YouTube to show ads right after key moments in videos: Here’s what that means for you

YouTube may soon change the way ads appear during videos and it all starts with your favorite moments.
At its recent event in New York, YouTube announced a new ad format called Peak Points. Here’s how it works: Let’s say you’re watching a vlog where a celebrity couple finally gets engaged, or a creator pulls off a major surprise. Just after that emotional or exciting moment, and boom an ad shows up.

This isn’t random. YouTube is using Google’s Gemini AI to detect the most emotionally engaging or dramatic parts of a video. These “peak” points are then used as perfect places to drop an ad. The idea is simple: when you’re fully hooked on the content, you’re more likely to remember the ad that follows.

While this might be great news for advertisers looking to make an impact, not everyone will love it. Viewers could find it annoying, especially if an ad cuts into the emotional flow or storytelling of a video. Imagine wiping away a tear, only to be hit with a shampoo commercial.

Alongside Peak Points, YouTube also introduced a more user-friendly feature: shoppable product feeds. Now, during certain ads, you’ll be able to browse and buy items without leaving the video.