What Is a Rich Video Snippet?
A rich video snippet is the enhanced version of a search result that includes a thumbnail, duration, and sometimes the video title or upload date. It looks more attractive than a plain blue link and gets more clicks.
Good news: even on Blogspot, you can trigger rich video snippets using the right setup. Let’s go step-by-step.
Step 1: Use a Clean YouTube Embed in Your Post
Start with a valid and properly embedded YouTube video. Use the standard embed code from YouTube and place it inside the body of your Blogspot post:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yourVideoID" title="My Video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Ensure your video is visible without scrolling too far down — Google gives more attention to content above the fold.
Step 2: Add Structured Data Using JSON-LD Format
Copy this script and adjust it based on your video details. Paste it into your post in the HTML editor:
<script type="application/ld+json">
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "VideoObject",
"name": "How to Train a Puppy at Home",
"description": "A beginner-friendly video on basic puppy training tips, including crate training and positive reinforcement.",
"thumbnailUrl": "https://i.ytimg.com/vi/yourVideoID/hqdefault.jpg",
"uploadDate": "2024-11-10",
"duration": "PT4M10S",
"contentUrl": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yourVideoID",
"embedUrl": "https://www.youtube.com/embed/yourVideoID"
}
</script>
This tells Google everything it needs to display your video as a rich snippet.
Step 3: Validate with Google's Rich Results Test
After publishing your post, copy its full URL and paste it into the Rich Results Test.
- If the test finds your
VideoObject
, you’re good to go. - If it shows an error, double-check your script format and URLs.
This step is crucial — it confirms that Google sees your video and understands the metadata.
Step 4: Request Indexing in Google Search Console
Go to Google Search Console, paste your post URL in the top bar, and click Request Indexing.
This helps your video get into search results faster, especially if it’s a new post or recently updated.
Step 5: Track Your Performance in Search Console
Under the “Enhancements” tab, Google may show “Videos” if it detects valid structured data. You can monitor impressions, clicks, and rich result eligibility here.
If your video content is good and the metadata is clean, you should start seeing thumbnail-rich results in Google within days or weeks.
Pro Tip: Use Unique Titles and Descriptions
Don’t reuse your YouTube title word-for-word. Add some variation to avoid duplicate content and stand out in results. Also, include a short benefit-driven hook in your description like:
"Learn how to train your new puppy in just 4 minutes with this beginner-friendly video."
Conclusion: Rich Snippets Make Your Blogspot Videos Shine
Even on Blogspot, you can compete with big websites by using the right structured data and following simple SEO principles. Rich snippets don’t just make your results prettier — they increase visibility, boost click-through rates, and improve search rankings.
Start simple, be consistent, and let your video content speak for itself — with Google’s help.