Does Length Matter... In Videos

[94501]

Hi,

Are there any facts, opinions or anecdotal evidence to suggest that a video on YouTube has to have at least x length to rank as a result in Google?

Everything else being exactly equal, is a 20 second video about as likely to rank as 2 minute video?

Thanks! Best...Mike

[EGOL]

You have probably heard this one before....

"Short enough to be interesting... but long enough to cover all of the details"

[94501]

Hi,

Thanks for the message.

I agree, certainly from a users point of view. Any evidence Google likes it longer?

[AlanBleiweiss]

The only evidence I've seen of longer being more valuable is in how transcripts are treated.  A longer transcript will garner higher value if the video is crafted to target specific keyword phrases, just as a well crafted page of written content will be more likely to outperform a much shorter page on the same topic.

As for videos themselves, I haven't seen any specific case studies on the topic.  Would make a great case study for you to do and write about! I'd definitely link to it!

[EGOL]

I have not read any studies about length and how Google evaluates the video.  I believe that Google learns about the video from how visitors respond to it.  Do they visit the video page? Do they start the video?

[Thos003]

Length may not directly be a factor. They do look at full views of videos. Compare it to bounce rate. You want the viewer to watch the entire video, 20 seconds or 2 minutes.

[94501]

On that level, brevity might be a plus... easier to watch 20 seconds than two minutes.