The AI Search Secret Nobody Told You About

Quick question: When was the last time you updated your YouTube channel? If your answer is “Wait, I have a YouTube channel?” we’ve got a problem. Because while you were busy optimizing your Google Business Profile, YouTube quietly became the second most-cited source in AI search results. That’s right, when people ask AI tools for local recommendations, there's a very real chance the answer comes from a video. And if that video isn't yours, AI is handing business to someone else who did remember to hit record. So yeah… it’s time to dust off the tripod.

Jun 30, 2025

Quick question: When was the last time you updated your YouTube channel? If your answer is “Wait, I have a YouTube channel?” we’ve got a problem. Because while you were busy optimizing your Google Business Profile, YouTube quietly became the second most-cited source in AI search results. That’s right, when people ask AI tools for local recommendations, there's a very real chance the answer comes from a video. And if that video isn't yours, AI is handing business to someone else who did remember to hit record. So yeah… it’s time to dust off the tripod.

Start Thinking Like a YouTuber (Just a Little)

Google’s AI is learning directly from YouTube videos. It listens to what’s said, reads captions, and picks out the most useful info to include in AI answers. So if someone asks, “Who’s the best landscaper near me?” and you’ve got a video called “Top 3 Lawn Care Tips in Austin,” guess what? You’ve just increased your chances of showing up in that AI answer. And since YouTube is owned by Google, your videos get extra attention. Most local businesses still aren’t using YouTube at all, which means if you start uploading even a couple simple, helpful videos (like quick tips, before-and-afters, or service explainers) you’re already ahead. Just keep them short, include your city in the title, and don’t worry about being perfect. This is about showing up, not going viral. But, let me guess.. you have no interest in becoming a YouTuber…

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Paige, our fully automated GBP optimization AI, can generate and post videos 100% automatically to your YouTube for you - no video camera needed! Start your trial today for $1!

About Author

Justin Silverman

Justin Silverman is the Founder and CEO of Merchynt, a local SEO technology company on a mission to make local SEO services not suck—one agency and small business at a time. Since launching Merchynt in 2019, Justin has helped over 20,000 businesses grow through data-driven Google Business Profile optimization and AI-powered local marketing tools like Paige. With more than a decade of experience in digital marketing and business growth, Justin previously held executive roles at Vista Group, where he served as VP of Global Partnerships and President of MovieXchange. He also led strategy and operations at Veezi, helping to scale tech products across international markets. Justin's career has spanned roles in marketing, partnerships, and operations, working with companies from early-stage startups to global enterprises. His deep knowledge of local search, combined with real-world leadership, positions him as a trusted voice in the local SEO and SaaS space. Under his leadership, Merchynt has become a go-to provider for agencies and small businesses seeking to dominate local search rankings through white-label solutions, AI automation, and performance-focused strategy. Justin continues to speak, write, and build tools with one mission in mind: to help 298 million businesses get found online by their perfect customer.