#105: How YouTube Uses Search History In Targeting Ads
Thu Feb 05 2026
YouTube ads are not just video ads. They are intent, behavior, content, and data layered together.
In this episode, Ashley explains why YouTube works so well when it's done correctly, and why most people struggle when they treat it like a button-pushing platform.
Ashley breaks down how YouTube utilizes Google data, including search behavior, website visits, app usage, and video watch history, to target people who are already paying attention. You're not guessing who might be interested. You're meeting people who are already thinking about buying.
This is why YouTube ads feel "psychic" when done right.
In this episode, she breaks down:
🎯 Why YouTube ads work differently than social ads
🎯 How Google data powers YouTube targeting
🎯 The 6 YouTube targeting types and when to use each one
🎯 How to reach people who are already mid-decision
🎯 The difference between skippable and non-skippable ads
🎯 CPM vs CPV and why YouTube lets you buy attention
Connect with Ashley: @ads.with.ashley
Join the Challenge: Win With Paid Ads Challenge
Read the Book: How to Win With Paid Ads
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YouTube ads are not just video ads. They are intent, behavior, content, and data layered together. In this episode, Ashley explains why YouTube works so well when it's done correctly, and why most people struggle when they treat it like a button-pushing platform. Ashley breaks down how YouTube utilizes Google data, including search behavior, website visits, app usage, and video watch history, to target people who are already paying attention. You're not guessing who might be interested. You're meeting people who are already thinking about buying. This is why YouTube ads feel "psychic" when done right. In this episode, she breaks down: 🎯 Why YouTube ads work differently than social ads 🎯 How Google data powers YouTube targeting 🎯 The 6 YouTube targeting types and when to use each one 🎯 How to reach people who are already mid-decision 🎯 The difference between skippable and non-skippable ads 🎯 CPM vs CPV and why YouTube lets you buy attention Connect with Ashley: @ads.with.ashley Join the Challenge: Win With Paid Ads Challenge Read the Book: How to Win With Paid Ads