Guide
youtube monetizationmid-roll adsyoutube partner programad revenueYouTube Mid-Roll Ads 8 Minute Requirement 2026: Complete Guide
YouTube mid-roll ads require a minimum 8-minute video length and can double or triple your ad revenue. Here's exactly how mid-roll ads work, the 8-minute rule, and how to place ads strategically for maximum earnings.
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YouTube Mid-Roll Ads: The 8-Minute Rule Explained
YouTube allows mid-roll ads on videos that are at least 8 minutes long. Videos under 8 minutes can only show pre-roll and post-roll ads. Once your video hits 8 minutes, YouTube can automatically insert mid-roll ads, or you can manually place them.
How Much More Do Mid-Roll Ads Earn?
Adding mid-roll ads to an 8-12 minute video typically increases ad revenue by 50-150% compared to the same video without mid-rolls. A video earning $5 from pre-roll ads might earn $10-15 with strategic mid-roll placement. The exact increase depends on your niche CPM.
Mid-Roll Ad Placement Strategy for Maximum Revenue
Place mid-roll ads at natural pause points: after a question is raised (before answering), after completing one section (before the next), or at the 40-60% mark where viewer retention is still strong. Avoid placing ads in the first 2 minutes or last 30 seconds.
Mid-Roll Ads vs Shorts: Which Earns More?
A 10-minute video with mid-roll ads earning $5 RPM will generate $5 per 1,000 views. YouTube Shorts in the same niche earn $0.03-0.08 per 1,000 views. Long-form content with mid-roll ads earns 50-100x more per view than Shorts — but Shorts grow channels faster.