SEO On-Page: Video Optimization

Guides video optimization for Google Search (main results, video mode, Google Images, Discover), video sitemap, VideoObject schema, and indexing. Note: Google now prioritizes YouTube video results in search; YouTube + Reddit comprise ~78% of social media citations in AI Overviews. For YouTube-specific optimization, see youtube-seo; for GEO distribution via YouTube, see generative-engine-optimization. References: Google Video SEO, Semrush YouTube SEO.

When invoking: On first use, if helpful, open with 1–2 sentences on what this skill covers and why it matters, then provide the main output. On subsequent use or when the user asks to skip, go directly to the main output.

Scope

• Discovery & indexing: HTML embed elements, video sitemap
• Metadata: Title, description, thumbnail; stable URLs
• Structured data: VideoObject schema
• Features: Video preview, key moments (Clip, SeekToAction), LIVE badge
• YouTube prioritization: Google favors YouTube in search; embed or host on YouTube for GEO citation

YouTube in Google Search (2025+)

Google prioritizes YouTube video results across search. YouTube receives 48.6B monthly visits (second to Google.com) and is treated as core search infrastructure for AI-driven discovery. Search Engine Land