YouTube & Video Ad Testing
Test video ads before you launch. Get viewer feedback on YouTube ads, TV commercials, and streaming video. Optimize creative for maximum impact.
Why this matters
Longer formats carry more risk. If the first beat misses or the brand enters too late, your cut‑downs will not save the story. This service gives you fast proof that your opening works and that your middle and end carry the message.
What you get
Study design
Video files
Up to two minutes
Variants
2-5 variants or cuts per order
Audience
US general population (18+), nationally representative
Instrument
Recall, clarity, distinctiveness, believability, intent, and optional open-ends
Analysis lenses
Hook strength in the first seven seconds
We measure whether your opening captures attention and earns the next few seconds of viewing.
Brand entry timing and visual cueing
When and how your brand appears, and whether viewers connect the story to your name.
Message clarity by beat
How well each section of your video communicates its intended message.
CTA presence and placement
Whether your call‑to‑action is clear, visible, and positioned at the right moment.
Cut‑down playbook
We map the story into beats and mark which beats should carry forward into short edits. You receive a short list of lines and visuals that must appear in 6, 10, 15, and 30 second versions.
Typical improvements after one round
Brand cueing added in the first five seconds
Proof line moved earlier and made concrete
CTA placed while the story peaks, not only at the very end
Closing frame made clear and legible on a TV across the room
Delivery
Readout in 24 hours after completes, CSV included.
FAQ
Q: What is YouTube ad testing?
A: YouTube ad testing is the process of evaluating video advertisements before they go live on YouTube, CTV, or streaming platforms. It involves showing your video creative to a representative audience sample to measure attention, brand recall, message clarity, and purchase intent. Professional ad testing helps predict campaign performance and identify optimization opportunities before you spend on media.
Q: How long does video ad testing take?
A: Our standard YouTube ad testing service delivers results in 24 hours after field completion. Field typically takes 3-5 days for n=100 per variant. Rush delivery (5-7 days total) is available for an additional 35% of project cost.
Q: What sample size do I need for YouTube ad testing?
A: We recommend n=100 per video variant as the minimum for statistically significant results. This sample size provides sufficient power to detect meaningful differences in key metrics like recall, clarity, and intent. For critical launches or when testing subtle differences, n=200-300 per variant is recommended.
Q: Can we test storyboards instead of finished video?
A: Yes, you can upload a PDF or a sequence of images. We adapt the testing instrument for concept/storyboard evaluation and provide a fit-for-storyboard readout with different benchmarks appropriate for pre-production creative.
Q: What metrics do you measure in video ad testing?
A: We measure six core metrics: 1) Brand recall - whether viewers remember your brand, 2) Message clarity - understanding of your key message, 3) Distinctiveness - how your ad stands out, 4) Believability - credibility of claims, 5) Purchase intent - likelihood to buy, and 6) Hook strength - first 7 seconds effectiveness. Optional custom questions and open-ends are available.
Q: How much does YouTube ad testing cost?
A: Starting price is $25,000+ for n=100 per variant, testing 2-5 variants in one US market. This includes full KPI scoring, time-coded beat analysis, hook and brand entry analysis, cut-down recommendations for 6/10/15/30 second edits, executive PDF report, and CSV data file. Volume discounts available for ongoing programs.
Q: Can you test ads for different platforms?
A: Yes. While this service is optimized for long-form video (YouTube, CTV, streaming), we also offer specialized testing for LinkedIn B2B ads, Amazon retail media, display banners, and storyboard concepts. Each platform has unique creative requirements and we customize the testing methodology accordingly.
Q: What is hook testing for video ads?
A: Hook testing specifically measures the effectiveness of your video's first 3-7 seconds - the critical window where viewers decide whether to keep watching or skip. We analyze attention capture, brand entry timing, and message setup to ensure your opening earns continued viewing. A strong hook can improve completion rates by 40-60%.
Q: Do you provide recommendations for video optimization?
A: Yes. Every readout includes specific, actionable recommendations such as: moving brand entry earlier, strengthening the hook, clarifying the proof point, repositioning the CTA, and creating effective cut-downs. Typical improvements include brand cueing in the first 5 seconds and placing the CTA at the story peak rather than only at the end.
Q: Can you advise on music and VO?
A: We provide practical notes on audio clarity, voice-over emphasis, and music interference with messaging. We do not compose music or record voice-over, but we can identify when audio elements are helping or hindering message comprehension.
Q: What is included in cut-down recommendations?
A: We map your video into story beats and identify which beats must carry forward into shorter edits. You receive specific guidance on creating 6, 10, 15, and 30 second versions - including which lines, visuals, and brand moments are essential for each length.
Q: Can we add brand safety checks?
A: Yes, add the brand safety screening add-on ($1,000) for compliance checks against platform policies, accessibility standards (WCAG), brand guideline adherence, legal claim verification, and industry regulation requirements.
Pricing
Includes n=100 per variant, 2-5 variants, one US market, full KPI scoring, time-coded beat analysis, hook and brand entry checks, cut-down plan for 6, 10, 15, and 30 seconds, executive PDF report, and CSV data file.
Optional add-ons
Need deeper analysis?
Book a managed insight report when you need a full executive narrative with manual analysis and workshop support.
Includes
- • Senior strategist and analyst time
- • Multi-source synthesis across panel and platform data
- • Board-ready deck with storyline and recommendations
- • Working session to align next steps
Common scopes
- • Creative effectiveness review across channels
- • Launch playbook for new products
- • Brand rulebook for repeatable wins