How to Run Google Ads for YouTube Shorts in 2025: The Marketer’s Playbook

Running Google Ads for YouTube Shorts in 2025: Strategies for Maximum Impact

Short-form video has gone from trend to dominant format, and in 2025, YouTube Shorts is a major player. With billions of daily views and deep integration into the YouTube app, Shorts gives marketers a new way to reach mobile-first audiences. The good news? You can run Google Ads on YouTube Shorts and it works.

Whether you’re launching a brand or scaling an offer, now is the time to tap into the power of Google Ads for YouTube Shorts.

1. How Google Ads Integrates with YouTube Shorts

YouTube Shorts is fully monetized through Google Ads, specifically via:

• Performance Max (automatically uses Shorts inventory)

• Video Reach Campaigns

• Skippable In-Feed & Vertical Ads

In 2025, Shorts is treated like its own ecosystem within YouTube. That means your ad creative needs to be vertical, mobile-friendly, and attention-grabbing within the first 3 seconds.

2. Best Ad Types for YouTube Shorts

These are the most effective ad formats:

• In-feed video ads: Appear in the Shorts feed

• Vertical responsive video ads: Optimized via Performance Max

• Brand lift video formats: Run for awareness in short-form content streams

To run these, upload your 9:16 vertical video to Google Ads or link your YouTube channel with approved Shorts.

3. Targeting the Right Audience for Shorts

Google Ads’ strength is its data-driven targeting. For Shorts ads, use:

• Custom intent audiences (e.g., searched for “best running shoes”)

• Affinity and in-market segments

• Remarketing audiences (people who visited your site or watched videos)

• Geo-targeting for local campaigns

📍Pro tip: Run A/B tests on vertical vs square creative to see what works better in your niche.

4. Budgeting & Performance Tips

YouTube Shorts ads are cost-effective due to their high volume and mobile reach.

• Start with a daily budget of $20–50 to test

• Use Target CPM or Maximize Conversions bidding

• Let Performance Max optimize across video formats

• Track key metrics in GA4 (engagement, views, conversion rate)

And don’t forget to test multiple thumbnails, hooks, and captions.

Conclusion:

If you’re ignoring YouTube Shorts, you’re ignoring one of Google’s fastest-growing ad placements. With the ability to blend brand storytelling, engagement, and direct response all in under 60 seconds.  

Now is the time to test, optimize, and scale your Google Ads across YouTube Shorts. Attention spans are shrinking, but your impact doesn’t have to.

How Ads with Finesse Can Help You

At Ads with Finesse, we specialize in crafting ad campaigns that highlight the best customer experiences, ensuring your audience connects with your brand on an emotional level. Our team carefully selects authentic, high-impact reviews and seamlessly integrates them into your ad strategy.

Learn more about our services today and turn your Google Ads into your most powerful marketing tool with Ads with Finesse.

Let’s create ads that resonate, convert, and build trust.

Check out our blog and services at adswithfinesse.com.