💡Proof > Persuasion: 2 YouTube Shorts Ads That Convert Without the Hard Sell

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: “This Turns Your Phone Into a Console” (Backbone One)

This 26-seconds long ad wastes no time! 

It’s visual-first, utility-driven, and aimed squarely at mobile gamers looking to upgrade without buying new hardware.

This ad consist of:

✅ Tangible value = immediately clear
✅ Plug-and-play demo = low friction
✅ Portable gaming angle = high desirability
✅ Works across devices = versatility boost

Let’s now get into even more details, part by part…

Hook – "This is the Backbone One…"

Visual: Hands plug Backbone into a phone — instant transformation

✅ Why it works:

• Clear identity: product is named immediately

• Immediate benefit: “turns your phone into a console”

• Visual payoff in first 3 seconds

Middle – Feature Dump Without the Pitch

Visual: Scrolling gameplay clips + device in different settings

✅ Why it works:

• App + console + emulator compatibility hits wide audience

• Portable form factor = social proof in use

• “Works with laptops and desktops” expands appeal

CTA – Implicit, Not Stated

Visual: Product remains in hand throughout, nothing flashy

✅ Why it works:

• Letting utility do the work

• Pure show-don’t-tell approach

To add on, here’s what this advertiser’s landing page looks like:

🔐 Key Takeaways from this Ad

• Start with transformation, not problem

• Stack unexpected features (emulator + console + laptop)

• Keep it hands-on, not hypey

🌍 Ad #2: "POV: You Travel the World Without Paying for Hotels"  (TrustedHousesitters)

This next ad we chose for this week rides on a wave of a popular TikTok POV trend. 

There’s no dialogue - just an audio, romantic visuals, and a text-based value prop that makes you pause and want to learn more.

Check it out:

It includes:

✅ POV setup = high relatability
✅ Text overlays = narrative clarity
✅ Trend sound = cultural credibility
✅ Surprise hook = disrupts scroll

Hook – "POV: You’re Staying in a $3,000/Week Villa for Free"

Visual: Beautiful villa, scenic shots, traveler with dog

✅ Why it works:

• Scroll-stopping claim right up top

• High-luxury environment with no price anchor

• Makes you ask: "How is this possible?"

Middle – Visual Proof + Brand Flash

Visual: Animal cuddles, interior shots, overlay text: “TrustedHousesitters”

✅ Why it works:

• Romanticizes the house-sitting lifestyle

• Keeps narrative rooted in TikTok-native flow

• Short enough to loop without sounding like an ad

CTA – Soft Visual Prompt

Visual: Brand name shown in overlay near end

✅ Why it works:

• Viewer-initiated curiosity

• CTA isn’t a push — it’s a hint

Here’s a quick look at this advertiser’s lander as well:

🔐 Key Takeaways from this Ad

• Uses trend audio to establish mood instantly

• POV format makes it feel personal, not salesy

• Strong offer is implied through visuals, not spoken

• Great template for experience-based services

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!

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