YouTube ads will become less intrusive

YouTube is changing how ads are placed in videos, aiming to make the viewing experience less disruptive for users. The adjustments won't reduce revenue for content creators, according to the team.

Less Intrusive Ads on YouTube

YouTube is now focusing on making ads less annoying. Starting from May 12, the platform will adjust where ads appear in videos. Ads won't interrupt key moments, such as when a creator is speaking or presenting important information. Instead, they'll be placed during natural breaks, like pauses or transitions between segments. This ensures that viewers aren't suddenly pulled out of the content by an unexpected ad.

Updates for Older Videos

Videos uploaded before February 24 will automatically receive these updates to align with the new ad placement rules. However, if a creator prefers the old system, they can opt out through YouTube Studio. Keep in mind, though, that YouTube warns this might result in lower earnings because videos with intrusive ads tend to perform worse and generate less revenue.

Manual Ad Placement

For creators who manually insert ads into their videos, YouTube is rolling out a feature that provides guidance on proper placement. The goal is to help ensure that manually placed ads don't disrupt the flow of the video. While YouTube encourages creators to use automatic ad placement (which has been shown to boost revenue), combining it with thoughtful manual placement can increase earnings by around 5%, according to Google.

Closing words

By reducing interruptions, YouTube hopes to improve the viewer experience, which could lead to higher engagement and longer watch times. At the same time, creators can still earn money from ads without alienating their audience. It's a balancing act between keeping viewers happy and ensuring creators are fairly compensated for their work. By placing ads more strategically and offering tools for better ad management, the platform aims to create a win-win situation for everyone involved.