Understanding the Challenge: Why Blogspot Videos Often Get Ignored by Google
Many first-time Blogspot users are excited to embed YouTube videos into their posts. They hit 'publish' and assume it will automatically show up in Google Search or Video tab. But here’s the truth: Google doesn’t index every video automatically — especially if the page lacks structure, context, or proper cues.
Googlebot, the crawler responsible for indexing your content, relies on several indicators to determine what your page contains. If those signals are weak or missing, your video won’t rank or even appear in search at all.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Google Index Your Video on Blogspot
This section will walk you through a proven process to optimize Blogspot video content, written specifically for beginners. Each step is practical and doesn't require coding knowledge.
1. Write Substantial Text Content Around the Video
One of the biggest mistakes is publishing a post that only contains a video embed. Google sees that as a thin page — meaning it lacks enough valuable information. Instead, write at least 300–500 words of text explaining the video.
You can include an introduction, the purpose of the video, a summary of the main points, and even a transcript. Think of it as telling Google: “Here’s exactly what this video is about.”
2. Use Keyword-Focused Titles That Match Search Intent
The title of your Blogspot post plays a big role in SEO. Don’t use vague titles like “My vlog #3”. Instead, describe the topic clearly, using words people would type into Google.
Example: Instead of “New Tutorial”, try “How to Create a Free Blog Using Blogspot – 2025 Beginner Guide”. This way, your post is more likely to match what users are searching for.
3. Add a Custom Thumbnail Image with Descriptive Alt Text
Even though Blogspot allows you to embed videos, you should also upload a custom image related to the video. Use a relevant filename (e.g. blogspot-video-guide-thumbnail.jpg) and write descriptive alt text like "Video tutorial on creating a Blogspot blog".
This helps in two ways: Google sees more context, and it improves visual search indexing. Also, a good thumbnail increases user interest.
4. Include Structured Headings and Formatting
Break your content using <h2> and <h3> tags, just like in this article. It improves readability and helps Google scan your page better. If everything is in one big paragraph, bots have a harder time understanding the hierarchy.
Every section you write should support the topic of the video. For example, if your video explains how to customize Blogspot themes, add headings like “Choosing a Blogspot Theme” or “Steps to Edit the Layout.”
5. Embed the Video Correctly and Near the Top
Always place your embedded video near the top of the content, preferably after a short introduction. Use the standard YouTube embed code, and avoid unnecessary customization that may block rendering.
Example embed:
<iframe width="100%" height="400" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yourVideoID" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>6. Link to the Original Video Source
Include a clickable link to the video’s original YouTube page. This helps Google confirm ownership and also adds credibility. Use anchor text that describes the video, not just “click here.”
Example: Watch the full video on YouTube: How to Start a Blog with Blogspot
7. Submit the Blog Post URL to Google Search Console
Once your post is published, open Google Search Console, select your property (your Blogspot blog), and paste the new URL in the "Inspect URL" field. Click “Request Indexing.”
This tells Google that a new page exists and should be crawled as soon as possible. It doesn’t guarantee immediate indexing, but it speeds up the process.
8. Avoid Duplicate Content or Repeating Video Embeds
If you embed the same video across multiple posts, or use identical titles/descriptions, Google may ignore one or all of them. Make each post unique — even if the video is the same, vary the surrounding content.
Search engines value originality and clarity. Duplicated content hurts both.
Advanced Tip: Use Manual Schema Markup (Optional)
If you're feeling adventurous, you can add VideoObject schema using JSON-LD. This is a script that tells Google exactly what your video contains, its length, thumbnail, and more.
However, this is optional for beginners. The steps above already give Google 80% of what it needs.
Common Questions from Blogspot Beginners
Can Blogspot sites really rank videos in Google?
Yes, as long as the content is relevant, well-structured, and supported with quality signals (text, title, image, etc.). Many niche bloggers still get good traffic using Blogspot — the key is content quality, not just platform.
How long does it take for Google to index my video post?
It varies. Sometimes within hours, sometimes days. Submitting to Search Console helps, but consistency matters more in the long term. Keep posting, and Google's bots will visit your site more often.
What if my video still doesn’t appear in search?
Double-check your title, description, and word count. Thin content or missing context is often the issue. Add a transcript if needed. Also, check if the video is set to “public” on YouTube.
Final Thoughts: Blogspot + Video SEO Is Still Powerful
You don’t need a paid domain or hosting to succeed with video content. Blogspot remains a valid choice — especially for creators just getting started. The trick is to treat each post like a full article, not just a placeholder for video embeds.
Give your content structure, clarity, and intent. Write with humans in mind, but organize for search engines. Over time, your efforts will be rewarded with visibility and traffic — even from a free platform.
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