Reddit Ads vs YouTube Ads: Platform Comparison
Reddit ads vs YouTube ads represents a choice between the world's largest video platform and the internet's largest community platform. YouTube dominates video advertising with massive reach and sophisticated targeting, while Reddit offers engaged community audiences at lower costs. Understanding when to use each—and how they complement each other—shapes effective video and awareness strategy.
This guide compares both platforms across key dimensions.
Platform Overview
YouTube Ads
- User base: 2.5+ billion monthly active users
- Content: Video-first (short and long-form)
- Discovery: Search, recommendations, subscriptions
- Strengths: Massive video reach, sophisticated targeting, Google integration
- Best for: Brand awareness, video content, tutorials, entertainment
Reddit Ads
- User base: 850M+ monthly active users
- Content: Text, images, video in community context
- Discovery: Subreddit subscriptions, home feed, search
- Strengths: Engaged niche communities, authentic discussions
- Best for: B2B, tech, gaming, community-driven products
Audience Comparison
YouTube Audience
- Demographics: Virtually everyone (broadest reach)
- Behavior: Video consumption, entertainment, learning
- Engagement: Views, likes, comments, subscriptions
- Mindset: Entertainment, education, discovery
- Sessions: Long-form viewing sessions
Reddit Audience
- Demographics: Educated, tech-savvy, 18-35 primary
- Behavior: Reading, discussing, participating
- Engagement: Upvotes, comments, discussions
- Mindset: Research, community, authenticity
- Sessions: Active browsing and participation
Cost Comparison
Average CPM
| Platform |
Average CPM |
Range |
| YouTube (Skippable) |
$5-15 |
$3-30+ |
| YouTube (Non-skip) |
$10-30 |
$8-50+ |
| YouTube Shorts |
$4-10 |
$2-20 |
| Reddit |
$2-8 |
$1-15 |
Reddit offers lower CPMs, though YouTube's video format delivers different value.
Average CPV (Cost Per View)
| Platform |
Average CPV |
| YouTube |
$0.01-0.05 |
| Reddit Video |
$0.02-0.10 |
YouTube's massive scale enables very low per-view costs.
Cost Per Action
YouTube's sophistication enables strong conversion optimization for advertisers with video creative. Reddit often delivers lower CPA for text/image campaigns targeting niche audiences.
Format Differences
YouTube Ad Formats
Skippable in-stream ads:
- Play before, during, or after videos
- Skip after 5 seconds
- Pay when viewers watch 30+ seconds or engage
Non-skippable in-stream ads:
- 15-20 second mandatory viewing
- Higher CPM, guaranteed attention
Bumper ads:
- 6-second non-skippable
- Awareness and frequency
Discovery ads:
- Appear in search and recommendations
- Thumbnail + headline format
Shorts ads:
- Vertical short-form video
- Growing format with lower costs
Reddit Ad Formats
- Promoted posts with video
- Image and text posts
- Carousel ads
- Conversation ads
- Takeover ads
Reddit video ads are native to the feed but compete with multiple content formats.
Creative Requirements
YouTube Creative
Essential elements:
- Video production capability
- Hooks in first 5 seconds (for skippable)
- Audio important (sound-on environment)
- Multiple aspect ratios (horizontal, vertical, square)
- Higher production investment
What works:
- Tutorial and how-to content
- Storytelling and brand films
- Product demonstrations
- Creator collaborations
- Entertainment-first approach
Reddit Creative
Essential elements:
- Strong copy and headlines
- Authentic, native appearance
- Video optional (not required)
- Community-relevant messaging
What works:
- Educational content
- Problem-solution framing
- Discussion starters
- Less polished, more authentic
- Text-based content performs well
YouTube requires video production investment. Reddit accommodates multiple formats.
Targeting Comparison
YouTube Targeting
- Demographics (detailed)
- Affinity audiences (interests and habits)
- In-market audiences (active researchers)
- Custom intent (keyword-based)
- Remarketing (website, app, YouTube)
- Similar audiences
- Placement targeting (specific channels/videos)
- Topic targeting
Reddit Targeting
- Subreddit targeting
- Interest categories
- Custom audiences (retargeting)
- Basic demographics
- Geographic targeting
YouTube offers more sophisticated targeting through Google's data infrastructure.
Use Case Comparison
Brand Awareness
YouTube advantage: Massive reach, video storytelling, frequency building.
Reddit value: Community-based awareness, authentic engagement, lower costs.
Recommendation: YouTube for broad video awareness; Reddit for targeted community awareness.
Tutorial and Education
YouTube advantage: Purpose-built for educational video, search discovery, long-form content.
Reddit value: Community discussions around educational topics, text-based tutorials.
Recommendation: YouTube for video tutorials; Reddit for discussion and community support.
Product Launch
YouTube advantage: Video showcase, broad reach, launch moment amplification.
Reddit value: Authentic community buzz, user feedback, targeted reach.
Recommendation: Both platforms for complementary launch coverage.
B2B/SaaS
Reddit advantage: Lower costs, technical communities, authentic discussions.
YouTube value: Demo videos, tutorial content, thought leadership.
Recommendation: Reddit for community reach; YouTube for video content distribution.
Integration Strategy
Complementary Approach
YouTube for:
- Video brand building
- Tutorial and educational content
- Broad awareness reach
- Pre-roll visibility
- Entertainment-first campaigns
Reddit for:
- Community engagement
- Authentic discussions
- Lower-cost targeting
- Text and image campaigns
- Niche audience reach
Video Content Strategy
If you have video content:
- YouTube: Primary video distribution
- Reddit: Native video in relevant communities
- Cross-promote: YouTube content discussed on Reddit
Budget Allocation
| Business Type |
YouTube |
Reddit |
| Entertainment/Media |
80% |
20% |
| SaaS with demos |
50% |
50% |
| B2B (no video) |
20% |
80% |
| E-commerce |
60% |
40% |
| Gaming |
50% |
50% |
Measurement Differences
YouTube Metrics
- Views and view rate
- Watch time and completion
- Click-through rate
- Conversions (through Google Ads)
- Brand lift studies (for larger budgets)
- Reach and frequency
Reddit Metrics
- Impressions and reach
- Clicks and CTR
- Video views (for video content)
- Conversions
- Engagement (comments, upvotes)
YouTube offers more sophisticated video-specific measurement.
For more comparisons, see Reddit Ads vs Google Ads and Reddit Ads vs TikTok Ads.
FAQs
Do I need video to advertise on Reddit?
No. Unlike YouTube where video is required, Reddit supports text, image, and video formats. Many successful Reddit campaigns use static images with strong copy. Video can improve performance but isn't essential.
Which platform has better reach?
YouTube has significantly larger reach (2.5B+ vs 850M+ users). However, Reddit's community structure enables more targeted reach for niche audiences. YouTube wins on scale; Reddit wins on targeting precision for specific interests.
Can I repurpose YouTube content for Reddit?
You can use the same video, but consider adaptation. YouTube videos are often longer and produced; Reddit favors shorter, native-looking content. Test both approaches—sometimes polished YouTube content works on Reddit, sometimes native edits perform better.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube dominates video with massive reach and sophisticated targeting
- Reddit offers lower CPMs and engaged community audiences
- YouTube requires video production; Reddit accommodates multiple formats
- Both platforms serve awareness goals with different approaches
- Integration strategy uses each platform's strengths
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