// SHORTS_ANALYZER
YouTube Shorts ad analyzer
Drop a YouTube Shorts ad — video, image, public Shorts URL, or script — and get a senior Shorts strategist's read in under 90 seconds. Hook-rate prediction, repeat-view forecast (Shorts' #1 ranking signal), six-category rubric tuned for the loop, Demand Gen placement readiness, ad-policy vs monetization-policy check, and three rewritten hooks.
// BENCHMARKS_2026
2026 YouTube Shorts ad benchmarks
Median ranges from the Ad Bench dataset, calibrated against YouTube Shorts paid-creative performance in early 2026. Every Deep Dive report grades the submitted ad against these benchmarks.
| Metric | Median range | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Hook rate (3s) | 20–35% | Shorts averages lower hook-rate than TikTok because the loop-mechanic gives weaker openers a second chance. |
| Repeat-view rate | 8–22% | Shorts' #1 ranking signal — much heavier than completion or saves. The closer-becomes-opener pattern drives this hardest. |
| Watch-completion | 60–85% | Shorts completion is structurally higher than TikTok or Reels because the loop counts toward completion in YouTube's metric. |
| End-screen CTR | 1.5–4.0% | End-screen is Shorts' equivalent to TikTok's pinned-comment and Reels' link-in-bio. Highest-converting CTA real-estate. |
| Cost-per-click range | $0.20–$1.80 | Demand Gen (formerly Video Action Campaigns) is generally cheaper than TikTok or Meta paid; Shorts gets the share of Demand Gen impressions Google decides to allocate. |
// WHAT_WE_SCORE
What the YouTube Shorts analyzer scores
The six universal rubric axes (hook, clarity, CTA, brand fit, native feel, pacing) calibrated for YouTube Shorts— plus per-platform sub-axes that don't exist on the cross-platform rubric.
Loop design
Repeat-views — not watch-completion — are YouTube's #1 Shorts ranking signal. The closer-becomes-opener pattern, denser cut-rate, and loop-friendly pacing all factor.
Voiceover-forward
Shorts viewers default to sound-on more than TikTok (~25% sound-off vs ~85% on TikTok). Voiceover pacing, narrative arc, and audio mix get more weight.
Demand Gen readiness
Audio licensing (Demand Gen audio library is narrower than TikTok or Reels), variant-friendly format, brand-safe risk bar. Demand Gen serves Shorts + Discover + Gmail with one creative pack.
Policy vs monetization
A Short can be ad-supported (revenue share) without being eligible as a paid placement (Demand Gen won't run it). Monetization eligibility, the non-original-Shorts demonetization rule, and the four risk-flag categories all map to Shorts enforcement.
End-screen CTA
Shorts' end-screen CTA replaces TikTok's pinned-comment and Reels' link-in-bio as the highest-converting real-estate. Timing, copy, and on-screen overlay all factor into the CTA score.
// FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What does the Shorts ad analyzer score?
Six rubric categories (hook, clarity, CTA, brand fit, native feel, pacing) tuned for Shorts — repeat-views weighted as the #1 ranking signal, loop-design as a separate sub-axis, end-screen CTA replacing TikTok's pinned-comment as the high-converting CTA real-estate. Plus ten predicted performance metrics, Demand Gen placement readiness, ad-policy vs monetization-policy distinction, three rewritten hooks, and caption + CTA variants.
Does it accept YouTube Shorts URLs?
Yes. Paste any public youtube.com/shorts/<id> or youtu.be link. The analyzer pulls metadata via YouTube's open oEmbed endpoint (title, channel, thumbnail), processes the cover frame, and routes through the Shorts-mode rubric. For unlisted or private Shorts, upload the MP4 directly via the Video tab.
Is it tuned for Shorts specifically?
Yes. Shorts mode uses a Shorts-specific system prompt: repeat-views weighted as the dominant ranking signal, voiceover-forward pacing rewarded (Shorts is more sound-on than TikTok or Reels), Demand Gen audio-library constraints checked, and the algorithm-signal sub-axis covers Shorts-specific signals like end-screen CTR and loop completion. URL submissions auto-detect YouTube and route to this mode.
Does it score ad-eligibility vs monetization-eligibility?
Yes — and it distinguishes them. A Short can be ad-supported (you get revenue share) without being eligible as a Demand Gen paid placement. The analyzer flags both: monetization eligibility (non-original Shorts demonetization rule, content-ID conflicts) and ad-creative eligibility (audio licensing, brand-safe risk, demonstrable-product policy). Risk flags surface specific rule citations.
How does the YouTube Partner Program affiliate mode work?
When affiliate or YPP signals are detected (pinned-comment links, end-screen affiliate prompts, FTC-disclosure phrases), the rubric reweights for YPP-native affiliate mechanics: end-screen CTA gets heavier weight, pinned-comment link clarity becomes a scored axis, FTC disclosure timing is enforced. The GMV projection swaps to a Shorts revenue-share model.
Is there a free tier?
Yes. Free account: 3 Quick Checks + 1 Deep Dive per day (1 Quick Check/day anonymous). Pro $49/mo: 10 Quick + 10 Deep per day, full Deep report, saved history. Agency $199/mo: 100 analyses per day, brand kit, drafting workbenches, API access, team seats.
Can I compare a Short side-by-side against the same script as a TikTok or Reel?
Yes. Run the same source as separate analyses (set the platform chip to TikTok, then to Shorts, then to Reels) and use the comparison feature to view rubric scores side-by-side. The universal six-axis rubric makes the cross-platform comparison meaningful; per-platform calibration explains the gaps.
// RELATED_GUIDES
YouTube Shorts ad strategy guides
// READY_TO_SCORE
Drop your YouTube Shorts ad below and run the scoring.