Can I preview YouTube ads before launching?

Yes. Our free YouTube ad mockup generator lets you preview exactly how your in-stream and discovery ads will appear to viewers before you spend any budget. Enter your headline, description, thumbnail, and CTA to see a pixel-accurate preview on both mobile and desktop.

Is this YouTube ad mockup generator free?

Yes, the YouTube ad mockup generator is completely free to use. No account or credit card is required. You can create unlimited previews for in-stream and discovery ad formats on both mobile and desktop views.

Does it support mobile and desktop views?

Yes. Toggle between mobile and desktop views to see how your YouTube ads render on different devices. Mobile previews show a narrower player with adjusted text truncation and layout, while desktop shows the full widescreen experience.

Can I export YouTube ad mockups as images?

Yes. Click the Export PNG or Export JPG button to download a high-resolution image of your YouTube ad mockup. This is ideal for client presentations, team approvals, and campaign documentation.

Does it show exact text truncation?

Yes. The mockup generator simulates YouTube's actual text truncation behavior. In-stream ad headlines truncate at approximately 25 characters on mobile. Discovery ad headlines are limited to 100 characters and descriptions to 2 lines. The preview updates in real time as you type.

What are YouTube Discovery Ads mockups?

YouTube Discovery Ads (now called in-feed video ads) appear in YouTube search results, the watch page sidebar, and the YouTube homepage. Our mockup generator previews how your thumbnail, headline, description, and channel name will appear in the discovery ad format with accurate view count and layout styling.

What is the difference between in-stream and discovery YouTube ads?

In-stream ads play before, during, or after a YouTube video and include a skip button (after 5 seconds for skippable ads). Discovery ads appear as promoted thumbnails in search results and related videos. In-stream ads are charged per view or impression; discovery ads are charged when someone clicks to watch.

What are the character limits for YouTube ads?

YouTube in-stream ads support a headline of up to 15 characters for the CTA and a companion banner. Discovery ads allow a headline of up to 100 characters and two description lines of up to 35 characters each. Channel names display as-is from your YouTube channel.

Can I preview skippable and non-skippable in-stream ads?

Yes. The mockup generator supports both skippable (TrueView) and non-skippable in-stream ad formats. Skippable ads show a 5-second countdown and skip button. Non-skippable ads show the full ad duration indicator without a skip option.

How do I use this YouTube ads preview tool?

Select your ad format (in-stream or discovery), upload a video thumbnail, enter your headline, description, CTA button text, and channel name. Toggle between mobile and desktop views to see the live preview update instantly. Export as PNG or JPG when ready.

Free YouTube Mockup Tool

YouTube Ad Mockup Generator — Preview Your Ads Before You Launch

Create pixel-accurate YouTube ads mockups for in-stream and discovery formats. Preview on mobile and desktop, export as PNG or JPG, and share with your team — all free.

Start Creating

Create a YouTube Ad Mockup

In-Stream (Skippable)

Plays before/during/after videos. Skip after 5 seconds.

In-Stream (Non-Skippable)

15-20 second ads viewers must watch completely.

Discovery (In-Feed)

Appears in search results and related videos.

Recommended: 1280x720px (16:9 ratio). This will be used as the video frame in the preview.

Headline

32/100

Description Line 1

30/35

Channel Name

13/50

Profile Image

Square image, at least 128x128px

Button Text

10/15

Destination URL

Live Preview

Ad · 0:15

Launch Faster With PPC Ad Editor

PPC Ad Editor · ppcadeditor.com

Skip Ad

0:05 / 0:15

Launch Faster With PPC Ad Editor

PPC Ad Editor

What is a YouTube Ad Mockup?

A YouTube ad mockup is a visual preview of how your video advertisement will appear to viewers on YouTube. It simulates the exact layout, text truncation, CTA buttons, skip timers, and channel branding that real YouTube ads display — without requiring you to launch a campaign or spend any budget.

YouTube ads mockups are essential for PPC managers and agencies who need to get client approvals, test creative concepts, or present campaign proposals. Instead of describing what an ad will look like, you can show a pixel-accurate preview that matches the native YouTube UI.

This free YouTube ad mockup generator supports both in-stream ads (skippable and non-skippable) and discovery ads (in-feed video ads), with mobile and desktop device toggles for comprehensive previews.

YouTube In-Stream vs Discovery Ad Examples

Understand the key differences between YouTube ad formats and when to use each one.

In-Stream Ads

Play before, during, or after YouTube videos
Skippable after 5 seconds (TrueView) or non-skippable (15-20s)
Include CTA button overlay and companion banner
Charged per view (30s or full) or per impression
Best for awareness, reach, and direct response

Discovery Ads (In-Feed)

Appear in YouTube search results and related videos
Show as thumbnail + headline + description card
Users click to watch — no autoplay
Charged when someone clicks to watch the video
Best for consideration, engagement, and channel growth

Mobile & Desktop Previews

Over 70% of YouTube watch time comes from mobile devices. Preview your ads on both mobile and desktop to ensure your creative looks perfect everywhere.

Mobile Preview

Narrower player, compact CTA button, tighter text truncation. Discovery ads show in vertical feed layout with smaller thumbnails.

Desktop Preview

Full widescreen player, larger CTA button, full headline display. Discovery ads show in horizontal card layout in the sidebar.

Why Use a YouTube Ads Mockup Generator

Previewing your YouTube ads before launch saves time, reduces errors, and helps teams align faster on creative direction.

Pixel-Accurate Previews

See exactly how your YouTube ads will appear to viewers. Our mockup tool matches the native YouTube UI for both in-stream and discovery ad formats.

Faster Client Approvals

Share YouTube ads mockups with clients and stakeholders. Visual previews are faster to approve than spreadsheets or storyboards.

Catch Errors Before Launch

Spot truncated headlines, missing CTAs, or poor thumbnail choices before you spend budget. Preview on both mobile and desktop.

No Account Required

Create unlimited YouTube ad mockups for free. No sign-up, no credit card. Export as PNG or JPG instantly.

YouTube Ad Specs & Character Limits

Reference these specs to ensure your YouTube ads display correctly across all placements and devices.

Element	Limit	Format	Note
In-Stream Headline	`~25 chars (mobile truncation)`	Overlay on video	Shown on CTA companion
Discovery Headline	`100 characters`	Below thumbnail	2 lines max on mobile
Description Line 1	`35 characters`	Below headline (discovery)	Optional for in-stream
Description Line 2	`35 characters`	Below line 1 (discovery)	Discovery only
CTA Button Text	`15 characters`	Blue button overlay	In-stream only
Channel Name	`50 characters`	Below video / next to avatar	From YouTube channel
Video Thumbnail	`1280x720px (16:9)`	Video player / card image	JPG, PNG recommended
Profile Image	`128x128px min`	Circular avatar	From YouTube channel

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the YouTube ad mockup generator.

About PPC Ad Editor

PPC Ad Editor is a professional ad management platform trusted by agencies and brands worldwide. Our tools help PPC professionals create, preview, collaborate on, and launch ad campaigns across Google, YouTube, Meta, LinkedIn, and more.

This free YouTube ads mockup generator is part of our commitment to helping advertisers of all sizes create better video ads. For teams that need collaboration, approval workflows, and direct Google Ads integration, explore our full platform.

Capterra Reviews G2 Reviews

Upgrade for More

Need More Than Just Mockups?

Upgrade to PPC Ad Editor for powerful collaboration and workflow features. Share YouTube ads with clients, collect feedback, and manage campaigns across all platforms.