Why Google Is De-Indexing Your Pages (And Boosting TikTok, Reddit & YouTube Instead)

Jun 15, 2025

A significant drop in Google's indexed pages has left many SEOs puzzled. The rise of user-generated content from platforms like TikTok and YouTube is changing the search landscape. Short-form videos are becoming more prominent in search rankings, prompting a shift in SEO strategies. Listeners learn how to optimize their content for future visibility and quickly create engaging videos. The discussion dives into the importance of keyword targeting and the benefits of leveraging cross-platform video content to enhance traffic.

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INSIGHT

Google Prioritizes User-Generated Content

Google is de-indexing many pages to make room for user-generated content in its search results.
Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Reddit, Instagram, and LinkedIn now dominate search clicks, especially with video content.

INSIGHT

Short-Form Video Dominates Search

Short-form video ranks very well because it is faster, more engaging, and more personal for users.
Google favoring this format is supported by rising keyword rankings for Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts since late 2024.

INSIGHT

Google Cleans Up Low-Quality Pages

Google is removing low-value, thin, duplicate, or outdated pages from its index to maintain quality.
This helps reinforce topical authority while making space for new, more engaging content types in search.

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E711: Thousands of SEOs are reporting a massive drop in indexed pages - starting around May 20th. Is it a glitch? An algorithm update? Or something bigger?

I share my bold theory on why Google is de-indexing so many pages - and why platforms like TikTok, Reddit, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn are now dominating search results.

Here’s what I cover: - The data behind Google's index purge - Why user-generated content (UGC) is being prioritized - The rise of short-form video in search rankings - What this shift means for your SEO strategy - How to optimize content for visibility in 2025 and beyond

Plus, I’ll walk you through how to quickly repurpose your ideas into video content that ranks - and the tools I use to automate it all.

If your pages are disappearing from search, this episode will give you clarity, strategy, and solutions.

⭐️ The biggest mistake digital marketers will make this year - https://edwardsturm.com/articles/the-biggest-mistake-digital-marketers-will-make-this-year/

⭐️ State of Search Q1 2025: Behaviors, Trends, and Clicks Across the US & Europe https://datos.live/report/state-of-search-q1-2025/

⭐️ Drop In Google Indexing Less Since Late May 2025? - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-indexing-less-may-39538.html

⭐️ Reminder: Google has been removing indexed pages. Check and resubmit. - https://www.reddit.com/r/SEO/comments/1l3i896/reminder_google_has_been_removing_indexed_pages/

⭐️ Google On Unrelated Content As A Search Ranking Issue - https://www.seroundtable.com/unrelated-content-google-seo-39574.html

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction: De-Indexing Issue 00:53 Popular Theories on De-Indexing 02:03 User-Generated Content Hypothesis 03:33 Impact of Short-Form Video 06:21 SEO Strategies for Video Content 09:17 Final Thoughts

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#searchengineoptimization #seotips #seohacks #digitalmarketing