Creating great video content is just the first step. To ensure your videos are found on Google, you need to understand how to make them visible to search engines. This guide will walk you through the basics of video SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) using simple language and easy steps.

What is Video SEO?

Video SEO is the process of optimising your videos to get them indexed and ranked by search engines like Google. This involves making sure your videos can be found, indexed, and displayed in search results, including Google’s main search, video search, Google Images, and Discover.

Why Does Video SEO Matter?

By optimising your videos, you increase the chances of them appearing in search results, leading to more views, better engagement, and higher overall visibility for your content.

Getting Started: Steps to Make Your Videos Rank on Google

Help Google Find Your Videos

Google needs to be able to find your videos before it can index and rank them. Here’s how to make sure your videos are discoverable:

Use the Right HTML Tags

• Embed videos using standard HTML tags like <video>, <embed>, <iframe>, or <object>.
• Avoid using fragment URLs (those with #) as Google doesn’t usually support them.

Render Videos Properly

• Ensure that if you use JavaScript to load videos, they are visible in the HTML when the page is rendered.
• Provide metadata for your videos using structured data, video sitemaps, or Open Graph tags.
• Ensure Your Videos Can Be Indexed

How to Get Your Videos Indexed and Ranking on Google: A Simple Guide

Index the Watch Page

• The page where your video is embedded (watch page) must be indexed by Google.
• Make sure the watch page performs well in search before your video can be considered for indexing.

Use a Stable Video Thumbnail

• Provide a valid thumbnail image at a stable URL that Google can access consistently.

Use Supported Video File Types

• Ensure your video files are in formats supported by Google, such as MP4, WebM, or AVI.
• Keep the URLs for your video files and thumbnails stable to avoid issues with indexing.

Create a Dedicated Watch Page

Each video should have its own dedicated watch page where the video is the main content. This helps Google understand that the page is specifically about that video.

Unique Titles and Descriptions

• Give each watch page a unique title and description that clearly describes the video content.

Provide Structured Data and Video Sitemaps

Structured data and sitemaps help Google understand your videos better and can improve your chances of ranking.

Use VideoObject Structured Data

• Describe your videos using VideoObject structured data. Include details like the video’s title, description, thumbnail URL, and content URL.

Submit a Video Sitemap

• Include your videos in a video sitemap, specifying important details such as thumbnail_loc, title, description, and content_loc.

Enable Specific Video Features

Certain video features can help your videos stand out in search results. Here’s how to make them work for you:

Video Previews

• Allow Google to fetch your video files so that it can create moving previews in search results.

Key Moments

• Use structured data to highlight key moments in your videos, helping users navigate directly to the most important parts.

Monitor and Optimise with Google Search Console

Google Search Console is a powerful tool that helps you monitor how your videos are performing in search results.

Use the Video Indexing Report

• Check how many of your watch pages contain indexed videos and troubleshoot any issues that arise.

Fix Issues with the Rich Result Report

• Review and resolve any problems with your structured data using the Video Rich Result Report.

Remove or Restrict Videos When Necessary

Sometimes, you may need to remove or restrict your videos from appearing in search results.

Remove Videos

• File a removal request or use the noindex tag to remove a video from search results.

Restrict Videos by Location

• Use structured data or video sitemaps to limit video visibility based on the user’s location.

Optimise for SafeSearch

Ensure that your videos are correctly labelled, so Google can apply SafeSearch filters if necessary, keeping explicit content out of search results when appropriate.

Summary

Optimising your videos for Google involves a few key steps: making sure Google can find and index your videos, using the right file formats, creating dedicated watch pages, and providing structured data. By following these best practices, you can help your videos rank better in search results, leading to increased visibility and engagement.

Relevant Links for Further Information

• Google Video SEO Best Practices
• How to Use Structured Data for Video
• Google Search Console: Video Indexing Report

By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to improving the visibility of your video content on Google.