YouTube Shorts in Google Search: Why Vertical Video Is the Next Frontier

Google now surfaces YouTube Shorts directly in search results and via Lens – even in vertical swipe carousels. This means short-form video isn’t just for social—it’s becoming embedded in discovery itself. 

Why this matters: 

• Video discovers now – Shorts appear before traditional website links, influencing purchase decisions without clicks. 

• Product discovery is visual-first – Short, swipe-ready clip showcases wins attention faster. 

• Search meets social – Brands need to optimize across formats, not just text. 

Your playbook: 

• Add clear captions/timestamps and SEO-rich descriptions to each Short. 

• Design video for vertical viewing (mobile-first layout + keywords). 

• Test short-form shopping experiences tied to product pages. 

• Align Shorts with search intent: “How to cosplay X” → 15-sec demo. 

Short video = first impression. If your product solves a user’s problem in 5 seconds, why would they look anywhere else?