What Is Video Schema?
Video schema is structured data that describes a video on your page using the VideoObject type. It gives Google the title, thumbnail, upload date, length and where to find the video file or player.
With it, your page can appear in video results and the Videos tab, and with chapters added, Google can show key moments that let people jump straight to a section.
How to Use the Video Schema Generator
- Got a YouTube video? Paste the link at the top. The tool fills the player URL, a thumbnail and the watch page for you.
- Add the title, description and upload date with time and time zone.
- Enter the duration as minutes and seconds, such as 5:42. The tool converts it to ISO 8601, like
PT5M42S. - Add chapters as a start time then a label, one per line, to create key moments.
- Copy the code into the page where the video is embedded.
VideoObject Properties
| Property | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
name | Required | A unique title for each video |
thumbnailUrl | Required | A unique thumbnail image for the video |
uploadDate | Required | ISO 8601 with a time zone |
contentUrl | Recommended | The actual video file, the best way for Google to fetch it |
embedUrl | Recommended | The player URL, used when there is no file URL |
duration | Recommended | ISO 8601 duration, such as PT1H2M30S |
hasPart | Recommended | Clip items with start and end seconds for key moments |
Full details are in Google's video structured data guide.
Key Moments Tips
- The video must be at least 30 seconds long and support starting at a set time through the URL.
- Each chapter needs a unique start time. The tool works out end times for you.
- On YouTube, adding timestamps in the video description also creates chapters on YouTube itself.
- Put the markup on the page where the video plays, not on a page that only links to it.
Get more from video with our creative video marketing ideas and image optimization guide for better thumbnails. Writing the post around the video? Add the article schema generator output too.
Frequently Asked Questions
1Do I need video schema for embedded YouTube videos?
It is not strictly needed, since Google can often detect embeds, but markup makes the title, thumbnail, date and chapters explicit and can help your own page appear for the video.
2What is the difference between contentUrl and embedUrl?
contentUrl points to the video file itself, such as an MP4. embedUrl points to the player, usually the src of an iframe. Google prefers contentUrl when you can provide it.
3How do I write video duration in ISO 8601?
Use PT, then hours with H, minutes with M and seconds with S. For example, 5 minutes 42 seconds is PT5M42S. This tool converts it for you.
4Is my video information uploaded?
No. The video schema generator works only in your browser. Even the YouTube helper just reads the video ID from the link you paste, without contacting YouTube.