YouTube Introduces Cards for TrueView In-Stream Ads

Last month, YouTube launched video cards which allows viewers a new way interact with the video they’re watching. To no surprise, this feature is available on both desktop and mobile devices. Digital marketers have viewed this new feature to be a blessing because it has been rumored to have replaced the old YouTube annotations in a more visually appealing way.

Today, YouTube officially announced video cards within its TrueView ads which are the ads that are served before a viewer watches their video.   This announcement has been made in response to top brands and advertisers who were looking for a way to make video ads more interactive—particularly on mobile. TrueView in-stream ads is a feature that will make video ads more engaging and will allow a more interactive experience for views.

What Can You Do with TrueView In-Stream Ads?

You’ll have the ability to share more information about your brand, related videos and playlists, and eventually link to your website directly from the TrueView video ad.  These cards will work on mobile—just like the regular video cards, and will come to connected TVs. This will allow viewers to know how they can get more information about video ads regardless of how they’re watching YouTube.

Changing the Way Advertisers Pay Per Click

YouTube has always charged advertisers for deliberate clicks on video ads, but now it has decided to alter the way advertisers are charged. Now, only clicks to cards or CTAs, the video header, companion banner, or link at the bottom of the player will count as a click. This is a blessing for advertisers because now they know individuals who are clicking are actually interested and not “accidentally” clicking which could potentially rack up unnecessary ad spend.