YouTube Paid Ads
Pre-Roll

With over 2.5 billion monthly users, YouTube is the world’s second-largest search engine and the ultimate platform for video advertising. Pre-roll ads — the short videos that play before a viewer’s chosen content — offer brands an unbeatable way to get their message in front of engaged audiences.
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Get your brand seen before the content your audience loves.

With Contrarian Path’s expertise in YouTube Pre-Roll Ads, you’ll reach, engage, and convert viewers where they’re most attentive.

Why Pre-Roll Works

  • Guaranteed Attention

    Viewers must watch at least 5 seconds before they can skip, giving your brand immediate exposure.

  • Massive Reach

    Target audiences across demographics, interests, locations, and even specific YouTube channels or videos.

  • Flexible Formats

    Choose between skippable or non-skippable ads depending on your campaign goals.

  • Pay for Results

    With cost-per-view (CPV) or cost-per-thousand (CPM) bidding, you only pay when viewers engage.

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Contrarian Path’s Approach to YouTube Pre-Roll

We don’t just run pre-roll campaigns — we design them for impact and efficiency. Our process includes:

  • Precision Targeting 

    Leveraging audience insights to reach the right viewers at the right time.

  • Creative Optimisation

    Crafting hooks and visuals that grab attention
    in the first 5 seconds.

  • Performance Tracking

    Measuring beyond views — tracking clicks, conversions, and brand lift.

  • Multi-Platform Synergy

    Integrating YouTube campaigns with Google Ads, Display, and Programmatic for greater reach and efficiency.

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Type of Ads You Can Buy

Where they appear 

Key features

Best for

Billing

1

Skippable In-Stream Ads

Before, during, or after YouTube videos and on Google Video Partners.

Viewers can skip after 5 seconds.

Brand awareness, reach, and driving consideration.

Pay when a viewer watches 30 seconds (or the whole ad if shorter) or engages.

2

Non-Skippable In-Stream Ads

Before, during, or after YouTube videos and on Google Video Partners.

15–20 seconds long, cannot be skipped.

High-impact brand messaging where every second counts.

Cost-per-thousand impressions (CPM).

3

Bumper Ads

Before, during, or after YouTube videos.

6 seconds or less, unskippable.

Brand recall, quick reminders, and reinforcing larger campaigns.

CPM.

4

In-Feed Video Ads (formerly Discovery Ads)

YouTube search results, related videos, and the YouTube homepage feed.

Appear as thumbnails and text; viewers choose to click and watch.

Driving qualified traffic to your channel or content.

Pay only when a viewer clicks to watch.

5

Outstream Ads

On Google Video Partner sites and apps (not YouTube).

Mobile-only, plays within content as muted video until tapped.

Expanding reach beyond YouTube in a mobile-first environment.

Cost-per-thousand viewable impressions (vCPM).

6

Masthead Ads

At the very top of the YouTube homepage (desktop, mobile, and TV).

Premium placement for maximum visibility; autoplay without sound for up to 30 seconds.

Major launches, brand events, and maximum reach in a short time.

Flat fee or CPM, booked through Google sales reps.

1

Skippable In-Stream Ads

Before, during, or after YouTube videos and on Google Video Partners.

Viewers can skip after 5 seconds.

Brand awareness, reach, and driving consideration.

Pay when a viewer watches 30 seconds (or the whole ad if shorter) or engages.

2

Non-Skippable In-Stream Ads

Before, during, or after YouTube videos and on Google Video Partners.

15–20 seconds long, cannot be skipped.

High-impact brand messaging where every second counts.

Cost-per-thousand impressions (CPM).

3

Bumper Ads

Before, during, or after YouTube videos.

6 seconds or less, unskippable.

Brand recall, quick reminders, and reinforcing larger campaigns.

CPM.

4

In-Feed Video Ads (formerly Discovery Ads)

YouTube search results, related videos, and the YouTube homepage feed.

Appear as thumbnails and text; viewers choose to click and watch.

Driving qualified traffic to your channel or content.

Pay only when a viewer clicks to watch.

5

Outstream Ads

On Google Video Partner sites and apps (not YouTube).

Mobile-only, plays within content as muted video until tapped.

Expanding reach beyond YouTube in a mobile-first environment.

Cost-per-thousand viewable impressions (vCPM).

6

Masthead Ads

At the very top of the YouTube homepage (desktop, mobile, and TV).

Premium placement for maximum visibility; autoplay without sound for up to 30 seconds.

Major launches, brand events, and maximum reach in a short time.

Flat fee or CPM, booked through Google sales reps.