/ads:youtube

Run an inline audit on YouTube advertising campaigns (managed through Google Ads) focusing on video-specific optimization.

Quick Start

Copy/agileflow:ads:youtube <account-data>                 # YouTube Ads audit

The 8 Checks

Output

You receive:

• YouTube Score (0-100)
• Check results - Pass/fail for all 8 checks
• Key recommendations - Top priorities
• YouTube-specific tips - Platform best practices
• Creative guidance - How to create YouTube-effective ads

Account Data Needed

Provide details about your YouTube campaigns:

• Campaign types in use
• Video formats tested
• Targeting strategy
• Bidding approach
• Video specs (duration, hook style)
• Frequency caps set
• Conversion tracking setup

Example format:

YouTube Ads Setup
- 2 campaigns (Video Reach, Video Action)
- Mostly skippable in-stream ads (30s)
- Demographics targeting only
- Manual CPV bidding
- No custom intent audiences
- No frequency caps set

Campaign Types Explained

Creative Best Practices for YouTube

The 5-Second Hook (Critical)

• First 5 seconds determine skip rate - Many viewers skip at 5s
• Brand logo early - Don't wait to reveal brand
• Value prop immediately - Why should they care?
• Avoid slow intros - Get to the point fast
• Pattern interrupt - Grab attention with visual or audio

Video Duration

• 15-30 seconds optimal - Best for action campaigns
• Mobile-first - 70%+ watching on mobile
• Captions/subtitles essential - Many watch without sound
• Keep viewers engaged - Reduce drop-off rate

Format Variations to Test

• Skippable in-stream (6s intro + 15s message) - Most versatile
• Bumper ads (6s) - Remarketing, brand awareness
• YouTube Shorts (up to 60s) - Shorter, snackable content
• In-feed ads (thumbnail + 30s video) - Discovery-based

Targeting Options on YouTube

Custom Intent (YouTube's secret weapon):

• Based on Google search behavior
• People searching for your keywords
• High intent audience
• Excellent for conversion

Affinity:

• Interest-based broad reach
• "People interested in running shoes"
• Good for awareness

In-Market:

• Active purchase intent
• "People researching car insurance"
• Great for conversions

Remarketing:

• Website visitors
• Video viewers
• YouTube engagement
• Highest conversion potential

Customer Match:

• Upload customer lists
• Target existing customers
• Used for upsell/retention

Topic/Placement:

• Specific YouTube channels/videos
• "Ads on fitness channels"
• Contextual targeting

Example Usage

Basic Audit

Copy/agileflow:ads:youtube "YouTube: 2 campaigns (Video Reach, Video Action). 30-second skippable ads. Demographics targeting only. 25% skip rate. No frequency caps."
# Returns: YouTube Score with improvements

Detailed Audit

Copy/agileflow:ads:youtube
# Paste detailed campaign and creative data
# Returns: Full 8-check audit with YouTube-specific recommendations

Expected Improvements

By implementing recommendations:

• 10-15% improvement in CTR through better hooks
• Lower CPV through proper bid strategy
• Better targeting with Custom Intent audiences
• Reduced frequency fatigue through frequency capping
• Higher conversion rate with proper format selection

YouTube-Specific Strategies

Video Action Campaigns (Conversions)

• Skippable in-stream (most effective for conversions)
• 15-30 second duration optimal
• Strong CTA throughout video (not just end)
• Custom Intent audience essential
• Frequency cap at 3-5/week

Video Reach Campaigns (Awareness)

• Bumper ads (6s) excellent for remarketing
• Cost-efficient for brand building
• Frequency cap important (avoid fatigue)
• Works well with email/retargeting combo

YouTube Shorts (New Format)

• Vertical 9:16 format only
• Authentic, native style
• Younger demographic
• Good for brand awareness

Bidding Strategy

Frequency Capping Recommendations

• Brand awareness: 1-2 per week
• Consideration: 2-3 per week
• Conversion: 3-5 per week (higher frequency OK since recent engagement)
• Remarketing: 5-7 per week (engaged audience tolerates more)

Tips

• Hook in 5 seconds - Your most important creative element
• Custom Intent is powerful - Use search-based audiences
• Test Shorts versions - Create vertical versions of successful long-form
• Bumper ads cheap - Use for frequency capping after initial videos
• Conversion tracking required - Set up properly before scaling
• Video Action campaigns drive ROI - Best for conversions

When to Run

• Monthly - Monitor creative performance
• After new creative launch - Verify creative is optimized
• Performance decline - Diagnose hook or targeting issues
• Quarterly review - Comprehensive strategy assessment
• Before scaling - Ensure setup correct before budget increase

Related Commands

• /ads:audit - Full multi-platform audit
• /ads:plan - Campaign planning
• /ads:google - Google Ads including YouTube
• /ads:creative - Creative quality deep-dive