Key takeaways:

  • Search and social algorithms now prioritize snackable video over traditional content
  • User behavior and engagement are driving this shift
  • Enterprises using short-form video are gaining SEO visibility and scaling trust

In the attention economy, visibility is everything. But for leaders in field sales and marketing, corporate communications, learning and enablement, and video services — especially in highly-regulated industries — grabbing that attention is harder than ever.

And here’s the kicker: the rules of engagement have already changed.

Algorithm favoritism is a core concept to understand if you want to break through the noise, build trust at scale, and keep pace with your peers.

What is algorithm favoritism?

Simply put, algorithm favoritism is the way platforms like Google, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram now prioritize snackable video in search and feed results.

Here’s what goes into how content is promoted and prioritized in Search and social media.

Search prioritizes short-form video

We’re seeing a fundamental shift in search behavior and infrastructure. Today’s top-performing content is:

  • Vertical, bite-sized, and visual
  • Found in carousels, filters, and featured snippets
  • Pulled directly from platforms like YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and TikTok

It’s no longer about long-form articles — it’s about giving users fast, visual answers right where they search.

User behavior is driving the shift

Digital-first audiences — of which Gen Z is a massive cohort — are shaping how platforms evolve:

  • 46% of Gen Z now prefer TikTok and other social media over Google for quick answers or insights
  • Users increasingly turn to video for how-tos, product info, and expertise
  • They want real, relatable, and immediate content

Search engines are evolving to meet those expectations, with snackable video rising to the top.

Discoverability now depends on video

If your brand isn’t leveraging short-form video, you’re falling behind:

In the attention economy, snackable video isn’t optional — it’s essential to visibility.

Why snackable video matters in Search

Simply put, snackable video is reshaping SEO. Depending on what you type into your search bar, you may be served (and satisfied) by short videos way before you engage with any of the written content buried at the bottom of the page.

Video ranks above text

Search engines increasingly surface short-form video before traditional content. The list of blue links is an antiquated view of a SERP. And this is years in the making for search engines.

  • Google regularly pulls YouTube Shorts and TikToks into carousels and AI overviews
  • In a mobile-first world, vertical videos are optimized to meet users where they are

One major reason is that video drives higher engagement and longer dwell time, both of which are key ranking signals.

Google search is integrating short-form video

Recent updates show just how serious Google is about video:

  • A dedicated “Short Videos” carousel now appears on mobile searches
  • Creator-led content like TikTok Reels is among the top-performing results
  • This shift gives short clips prime placement at the top of search results

Snackable video now plays a leading role in SEO, especially for fast, answer-based queries. Why read through a lengthy article to decide if you found the right piece of content when the AI overview can give you the bullet points? Why read at all when a snackable video gives you TL;DR in just seconds?

Be honest — how many of you got to this article after viewing a short video (like the one at the top of the blog)? It’s a much more efficient way to quickly decide if you want to dive deeper into the topic.

Search incentivizes best-performing content

Search algorithms love content that performs well and is fast. Snackable video hits the mark:

  • Short-form clips under 2 minutes often secure top spots
  • Video increases time on page by up to 88%
  • Videos signal relevance, reduce bounce rates, and improve SEO across the board

Adding auto-chapters, captions, and proper metadata? Even better for search.

What about social media sites?

The same trends are reshaping the social search landscape and favoring video-first organizations.

YouTube Shorts

  • Shorts now appear in Google search results and the YouTube “Shorts shelf”
  • They’re prioritized for trending, how-to, and product-focused queries
  • Many brands use Shorts as teasers or standalone content for fast engagement

Instagram Reels

  • Reels are now featured in Google’s mobile “Short Videos” carousel
  • New features like music carousels and cross-platform sharing expand reach
  • Reels give marketers the ability to repurpose content across platforms and earn off-platform discoverability

LinkedIn Shorts

LinkedIn is building a professional-grade TikTok experience:

  • Video clips are appearing in search carousels for top professional topics
  • Leaders use snackable video for executive social, employee advocacy, and brand storytelling

Executives posting short, authentic insights are seeing more views, shares, and credibility across the board.

Transform your SEO with algorithm favoritism

Here’s the bottom line — algorithms favor content that people want to watch, and people want snackable video.

By aligning your content strategy with algorithm favoritism, you can:

  • Improve discoverability across Google and social
  • Reach younger, mobile-first audiences
  • Build trust through consistent, authentic video
  • Stay competitive in an increasingly crowded landscape

This isn’t just a trend. It’s a strategic advantage, especially for large enterprises looking to scale visibility and impact across the organization.

See what results look like in practice

Curious how enterprise teams are using snackable video to drive results across the employee and customer lifecycles?

👉 Read: Winning in the Attention Economy with Snackable Video