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INTRODUCING THE YOUTUBE CREATOR HOT LIST: SPORTS EDITION

YouTube Guide:
Ad Targeting Tactics

YouTube Targeting Tactics

Tactic Name Tactic Description Tactic KPIs Ad Formats Ad Network(s)
Topics Targeting (Contextual) Ads run on content matching chosen categories Impressions/Reach, Brand lift/recall Varies YouTube, Google Display, Discover (limited)
Keyword Targeting (Contextual) Ads show alongside content containing certain words CPC, CTR, Engagement Metrics Varies YouTube, Google Display, Discover (limited)
Placements Targeting (Contextual) Ads appear on hand-picked YT channels, videos, apps, or websites VTR, Brand Suitability, Engagement Varies YouTube, Display
YouTube Select (Contextual) Gives brands access to premium content across top-performing categories & audiences Viewability Rate, VCR Varies YouTube, YT TV
Remarketing (Behavioral) Targets users who previously interacted with your brand Conversion Rate, ROAS/CPA Varies YouTube, Display, Discover
Customer Match (Behavioral) Matches 1st-party data with Google accounts for targeting Repeat Purchase Rate, Upsell/Cross-Sell Revenue Varies YouTube, Display, Discover
Lookalike Audiences (Behavioral) Expands reach to new users who behave similarly to your existing audiences CTR, New Customer Acquisition Varies YouTube, Display, Discover
Cross-Device Targeting (Behavioral) Uses Google identity to follow users across devices Assisted Conversions, Incremental Lift in Total CVR Varies YouTube, Display, Discover, Search (indirectly)
Optimized (AI) Targeting (Behavioral) Google AI finds new converters automatically, beyond manual selections CPA/ROAS, Conversions Varies YouTube, Display, Discover, Search (via Pmax)
Demographics Targeting (Behavioral) Target by information like age, geo-location, gender, or income Impressions/Reach, CTR, Awareness Lift Varies YouTube, Display, Discover, Search
Affinity Audiences (Behavioral) Prebuilt segments based on users’ long-term interests and lifestyle CPM/Reach Efficiency, VTR, Brand Lift Varies YouTube, Display, Discover
In-Market Audiences (Behavioral) Target users actively researching specific purchase categories CTR, Conversion Rate, ROAS/CPA Varies YouTube, Display, Discover, Search
Life Events Targeting (Behavioral) Target users experiencing major milestones (e.g., moving, marriage, graduation) CTR, VTR Varies YouTube, Display, Discover
Custom Segments (Behavioral) Build custom audiences by defining keywords, URLs, or apps CTR, Conversion Rate, New Customer Acquisition Varies YouTube, Display, Discover, Search