YouTube Advertising Examples
What Makes YouTube Advertising Effective?
YouTube advertising works best when it does not feel like an ad. The secret? Seamless integration into a creator’s content, keeping things natural and engaging. Here’s what makes a YouTube ad campaign stand out:
- Creator-Brand Alignment – When a creator genuinely believes in a product, their audience does too.
- Audience Trust – YouTube viewers are fiercely loyal. If their favorite creator endorses something, it carries weight.
- Content Integration – The best ads feel like part of the video, not an interruption.
- Strong Call-to-Action (CTA) – Whether it’s a discount code or a clever hook, a good CTA seals the deal
Types of YouTube Ads
Just like podcast ads, YouTube ads come in different flavors:
- Pre-Roll Ads – These play before a video. Some are skippable, others lock you in.These ads can be sponsored ads, or the YouTube AdRoll (programmatic non-skippable ads).
- Mid-Roll Ads – Inserted in videos 8+ minutes long. Great retention = great placement.
- Post-Roll Ads – Placed at the end, targeting die-hard fans who stick around.
- Integrated Sponsored Content – The gold standard. When creators naturally weave a brand into their content, everybody wins.
Elsie Bernaiche’s YouTube Favs
Elsie Bernaiche is VP of Partnerships at ADOPTER Media and one of the top YouTube buyers in the world. She knows what makes a great YouTube ad and why certain creator partnerships drive results. Check out some of her favorite picks and why they work so well!
Ethan Chlebowski x AeroPress
Ethan Chlebowski isn’t just talking about coffee—he’s obsessed with it. And that’s why this AeroPress integration is so perfect. Rather than squeezing the ad into a tight 60-90 second window, Ethan lets the brand fit naturally into his video. The topic? Whether expensive coffee beans are worth it.
The AeroPress is a natural sidekick here, helping him conduct a legit taste test. No forced scripting, no awkward transitions—just great content that happens to feature a product his audience would actually care about. This is how you do it right: informative, engaging, and most importantly, authentic.
Sailing Project Atticus x Lumen
Some YouTube channels have a cult following, and Sailing Project Atticus is one of them. Their audience doesn’t just watch—they engage at a rate of 5%-10% (for reference, the average YouTube video gets about 0.5%-1.5% engagement). That’s insane.
So, when creator Jordan recommends Lumen, a metabolic tracker, people listen. Lumen also did their homework—they advised Jordan that the device isn’t suitable for pregnant women, a small but significant detail showing they actually understand his content (his family life is a big part of his channel). A brand that genuinely connects with a creator and their audience? That’s the magic formula.
Sonya’s Prep x Manukora Honey
You know what’s sweeter than honey? A YouTube ad that delivers long-term value. When Sonya’s Prep partnered with Manukora, a kosher and halal-certified manuka honey brand, they weren’t just making a one-off sponsored video. They were creating evergreen content.
One year after posting, this video jumped from 25K views to 150K+, and it still ranks when you search for ‘Rosh Hashanah meal ideas.’ Most brands pay for Google ads to get that kind of visibility. Manukora got it for free—all thanks to a smart creator partnership.
Binging with Babish x ZBiotics
Leave it to Binging with Babish to turn an olive oil taste test into a perfectly executed brand integration. Babish’s Ranked series is all about sorting the best from the rest, and this episode focuses on olive oils. What makes it next-level? He seamlessly ties in an ad for ZBiotics, a probiotic designed to help with alcohol metabolism.
Is olive oil the same as alcohol? Nope. But did Babish make the connection work? Absolutely. The playful delivery makes the ad feel like an extension of the content—not a hard sell. And that’s why it’s genius.
The Sesh x Qualia
The result? A hilarious, on-brand ad read that blended seamlessly with their content. It’s smart. It’s funny. And most importantly, it works.
YouTube Ads Work
At ADOPTER Media, we know that the best YouTube ads don’t just sell—they entertain, educate, and engage. When brands trust creators to make content that feels natural, the results speak for themselves. Want to see how YouTube ads can work for you? Chat with Elsie and find out!
