Search is no longer just text. In 2026, if you aren’t optimizing for video, you are invisible to 40% of users under 30. Google now integrates TikToks, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels directly into the primary search results page (SERP).
The Shift to Vertical Search
Vertical video has conquered the mobile web. Google knows this. That’s why “Short Videos” is now a standard carousel in almost every lifestyle and how-to query.
Optimization Strategy for Shorts & TikToks
How do you get your 60-second video to rank on Google?
- Speak your Keywords: Google transcribes audio. Say your primary keyword in the first 3 seconds.
- Text Overlays: Burn captions into the video file. Google’s OCR reads this text.
- Description SEO: Do not just write “New vid!” Write a 100-word mini-blog post in the description with semantic keywords.
YouTube SEO: The Second Largest Search Engine
YouTube is still the king of long-form. But the algorithm has changed.
Key Ranking Factors in 2026:
- Audience Retention: If people drop off at 30 seconds, you won’t rank. Structure your videos with a hook, a payoff, and no fluff.
- Click-Through Rate (CTR): Your thumbnail is more important than your video. Use bright colors, faces with emotion, and high contrast.
- Chapters (Key Moments): Manually add timestamps. Google uses these to rank specific segments of your video for specific search queries.
Embedding is Not Enough
Simply pasting a YouTube link on your blog post isn’t enough anymore. You need Video Schema Markup. This code tells Google exactly what your video is about, its duration, and its thumbnail URL, allowing it to appear in the “Videos” tab with a rich snippet.
Conclusion
Video is not a separate strategy. It is part of your SEO strategy. Repurpose every blog post into a 60-second script, film it, and dominate the SERP from both angles.
