YouTube Introduces Ads When Videos are Paused Without Premium

YouTube is working on a new feature that allows ads to be displayed when a video is paused. This new ad format will appear as a 'banner' ad for users. Get the details below.

YouTube is one of the most widely used video platforms globally, and it has been offering users a Premium plan for some time.

The platform, known for occasionally changing its advertising policies, is now in the spotlight again with a new development. YouTube is working on a feature that will display ads when a video is paused.

YouTube has confirmed that paused video ads were tested in May 2023.

The system will enable ads to appear when a viewer pauses a video on a connected TV. YouTube refers to these as 'paused experiences,' which will vary depending on your content profile.

YouTube showcased an example of this new ad format.

In the visual, a banner ad appears around the video block with an option to 'close' the ad. The video then returns to fullscreen, allowing you to continue watching the content.

It's currently unclear when YouTube plans to roll out these features to the public.

Google employee Philipp Schindler mentioned in an earnings call that a recent trial revealed positive feedback from advertisers regarding this concept.