YouTube terms

In-Video Overlay

A type of ad that appears as a semi-transparent overlay on a video.

What is an in-video overlay in YouTube?

An in-video overlay in YouTube is a type of advertisement feature that appears on top of the video content. It is typically displayed as a semi-transparent banner, which is positioned in the lower 20% portion of the video playback area. This overlay ad can appear as soon as the video starts playing and can be closed by the viewer if they find it distracting.

The in-video overlay can contain text or images and is often used to promote the advertiser's products, services, or other videos. When a viewer clicks on the overlay, they are redirected to the advertiser's website or another YouTube video or channel. This feature is a part of YouTube's advertising options, allowing businesses to reach their target audience in a more interactive and engaging way.

How does In-Video Overlay work in YouTube?

In-Video Overlay is a feature in YouTube that allows advertisers to display ads directly within a video. These ads typically appear as a small banner or box at the bottom of the video, overlaying a portion of the video content. They are designed to be minimally intrusive, allowing viewers to continue watching the video while the ad is displayed.

The overlay ads are usually displayed after a few seconds into the video and can be closed by the viewer if they find it distracting. They can also be interactive, meaning that viewers can click on them to be redirected to the advertiser's website or another YouTube video or channel. This feature is a part of YouTube's advertising platform and is used by businesses to promote their products or services, increase brand awareness, or drive traffic to their websites.

How can I use In-Video Overlay for advertising on YouTube?

In-Video Overlay advertising on YouTube is a powerful tool that allows you to display ads directly within the video player. To use this feature, you need to have a Google AdWords account. Once you have an account, you can create a new campaign and select "Video" as the campaign type. Then, under "Video ad formats", select "In-Video Overlay".

Next, you will need to specify your target audience, budget, and bidding strategy. You can also choose the specific YouTube videos or channels where you want your ads to appear. After setting up these details, you can upload your ad creative. This could be a static image or an animated GIF, with a maximum size of 150 KB. Once your ad is live, it will appear to viewers in the lower 20% portion of the video. Remember, In-Video Overlay ads are only available on desktop.

What are the benefits of using In-Video Overlay in YouTube?

In-Video Overlay in YouTube offers several benefits, particularly for advertisers and content creators. One of the primary advantages is that it provides a non-disruptive way of advertising. Unlike traditional ads that interrupt the viewing experience, In-Video Overlay ads appear at the bottom of the video and can be easily closed by the viewer. This ensures that the viewer's experience is not significantly disrupted, while still providing visibility for the advertiser.

Another significant benefit is the potential for increased engagement and conversion. Since these ads are directly related to the content of the video, they are more likely to be relevant to the viewer's interests. This increases the chances of the viewer engaging with the ad and potentially converting into a customer. Furthermore, In-Video Overlay ads are clickable, allowing viewers to be redirected to the advertiser's website or another YouTube video, thereby increasing traffic and potential sales.

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