More people now search with video than ever before, and the numbers prove it:
- Over half of internet users watch video every day
- Adding video to your site can boost organic traffic by 41%
- Video thumbnails get 41% more clicks than plain text links
- Some videos drive traffic increases of up to 157%
- Nearly 60% of all social media time is spent watching video
Text isn’t going away, but Google is also prioritizing visual content, so it’s best to start building video directly into your strategy. Simply embedding a clip won’t cut it — it has to be relevant, fast-loading, and easy to understand for both users and algorithms.
So, how do you make video content that actually ranks and reaches the right audience? Here are 10 tips:
1.Try short-form videos.
TikTok and Reels aren’t just for entertainment anymore — they’ve become search engines in their own right. Instead of Googling, people scroll through 30-second clips to find quick answers. Platforms are adapting fast: TikTok raised its description limit to 2,200 characters to help its algorithm surface more relevant content, while Instagram added keyword search to improve discovery.
If your audience lives on these platforms, you need to meet them there. Grab attention fast. Use clear captions, keywords, and hashtags that reflect how people actually search. No fluff, no filler, just answers.
2. Prioritize YouTube for long-form reach.
YouTube still pulls serious SEO weight — and not just within the platform. It’s the second-largest search engine and a key source of content for Google results. To increase your visibility, upload YouTube videos that earn watch time, likes, and comments. These signals help your videos rank higher on YouTube and boost their chances of appearing in Google search or even AI summaries.
3. Write clear titles and keyword-smart descriptions.
Search engines need context — and metadata gives it to them.
Be specific about what information the video delivers and who it’s for. For example, “5-Minute Summer Makeup for Oily Skin” will always perform better than “Summer Makeup.”
Avoid stuffing your description with keywords. Think about how your audience phrases their searches, then write for that.
4. Include a transcript with every video you publish.
Search engines can’t watch your video, but they can read your transcripts. So take the time to add accurate, keyword-aware captions to help Google index your content while making your video more accessible to everyone.
Tip: Edit your transcript manually if you want better keyword accuracy and fewer mistakes. Auto-captioning tools can help you save time, but they’re rarely perfect.
5. Embed your video on relevant pages.
Incorporate your videos directly into your blog posts, product pages, or landing pages where they add context or answer a specific question. This keeps visitors on your site longer and shows search engines that your content is useful.
To get the most from each embed:
- Write supporting text that reinforces the video’s topic.
- Use schema markup so search engines can understand how the video relates to the page.
- Test playback on desktop and mobile to avoid load or formatting issues.
6. Design thumbnails that earn the click.
A bad thumbnail can tank your click-through rate while a good one gets attention.
Use bold images, clean branding, and readable text. No matter how tempting, skip the clickbait. People want answers — not bait-and-switch tactics. If your thumbnail says “3 Ways to Save on Electric Bills,” make sure that your video actually talks about that topic.
7. Don’t post and ghost.
Engagement in the form of likes, comments, and shares all signal quality to search algorithms, so be sure to respond to comments and build a real connection with your audience.
Consistency matters, too. Post regularly and collaborate with others in your space to give people a reason to return. The more active you are, the better your videos will rank.
8. Distribute your videos across channels to drive views.
You can’t count on YouTube’s algorithm alone, so go ahead and push your videos through newsletters, social posts, blog embeds — wherever your audience already is. Get your content in front of people before they start searching. Work with influencers or partners if they can help you reach the right audience more effectively.
9. Earn backlinks to boost credibility and ranking.
When reputable websites link to your videos, it tells search engines your content is worth showing. That kind of third-party validation—from blogs, media outlets, or industry partners—can push your rankings higher and drive long-term traffic.
Make it easy for others to link to you. Share useful insights, contribute to industry roundups, or co-create content with partners. The more value you provide, the more likely people are to reference and share your videos.
10. Watch your data, then adjust.
Your analytics — particularly metrics like watch duration, engagement rate, and drop-off points — tell you how your audience interacts with your videos.
Pay attention to what’s working. If viewers leave early, maybe you need to tighten your opening. If a certain style drives more engagement, produce more of it. Treat your content like a feedback loop and keep refining as you go.
There you have it — 10 tips for getting your videos seen and driving more search traffic. If you want expert help putting these tactics into action, contact SEOValley. We’ll show you exactly what to fix, improve, and scale.
