← All comparisons Paid Ads

Meta Ads vs YouTube Ads

Short-form interrupt feed vs longer-form video platform.

Meta is fast-scroll, sound-off. YouTube is sound-on, longer watch times, more room for storytelling. Different creative, different conversion patterns.

At a glance

Meta AdsYouTube Ads
Creative length6-30s typical15-90s typical
SoundOff by defaultOn by default
Best forDTC, quick conversionsBrand + longer consideration

When to pick Meta Ads

DTC, quick impulse purchases, iterative testing speed.

When to pick YouTube Ads

Longer consideration, video-first product demos, brand building.

My verdict

Both together cover different audience moments. Budget typically 60% Meta, 20-30% YouTube for DTC.

Further reading