The “Google could not determine the prominent video on the page” issue in Google Search Console (GSC) indicates that Google has identified one or more videos on a webpage but is unable to pinpoint the most prominent one. This issue arises when Google encounters difficulties in deciphering which video is intended to be the main focus of the page.
What does Google say about Google could not determine the prominent video on the page?
Google was unable to find a video that could be considered prominent enough to qualify as the video for this page. Deprecated: As of June 12, this issue was replaced by more specific issues. You may still see this issue in the Video Indexing report, but it has no effect on your pages.
Reasons:
The Video Indexing report exposes the following reasons that a video can’t be indexed on a page:
- Video Placement: If the video is located below the fold, meaning visitors need to scroll down to see it, Google may overlook it as the primary video.
- Video Size: A video that is too small may not be considered prominent enough by Google. Google recommends a minimum height and width of 140px for videos.
- Multiple Videos: The presence of multiple videos on a page can confuse Google, making it challenging to identify the most significant one.
- Background Videos: Videos that serve as background elements are less likely to be recognized as prominent by Google.
- Rendering Issues: In rare instances, rendering issues may prevent Googlebot from properly identifying the prominent video.
How to Fix “Google Could Not Determine The Prominent Video On The Page” in GSC?
To Fix this issue, consider the following solutions:
- Position the video prominently: Place the video near the top of the page, ensuring it’s visible without scrolling.
- Enlarge the video: Ensure the video’s dimensions are adequate, ideally with a minimum height and width of 140px.
- Reduce the number of videos: If multiple videos are present, consider removing or consolidating them to avoid confusion.
- Remove background videos: If a background video is causing the issue, consider replacing it with a static image or disabling it.
- Check for rendering issues: Use the URL Inspection tool in GSC to inspect the page and identify any rendering problems.
By addressing these factors, you can increase the likelihood of Google correctly identifying the prominent video on your webpage and enhancing your page’s visibility in search results.
FAQ’s
Q: What does the error message “Google could not determine the prominent video on the page” mean?
A: This error message indicates that Google has detected one or more videos on a webpage but is unable to identify the most significant one. This can hinder Google’s ability to properly index and display the video in search results.
Q: What are the potential causes of this error?
A: Several factors can contribute to this error, including:
- Video placement: The video is located below the fold, requiring visitors to scroll down to see it.
- Video size: The video’s dimensions are too small, making it less noticeable.
- Multiple videos: Multiple videos on the page can confuse Google about which one is the main focus.
- Background videos: Videos serving as background elements may not be recognized as prominent.
- Rendering issues: Technical issues may prevent Googlebot from accurately identifying the prominent video.
Q: How can I fix this error?
A: To address this error, consider implementing the following solutions:
- Reposition the video: Place the video prominently near the top of the page, ensuring it’s visible without scrolling.
- Enlarge the video: Increase the video’s dimensions to a minimum height and width of 140px.
- Reduce the number of videos: Remove or consolidate videos to avoid confusion for Google.
- Disable background videos: If a background video is causing the issue, consider replacing it with a static image or disabling it.
- Check for rendering issues: Utilize the URL Inspection tool in GSC to identify and resolve any rendering problems.
Q: Will fixing this error improve my website’s ranking in search results?
A: While addressing this error can enhance your website’s visibility in search results, it’s crucial to remember that video indexing is just one of many factors influencing ranking. Focus on creating high-quality, relevant content and optimizing other aspects of your website to achieve a comprehensive SEO strategy.
Q: Are there any additional resources I can consult for further assistance?
A: Yes, several resources can provide additional guidance:
- Google Search Console Help Center: https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/9495631?hl=en
- Google Search Central Community: https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/9495631?hl=en
- RankMath Knowledge Base: https://support.google.com/webmasters/thread/176175495/google-could-not-determine-the-prominent-video-on-the-page?hl=en
