almighty_monkey - 4:11 pm on Dec 14, 2009 (gmt 0)

So. Let's talk Youtube.

I was doing a bit of competitor analysis for a new video production company the other day. First time I've ever looked into this particular niche.

I noticed amongst the competitors backlinks, Youtube popping up time and time again. Not unexpected, of course given the market, but not something I've ever encountered before. That got me thinking about the value of Video in SEO.

Now, Youtube's links out are nofollow for starters. So, I figured, I guess there's no point putting some linkbait video out there and to get a decent link back.

Buuuuttttttt.....

If I was in charge of google, I would think Youtube (amongst other sources) represents a big source of information as to trends that could be fed back into Serps.

If I search for 'Video Podcast', and the entire internet aside from two video podcasts had vanished, (Lets just say, for arguments sake, that everyone else similtaniously decided that this internet thing is a 'silly idea') would Google prefer the one that has 200 viewers on youtube over the one that has 20?

Just wondering if this is something anyone else has ever considered or researched? Has anyone ever found the nofollow link from youtube to be of any value anyway?