💯 [2 Shorts Tuesday] Height Hacks & Head-Turners: 2 Shorts Ads That Work by Desire

Want to see some YouTube Shorts ads that are scaling right now?

You’re in luck…

Because today is 2 Shorts Tuesday. Why YouTube Shorts ads?

Because YouTube Shorts ad inventory is only going to keep growing:

…And critically, most DTC & Direct Response advertisers are still under-leveraging YouTube Shorts as an ad placement.

(and the upside is huge)

So, what are some ways you can succeed with YouTube Shorts ads?

Let’s take a closer look at 2 YouTube Shorts ads doing well right now:

👠  Ad #1: "I’m 5'7" and Spent $600 to Be Taller" — High Pads for Height Boost

Our first YouTube Shorts ad pick for this week is this 44-seconds long ad that is a first-person, problem-solution testimonial designed for maximum relatability.

 It speaks directly to an insecurity (height) that many people (specifically, men) feel, but very few brands address this openly:

✅ Vulnerable personal hook = high engagement
✅ Product demo = visual proof
✅ Risk reversal + discount = conversion driver

Let’s get into more details:


Hook – "I am 5'7 and spent over $600 to be taller."
Visual: Speaker holding and showing various bad insoles.

✅ Why it works:

• Immediate confession + relatable frustration

• Creates curiosity: "What actually works?"

Middle – Honest Product Breakdown
Visual: Comparison of other failed products vs. the "high pads" solution.

✅ Why it works:

• Lists common complaints (painful, ineffective, unstable insoles)

• "Then I found this…" = smooth pivot into solution

• Demonstration of inserting pads into shoes = instant understanding

Benefits & CTA – Orthopedic + 3 Inches + Risk-Free Test
Visual: Speaker walking comfortably, product close-up, discount banner.

✅ Why it works:

• Highlights 3 key benefits: 3 inches taller, orthopedic safety, all-day comfort

• Mentions 90-day test and "40% off ends today" to create urgency

Additionally, here’s what this advertiser’s landing page looks like:

🔐 Key Takeaways:

• Starts with raw honesty to build connection

• Addresses objections before they form

• Visual + verbal demo removes doubt

• Soft urgency (40% off + trial) seals the deal

🌹 Ad #2: "What Would You Do If a Man Wore This?" — Pheromone Cologne Street Reactions

This next ad we chose is pure UGC-style testimonial gold. 

It uses real people, unscripted reactions, and playful street-style interviews to sell pheromone cologne—all wrapped around a single question: What would you do?

This ad has nearly 2M views on YouTube!

✅ Public reaction = social proof
✅ Desire + humor = emotional engagement
✅ Repetition = message retention

Let’s dissect this ad some more:

Hook – "It Smells Like a Fine-Ass Man"
Visual: Smiling interviewees reacting to the scent.

✅ Why it works:

• Fast emotional hit: laughter, smiles, playful language

• Zero time wasted—leads with reaction, not explanation

Middle – Reaction Carousel + Product Payoff
Visual: Multiple women sharing how the scent makes them feel + subtle product mention.

✅ Why it works:

• Humor keeps engagement high

• Pheromone science mentioned casually but memorably

• Scenarios painted: "At the club... what would you do?"

CTA – Unspoken but Powerful
Visual: Viewers know exactly what to do—find the scent.

✅ Why it works:

• No hard CTA needed: desire is built naturally through the reactions

• Leaves viewers imagining themselves as the "fine-ass man"

🔐 Key Takeaways:

• User reactions = instant proof of product effect

• Emotional appeal drives curiosity

• Humor reduces skepticism

• CTA is embedded in viewer imagination, not explicit language

Again, here’s a quick look at this advertiser’s lander:

Both these ads remind us:

✔ If the problem is real, tell the truth (Ad #1) ✔ If the desire is emotional, let your audience sell it for you (Ad #2)

With that, we’re all finished for this week! ✅

We hope this week’s selection of high-performing YouTube Shorts ads has sparked new ideas to test yourself!

Want more insights like these?

Stay tuned for next week’s VidTao 2 Shorts Tuesday…

…where we’ll continue breaking down winning YouTube Shorts Ads you can break down + model for your own creatives & campaigns.

And btw… If you have questions about YouTube ads or YouTube Shorts ads in particular?

Go here to schedule a free chat with our friends at Inceptly. Inceptly is a top Direct Response video ad agency, specializing in high-performing YouTube ad creatives & media buying.

Have a great week!

PS - Go here to Claim Your Free Trial of VidTao Premium: Access 23 Million YouTube Ads & Their Landing Pages!

PPS - Are you spending $1k/day+ on Paid Ads? 👉 Go here to set up a free YouTube Ad brainstorm chat.