YouTube Expands Creator Monetization with Custom App Promotions for Shorts

YouTube is introducing a new revenue stream for Shorts creators through Google partnership ads for app campaigns, allowing content creators to earn money by featuring app promotions in their short-form videos. The update, announced August 14, 2025, introduces co-branded partnership ads with custom call-to-action panels displayed at the bottom of Shorts clips.

The initiative marks a significant expansion of YouTube's business monetization opportunities for content creators, addressing the growing demand for short-form video advertising while creating new opportunities for both creators and app developers.

Enhanced Partnership Opportunities

The new system enables app developers to connect with relevant creators through YouTube's BrandConnect platform. This collaboration creates a more authentic advertising experience, with creators incorporating app promotions naturally into their content while leveraging essential YouTube marketing tools for maximum engagement.

Google's integration includes playable ad formats as end cards following video ads, designed to increase viewer engagement. This feature specifically targets AdMob inventory, providing an interactive element to traditional video advertisements.

AI-Powered Improvements

Google is expanding access to its artificial intelligence bidding tools alongside the new promotional features. The target Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) bidding system is now available on iOS, demonstrating impressive results in early testing. Indonesian lending app Uatas reported a 7% increase in ROAS after implementing the AI-powered bidding solution.

The platform's AI capabilities extend to video enhancement, offering publishers tools to:

• Adapt existing videos for different screen sizes
• Intelligently extend videos beyond original frames
• Preserve key visual content while flipping or reformatting videos

Implementation and Availability

Currently, partnership ads for app campaigns are limited to iOS devices, with Android support coming in the future. This phased rollout allows YouTube to refine the system while providing valuable insights for future expansion. For creators looking to maximize their reach, implementing strategic video content optimization for enhanced SEO performance remains crucial.

The expansion represents YouTube's continued commitment to creator monetization while providing advertisers with more sophisticated tools to reach their target audience. As short-form video content continues to dominate social media, these new features position YouTube to better compete in the evolving digital advertising landscape.

For more information about YouTube's creator monetization programs, visit YouTube's Official Creator Blog.