ads

• High-Quality Visuals: Use clear, high-resolution images and thumbnails.
• Engaging Thumbnails: Make sure your video thumbnails are eye-catching and relevant to the content.
• Clear Messaging: Ensure your ad copy and visuals convey a clear and compelling message.
• Consistent Branding: Maintain consistent branding across all your ads to enhance recognition.
• A/B Testing: Test different images and headlines to see what resonates best with your audience.

By following these steps, you can effectively create and run image-based ads on YouTube in 2024, capturing your audience's attention and driving engagement.