Multiformat SEO and AI: How to optimize ranking in the age of artificial intelligence

SEO has evolved beyond the classic approach based solely on text. Today, in the midst of the artificial intelligence (AI) era, AIO and LLMs have transformed the way search engines interpret, classify, and display content. Writing a good article is no longer enough: to stand out on Google and other search engines, it’s necessary to implement multiformat SEO, where text coexists with images, videos, audio, interactive tables, and visual elements that adapt to the user and their search intent.

What multiformat SEO is and why it’s key today

Multiformat SEO is the strategy of integrating different types of content into a single digital ecosystem to increase relevance and improve the user experience. Google and other search engines increasingly reward pages that not only provide valuable textual information but also enrich queries with visual, auditory, or interactive elements.

Clear examples of this shift are voice and image searches (like Google Lens), the growing prominence of videos on YouTube and Google Discover, and the rise of featured snippets, where a well-optimized table can appear directly in search results.

At the same time, concepts like AIO highlight how search engines increasingly prioritize content that adapts to the context, intent, and preferred format of the user. This confirms that good text alone is not enough: working with multiple formats and channels is essential to meet new search and digital consumption habits.

Types of Content in Multiformat SEO

• Optimized text: Still the foundation of SEO, though less dependent on keyword stuffing and more on concepts such as query fan out or contextual relevance.
• Images: Optimized with alt attributes, descriptive titles, and lightweight formats. Visual indexing (Google Images, Pinterest, Lens) is a powerful source of organic traffic.
• Videos: Today, Google and YouTube prominently rank videos with optimized titles, descriptions, and transcripts. Subtitles and chapters enhance user experience and improve SEO.
• Tables and charts: An increasingly valuable resource for rich snippets, especially for comparisons and numerical data.
• Audio and podcasts: With optimized transcripts and descriptions, audio becomes indexable content, reaching users who prefer listening over reading.
• Interactive content: Quizzes, calculators, or online demos improve retention and generate positive user experience signals, which search engines reward.

Multiformat SEO Optimization in the Age of AIO and LLMs

With the rise of AIO and the weight of LLMs (Large Language Models), Google no longer evaluates content solely based on text, but on how it is presented across different formats and whether it fulfills real user intent. To stand out in this new landscape, several key factors must be considered:

• Semantic relevance across all formats: Text alone isn’t enough; images need descriptive ALT attributes, videos require clear titles and transcripts, and audio should be paired with summaries or notes for indexing.
• Snippets and featured fragments: Google rewards structured information. Tables, lists, and videos segmented into chapters have a higher chance of appearing directly in results.
• Visibility across multiple channels: YouTube and other social platforms are integrated into SERPs. Adapting content to each platform increases positioning opportunities.
• User experience aligned with intent: Quick voice searches demand concise answers, while complex comparisons require tables or charts. The format must always match user expectations.
• Structured data and enriched metadata: Essential for Google to understand the type of content (image, video, recipe, product, news) and display it in the best possible position.

The new SEO requires multiformat strategies that connect with users searching in different ways and environments, where variety and clarity matter more than length. Remember that conversational search is on the rise.

Which formats work best by client type

Not all users consume information the same way. Adapting content format to the client type is crucial:

• B2C (Business to Consumer): Short, visual, and emotional formats work best here. Short videos, reels, inspiring images, and light podcasts drive connection and engagement. Storytelling is key.
• B2B (Business to Business): This audience seeks depth, data, and authority. Whitepapers, studies, detailed infographics, comparison tables, and recorded webinars showcasing expertise and credibility work well.
• Ecommerce: Conversion is the priority. High-quality images, SEO-friendly descriptions, product demo videos, and audio/video reviews build trust and reduce friction in the buying process. For a deeper look at this topic, explore our blog post on “AI in Ecommerce”.
• Media and niche blogs: Long-form optimized text combined with images, audio quotes, explanatory videos, and comparison tables enriches the experience and increases time on page.

User experience as the core of multiformat SEO 

Google has made it clear through algorithm updates that user experience (UX) is an essential ranking factor. Multiformat content not only diversifies ranking opportunities but also improves navigation, increases time on page, and reduces bounce rate.

To achieve this, we must:

• Adapt content to the most suitable format for each stage of the conversion funnel.
• Dynamically adjust content by device, channel, or user behavior.
• Generate accessible versions for voice searches, automatic translations, and inclusive content.

Conclusion

Multiformat SEO is no longer a trend but a necessity. In an environment where users consume information in multiple formats and search engines evolve to meet these demands, diversifying and optimizing content is the key to digital success.

B2C, B2B, and ecommerce companies must understand that SEO is no longer just about keywords, but about building complete experiences that combine text, images, audio, video, and interactive elements. Artificial intelligence becomes a strategic ally to analyze, create, and optimize these resources efficiently, ensuring not only better rankings but also a more authentic and lasting connection with users.