Google’s algorithm on file size. Use IFrame or not?

[SEO-Team]

With page size being a big factor in Google’s algorithm what’s the best way to implement a flash file without jeopardizing rankings? What’s your thoughts on embedding the video in an IFrame?

[AdamThompson]

I can't give you a definitive answer, but I can offer some input regarding page speed.

As far as I can tell (and see) page speed is NOT a big factor in Google's algorithm, but a minor one. Google and Matt Cutts have both stressed that it is less important than other factors, and that "fewer than 1% of search queries will change as a result of incorporating site speed into our ranking".

I'm not saying you shouldn't pay attention to site speed, but don't stress about it, as it's not one of the biggest factors.

I would shy away from using an iframe for a couple reasons, including a) Google is starting to read flash and b) using a iframe could look a little suspicious.

Hope this helps!

[CPU]

I agree with Adam that site speed although announced as a factor probably isn't a large one.

Also agree that embedding the flash normally is better than an iframe.

If worried about the size factor then should look to minimise the file size or look to see if other more search engine friendly solutions e.g jQuery may be possible (obviously this depends on what the flash content is)

[SEO-Team]

Any additional feedback is appreciated

[SEO-Team]

What we're trying to do specifically is use a flash video as a product image, so the size increase will be significant. We're talking somewhere around 1.5 - 2mb on a page that is about 400kb before the video. So the increase is significant. This is why the concern, and why we were thinking perhaps having the flash video inside an iframe might overcome the speed issues.

Google often talks about doing the best user experience and the SEO will follow, but the two seem conflicting, as we're trying to provide a better experience with the video, but the increase in page size, and therefore speed, will be significant. The rest of the page will load, including a fallback static image, so we're really trying to understand how to mitigate the page load speed impact of the video.