Merlino Magic
YouTube Shorts SEO Test · Verified Screenshots
5 queries. 8 #1 rankings.
Single-digit views
per video.
Live screenshot evidence from a YouTube Shorts SEO test on Phoenix HVAC Repair Authority. Five Phoenix HVAC queries targeted. The shorts ranked #1 across Google Search, Google Videos, and Google Short Videos with fewer than 10 views per video. This is pure ranking power, not view-driven traction.
#1 Rankings
8
Across Search, Videos, Short Videos
Total Ranking Wins
12
#1s + Top placements
Queries Dominated
5/5
High-intent Phoenix HVAC
Surfaces Hit
5/5
Search · Videos · Shorts · Images · AIO
01 · Main Google Search
Two #1s on the main SERP. Right under AI Overview.
★ #1 Position
Google · Web Results
"What is the most common HVAC problem in Phoenix?"
After AI Overview
YouTube short ranks #1 in the main 10-blue-link SERP, sitting directly below the AI Overview block, with only 6 views on the video.
★ #1 Position
Google · Web Results
"What is the average cost of a HVAC service call in Phoenix?"
After AI Overview
A second YouTube short hits #1 in the main SERP, again right below the AI Overview, with 10+ views.
Top SERP
Google · Web Results
"How much is a HVAC tune up in Phoenix?"
Below PAA
Short surfaces directly below the People Also Ask block with 8 views, ahead of Reddit and competitor blogs.
Top SERP
Google · Web Results · Videos Block
"What is the most expensive part of an HVAC system in Phoenix?"
Videos Block
First slot in the Videos block embedded inside the main SERP, right under the AI Overview.
02 · Google Videos Tab
Two more #1s in the Videos tab.
★ #1 Position
Google · Videos Tab
"What is the most common HVAC problem in Phoenix?"
Dominating
#1 in the Videos tab, ranked above legacy YouTube content from American Veteran Air & Heat, Taddy Digest, and DIY HVAC channels.
★ #1 Position
Google · Videos Tab
"What is the average cost of a HVAC service call in Phoenix?"
Top of Stack
YouTube short ranks #1 in the Videos tab, above MEP Academy, Monkey Wrench Plumbing, and other established HVAC channels.
#2 Top
Google · Videos Tab
"How much is a HVAC tune up in Phoenix?"
Above Fold
Short ranks in the top results of Google Videos, right under Rite Way Heating & Cooling.
Top Position
Google · Videos Tab
"What is the average life expectancy of a HVAC system in Phoenix?"
Top of Page
Short ranks in the top of the Videos tab alongside HVAC Guide for Homeowners and DIY HVAC Guy.
03 · Google Short Videos · Four-Peat
First slot. Four queries. Every time.
★ #1 Position
Google · Short Videos
"What is the average cost of a HVAC service call in Phoenix?"
Carousel · 1st
First slot in the Short Videos carousel ahead of Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook competitors.
★ #1 Position
Google · Short Videos
"What is the average life expectancy of a HVAC system in Phoenix?"
Carousel · 1st
First slot ahead of Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube TV competitors covering HVAC equipment longevity.
★ #1 Position
Google · Short Videos
"What is the most common HVAC problem in Phoenix?"
Carousel · 1st
First slot ahead of Hoffmann Brothers, Reddit r/hvacadvice, and Instagram PHX AIR DEPT.
★ #1 Position
Google · Short Videos
"How much is a HVAC tune up in Phoenix?"
Carousel · 1st
First slot ahead of Erik Bryan, Way Cool Plumbing, and Reddit competitors.
04 · Google Images · Double Domination
Two thumbnails ranking simultaneously.
2× Indexed
Google · Images
"What is the average cost of a HVAC service call in Phoenix?"
Two Thumbnails
Two YouTube thumbnails ranking on the same image SERP, dominating the visual carousel and competing image grid.
Indexed
Google · Images
"How much is a HVAC tune up in Phoenix?"
5th Surface
Short thumbnail visible in Google Images, alongside competitor brand assets and stock imagery.
Bottom Line
Eight #1 rankings across three Google surfaces, plus visibility on every other major surface. With single-digit views per video. This is the Merlino Magic playbook proving rankings come from methodology, not view counts.