OTT (Over-The-Top) is bought on CPM only, averaging $28.00. YouTube Ads is bought on CPM only, averaging $7.00. Analysis for CPM in 2026.
Connected TV and streaming platforms (Hulu, Roku, etc.)
Video advertising on YouTube - skippable and non-skippable
The auction, the creative, the budget floor — the three things you actually need to know before picking a platform.
OTT (Hulu, Peacock, Roku, Samsung TV+, etc.) is bought exclusively on CPM with 15- and 30-second video creative. Rates run $25–40 CPM — the highest of any digital channel — because inventory is finite premium video and the ROAS story is measured against linear TV, not against Facebook.
15s or 30s video, 1920×1080 (16:9), broadcast-quality mastering. No skippable formats. Most platforms require closed captions and mezzanine-file delivery through demand-side platforms.
OTT has a real budget floor: most DSPs require $5K–10K/month minimum, and to reach reliable frequency in a metro DMA you need $15K+/month per platform.
YouTube ads run through Google Ads on CPM (for TrueView and Bumper) or CPV (cost per view — you pay only when viewer watches 30s or engages). CPM averages $6–10; TrueView effective CPV is $0.05–0.15. Non-skippable pre-roll runs $15–25 CPM.
6s bumpers (non-skippable), 15/30s non-skippable, and TrueView (skippable after 5s, but you're only charged if viewer engages). 16:9 1920×1080; vertical 9:16 for Shorts inventory. Companion banners boost CTR.
$50–100/day covers TrueView on a defined-topic audience. Bumper campaigns can start at $30/day. YouTube's audience-based targeting means small budgets are viable for niche verticals.