Which YouTube ad format allows viewers to skip the ad after a few seconds if they're not interested?

The YouTube ad format that allows viewers to skip the ad after a few seconds is known as "skippable ads." These ads typically play for about 5 seconds before the option to skip appears, allowing users to decide whether they want to continue watching the advertisement or skip it and proceed with their viewing experience.

Skippable ads can be either in-stream ads or video discovery ads. In-stream ads are played before, during, or after another video, while video discovery ads are shown alongside search results or related videos. This ad format is beneficial for advertisers because it provides a more engaged audience, as users choose to watch the ad if they find it appealing. It also helps in optimizing ad spending, as advertisers are only charged when viewers watch the ad for a designated amount of time or engage with it further. This format emphasizes the importance of creating captivating content to maintain viewer interest.