Do Video Reviews Get Higher Google Rankings Than Text Reviews? (Short Answer: Yes)

Video reviews beat text reviews in Google's eyes. And here's how to get them without asking your customers to become TikTok stars.

• Google's algorithm weighs video reviews higher than text reviews
• Video reviews signal genuine experience (they're harder to fake)
• Even 1-2 video reviews among 50 text reviews noticeably boosts your profile
• Most people won't make video reviews — so asking naturally is key
• Text reviews are still gold. Video is the cherry on top.

Right. So you're getting good reviews now. Good. But you've probably noticed something: some businesses have video reviews, and they look more trustworthy, don't they?

That's not just a feeling. Google actually ranks video reviews differently — and higher — than text ones.

The short answer? Yes. Video reviews get better algorithmic weight.

But here's the reality check: you can't force people to make video reviews. And honestly, you shouldn't try. Pretend we never suggested it if that's your instinct.

Why Google Cares About Video Reviews

There are three reasons.

First: Rich media signals quality and engagement. A video review takes more effort than typing two sentences. So if someone's willing to do it, Google reads that as "this person genuinely cares about sharing their experience." It's a signal of authenticity.

Second: Video reviews get more engagement. People watch them. They comment. They spend time on your profile. Google measures that engagement, and it's a signal that your business matters.

Third: Video is harder to fake. You can write fake 5-star reviews all day. But making a fake video review is a production. So video carries inherent credibility.

All of that adds up to: video reviews get better algorithmic treatment. They appear higher in the sorting order. They get counted more heavily in the overall rating calculation. They help your ranking more.

The Reality Check: You Can't Force Video Reviews

But here's the thing: most people won't do it. Maybe 1 in 100 people who leave a text review will make a video. And if you ask directly — "Please make a 30-second video of yourself recommending us!" — you'll get mostly silence, and a few slightly awkward videos that don't help.

So don't force it. Don't make it weird.

Instead, mention it naturally. Invite it. Make it easy. And then let people decide if they're up for it.

How to Encourage Video Reviews Naturally

Method 1: Mention it in your follow-up text or email

Instead of: "Leave us a review!"

Try: "If you've got 30 seconds, a video review goes a long way — but a text one is brilliant too. Here's the link."

Put simply, you're not demanding video. You're offering it as an option. Some people will surprise you.

Method 2: Make it easy by giving a direct link

Most people won't figure out how to make a video review from scratch. But if you can send them a direct link to Google's video review creation page for your business, they're more likely to do it.

The link structure is: https://www.google.com/maps/place/YOUR_BUSINESS_NAME_HERE/

Then they click "Add a Review" and Google will give them the option to make a video.

Add it to your footer, your email signature, your booking confirmation email. Make it obvious, but not pushy.

Method 3: Show examples on your social media

This is crucial. Most people don't realise video reviews are even a thing. So show them.

Share one of your video reviews on your Instagram or Facebook. Caption it: "Love seeing genuine reviews from our customers — video ones especially help us show up for more people searching for us locally."

Now when your followers see it, they'll think "oh, video reviews exist — I could do that!"

Method 4: Offer a natural opportunity in the moment

The best time to mention video reviews is when the experience is fresh. Right at the end of an appointment, when they're happy and relaxed.

"Got two minutes? We've had great video reviews left on Google — they help us show up in search for people in the area. If you fancy it, happy to set you up with the link right now, or just text it to you after. No pressure either way."

Some will do it. Many won't. That's fine.

The Real Talk: Don't Overthink It

The honest truth? Text reviews are still 95% of what matters. A business with 100 text reviews at 4.8 stars will rank better than a business with 10 video reviews at 4.2 stars.

So don't get obsessed with video. Focus on volume and rating first. Get to 50-100 reviews. Get your rating to 4.5+. That's the foundation.

Video reviews are the cherry on top. They're the refinement phase, not the foundation phase.

If you end up with 50 text reviews and 2-3 video reviews organically, brilliant. You'll notice it helps. Your profile will look more trustworthy. The algorithm will give you a small boost.

But trying to make it happen artificially? Asking everyone to make videos? That's backwards. You'll burn out and see minimal results.

The Invite

So: do you have any video reviews yet? And if not, what's holding you back — is it that you don't know customers can make them, or that you're not sure how to ask without sounding desperate?

Tell us in the comments. We reckon most businesses are sleeping on this one — not because it's hard, but because they don't realise it matters.