Asides driving more engagement from your audience, videos also increase your SEO ranking. For example, you can make videos for search queries that often have video results and rank on the first page of Google in the video carousel.
What is Google Video Pack?
Google video packs, also called video thumbnails, are miniature versions of videos displayed on a web page or in a video library, typically used to preview videos to entice users. They are usually displayed as small images with a title, a brief description, and other metadata, such as the duration or the creator's name.
They can be used in various contexts, such as video-sharing platforms like YouTube, social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, and other video hosting websites. They help users browse and find the content they are interested in quickly.
The platform or website automatically generates video thumbnails. However, users can also upload a custom thumbnail for their videos if they want more control over the preview images displayed.
Google Video Pack Example
What Are Video Carousels?
A video carousel is a feature that displays a series of video thumbnails horizontally. Users can browse through the list and select a video to watch. It is often used to showcase a selection of related videos or a series of videos from a particular creator or channel.
It can be used on various platforms, including video sharing websites and social media platforms. It is typically used to display a group of videos in a visually appealing and easy-to-use format, allowing users to browse and find the content they are interested in quickly.
The design and layout of video carousels can vary depending on the platform or website. Some video carousels may include additional information, such as the title, description, or duration, while others only display the thumbnail image. Video carousels help users discover new content or promote a selection of related videos.
Google Carousel Example
What Are The Defining Differences Between Video Packs And Video Carousels?
Both video packs and carousels help your website rank high and allow users to find what they need easily.
However, they have some differences.
- The main difference between them is how they are used. Video packs typically preview a single video, while carousels display a collection of videos. Video carousels are often used to showcase a selection of related videos or to feature a series of videos from a particular creator or channel.
- Another difference is the way they are displayed. Video packs are shown as small images, while video carousels are displayed as a horizontally scrolling list of thumbnails. The design and layout of video carousels can vary depending on the platform or website.
Why Did Google Introduce Video Carousels?
Before video carousels, Google used video packs. Although the reason why video carousels were introduced was never publicly stated, it is worth noting that Google frequently updates its search results page layout and features to benefit its users.
Here are some of the benefits of video carousels, which could be why they were introduced.
- Improved user experience: A video carousel allows users to scroll through a collection of videos more easily, rather than having to click through to a separate page to view each video. This provides a more seamless experience for users.
- Increased user engagement: Google can increase user engagement with its video content by displaying multiple videos in a carousel format. Users may be more likely to watch multiple videos in a row if they are easily accessible and presented in an attractive format. By keeping users on the site for longer, the overall dwell time of the website increases, which is a positive signal to search engines.
- Better visibility for advertisers: A video carousel provides more visibility for advertisers, as their videos are more prominently displayed to users.
- Improved search results: By displaying videos in a carousel format, Google can show more relevant videos for users, potentially improving the overall quality of search results.
- Responsive design: A video carousel is easily adaptable to different screen sizes and devices, allowing for a better user experience on mobile devices and tablets.
Conclusion
Using video packs and carousels should be an integral part of any effective SEO strategy to increase visibility and traffic on search results.
What is more important is knowing when and how to use each for the best SEO results!
