The 3 Best YouTube Channels to Actually Learn Google Ads (Without the Fluff)
I did go to school for marketing—but let’s be honest, nothing teaches you faster than trying to figure it out yourself when money’s on the line. That’s why I’m also a proud graduate of YouTube University
That same figure-it-out mentality that helps you handle your own invoicing, fix your own tools, or build your own website? It works with Google Ads too. You don’t need to be an expert to run profitable campaigns. But you do need the right resources—ones that skip the fluff and focus on what actually drives results.
The three YouTube channels below are exactly that. I’ve personally subscribed to all of them, watched hundreds of their videos, and still turn to them regularly for ideas, inspiration, and tactic
1. Grow My Ads
For: Strategy, Profit, and Real-World Thinking
This is the channel for understanding how to run ads profitably—not just how to set them up.
The creator, Mike Rhodes, focuses on real business strategy. He’s not chasing impressions, clicks, or engagement for the sake of looking busy. Every video is focused on helping you get a return on investment—whether that’s sales, leads, or booked appointments.
Expect deep dives into campaign structure, keyword targeting, smart bidding, and avoiding Google’s built-in traps (yes, there are many). If you’ve ever run ads and wondered “why aren’t these working?”, Grow My Ads will likely show you exactly what went wrong.
It’s a must-watch for anyone who wants to think like a marketer, not just follow step-by-step tutorials.
2. Surfside PPC
For: Tactical Walkthroughs and Endless How-To Videos
Surfside PPC is basically the Google Ads encyclopedia on YouTube. If there’s a feature or setting you’ve got questions about, odds are there’s already a Surfside video covering it.
Need to know how to use Performance Max? How to set up conversion tracking? What the heck Smart Campaigns are really doing? It’s all here—usually in multiple formats and updated for the latest platform changes.
What I love about this channel is how practical and comprehensive it is. The videos aren’t flashy, but they are incredibly detailed and easy to follow. Great for business owners who want to do the work themselves and need a reliable resource every time they hit a roadblock.
Think of it as your Google Ads WebMD.
3. Loves Data
For: Clarity, Simplicity, and a Teacher’s Touch
Loves Data brings a polished, well-structured style to every topic—making it the perfect channel for business owners who appreciate a clear, step-by-step explanation of both the how and the why.
The host, Benjamin Mangold, is great at teaching both beginners and intermediate users how to understand the bigger picture. You won’t just learn where to click—you’ll learn what those clicks actually mean for your business.
He covers Google Ads, Google Analytics, GA4, and Google Tag Manager, with plenty of visuals, definitions, and examples that make complex topics simple. If you like to learn by understanding—not just copying—this is the channel for you.
Bonus: MeasureSchool
Because the Best Ads in the World Mean Nothing If You Can’t Measure What’s Working
Let’s be real: you can build the best ad campaigns and landing pages in the world, but if you’re not tracking results correctly, you’re flying blind.
That’s why I recommend MeasureSchool to every client—even the ones who swear they’ll “just look at the numbers later.” This channel is a goldmine for learning Google Tag Manager, GA4, event tracking, and conversion measurement.
It’s especially valuable if you want to track form fills, button clicks, purchases, or phone calls—without hiring a developer every time you need to tweak something.
If you’re serious about using data to make better decisions (and avoid wasting money), start here.
Final Thought: Let’s Talk Strategy
These channels are the real deal. They’ll teach you how to run smarter, more profitable Google Ads campaigns without needing an agency or burning through your budget.
But if you want a second pair of eyes—or just want help getting started—I’d love to jump on a call and talk strategy with you.
Whether you’re planning your first campaign or trying to turn around one that’s already live, I can help you figure out what’s working, what’s not, and how to get the results you actually want.
