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
Context
Implication
AI Overviews
YouTube citations surged 25.21% since Jan 2025; instructional (+35.6%), visual demos (+32.5%); long-form dominates (94%)
GEO
YouTube + Reddit = ~78% of social media citations; Perplexity (38.7%) and Google AI Overviews (36.6%) drive most YouTube citations
Strategy
Embed YouTube on site pages for dual indexing; or host on YouTube for GEO citation. See
youtube-seo
,
generative-engine-optimization
Initial Assessment
Check for project context first:
If
.claude/project-context.md
or
.cursor/project-context.md
exists, read it for brand and page context.
Identify:
Hosting
Self-hosted vs YouTube/Vimeo embed
Page type
Dedicated watch page vs supplementary (e.g. blog with embedded video)
Features needed
Preview, key moments, LIVE badge
1. Discovery & Indexing
Use Standard HTML Embed Elements
Google finds videos in