YouTube SEO for Shorts: How to Rank in Google’s Video Carousel

Short-form video is taking over the internet—and Google is paying attention. With YouTube Shorts increasingly appearing in Google’s Video Carousel, content creators and marketers now have a new way to reach top-of-search visibility.

But how do you make your Shorts appear in Google Search, not just on YouTube? We’ll break down YouTube Shorts SEO strategies, how Google indexes and ranks Shorts, and actionable steps you can take to land in the coveted video carousel. Let’s get started!

Why YouTube Shorts Matter for SEO

• 1.5 billion+ users engage with YouTube Shorts monthly (source: Google, 2025).
• Shorts are prioritized on mobile, where Google’s carousel visibility is highest.
• Google shows Shorts in carousels for trending and “how-to” keywords—often above organic results.

In short (pun intended): if you’re not optimizing your Shorts, you’re missing easy traffic.

How Shorts Appear in Google’s Video Carousel

Google’s Video Carousel is a horizontal scroll of video results that appears for certain queries. Shorts can show up here if:

• They are properly titled, tagged, and described.
• The video answers a question or matches search intent.
• Google can crawl and understand the content through metadata, captions, and engagement signals.

How to Optimize YouTube Shorts for Google Rankings

1. Use Search-Friendly Titles

Your title should match common search queries. For example:

❌ “Crazy Cat LOL”

✅ “Funny Cat Tries to Open Door – Caught on Camera!”

Use tools like Google Autosuggest, YouTube Search, or seodaily.org/tools/keyword-finder to find long-tail keywords.

2. Write an Optimized Description

Include relevant keywords and context in the first 2 sentences. Add:

• A short summary of the video
• Key phrases like “how to,” “funny moments,” etc.
• Links to full tutorials (if applicable)

3. Add Accurate Captions & Hashtags

YouTube’s auto-captions help, but uploading your own SRT file improves SEO.

Also, use relevant hashtags:

• #shorts (required to qualify as a Short)
• #funnyvideos, #diy, #cooking, depending on niche

4. Use Custom Thumbnails

Yes, Shorts often autoplay, but Google still uses thumbnails in carousels. Design eye-catching thumbnails with:

• Clear imagery
• Large text
• Contrasting colors

5. Embed Shorts in Blog Posts

Publishing a Short on YouTube + embedding it in a related blog post increases crawlability. For example:

A cooking Short can be embedded in a recipe blog on seodaily.org/blog/easy-summer-dishes

6. Engagement Signals Matter

YouTube metrics like:

• High retention rate
• Likes, comments
• CTR on title/thumbnail

FAQ: YouTube Shorts & Google Rankings

Q1: Do Shorts get indexed in Google Search?

Yes. Google indexes Shorts if they are public, crawlable, and well-optimized with metadata and engagement.

Q2: How long should a Short be to rank?

Ideally 15–45 seconds. Short enough to keep engagement high, but long enough to convey value.

Q3: Can Shorts rank without a blog post?

Yes, but embedding a Short in an optimized blog post increases visibility, context, and session time.

Q4: Should I use the #shorts tag?

Absolutely. It helps YouTube classify the video and shows Google that it’s part of the Shorts format.

YouTube Shorts are no longer just entertainment—they're a powerful SEO weapon. By combining YouTube best practices with traditional SEO tactics, you can dominate both platforms and appear in Google’s video carousel.