Google Product Manager Zach Lupei refers to the new Bumper ads as "little haikus of video ads." With Vine stars now posting six-second sponsored placements to their accounts, YouTube is adopting a similar strategy to engage with younger, mobile-first audiences. Audi Germany and Atlantic Records are already on board and have been testing the new format (we've included an example below).

Given that some of Atlantic Records' videos were uploaded more than six months ago, it's safe to say that YouTube has spent some time putting the finishing touches on its new service. The company tells potential advertisers that Bumper ads work best when combined with other YouTube ads, suggesting that brands will soon place ad spots of varying lengths in an attempt to grab your attention.