Traditional digital marketing channels—Google Ads, organic SEO, and social media—have played a significant role in helping businesses stand out online. But attention spans have changed. Google has noticed that users now prefer quick, engaging, visual content, especially on mobile.
In a significant update, Google has started testing a new “Short Videos” tab on mobile and desktop search results. It aggregates bite-sized video content from platforms like YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Instagram Reels, putting it front and centre for users. For local Sydney businesses, this is an emerging goldmine. If your video appears there, you’re not just visible—you’re impossible to ignore.
What Is Google’s Short Video Tab?
Google’s Short Video tab is a mobile-first and desktop feature in search engine result pages (SERPs). It curates short-form videos related to the search query, making the search experience more visually engaging. When users search for specific topics, like “best cafés in Sydney” or “how to fix a leaky tap,” they might see a scrollable row of short videos directly below the search bar.
Where Does It Appear?
It shows up in both mobile and desktop search results.
- The tab may appear just under the primary search snippet or within other content modules on the page.
- Google is currently testing it, so not every user sees it yet.
Which Platforms Feed Into It?
The tab pulls from:
- YouTube Shorts
- Instagram Reels
- TikTok
If you’re already posting short-form videos on any of these platforms, you’re one step closer to appearing in Google Search.
Why It Matters for Local Sydney Businesses?
- This Is an Early Opportunity—So There’s Less Noise
- Most businesses don’t know about this tab yet. That means low competition and high impact for early adopters. If you post short, well-optimised videos now, your content can stand out and dominate the search results.
- You Can Appear in ‘Near Me’ Searches
- Short videos are now starting to show up for geo-targeted keywords like:
- “Salons near me”
- “Best gyms in Sydney”
- “Cafés with outdoor seating in Sydney”
This is massive if you run a business that benefits from local foot traffic. Video content with local tags and voiceovers could land you at the top of mobile and desktop search results.
- Ideal for Visual, High-Touch Industries
- Short-form video is your best bet if your business relies on physical appeal, atmosphere, or demonstration. Think:
- Cafés & Restaurants – showing food prep, busy brunch scenes, or customer testimonials.
- Hair & Beauty Salons – showcasing hair transformations or behind-the-scenes footage.
- Gyms & Fitness Studios – quick workout demos or community events.
- Tradies & Local Services – short before/after transformations or quick job tips.
What Kinds of Short Videos Work?
Google’s algorithm looks at relevance, engagement, and structure. But what keeps real viewers watching? These video types convert better than others:
- Behind-the-Scenes Footage
Show what happens before the customer walks in: baristas prepping coffee, trainers setting up for a class, and stylists mixing color. It’s authentic, unpolished, and relatable.
- Quick Tutorials
Think “How to fix a leaky tap” or “3 ways to curl your hair that last all day.” These are evergreen, searchable, and super useful.
- Customer Testimonials
A 15-second clip of a happy customer saying they love your service does more than 10 Google Reviews. Keep it short, honest, and real.
- Offers & Limited-Time Promos
A quick callout like “20% off until Sunday only” creates urgency. Use subtitles and stickers to highlight the deal so even silent scrollers get the message.
How Can Digitalzoop Help Local Businesses Rank with Short Videos?
Getting a short video into Google’s search results isn’t just about posting and hoping. It takes a blend of strategy, content creation, and technical SEO. That’s where we come in.
At Digitalzoop, we help local Sydney businesses get noticed in mobile and desktop search by offering:
- Professional Short Video Creation
- Scriptwriting that aligns with trending keywords and customer intent.
- On-site shooting that captures your brand’s authentic vibe.
- Editing for engagement, optimised for Reels, Shorts, and TikTok.
- Video SEO for Discoverability
- Keyword-rich titles, descriptions, and tags so Google understands your content.
- Location tagging to enhance local SEO performance.
- Optimisation for YouTube Shorts, the most reliable platform for being featured in Google’s Short Video tab.
- Posting Schedule that Syncs with Google Indexing
- We research when your audience is most active.
- We plan posts around Google’s indexing behaviour, so videos are more likely to appear in search right when people are looking.
Let’s Put Your Brand in Front of Mobile and Desktop Searchers
You don’t need a whole production crew or Hollywood-level storytelling. You just need short, smart content that lands in the right place, at the right time. That’s what Google’s Short Video tab allows. And Digitalzoop helps you get there fast.
Book your free strategy call today.
Let’s create short videos that appear in search, right where your customers are scrolling.
Conclusion:
Google’s Short Video Tab is a game-changer for local businesses, offering a unique opportunity to stand out in search results with engaging, bite-sized video content. As mobile and desktop users increasingly prefer visual content, adopting short-form videos for your business is an effective strategy to boost visibility and connect with potential customers. By tapping into this emerging feature, you can enhance your local SEO efforts, drive traffic to your site, and increase foot traffic to your physical location.
For businesses in Sydney, especially those in visually driven industries like cafes, gyms, or salons, short-form videos are an excellent way to showcase your brand’s personality and services. Don’t miss out on this early opportunity—start creating engaging content now and get ahead of the competition. At Digitalzoop, we’re here to help local businesses get the most out of this powerful feature.
FAQ:
1. What is Google’s Short Video Tab?
Google’s Short Video Tab is a mobile and desktop feature that curates short-form video content from platforms like YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and TikTok. These videos appear in search results, making the search experience more visually engaging and helping businesses gain greater visibility.
2. Where does the Short Video Tab appear?
The Short Video Tab appears in mobile and desktop search results. Depending on the search query and device, it can appear just under the primary search snippet or within other content modules on the page.
3. How can local businesses benefit from the Short Video Tab?
For local businesses in Sydney, the Short Video Tab offers an opportunity to be featured in geo-targeted searches like “best cafés near me” or “gyms in Sydney.” Short videos can increase visibility, enhance customer engagement, and improve local SEO rankings.
4. What types of short videos work best for local businesses?
The best short videos include behind-the-scenes footage, quick tutorials, customer testimonials, and limited-time offers. These videos are engaging, informative, and likely to be discovered in Google search results.
5. Do I need to be on TikTok or Instagram to use the Short Video Tab?
No, but it helps. Google pulls videos from YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Instagram Reels. If you post short-form videos on these platforms, you’re closer to being featured in Google’s Short Video Tab.
6. How can Digitalzoop help my business with short videos?
At Digitalzoop, we specialise in creating engaging short videos tailored to your brand, optimising them for discoverability on Google’s Short Video Tab. We also provide video SEO services sydney, ensuring your content is seen by the right audience at the right time.
