Spotted: Google’s “Short Videos” Tab in Search — Here’s What It Means for SEO

By Jinnat Ul Hasan
In SEO, Social Media
On 4th July 2025

For the first time, I noticed something quietly significant in Google Search — a dedicated “Short videos” tab sitting alongside staples like Images, News, and Maps. It’s not just a passing carousel buried in the results. It’s front and centre.

This change might seem subtle, but it speaks volumes. Google is clearly giving short-form video content a permanent seat at the search table. And it’s not hard to see why.

Platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels have completely reshaped how people consume information. Google’s now formalising that behaviour in its core product: Search.

Why It Matters

This isn’t a cosmetic tweak — it’s a strategic move.

Search is no longer just about blue links and blog posts. Google is shifting to accommodate how people increasingly want to learn and discover: fast, visual, and snackable.

A dedicated tab means Google wants users to explicitly seek out short-form video content. It also means creators who never thought much about SEO need to rethink their approach.

What You Should Do

Whether you’re a content creator, brand, or SEO strategist, this has a few clear takeaways:

• Optimise your Shorts, Reels, and TikToks for search.
  Use clear, keyword-driven captions and titles. Think about how people search on Google, not just on social platforms.
• Include short-form in your content mix.
  If your strategy is still long-form-heavy, you’re likely missing a growing chunk of visibility.
• Track visibility shifts in your niche.
  See how short videos start to compete with or complement traditional results — especially for how-to, reviews, and local discovery terms.

Short videos are no longer just a social play. They’re officially part of the search ecosystem. This update marks a broader trend: Google continues to evolve towards formats users are already embracing.

If you’re in SaaS, e-commerce, News, or even local SEO, this shift will impact how content gets discovered.

Want help adapting your SEO strategy for short-form content or vertical search? That’s precisely the kind of thing I advise on — drop us a line.

About the Author

Jinnat Ul Hasan
Jinnat Ul Hasan is the founder and SEO Consultant at Whizz People. For 15+ years, he worked for top global brands, organisations, and agencies in various SEO and brand marketing positions, including Philip Morris International, News UK, MediaCom, Diageo, Unilever, Allianz, and TUMPER.