YouTube Non-Skippable Google Ads Campaign
If you want your video message to be watched completely — without users skipping it — then a YouTube Non-Skippable Ads Campaign is the perfect choice. These ads ensure your brand message, offer, or announcement is fully delivered to viewers.
What Are YouTube Non-Skippable Ads?
Non-skippable ads are YouTube video ads that users cannot skip. They must watch the full ad before continuing their video.
Ad duration:
- 6 seconds (bumper – unskippable) – Videos up to 6 seconds long.
- 15 seconds (standard non-skippable) – Videos between 7 to 15 seconds long.
- Up to 20 seconds in some countries- Videos 16-30 seconds long that are shown on Connected TV (CTV).
These ads show:
- Before a video
- In the middle (mid-roll)
- After a video (post-roll)
They are designed for guaranteed reach and complete message delivery.
Why Use Non-Skippable Ads?
✔ Guaranteed Full Views
Every viewer watches your full message.
✔ Perfect for Brand Awareness
Ideal for creating high recall in a short time.
✔ Strong Control Over Storytelling
You can deliver a complete message without worrying about early skips.
✔ Great for Announcements & Launches
Perfect for product launches, store openings, event promotions, etc.
✔ High Impact
Non-skippable ads leave a stronger impression than skippable formats.
How YouTube Non-Skippable Ads Work
- You create a short video (6–15 seconds)
- Google shows it to your target audience across YouTube
- Users must watch the entire video
- You pay based on Target CPM (cost per thousand impressions)
- Google optimizes delivery to viewers likely to remember your brand
This makes non-skippable ads ideal for campaigns focused on reach, awareness, and brand recall.
Best Use Cases for Non-Skippable Ads
- Product launches
- Festival offers
- Big sales (Black Friday, Diwali, Christmas)
- App promotions
- Brand storytelling
- High-impact announcements
- Local store openings
- Movie trailers
- Event promotions
How to Create a YouTube Non-Skippable Ads Campaign
Step 1: Upload Your Video to YouTube
Make sure the video:
- Is 6–15 seconds
- Has clear visuals
- Delivers the message quickly
Step 2: Create a New Campaign
- Go to Google Ads
- Click New Campaign
- Choose Brand Awareness and Reach
- Select Video
- Pick Non-Skippable Ads format
Step 3: Set Your Bidding Strategy
Non-skippable ads use:
- Target CPM
You pay for impressions, not clicks or views.
Step 4: Choose Your Target Audience
You can target users by:
- Age
- Gender
- Interests
- In-market segments
- Life events
- Custom intent audiences
- Remarketing (website visitors, past viewers)
Choose the audience most relevant to your brand.
Step 5: Set Ad Placements (Optional)
Target:
- Specific YouTube channels
- Specific videos
- YouTube categories
- Mobile/desktop devices
Step 6: Add the Ad Creative
Paste your YouTube video link, then add:
- Headline
- URL (optional)
- CTA (if needed)
Step 7: Publish Your Campaign
Your non-skippable ads start appearing within hours.
Real-Life Example
Example: “CityStyle Clothing – Diwali Offer Launch”
Goal: Promote a big festival sale.
Setup:
- Campaign Type: Video – Non-Skippable Ads
- Video Length: 15 seconds
- Audience:
- Fashion shoppers
- Women aged 18–40
- People searching for clothing stores
- Message: “Flat 50% OFF on all festive collections!”
- Placement: YouTube home feed + in-stream
- Bidding: Target CPM
Result:
- High brand visibility
- Strong reach before festival season
- Increased store visits and website traffic
- Greater brand recall
Businesses use non-skippable ads exactly for this kind of high-impact campaign.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Making ads longer than 15 seconds (won’t be approved)
❌ No clear message in the first 3 seconds
❌ Using too much text
❌ Slow transitions
❌ Targeting too broad an audience
❌ Poor visual quality
Best Practices for High-Performing Non-Skippable Ads
✔ Keep it short and powerful
✔ Show brand name/logo instantly
✔ Use bold visuals and fast sequences
✔ Add music or sound for impact
✔ Use a strong CTA like “Shop Now” or “Book Today”
✔ Test multiple versions
✔ Use seasonal or time-limited offers to increase urgency