Why Mugshot Pages Are Now Ranking in Google’s Video Tab

October 31, 2025 online privacy

Search your name in Google and click the Video tab. For many people, what appears there is not a career highlight, a public speech, or a community event. Instead, a short clip tied to an old arrest — a mugshot slideshow, bodycam footage, or a local news segment that was never updated after the court case ended — may show up.

In some cases, the charges were dismissed. In others, the person was found not guilty. Sometimes the incident happened years ago and no longer relates to the person’s life. Yet the video remains, and because of how Google ranks content today, it can sit front and center for anyone to see.

Why is this happening now? And why are mugshot videos becoming more visible than mugshot photos ever were?

Google Now Favors Video Because People Click It

Over time, Google has shifted its search results toward video because video holds attention. When a thumbnail looks dramatic — police lights, courtroom steps, a person in handcuffs — people tend to click it, even briefly. That small interaction signals to Google that the video is relevant, pushing it higher in the results.

Previously, mugshot sites relied on static photos and text. These could be easily ignored, and they rarely outranked professional profiles or personal websites. However, once Google began prioritizing video engagement, the incentives changed. Mugshot sites realized that turning arrest information into video form could boost their ranking.

So, they acted on this insight.

How Mugshot Sites Create Videos That Rank

These videos often remain extremely simple. Some just display the arrest photo against a background with text including arrest date, arrest location, charges, age, and sometimes victim statements. Others stitch together news broadcasts or state police reports. Some compile multiple arrests from the same day or county. The goal is visibility, not storytelling, accuracy, or context.

Videos frequently omit critical details such as whether the person was found guilty, the number of charges, or the final case outcome. This lack of context means the arrest becomes the defining moment, regardless of resolution.

Visibility gets rewarded.

If people click a mugshot video out of curiosity, shock, or recognition — even for a few seconds — Google assumes the video is helpful and promotes it higher. Over time, that placement can surpass:

• Personal websites
• LinkedIn profiles
• Business press
• Any positive work someone has done since

This explains how a short arrest-related clip can overshadow an entire career.

The Psychological Problem With Video-Based Results

A mugshot photo already carries weight, but a mugshot video carries more.

Videos feel current, even when they are not. They seem like evidence and truth. However, most arrest footage does not include the case outcome. It doesn’t say whether a person was acquitted, whether charges were reduced, whether witness statements changed, whether the prosecutor withdrew, or whether the incident was resolved in court.

The arrest becomes the story — not the resolution.

That is what lingers on page one.

This affects jobs, housing, relationships, social standing, and the ability to move forward. A person’s past becomes anchored to their name in a way that does not fade with time.

Legal Conditions and Removal Challenges

Even when arrest records become outdated or legally resolved, removing them is not straightforward. Mugshot sites often refuse to take down content unless legally forced. Some offer paid removal — a business model that has faced criticism and legal scrutiny. Search engines rarely intervene because the content comes from public records.

Several states regulate how and when mugshot photos and videos can be posted or removed. For example, Georgia law requires removal under certain conditions if an individual sends a written request. However, these laws vary widely and can be complex to navigate.

If the case was dismissed, sealed, or expunged, removal may be possible by submitting court documentation. Some mugshot sites have formal opt-out processes. News stations sometimes update or remove stories if legal outcomes change.

How to Access and Monitor Mugshot Pages

Regularly visiting mugshot pages and video results associated with your name helps you understand what information is publicly available. This includes checking arrest date, birth date, charges, arrest location, and details like sexual battery or possession offenses that may appear.

Knowing what exists online helps you take action. Some websites allow you to request removal or correction. In other cases, legal assistance may be necessary to address inaccuracies or outdated content.

Replacement Strategy: Taking Back Control

Creating stronger, more relevant content associated with your name offers a more reliable approach to replacing negative search results. Google favors clarity, activity, and recency. Without positive content tied to your name online, mugshot videos remain the most “interesting” thing available — so Google keeps showing them.

Consider:

• Creating professional profiles
• Publishing articles or blog posts
• Engaging on social media
• Highlighting community involvement or achievements

The goal is not to bury the past artificially but to ensure it no longer defines the first thing people see.

The Real Issue

The internet does not remember context. It remembers moments and shows those moments to anyone who searches.

That’s why mugshot pages now appear in Google’s Video Tab: not because the person deserves ongoing exposure, but because the system rewards what gets attention, not what represents the full truth.

The problem is visibility. The challenge is fairness. The work is in reclaiming the space where your name appears.

And that starts with knowing what’s there, why it’s there, and how to change the story from this point forward.

Additional Tips for Managing Your Online Presence

• Monitor your online presence regularly, especially on Fridays and weekends when updates often occur.
• Be aware that mugshot pages may be posted in various states, including Florida (FL), so check regional sites.
• Understand that charges may include battery, sexual battery, possession, and other counts, which can appear in publication and court records.
• Always read the terms and conditions of mugshot websites before attempting to remove or pay for a mugshot.
• Consult a legal professional if you face difficulties removing or correcting mugshot information.

By taking proactive steps, you regain control over your digital footprint and reduce the impact of outdated or misleading mugshot pages.