Implement and submit video sitemap with expiration dates for accurate video status.
- Implement and submit video sitemap with expiration dates for accurate video status1 cited source1 category
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Why this matters
Including expiration dates signals video removal to search engines, improving index accuracy and user experience.
Hypothetical standard operating procedure
Adapt this example to your site, access, tools, and change process. It is our suggested procedure, informed by the sources below.
- Create or update a video sitemap listing all video content pages.
- Add the <video:expiration_date> element per video, specifying when videos expire.
- Alternatively, set <dcterms:valid> in mRSS feeds for each video.
- Validate sitemap XML structure and expiration dates with sitemap testing tools.
- Submit updated sitemap to Google Search Console and monitor indexing status.
Watch for
Without expiration dates, removed videos may remain indexed, causing broken or misleading search results.
Definition of done
Video sitemap includes <video:expiration_date> or equivalent, reflected in updated video index status.
Sources & attribution
Original checklist wording and example SOP by Best SEO Checklist, using source-grounded AI assistance. Editorial contact: Ted Kubaitis, @tedkubaitis on Teams. Check current source guidance before implementation.