Video Not Indexing: How to Fix Common Video Indexing Issues Step-by-Step

Are you having problems with video indexing? Google's search engine is like a librarian trying to catalog videos on websites, but sometimes it struggles to find and index them properly. According to Google Search Console documentation, there are several reasons why a video might not be indexed, including issues with the video's placement, size, or prominence on the page.

Page Not Indexed

Page indexing is like getting your house listed in a city directory - if it's not there, no one can find you. For videos, if the page they're on isn't indexed, search engines can't discover them either. To ensure your pages get indexed:

• Submit a sitemap to Google, like handing over a map of your neighborhood
• Add internal links throughout your site, creating pathways for search engines to explore
• Create valuable, original content that search engines want to show users
• Ask Google directly to index specific URLs using Google Search Console
• Improve your site's speed and structure, making it easier for search engines to navigate

By following these steps, you're essentially rolling out the welcome mat for search engines, increasing the chances of both your pages and videos being discovered and indexed.

Video Placement Matters

Imagine your webpage is like a TV screen, and the viewport is what viewers can see without scrolling. When Google says a video is "outside the viewport," it's like having a TV show playing off-screen where no one can see it 1. This happens when the video is positioned below the initial visible area of the page, requiring users to scroll down to find it.

To fix this, think of your webpage as a stage and your video as the star performer. You want to place that star front and center where everyone can see it as soon as the curtain rises. Here's how:

• Move the video to the top of the page so it's visible when the page first loads.
• Use CSS to position the video within the viewport, like adjusting spotlights on stage.
• Ensure the video is responsive, adapting to different screen sizes like a chameleon.
• If you can't move the video up, consider using a thumbnail or preview image in the viewport that links to the full video.

By following these tips, you're essentially giving your video the VIP treatment, making sure it gets the attention it deserves from both viewers and search engines.

Video Not Main Content of Page

Imagine your webpage as a movie theater. If your video is just a small poster in the corner while a giant text article takes center stage, Google's indexing bot might walk right past it. For a video to be indexed, it needs to be the star of the show, not a supporting actor. Google looks for videos that are the main attraction on a page, prominently displayed and easy to spot.

To ensure your videos get the spotlight they deserve, consider creating dedicated "watch pages" for each video. Think of these as individual screening rooms in your website's movie theater. On these pages, the video should be the main feature, placed prominently near the top 2. 

You can enhance these pages by adding structured data (like movie posters with extra details), writing detailed descriptions (think of them as engaging movie synopses), and uploading transcripts (like subtitles for search engines) 1. 

This approach not only helps with indexing but also improves the user experience, making it easier for visitors to find and enjoy your video content.

Fixing Duplicate Video Pages

Canonicalization is like giving your video a unique ID badge in the vast world of the internet. When done correctly, it helps search engines understand which version of your video is the "official" one, even if it appears on multiple pages. However, conflicts can arise when there's confusion about which version should be the star.

To resolve canonicalization issues for videos:

• Use the rel="canonical" tag to point to the main version of your video page.
• Avoid automatically canonicalizing query parameters that determine video galleries or lightboxes.
• For videos embedded on multiple pages, focus on making each page's content unique rather than using canonical tags.
• If you have isolated video hosting pages, use rel="canonical" to point them to the main pages where the videos are embedded.
• Ensure your canonical tags are implemented correctly in the of your HTML.

By addressing these canonicalization conflicts, you're essentially giving your video a clear identity, making it easier for search engines to find and index it properly.

Unsupported Formats or Hosting Platforms

Video formats can be as picky as a fussy eater at a buffet. Some players just won't digest certain video types, leading to the dreaded "video format not supported" error. Common culprits include missing codecs, outdated players, or exotic file formats. To avoid this digital indigestion:

• Stick to widely supported formats like MP4 (H.264) for best compatibility
• Use a Swiss Army knife player like VLC that can handle almost any format
• Consider converting troublesome videos to more digestible formats

For hosting, think of platforms as different TV channels. YouTube is like a public access channel - great for reach but with less control. Vimeo is more like a premium cable network, offering better quality and customization 3. When choosing a hosting platform:

• Consider your audience and goals (e.g., mass exposure vs. professional presentation)
• Check integration options with your existing tools and websites
• Evaluate analytics capabilities to track video performance
• Ensure the platform supports your desired video quality and file sizes

Remember, the right format and platform combo is like finding the perfect dance partner - when they work well together, your video will shine in the spotlight of search results and viewer screens alike.

Video Data Mistakes

Structured data is like a secret handshake between your website and search engines, helping them understand your video content better. Schema.org markup, particularly VideoObject, acts as a detailed ID card for your videos, making them more visible and attractive in search results. To implement it correctly:

• Use JSON-LD format, which Google prefers for its simplicity
• Include essential properties like name, description, thumbnailUrl, and either embedURL or contentURL
• Place the JSON-LD script in the HTML head or body of your video page
• Ensure consistency across all sources (sitemap, meta tags, structured data) for each video
• Validate your markup using Schema.org and Google's Rich Results Test tools

For those less tech-savvy, consider using a video host that automatically adds structured data or a third-party tool to generate it 1. Remember, implementing structured data is like giving your videos a VIP pass to the search engine party – it helps them stand out and get noticed more easily.

Video Data Tags

Structured data is like a secret language that helps search engines understand your video content better. Think of it as adding subtitles to your videos, but for search engines instead of viewers. By using schema.org markup, specifically VideoObject, you're essentially giving Google a cheat sheet about your video, making it more likely to appear in rich results and video carousels.

To implement VideoObject markup correctly:

• Use JSON-LD format, which Google prefers for its simplicity
• Include essential properties like name, description, thumbnailUrl, and uploadDate
• Add the JSON-LD script to the HTML head or body of your video page
• Ensure consistency across all sources (sitemap, meta tags, structured data)
• Validate your markup using Schema.org and Google's Rich Results Test tools

For those less tech-savvy, consider using a video host like SproutVideo that automatically adds structured data, or use a free tool like HoneyNJam to generate it. Remember, proper structured data is like giving your videos a VIP pass to the search engine party – it helps them stand out and get noticed more easily.

Accessible Thumbnail Tips

Thumbnails are like movie posters for your videos, giving viewers a sneak peek of what's inside. But just like a poorly designed movie poster might turn away potential viewers, inaccessible thumbnails can exclude users and hurt your video's performance. To make your thumbnails more inclusive:

• Add descriptive alt text to thumbnail images, like providing an audio description of a movie poster
• Ensure sufficient color contrast between text and background for better readability
• Use large, clear fonts for any text on the thumbnail
• Create multiple thumbnail sizes (1280x720, 1920x1080) to look good on various devices

To optimize thumbnails for indexing:

• Use supported file formats like JPG, PNG, or WebP
• Keep file sizes under 2MB for faster loading
• Include relevant keywords in the file name, but avoid keyword stuffing
• Use schema markup to tell search engines about your thumbnail

Remember, an accessible and optimized thumbnail is like a welcoming usher, guiding all users to your video content regardless of their abilities or the device they're using.

Video Size Matters

Video dimensions are like a Goldilocks situation - they need to be just right for Google to index them properly. Google prefers videos that are at least 160x90 pixels and no larger than 1920x1080 pixels. Think of it as finding the perfect-sized frame for your masterpiece.

To adjust your video dimensions for better indexing:

• Use multiples of 16 for both width and height (e.g., 640x360, 1280x720) for optimal encoding
• For YouTube, stick to 16:9 aspect ratio with resolutions like 1920x1080 or 1280x720
• Consider creating multiple versions: landscape (16:9), square (1:1), and portrait (9:16) to cater to different platforms
• Compress your video file without sacrificing quality to keep it between 640 and 1280 pixels wide for web pages
• Use responsive design techniques to adjust video size based on the viewer's device

Remember, properly sized videos are like well-tailored clothes - they look good on every screen and catch Google's eye more easily.

Video Shape Matters

Aspect ratios are like the shape of your video's TV screen. Just as a square peg doesn't fit in a round hole, videos with the wrong aspect ratio can look wonky on different devices, potentially hurting their chances of being indexed properly.

The most common aspect ratios are 16:9 for widescreen videos, 1:1 for square social media posts, and 9:16 for vertical mobile content. To optimize your videos:

• Use 16:9 for YouTube and general web content
• Create 1:1 versions for Instagram feed posts
• Make 9:16 versions for TikTok and Instagram Stories
• Consider 21:9 for a cinematic feel on widescreen displays

When encoding, use dimensions that are multiples of 16 for best quality (e.g., 1920x1080 or 1280x720). Remember, the right aspect ratio is like a well-fitted suit - it makes your video look good on any screen and helps search engines understand its content better.

Robot Rules File

Robots.txt is like a bouncer at a club, telling search engine bots which parts of your website they can and can't access. If configured incorrectly, it can accidentally block your videos from being indexed. This happens when the file tells search engines to stay away from directories or files containing your video content.

To ensure your robots.txt isn't blocking video indexing:

• Check your robots.txt file (usually found at yourdomain.com/robots.txt) for any "Disallow" directives that might be blocking video directories.
• Use Google's robots.txt tester in Search Console to see how Googlebot views your file.
• If you find blocking directives, remove or modify them to allow access to video content.
• For embedded videos, ensure the hosting platform (like YouTube) isn't blocked.
• Consider using "Allow" directives to explicitly permit access to video directories.

Remember, a well-configured robots.txt file is like a friendly tour guide, directing search engines to your valuable video content while keeping them away from private areas. If you're unsure, it's often better to have no robots.txt file than a poorly configured one that blocks important content.

No Video Allowed Tags

Noindex directives are like "Do Not Disturb" signs for web pages, telling search engines to stay out. When applied to pages containing videos, these directives can prevent the videos from being indexed and appearing in search results. This can happen accidentally if a site-wide noindex tag is applied or if video pages are mistakenly included in a group of pages meant to be kept private.

To remove noindex directives and allow your videos to be indexed:

• Check your site's HTML for meta robots tags with "noindex" content
• Look for X-Robots-Tag headers in your server's configuration
• Review your content management system or SEO plugin settings for page-specific noindex options
• Remove or modify the noindex directives for pages containing videos you want indexed
• Use Google Search Console to request reindexing of affected pages once changes are made

Remember, removing noindex tags is like taking down the "Do Not Disturb" sign - it invites search engines to come in and catalog your video content. However, ensure you only remove noindex directives from pages you actually want to appear in search results.

Video Quality Matters

Video content quality is like the flavor of a dish - it can make or break the entire experience. Search engines, much like food critics, have high standards for what they consider "quality" content. When a video lacks substance or fails to engage viewers, it's less likely to be indexed and ranked well in search results.

To enhance your video content and make it more appetizing for search engines:

• Focus on storytelling - craft a compelling narrative that keeps viewers hooked
• Improve production value with better lighting, sound, and editing
• Create informative, educational content that answers viewers' questions
• Use eye-catching thumbnails and descriptive titles to increase click-through rates
• Optimize video length - aim for 2-3 minutes for most content, longer for in-depth topics
• Include closed captions and transcripts to improve accessibility and SEO
• Encourage viewer engagement with calls-to-action and comments

Remember, high-quality video content is like a gourmet meal - it takes time and effort to prepare, but the results are worth it. By consistently serving up valuable, engaging videos, you'll not only satisfy search engines but also keep your audience coming back for more.

Video Transcripts Matter

Video transcripts are like subtitles for search engines, helping them understand and index your video content. Without transcripts, search engines are essentially watching your videos with the sound off, missing crucial information.

To create effective video transcripts:

• Use automated transcription tools like Descript or Google Docs voice typing for a quick first draft
• Review and edit the automated transcript for accuracy, especially with technical terms or names
• Include speaker labels and timestamps for clarity
• Format the transcript with paragraphs and proper punctuation for readability
• Consider adding relevant keywords naturally within the transcript to boost SEO
• Upload the transcript alongside your video or include it on the same page

Remember, a good transcript not only helps with indexing but also improves accessibility for viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing, or those who prefer reading to watching 1. It's like providing a book version of your movie, allowing more people to enjoy and engage with your content in their preferred format.

Mobile-Friendly Video Tips

Mobile accessibility for videos is like making sure your movie theater has wheelchair ramps and comfortable seating for everyone. When videos aren't accessible on mobile devices, it's like closing the doors to a huge portion of your audience. Google prioritizes mobile-friendly content, so videos that don't play well on smartphones and tablets are less likely to be indexed and ranked highly.

To ensure your videos are mobile-friendly:

• Use a responsive video player that adapts to different screen sizes
• Implement adaptive bitrate streaming to adjust video quality based on network conditions
• Compress videos to reduce file size without sacrificing quality
• Provide multiple playback options like adjustable speed and volume controls
• Ensure captions are legible on small screens
• Make sure all video controls are touch-friendly and large enough for mobile use
• Test your videos on various mobile devices and browsers

Remember, mobile-friendly videos are like Swiss Army knives - versatile and ready for any situation. By optimizing for mobile, you're not only improving your chances of being indexed but also providing a better experience for the growing number of mobile users.

Slow Video Load Fixes

Slow-loading videos are like a buffering symbol on movie night - frustrating for viewers and a red flag for search engines. When videos take too long to load, search engines may struggle to index them properly, potentially hurting your site's overall performance and user experience.

To optimize video loading speeds:

• Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to serve videos from servers closer to users
• Implement adaptive streaming to adjust video quality based on network conditions
• Compress video files without sacrificing quality
• Utilize lazy loading to delay video loading until needed
• Experiment with different video formats like MP4, WebM, or AVI for optimal performance
• Consider using HTTP/2 or HTTP/3 for faster data transfer
• Implement preload hints in HTML5 to prioritize critical video resources

Remember, fast-loading videos are like a smooth-running projector at the cinema - they keep your audience engaged and search engines happy. By optimizing your video loading speeds, you're not only improving your chances of being indexed but also providing a better viewing experience for your users.

Stick to One Host

Inconsistent video hosting is like playing musical chairs with your content - it confuses search engines and viewers alike. When videos are hosted on different platforms or frequently moved, search engines struggle to keep track, potentially leading to indexing issues and broken links.

To maintain consistent video hosting:

• Choose a reliable hosting platform and stick with it
• Use a custom domain for video URLs to maintain control if you switch hosts
• Implement proper redirects if you must move videos
• Keep video metadata consistent across platforms
• Use a video content management system (CMS) to organize and track your videos
• Regularly audit your video links to catch and fix any inconsistencies

Remember, consistent video hosting is like having a dedicated theater for your movies - it provides a stable home for your content, making it easier for search engines to index and for viewers to find and enjoy your videos over time.

Conclusion

Video indexing is like a digital treasure hunt, where search engines are the seekers and your videos are the hidden gems. To ensure your videos are found and properly indexed, remember these key points:

• Make your videos the stars of their own pages, not just background extras
• Use structured data as a map to guide search engines to your video content
• Optimize thumbnails and video dimensions for the best first impression
• Keep your robots.txt file friendly and welcoming to search engine bots
• Create high-quality, engaging content that viewers (and search engines) will love
• Provide transcripts to give search engines the full story of your video

Looking ahead, video indexing is set to become even smarter. AI and machine learning will likely play a bigger role in understanding video content, potentially analyzing visual elements and spoken words in real-time. We might see more emphasis on interactive elements within videos, such as clickable hotspots or shoppable content. As voice search continues to grow, optimizing videos for natural language queries will become increasingly important.

Remember, staying on top of video SEO is like keeping your theater up-to-date with the latest technology. By following best practices and keeping an eye on future trends, you'll ensure your videos continue to shine in the spotlight of search results.