**Strong advertiser demand and AI-driven ad tools are supporting YouTube ad revenue growth heading into Alphabet’s Q3 2026 results.** In Q2 2026, YouTube ads revenue reached $11.06 billion, up 13% year-over-year, fueled by Performance Max, Demand Gen campaigns, Shorts monetization, and connected TV strength. Analyst channel checks from September point to YouTube ad spend growth of roughly 10–19% for the quarter, outpacing some search expectations amid limited competition from emerging AI ad platforms still in testing. Alphabet reports Q3 earnings on October 28, with the exact YouTube ads figure serving as the direct resolution trigger. Traders are watching for sustained direct-response and brand momentum alongside any seasonal or macroeconomic signals that could affect the outcome.