Video Sitemap Creation Question

[DHS_SH]

I have created a sitemap file as per Google Web Master Tools instructions. I have it saved as a .txt file.

Am I right in thinking that this needs to be uploaded as a .xml file?

If so, how do I convert this to a XML? I have tried but it seems to corrupt - there must be a simple way to do this?!

[crackingmedia]

Hi, the video sitemap needs to be in XML format not text.

Are the videos hosted on YouTube? If so, there is a free generator for YouTube videos here:
http://www.canadaseozone.com/web-services/xml-video-sitemap-generator/

If on other platforms then this blog post from Distilled may help you:
http://www.distilled.net/blog/video/creating-video-sitemaps-for-each-video-hosting-platform/#youtube

Peter

[FedeEinhorn]

XML sitemaps needs some structure, is not just a plain text file with the URLs in it.

Did you build the sitemap with a script or manually? Mind sharing it here?

[DHS_SH]

Thanks for your help guys.

The sitemap.txt file I have created uses the correct approach as listed by Google on this page - it isn't just a list of links in a Wordpad file:
https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/80472?hl=en

I am just trying to eastablish how to convert it to an XML file. When I change the file extension it seems to break and when I export from MS Word it doesnt seem to like the parameter

Didn't think this would be so difficult!

[crackingmedia]

Hi, if the syntax of the code in your text file is correct, then it should just be a case of changing the file suffix from .txt to .xml.

You shouldn't need to open it in any editor, just rename it. If you need to open it though then don't use MS Word as that is really a rich text editor. Either use Notepad on a PC or TextEdit on a Mac

An XML file is a simple text file, but the syntax needs to be correct.

Peter

[PhilNottingham]

Yes, it needs to be a .xml file.

You can save a text file as .xml using Word or Pages... or even notepad.

[DHS_SH]

Thanks guys - I'll keep persevering. Hopefully I'll sort this out shortly!