The YouTube Brandcast Upfront 2023 saw the video-sharing platform place a large bet on Google AI, as well as YouTube Select, which introduced new options for CTV advertisers and content viewers worldwide.

YouTube announced two new developments for its streaming offering, YouTube Select, in a company blog post encompassing the event’s highlights, including bringing 30-second non-skips and new Pause experiences on CTV.

“We know that running longer-form creative on the big screen aligns with your objectives, and allows for richer storytelling. YouTube Select is now landing over 70% of impressions on the TV screens, so we’re making it easier for you to use existing assets in front of the most-streamed content. This format also seamlessly fits into what viewers already expect and experience on the big screen. Instead of seeing two:15 ads consecutively, they’ll see one:30 ad,” the blog post mentioned.

The blog post further highlighted that YouTube is bringing new Pause experiences to CTV to help advertisers drive awareness or action by owning that unique interactive moment when people pause a video, IANS reported from New Delhi.

“This is seamless for viewers and allows them to learn more about your brand,” it mentioned.

Apart from this, YouTube’s blog post also emphasised that with the world experiencing the next major platform shift with AI, Google is powered by its technology and innovations.

“Today, people’s viewing habits may be complex, but reaching them on YouTube isn’t. AI can help you find the best mix of formats to hit your campaign goals from reach to action. Google AI can also meaningfully help scale and multiply one of the most critical drivers of ROI, your creativity,” it stated.

Sharing an example, it mentioned that Sony Electronics used Google AI to add relevant voiceover into their product ads, and saw a 25% lift in ad recall.

“From endless iterations of your ads to videos trimmed or flipped for the right formats, Google AI helps businesses market at the speed of consumers. And this is just the beginning. Google AI is accelerating creativity, and the possibilities will extend beyond anything we can imagine today,” it mentioned