Optimizing Videos On Video Search Engines
- Video file should be keyword focused
- Title of video page should be keyword focused
- Description of video should be well written and focused on the keywords, much like any other piece of content.
- When linking out to YouTube videos, only use the link provided by YouTube and not a URL shortener as the shortened URL may adjust the viewing experience of the video.
- Do not set “default” video to activate and start playing as soon as a visitor visits the channel.
- Credit those who have assisted in the video production.
- Max video file size 15 minutes and 2GB
- File Types accepted by YouTube: .MOV, .MPEG4, 3GPP, .AVI, MPEGPS, .WMV, .FLV
Channel Branding For Video Search Engines
- Use one YouTube page (URL) to represent and warehouse the assets for the brand.
- Select a custom YouTube URL that reflects the name of the brand. An example would be youtube.com/[brand].
- Skin the branded YouTube page with images that reflect the brand identity. Designing a background image and matching the color palette to align with the brand can accomplish this.
- Contact YouTube representative to upgrade to a “Branded Channel” to obtain more functionality, measurement, and creative channel license.
Onsite Video Optimization
This includes embedding a video that was published on a 3rd party video search engine into a page on your website, or optimizing a page that contains a video that is hosted on a clients servers.
- New URL is created for video page based on URL creation process
- Title of page (H1) should be the keyword focused title of the video
- A complete transcript of the video should be located under the embedded video to add relevant content to the page.
- Video sitemap should be created
Guidelines for creating a video sitemap for the search engines can be found at Video Sitemap Creation.
Article about “tips for optimizing video for the search engines” can be found here.
