YouTube is giving creators more control over ad placement with a new update to mid-roll ads. The platform has introduced two new ad break types, standard and non-intrusive, to help creators tailor the viewing experience without sacrificing revenue.
New way of doing ads
Previously, YouTube automatically inserted mid-roll ads based on engagement signals. Creators could also manually place ad breaks, but the system lacked flexibility. With this update, YouTube is refining how ads appear which gives creators more options to balance monetization and viewer retention.
The standard ad breaks behave like traditional mid-roll ads that interrupts content for a full-screen ad. Non-intrusive ad breaks on the other hand are less disruptive formats, such as overlay ads or small banners that don’t fully interrupt playback.
How the new ad placement helps creators
This update gives creators a better way to manage viewer experience while optimizing revenue. Instead of relying solely on YouTube’s automatic placement, creators can fine-tune their ad strategy.
For long-form content, using a mix of both ad types can help maintain engagement. A well-placed non-intrusive ad might keep viewers watching instead of skipping away after a disruptive break. Meanwhile, standard ad breaks can still be valuable in high-retention moments.
Creators can adjust their ad settings in YouTube Studio. When placing manual mid-rolls, they’ll now see the option to select standard or non-intrusive ad breaks. This lets them experiment with different placements to see what works best for their audience.
Aiming for more creator earnings
This move aligns with YouTube’s broader efforts to improve monetization tools for creators. As ad revenue remains a key income source, giving creators more control over how ads appear could lead to better viewer retention and, ultimately, higher earnings.
Image courtesy: YouTube