Video Production Firm Insights on Google’s June 2025 Update
Search engines remain the principal gateway through which audiences discover content online. Google, as the dominant player, updates its core ranking algorithm several times a year, affecting how all types of content, including video, are evaluated and ranked. These updates influence what appears prominently in search results, with direct consequences for businesses that invest in digital content, often with the support of a video production firm to produce quality assets. The June 2025 core update, recently completed, marks a significant recalibration in how Google assesses content. Rather than focusing on specific fixes, the update emphasises the overall quality, originality, and trustworthiness of material. This holds particular importance for video content, which is becoming an increasingly influential factor in search visibility and user engagement. For any organisation relying on video to communicate its message, understanding these changes is critical. It requires a reassessment of content strategy, production standards, and the signals Google uses to evaluate expertise and relevance. Let’s explore what the update entails, how it impacts video content, and what practical considerations are necessary to adapt effectively.
Understanding the June 2025 Core Update
Google’s June 2025 core update completed its rollout several weeks ago and represents the second major core update of the year, following the March 2025 core update that concluded in late March. Unlike manual penalties or targeted tweaks, core updates involve broad changes to Google’s ranking algorithms designed to enhance the search engine’s ability to prioritise genuinely helpful, reliable content created primarily for people rather than search engines.
In its official statements, Google reiterates that content creators who have focused on producing helpful, people-first content do not need to take any new special actions. Nonetheless, these updates often trigger noticeable shifts in search rankings and traffic volatility across numerous sectors. While this volatility generally stabilises over time, it also serves as a signal to reassess content strategies, particularly when signals of content quality or expertise are insufficient.
For any video production firm working alongside clients, understanding the implications of this update is essential. Video content is an increasingly dominant medium for online engagement, and Google’s evolving algorithms now scrutinise video pages more closely for clear markers of authoritativeness, originality, and trustworthy presentation.
What Google Now Expects from Content Creators — A Video-Specific Interpretation of E-E-A-T
Google’s helpful content guidance, refreshed alongside core updates, frames a set of questions to evaluate the quality and trustworthiness of content. While these guidelines are broadly written for text, the principles apply equally to video content, with some distinct considerations:
- Experience: Does the video show demonstrable experience in its subject matter? For instance, does it feature real experts or professionals who can speak authoritatively on the topic?
- Expertise: Are the creators qualified or knowledgeable? In video, this might translate to on-camera credentials, linked biographies, or evidence of hands-on involvement.
- Authoritativeness: Is the content recognised as a reliable source? Videos embedded in comprehensive pages with references, data, or original interviews help convey this.
- Trustworthiness: Is the content transparent about its origins, authorship and intentions? Clear presentation, honest titles, and non-sensational thumbnails contribute.
Meeting Google’s evolving expectations means video content must clearly reflect expertise, authority, and trust. Working with a video production firm that focuses on authentic presentation and transparency can help ensure video assets meet these standards. This supports stronger search visibility by showing genuine value beyond basic production.
Before and After: Comparing Video SEO Signals Pre- and Post-June 2025 Update
Ranking shifts resulting from core updates are often relative: content that better meets Google’s evolving standards rises, while other pages may lose ground. Understanding these changes in practical terms is essential for any experienced video production firm to advise clients appropriately.
| Signal / Area | Before (Pre-June 2025) | After (June 2025 Emphasis) | Video Content Implications |
| E-E-A-T (Authority Signals) | Helpful but often implicit, mainly textual E-A-T signals | Clearer emphasis on demonstrable experience (E-E-A-T) | Showcase on-camera experts, include detailed bios and credentials. |
| Content Originality | Value placed on unique angles but many reused common sources | Increased reward for original reporting and proprietary data | Incorporate interviews, case studies and original insights. |
| Transcripts and Captions | Provided primarily for accessibility and some SEO benefit | Stronger semantic analysis, used to assess topical depth | Create thorough, accurate transcripts with timestamps and speaker labels. |
| Production Quality and Presentation | Helpful but lower-quality content could rank if valuable | Quality increasingly tied to perceived trustworthiness | Prioritise professional audio, clear visuals, and expert presenters. |
| Metadata and Schema | Good practice but inconsistent application | Metadata remains crucial; structured data signals authoritativeness | Implement comprehensive VideoObject schema including author and transcript references. |
| Hosting and Placement | Videos hosted variably on YouTube or client sites | Context around the video on the hosting page matters more | Embed videos in detailed pages with author bios and references. |
| Clickbait and Thumbnails | CTR-driven titles and thumbnails often used | Google values accurate, non-sensational titles and thumbnails | Use straightforward, honest titles and authentic thumbnail images. |
This comparison clarifies that while many standard SEO practices remain valid, the update sharpens Google’s evaluation of experience and originality, demanding a higher standard from video content. Understanding these criteria helps those working with a video production firm ensure their videos are positioned for optimal performance.
Practical Steps to Expect from a Video Production Firm Post-Update
With the June 2025 core update reshaping content evaluation, a professional video production firm that stays informed will prioritise quality, relevance and trustworthiness throughout the video creation process. Clients should expect the following approaches to be integrated into their video strategy.
Production: Emphasis on Expertise and Originality
- Featuring knowledgeable contributors with visible credentials or clear demonstrations of experience to support the content’s authority.
- Providing accurate, human-verified transcripts that include timestamps and speaker identification to enhance search engine comprehension.
- Incorporating original data, exclusive interviews or client-specific insights that differentiate videos from generic material.
- Delivering multiple video versions or lengths designed to meet varied audience needs and search intents.
Publication: Ensuring Context and Technical Precision
- Embedding videos on pages supported by detailed text, clear author or creator information, and reliable references.
- Applying comprehensive schema markup, with essential details like author, transcript links, upload date and accurate descriptions.
- Selecting honest, precise titles and thumbnails that set accurate expectations and avoid misleading content.
- Hosting videos primarily on client websites to maintain content authority, using external platforms to extend reach.
Measurement: Beyond Views — Tracking Engagement and Visibility
- Monitoring how often videos appear in search results and their click-through rates to assess visibility.
- Analysing visitor engagement metrics, including time spent on video pages and interaction with related content.
- Reviewing the range of search queries driving traffic to videos to identify opportunities for broader topic coverage.
- Understanding that ranking fluctuations during algorithm updates are normal and assessing performance over longer periods for accuracy.
Preparing for Future Core Updates
Google core updates will continue evolving search algorithms with an increasing focus on content quality and trust signals. For any video production firm advising clients or managing video strategies, ongoing vigilance is required:
- Keep video content authentic and evidence-based.
- Maintain strong metadata and page-level content support.
- Update transcripts and structured data with each new video or refresh.
- Observe ranking changes and adjust accordingly with data-driven decisions.
Staying informed and proactive will ensure video assets retain visibility and deliver value despite ongoing algorithmic shifts.
Navigating the Change
The June 2025 Google core update reflects a shift towards valuing video content that clearly demonstrates knowledge and credibility. For organisations investing in video, this means reassessing expectations beyond visual quality to prioritise authenticity and transparent expertise.
Navigating this environment requires collaboration with a video production firm that understands how to embed these principles throughout the creative process, from concept to technical execution. Such a partnership is increasingly vital to ensure videos meet evolving search standards while delivering meaningful value to audiences.
Sustained success will require maintaining originality, transparency and precise technical execution. Organisations that adjust deliberately to these requirements increase the likelihood their video content remains both visible and impactful over time.
Understanding and responding to algorithm changes is vital for maintaining video presence online. At Sound Idea Digital, we provide informed guidance and production expertise to help content meet emerging standards. Contact us to review your video strategy and identify opportunities for improvement.
We are a full-service Web Development and Content Production Agency in Gauteng specialising in Video Production, Animation, eLearning Content Development, Learning Management Systems, and Content Production.
Contact us for a quote. | enquiries@soundidea.co.za | https://www.soundideavideoproduction.co.za| +27 82 491 5824 |
Deepening the Discussion on Video Content Standards
For those seeking to deepen their understanding of how video interacts with evolving search mechanisms and content standards, the following articles provide valuable perspectives. They cover practical considerations like metadata’s role in zero-click search results, applying the E-E-A-T framework to health and safety video content, and adapting video strategies in response to recent changes in YouTube’s performance metrics. These pieces complement the current discussion by highlighting specific areas where video content requires careful attention to maintain effectiveness and visibility.
Why Video Production Agencies Need to Rethink Strategy After YouTube’s Metric Changes
Video Production Companies: The Rising Importance of Metadata in Zero-Click Search
Health and Safety Video Content Through the E‑E‑A‑T Framework