# YouTube Ads Analysis Skill > Analyze YouTube ad campaign performance across various formats, including Skippable In-Stream, Shorts, and Connected TV. Get actionable insights to optimize creative quality, targeting, and measurement strategies for better results. - Canonical: https://nanoskill.ai/skills/youtube-ads-analysis - Markdown: https://nanoskill.ai/skills/youtube-ads-analysis.md - Author: AgriciDaniel - Published: 2026-05-23T00:22:42.796Z - Updated: 2026-07-25T04:21:17.949Z - Language: en - Source type: github - Popularity signal: 5149 ## Sources - https://github.com/AgriciDaniel/claude-ads ## Install ```shell npx skills add https://github.com/AgriciDaniel/claude-ads/tree/main/skills/ads-youtube ``` ## About The YouTube Ads Analysis skill provides a comprehensive evaluation of your YouTube advertising campaigns, helping marketers and advertisers optimize their video ad performance. By analyzing various campaign types, creative quality, audience targeting, and measurement strategies, this skill delivers actionable insights to improve your return on investment on the world's largest video platform. It's designed to help you understand what's working, what's not, and how to make data-driven decisions to enhance your YouTube ad strategy. This skill delves into the specifics of each YouTube ad format, from Skippable In-Stream and Non-Skippable ads to the rapidly growing YouTube Shorts and Connected TV (CTV) placements. It offers detailed assessments of creative elements, including the crucial first 5 seconds of a video, production quality, and the strategic use of vertical formats for Shorts. Furthermore, it guides users through effective audience targeting options, remarketing setups, and the nuances of frequency management to ensure your message reaches the right viewers at the optimal cadence. Beyond campaign setup and creative, the YouTube Ads Analysis skill provides critical insights into measurement and attribution, addressing benchmarks for key metrics like view rate and CPV, and highlighting the importance of view-through conversions. It also tackles the unique challenges of CTV measurement, offering alternative tracking methods where traditional solutions fall short. The skill culminates in a weighted health score and a list of 'Quick Wins,' enabling users to implement immediate improvements and drive better results from their YouTube advertising efforts. ## Key features - **Comprehensive Campaign Type Assessment**: Evaluates performance across all major YouTube ad formats, including Skippable In-Stream, Non-Skippable, Bumper, Shorts, Demand Gen, and Connected TV (CTV) ads, providing tailored insights for each. - **In-depth Creative Quality Analysis**: Assesses video ad creatives based on critical factors like hook effectiveness (first 5 seconds), production quality (audio, visual, subtitles), and creative volume, leveraging the ABCD framework for optimal engagement. - **Strategic Audience Targeting Evaluation**: Reviews YouTube-specific targeting options such as Custom Intent, In-Market, Affinity, Customer Match, and Placement targeting, along with remarketing setups and frequency management strategies. - **Detailed Measurement and Attribution Insights**: Analyzes key YouTube metrics, provides benchmarks, and offers guidance on attribution considerations, including view-through conversions, data-driven attribution, and CTV measurement challenges. - **Actionable Health Score and Quick Wins**: Generates a weighted health score for YouTube Ads performance and identifies immediate 'quick wins' to improve campaign effectiveness, covering areas like Demand Gen migration and vertical creative optimization. ## Use cases - **Optimize Existing YouTube Ad Campaigns**: Advertisers can use this skill to analyze current YouTube ad performance, identify underperforming areas, and receive recommendations to enhance campaign setup, creative, and targeting for better ROI. - **Develop High-Performing YouTube Shorts Ads**: Marketers can leverage the Shorts-specific creative requirements and hook templates to design authentic, mobile-first video ads that resonate with younger demographics and drive higher conversions. - **Improve Connected TV (CTV) Advertising Strategy**: Businesses can assess their CTV ad creatives for TV screen viewing, understand shoppable CTV capabilities, and address critical measurement limitations to accurately track performance on the fastest-growing YouTube surface. - **Transition from Video Action Campaigns to Demand Gen**: Users can ensure a smooth migration from deprecated Video Action Campaigns (VAC) to Demand Gen, optimizing for multi-format assets (video + image) and understanding the implications for frequency capping. ## Result preview Explore a real YouTube Ads optimization report powered by this Skill. ![YouTube Ads optimization report generated by this AI skill](https://file.nanoskill.ai/youtube-ads-report) ![YouTube Ads optimization report generated by this AI skill](https://file.nanoskill.ai/youtube-ads-report2) ![YouTube Ads optimization report generated by this AI skill](https://file.nanoskill.ai/youtube-ads-report3) ## Result walkthrough ### Install Add the YouTube Ads Skill to your AI agent. ![the process of installing](https://file.nanoskill.ai/%20install) ### Analyze Ads Paste a YouTube ad URL and request a performance analysis. ![the process of analyzing ads](https://file.nanoskill.ai/ads-analysis) ### Review Insights Get actionable optimization recommendations to improve ads performance. ![review insights](https://file.nanoskill.ai/review-insights) ## Skill definition # YouTube Ads Analysis ## Process 1. Collect YouTube Ads data (Google Ads export filtered to Video campaigns) 2. Read `ads/references/google-audit.md` for YouTube-relevant checks (incl. G-DG1 through G-DG3, G-CTV1) 3. Read `ads/references/platform-specs.md` for video specifications 4. Read `ads/references/benchmarks.md` for YouTube benchmarks 5. Read `ads/references/scoring-system.md` for health score algorithm 6. **Validate**: confirm at least one active video campaign exists before proceeding 7. **Check**: flag any remaining Video Action Campaigns (VAC). All auto-upgraded to Demand Gen by April 2026 8. Evaluate campaign setup, creative quality, targeting, and measurement 9. **Validate**: verify all campaign types identified before generating report 10. Generate YouTube-specific findings report with health score ## Campaign Types Assessment ### YT-01: Skippable In-Stream (TrueView) - Length: 12s minimum, 15-30s recommended (can be longer) - Bidding: Target CPV or Target CPA - Skip rate benchmark: 65-80% is normal - View rate: ≥15% is good - Evaluate: hook quality in first 5 seconds, CTA card usage ### YT-02: Non-Skippable In-Stream - Length: up to 60s (expanded 2025; previously 15s/20s) - Bidding: Target CPM - Best for: brand awareness, reach campaigns - Evaluate: message completeness, frequency capping, optimal length testing ### YT-03: Bumper Ads - Length: exactly 6s (non-skippable) - Bidding: Target CPM - Best for: reach extension, brand reinforcement - Evaluate: single-message focus, brand visibility throughout ### YT-04: YouTube Shorts Ads - Format: vertical 9:16 (1080x1920 recommended) - Length: up to 60s, sound-on required - Music/voiceover increases conversions by **over 20%** - CTA button appears at **3 seconds** for PMax/App/Demand Gen, **10 seconds** for Video View/Reach - Top-performing Shorts ads feel organic, authentic, and creator-like - YouTube Select Shorts lineups deliver 90% longer viewing vs competitor platforms (MediaScience data) - Placement exclusions for Shorts only work at **account level** (not campaign/ad group) - Best for: younger demographics, mobile-first, action campaigns ### YT-05: Demand Gen (fully replaced Video Action Campaigns, April 2026) - **All VACs auto-upgraded to Demand Gen by April 2026**. Flag any remaining VAC campaigns as deprecated - Placements: YouTube Home Feed, Watch Next, Discover, Gmail, Google Display Network (with channel controls) - Multi-format critical: advertisers uploading **both video AND image assets** see **20% more conversions** at same CPA vs video-only (G-DG1 check) - DoorDash case study: 15x higher conversion rate, 50% lower CPA vs VAC - **Major limitation: frequency capping is NOT supported** in Demand Gen. Significant loss from VAC. Only workaround: Video Frequency Groups (alpha). Flag former VAC campaigns that relied on frequency caps (G-DG3 check) - Evaluate: creative diversity (video + image), product feed quality, audience signals, frequency monitoring ### Connected TV (CTV) - YouTube's fastest-growing surface: ~150 million Americans watching on TV screens - **75% of YouTube ad spend** now on CTV (Brandcast 2025) - 30-second non-skippable ads available exclusively on CTV - Co-viewing metrics rolled out globally for comparison with linear TV - **Shoppable CTV (2026)**: uses Merchant Center feeds with QR codes - **Critical limitation: Floodlight conversion measurement DOES NOT work on CTV devices** (G-CTV1 check). Use Google Ads conversion tracking or GA4 instead - Evaluate: CTV-specific creative (larger text, simpler visuals for TV viewing distance), QR code shoppability, measurement strategy ## Creative Quality Assessment ### YT-06: Hook Analysis (First 5 Seconds) - Does the video capture attention immediately? - Brand mention within first 5 seconds (recommended for awareness) - Problem/benefit statement upfront (recommended for action campaigns) - No slow intros, title cards, or logos-only openings - ABCD framework: Attention (hook immediately) → Branding (show up early) → Connection (humanize) → Direction (explicit CTA). Ads following ABCDs deliver 30% lift in short-term sales likelihood and 17% lift in long-term brand contribution (Google/Kantar) ### YT-07: Production Quality - Audio quality: clear, professional, background music appropriate - Visual quality: HD minimum (1080p), proper lighting - Subtitles/captions: present (85% of Facebook video watched muted, ~30% on YouTube) - End screen: CTA, subscribe button, related video cards ### YT-08: Creative Volume - ≥3 video variations per campaign (different hooks, lengths, messages) - Mix of lengths tested (6s bumper + 15-60s non-skip + 30s skippable) - Vertical (9:16) and horizontal (16:9) versions available (YT-09) - Refresh cadence: every 4-8 weeks for top-performing campaigns ## Audience Targeting ### YT-10: YouTube-Specific Targeting Options - **Custom Intent**: target users searching for specific terms on YouTube/Google - **In-Market Audiences**: users actively researching purchase categories - **Affinity Audiences**: broad interest-based targeting for awareness - **Customer Match**: first-party list upload for retargeting - **Similar Audiences**: expansion from Customer Match seeds (if available) - **Placement Targeting**: specific channels, videos, or topics ### YT-11: Remarketing Setup - Separate campaigns for prospecting vs retargeting - Layer audience signals in Demand Gen campaigns - Exclude converted users from prospecting campaigns ### YT-12: Frequency Management - Use frequency capping (3-5 per week for awareness, 1-2 for direct response). For Target Frequency campaigns, set up to 4/week. 95%+ of campaigns achieved their goals. Nielsen MMM: brands can increase frequency from 1 to 3/week with consistent ROI - **Triscuit case study**: Target frequency 2/week = 93% higher absolute ad recall lift at 40% cheaper cost per lifted user - **Note**: Demand Gen does NOT support frequency capping. DV360 lifetime frequency caps deprecated after Feb 28, 2025 (max period now 30 days) ## Measurement ### YT-13: Key YouTube Metrics | Metric | Benchmark | Notes | |--------|-----------|-------| | View Rate (skippable) | ≥15% | Higher = better hook | | CPV (skippable) | $0.01-0.10 | Varies by targeting | | VTR (bumper) | 90%+ | Non-skippable, should be near 100% | | CPM (non-skip) | $6-15 | Varies by market | | CTR (Demand Gen) | ≥0.5% | Image+video combined | | Brand Lift | Measurable | Requires Google Brand Lift Study | ### YT-13 (continued): Attribution Considerations - YouTube is upper/mid-funnel; don't judge by last-click alone - Use data-driven attribution in Google Ads - Track view-through conversions (important for video) - Consider Brand Lift Studies for awareness campaigns (YT-14) - Cross-channel impact: YouTube often assists Search/Shopping conversions ### YT-15: CTV Measurement - **Critical**: Floodlight conversion measurement does NOT work on CTV devices (G-CTV1 check) - Use Google Ads conversion tracking or GA4 for CTV attribution - Co-viewing metrics available globally for comparison with linear TV - CTV Brand Lift studies recommended for awareness campaigns on TV screens ## Health Score ### YouTube Ads Health Score (0-100) Weighted assessment from `ads/references/scoring-system.md`: ``` Category Weights: Creative Quality: 30% ██████████ Campaign Setup: 25% ████████░░ Audience Targeting: 25% ████████░░ Measurement: 20% ██████░░░░ Grade: A (90-100), B (75-89), C (60-74), D (40-59), F (<40) ``` ## Shorts Hook Template High-performing Shorts ad pattern: 1. **Problem identification** (0-2s): Open with a relatable pain point or attention-grabbing question 2. **Product reveal** (2-5s): Show the product/solution in context 3. **CTA with urgency** (final 2s): Clear next step with time or quantity pressure ## Quick Wins | Check | Fix | Time | |-------|-----|------| | YT-05: Demand Gen migration | Upgrade remaining VACs to Demand Gen with video+image | 15 min | | YT-04: Shorts vertical | Create 9:16 vertical cuts of existing ads | 10 min | | YT-09: Add image assets | Upload image assets to Demand Gen (20% more conversions) | 10 min | | YT-12: Frequency monitoring | Set Target Frequency to 4/week for awareness campaigns | 5 min | ## Output ### YouTube Ads Report ``` YouTube Ads Assessment Campaign Types: ████████░░ Active formats evaluated Creative Quality: ██████████ Hook, production, volume Audience Targeting: ███████░░░ Strategy and coverage Measurement: █████░░░░░ Attribution and tracking ``` ### Deliverables - `YOUTUBE-ADS-REPORT.md`: Campaign-by-campaign analysis - Creative quality scorecard per video - Audience strategy recommendations - Measurement gap analysis - Quick Wins for immediate improvement ## Deprecated (v1.5) - **Video Action Campaigns**: Fully deprecated April 2026, replaced by Demand Gen - **Overlay ads**: Discontinued April 6, 2023 - **Rule-based attribution** (first click, linear, time decay, position-based): All auto-upgraded to DDA - **DV360 lifetime frequency caps**: Max period now 30 days (changed Feb 28, 2025) ## FAQ ### What is the YouTube Ads Analysis skill? The YouTube Ads Analysis skill is a tool designed to evaluate the performance of your YouTube advertising campaigns. It covers various ad formats, creative quality, audience targeting, and measurement strategies, providing a comprehensive report with actionable insights. ### What types of YouTube ad campaigns does this skill analyze? This skill analyzes a wide range of YouTube ad formats, including Skippable In-Stream (TrueView), Non-Skippable In-Stream, Bumper Ads, YouTube Shorts Ads, Demand Gen campaigns (replacing VACs), and Connected TV (CTV) ads. ### How does the skill assess creative quality for YouTube Ads? Creative quality is assessed by evaluating the effectiveness of the first 5 seconds (hook analysis), overall production quality (audio, visuals, subtitles), and the volume and variety of creative assets. It uses the ABCD framework (Attention, Branding, Connection, Direction) as a guide. ### Can this skill help with YouTube Shorts ad optimization? Yes, the skill provides specific guidance for YouTube Shorts ads, including format requirements (vertical 9:16), length recommendations, the importance of sound, CTA button timing, and a high-performing Shorts ad pattern template. ### What are the key considerations for Connected TV (CTV) YouTube Ads? For CTV YouTube Ads, the skill highlights the importance of CTV-specific creative (larger text, simpler visuals), the availability of shoppable CTV with QR codes, and a critical limitation regarding Floodlight conversion measurement, recommending Google Ads conversion tracking or GA4 instead. ### Does the skill provide recommendations for audience targeting? Absolutely. It evaluates YouTube-specific targeting options like Custom Intent, In-Market, Affinity, Customer Match, and Placement targeting. It also covers remarketing setups and strategies for frequency management across campaigns.