Should You Use The 'Promote' Button on YouTube?

As someone who's spent millions on YouTube ads and helped clients generate hundreds of millions in revenue, I'm here to give you the inside scoop.

Let's cut to the chase - while that Promote button might seem tempting, it's not your best bet for maximizing your ad spend or reaching your ideal audience. Sure, it's quick and easy, kind of like boosting a post on Facebook or Instagram. But here's the thing: you're sacrificing control for convenience.

When you hit that Promote button, you're casting a wide net without much say in who sees your video. You might get more views and subscribers, but are they the right ones? Are they going to stick around and engage with your content long-term? That's where the real value lies.

Instead, I want to introduce you to a game-changing alternative: in-feed ads. These are a specific type of YouTube ad you can set up through Google Ads, and they give you way more control over who sees your content. You can target based on interests, search history, and even household income. It's like precision marketing for your YouTube channel!

Now, I know what you're thinking - "Aleric, that sounds complicated!" But don't worry, I've got your back. I've created an 18-minute tutorial right here on YouTube that walks you through the entire process, step by step. Plus, I'll let you in on a little secret: if you're new to Google Ads, you might be eligible for free ad credit ranging from $250 to $1000. That's a pretty sweet deal to get started!

With in-feed ads, you're not just throwing your content out there and hoping for the best. You're strategically placing it in front of people who are likely to become loyal fans and potentially even clients. This is especially powerful for coaches, consultants, and anyone offering higher-ticket services.

So, should you promote your YouTube videos? Absolutely! But ditch that Promote button and embrace the power of in-feed ads. It might take a little more effort upfront, but trust me, the results are worth it.

If you're ready to take your YouTube strategy to the next level, check out my full tutorial on setting up in-feed ads. Just click the link in the description or look for the annotation in this video. And hey, if you found this advice helpful, don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insider tips on mastering YouTube ads.

#youtubepromotions #infeedads #channelgrowth
#youtubeadvertising #DigitalMarketing #youtubetips
#businessgrowth

[AlericHeckYT]

have you ever used the Promote button thinking it was a shortcut to success? Don't worry, we've all been there. But I want to hear your experiences. Did it work for you, or did you feel like you were throwing money into the void?
For those who've tried in-feed ads, what's been your biggest win? And if you haven't tried them yet, what's holding you back? Drop your thoughts in the comments - I'd love to hear your ad adventures and help troubleshoot any issues.

[StayScared]

Good luck to everyone reading this! I hope all our channels blow up and we all become successful content creators

[breakingisrael]

Can in feed ads be used for shorts too??

[Widget]

Thank you, I have used Youtube Promotions with mediocre results and I think bot views but now I have used google ads and my views are booming and they look like real people!

[toysoldiernostalgia]

I´m going back and forth if I should promote my channel. I have about 25% of my views from the US and I would like to reach more people there. My viewers are male between 45 and 65+.
So I have a pretty good idea on who I want to reach and I beleive they will like my content.
Just been hesitating because of the cost.

[NuvielleOfficial]

Not only that, but also if you cast a broad net, the AI will get confused about your audience, if one is already built up, and you can tank your own channel this way.

Casting a wide net is all fine, but do it on an unlisted video, and have the people go to your channel from there. That way, none of the metrics matter to the AI, and you are safe from being put in channel jail.

The AI cares about stuff like CTR and retention above all. Most, if not all, people who watch from these promotions will tank those metrics. It will tell the AI that your videos are not very much liked. That, in turn, will tell it not to promote your videos.

So, don't use this thing unless you know what you are doing.

[juggerneet]

Just discovered your channel and I am loving it.

"Subscribers and watch-time earned through a promotion do not contribute towards YouTube Partner Program eligibility."

Is this also true for in-feed ads or not?

[shotties]

I'm not allowed to, unless I prove that I am a "business"

[Meals_with_Love]

It is unclear why my videos are not reaching more people. 😔 I started the channel with a lot of hope.

[OffensiveThoughts]

Why did youtube decline my promotion then

[delphinerachel]

did you pay for life? Google says you will be billed every month with automatic renewal payments... How do you cancel that so you can only pay once to promote your video for X amount of days. Thanks for your help!

[Platformize]

I wonder if this is still the case in 2025