YouTube advertising traffic sources in 2024

Published on 04.04.2024 by TF

In 2024, YouTube's advertising ecosystem has evolved, offering diverse traffic sources that enable brands to connect with global audiences in innovative ways. From enhanced algorithmic targeting to interactive ad formats, these sources harness the platform's vast user base, maximizing engagement and ROI for advertisers. Understanding these sources is crucial for navigating the digital advertising landscape.

 

How users find your content on YouTube

YouTube allows you to reach every possible way how people find your videos. There is a “reach” tab in your YouTube analytics, and there are few options to range. 

 

What are the key metrics:

  • Impressions
  • Impressions CTR (click-through rate)
  • Views
  • Unique views

Traffic source types on YouTube

External traffic report

The report highlights the exact external websites and applications through which viewers discovered your content, providing insight into where your audience is coming from.

 

Suggested videos report

"Suggested videos" on YouTube act as a tailored pathway, guiding viewers to content aligned with their interests. This feature leverages viewing history and user preferences to recommend relevant videos, enhancing content discovery. It's a vital source for increasing visibility and engagement, connecting creators and viewers in a personalized manner.

 

YouTube search report

The YouTube search report reveals the specific keywords and phrases viewers used to discover your content, providing insight into how your audience is finding you.

 

Extra internal traffic sources on YouTube

There could be extra internal traffic sources on YouTube. In your report, there is a chance of seeing “YouTube advertising traffic” as an extra source. Yes, just like you, there are thousands of YouTubers asking the same question. 

 

You are not running any ads! That's a fact!

 

Still, there is a tab in the report that shows “YouTube advertising traffic” as a source!

 

What’s happening?

 

Well, there is a solid explanation for this! 

 

What does YouTube advertising traffic sources mean?

Third party YouTuber could be using your video as their AD video. Well, I repeat (Just like Slim Shady would do), another YouTuber could be using YOUR video as THEIR AD. That’s how the YouTube advertising traffic source is showing your report. 

 

How to opt-out from YouTube advertising traffic source?

Here is an easy solution to op-out from YouTube advertising traffic source:
1. Go to the YouTube Studio!

2. Click on the “settings”

3. Click on the “advanced settings” tab!

Now, down on the page, you can see the following text “only let linked accounts use this channel’s videos as ads”. Just mark this text and you are good!

 

Can others use my YouTube video as their Ads?

If you follow the instructions mentioned above, there is no chance for other YouTubers to use your video as an ad!

 

Other explanations for YouTube advertising traffic source

There are hundreds of forum or Reddit threads discussing this topic. There is no other explanation, only one true statement - third-party YouTube channels are using YOUR video for THEIR ads. They could be running your video as an ad by mistake or consciously.